{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"KY\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/communities-come-together-in-tornado-aftermath", "Communities Come Together in Tornado Aftermath", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "In the wake of the devastating tornados which recently hit parts of western and central Kentucky, our commonwealth\u2019s resiliency has been tested like never before.\n\nBut after a natural disaster that killed 77 Kentuckians, destroyed countless homes and wiped out entire communities, caring citizens have responded with unbelievable compassion. Private charities and individuals have been on the ground cleaning up debris and providing warm meals, in addition to supplying financial and material assistance.\n\nVarious Kentucky school districts have sent school buses full of supplies to affected communities. And Americans from coast to coast have contributed monetarily to the relief and cleanup efforts.\n\nIn the very communities affected by the storm, unsung heroes have stepped up to help their friends and neighbors. First responders have pulled bodies out of rubble. Electric crews have pulled long hours restoring power to residents. And many people have volunteered by setting up relief funds, coordinating local donation centers, and much more. All of these efforts have been essential to getting communities back on their feet, and represent the very best that America has to offer.\n\nIn terms of size and volume, this tornado was unlike anything we\u2019ve ever seen. After touring damaged sites all over the 1st Congressional District, I\u2019m heartbroken to see such devastation hit so many our small towns. I\u2019m thankful to all the local leaders and concerned citizens who are working tirelessly to restore the beauty of their communities.\n\nI am committed to using my office as a resource for anyone in need of assistance from the federal government for cleanup and relief efforts. While the work of private charitable organizations and community leaders have been instrumental, there are also government disaster assistance programs to help those in need.\n\nThe White House has approved a major disaster declaration for 14 Kentucky counties, making these areas eligible for federal aid programs designed to cover basic needs not covered by private insurance. This can include rental payments for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans (for losses not fully covered by insurance), counseling, farm assistance, and more.\n\nFor more information on these various programs available, as well as how people can access them, you can visit my website resource page at comer.house.gov/tornados. Please do not hesitate to also call my office if we can answer any questions.\n\nWe will never forget the 77 Kentuckians lost to such grave tragedy. Gone but not forgotten, their families remain in my thoughts and prayers as they navigate such tremendous loss.\n\nLikewise, the communities affected by this disaster will remain at the top of our hearts and minds as we conclude a year that is unfortunately ending on a sad note. But even in the wake of such devastation, we can be inspired by the resilience that Kentuckians have shown to help their friends and neighbors - and come together to rebuild all that was lost.\n\nRep. James Comer is a United States Congressman for the 1st Congressional District, which spans from south central Kentucky to the river counties of far western Kentucky. Contact him with any questions or concerns in his Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-3115, in the Tompkinsville Office at (270) 487-9509, in the Paducah Office at (270) 408-1865, or schedule an appointment in the Madisonville Office by calling (270) 487-9509.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer", "Comer, Kentucky Delegation Honor Victims of Deadly Storms", "2021-12-19", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday evening, Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Kentucky\u2019s federal delegation in the U.S. House honored the victims of horrific tornadoes that swept through Kentucky in recent days.\n\nFollowing his remarks, Comer led the full House of Representatives in a moment of silence to pay tribute to the lives lost.\n\nYou can view his full remarks here.\n\nCongressman Comer represents the region of Kentucky most impacted by Friday evening\u2019s storms.\n\nCongressman Comer\u2019s Full Remarks:\n\n\u201cMadam Speaker,\n\nOn behalf of all the citizens of West Kentucky, I want to thank everyone in America for the outpouring of support, the prayers, the financial support, the people who took off and traveled to West Kentucky to help remove debris and save people\u2026\n\nThe devastation there is unlike anything I\u2019ve ever seen. And in talking to the media that\u2019s all in Mayfield, Kentucky right now as we speak, it\u2019s the worst damage they\u2019ve ever seen from a tornado.\n\nBut the people in West Kentucky are resilient. They have so much pride in their communities. Neighbor has helped neighbor, and that will continue.\n\nI ask, Madam Speaker, for a moment of silence on the House floor to remember the 74 citizens of Kentucky who perished in the terrible series of tornadoes that swept through our state this weekend.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=98CAA67D-9E16-4334-B9D2-81705FC39D24", "$1.5M Federal Grant Funds New Return to Workforce Program", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "MANCHESTER, KY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and Volunteers of America Mid-States announced the launch of a transformational workforce development program in eastern Kentucky supported by a highly competitive $1.5 million federal grant.\n\nWorkforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) is a dynamic workforce development and training program that will change the lives of hundreds of eastern Kentucky residents, whose struggles with substance use has sidelined them from work.\n\n\u201cFor those in eastern Kentucky who have struggled with substance abuse and job displacement and believed they were hopeless and alone, this is a message that help is on the way,\u201d said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America. \"This partnership will help to transform lives.\u201d\n\nVolunteers of America Mid-States will lead the partnership with Eastern Kentucky University, AdventHealth Manchester, Goodwill Industries and other community agencies to provide workforce case management, job training and supportive services to people in addiction recovery in Bell, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, McCreary and Whitley counties.\n\nLeaders from both organizations as well as Congressman Rogers and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers marked the announcement at EKU\u2019s Manchester campus.\n\n\u201cAs more people recover from substance use disorder in our region, this program will equip them with the skills and tools they need to take the next steps in their journey. Earning a paycheck helps build confidence and self-worth, reminding folks that they can be trusted again with the responsibilities of working to provide for themselves and their families,\u201d said Congressman Rogers, a longtime champion in the fight against drug abuse. \u201cThis program is ultimately about restoring hope for families in our region, hope for recovery and hope for living an abundant, drug-free life.\u201d\n\nThe grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is for Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) and will support VOA\u2019s recovery reintegration program to help move people from active addiction, to recovery, and back into the workforce.\n\n\"We are pleased to partner with Volunteers of America for this work that is so crucial to the long-term health of our region,\u201d said EKU President, Dr. David McFaddin. \u201cRecovery mixed with job opportunity gives people a present and future blueprint to success.\u2019\u2019\n\nOver the grant\u2019s three-year term, VOA expects to serve nearly 350 people whose challenges with substance use disorder have kept them from meaningful work.\n\n\u201cWhen people recovering from addiction are ready to return to work, they are often at a loss for how to step back into the working world,\u201c said President Stivers. \u201cThe VOA and WORC partnership provides them the guidance and resources they need to be gainfully employed again. It\u2019s a wonderful partnership.\u201d\n\nVolunteers of America team member Sue Fox attended VOA\u2019s Recovery Community Center and has worked both at the RCC and VOA\u2019s Freedom house program. Fox said her experience shows that people can overcome years lost to substance use and can return to the workforce as healthy contributors to their communities.\n\n\u201cThis is the message and the work that so many people of different ages and backgrounds need,\u201d Fox said. \u201cThat is my story \u2013 I am not alone.\u201d\n\nAbout Volunteers of America:\n\nVolunteers of America Mid-States operates more than 40 programs across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Clark and Floyd Counties in Indiana. VOA serves families overcoming homelessness, veterans in need of housing and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and many other individuals and families in need. Learn more at @voamid and www.voamid.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=93BB222F-ECB1-4F41-A155-CE0EB8C2783B", "Barr, Sherman, Spartz Introduce Bill to Pressure China, Allow U.S. Oversight of Audits", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), the ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, along with Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection and Capital Markets, and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN) introduced the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act \u2013legislation that would increase accountability for the auditors of U.S.-listed foreign companies currently not subject to oversight by U.S. regulators.\n\nIn 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act which prohibits the shares of foreign companies from continuing to be listed on U.S. exchanges if a company\u2019s auditor is not overseen by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for three years in a row. For over a decade, Chinese authorities have effectively blocked the PCAOB from conducting effective oversight of audit firms based in China and Hong Kong. However, these audit firms currently serve as the primary auditor for 191 companies publicly traded in the U.S. with a combined global market capitalization of $1.9 trillion.\n\nThe Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act would put additional pressure on China by requiring foreign auditors to allow PCAOB inspections or risk publicly traded companies being de-listed from U.S. exchanges if inspections do not happen after two consecutive years rather than three. This legislation serves as a House companion to S.2184, a bill introduced by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) which passed the Senate on June 22, 2021.\n\n\u201cThis bill builds off of the bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act to protect investors, ensure the integrity of financial statements and create a level playing field for issuers on U.S. exchanges,\u201d said Congressman Barr, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy. \u201cI am pleased to join Reps. Sherman and Spartz in this effort to hold China accountable.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act may be the most significant piece of investor protection legislation passed in several years,\u201d said Congressman Sherman. \u201cIt is designed to assure Financial Statement integrity of 191 U.S.-listed companies with over $1.9 trillion in market capitalization. The purpose is not to de-list any company, but to persuade China to allow the audit oversight that U.S. investors need, and the U.S. investors get when investing in all U.S. companies as well as companies in over 50 foreign jurisdictions.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs someone who spent over a decade in public accounting and auditing, I understand and value the importance of investor protection and proper quality control of audits. It\u2019s our responsibility to protect the public, and I am happy to co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral initiative to start leveling the playing field and increase accountability for Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges,\u201d said Congresswoman Spartz.\n\nText of the legislation is available here.\n\n###\n\nAccelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=353D34F5-14E6-486E-81AF-7B385CA504F1", "Congressman Rogers Votes Against Debt Limit Increase", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats voted to raise the nation's debt limit by $2.5 trillion to cover their irresponsible spending spree this year. U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the legislation which will likely lead the nation to again reach the debt limit in 2023.\n\n\"My liberal colleagues are relentless in their pursuit to make the United States more indebted to China every day,\" said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. \"With Democrats in control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, we've experienced one crisis after another, including skyrocketing inflation, mass supply chain interruptions, record numbers of illegal immigrants flooding across the southern border, and historic spending. Washington Democrats are bypassing checks and balances at every turn, and increasing the debt limit without addressing spending is another step in the wrong direction. Taxpayers need fiscally responsible leaders on Capitol Hill, not a higher borrowing capacity.\"\n\nThe debt limit increase passed just as Washington Democrats are on the brink of adding a multi-trillion-dollar reconciliation bill without any regard for the nation's deficit or debt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1C4583DB-5644-4218-9553-D8DA4E511438", "Barr, Hill, Huizenga, and Loudermilk Call on Gensler to Rescind Recent Guidance", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) today sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler urging the SEC to rescind recent staff guidance on shareholder proposals submitted to publicly traded companies.\n\nFollowing the SEC\u2019s decision to rescind Staff Legal Bulletins (SLB) Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K, and replace them with SLB 14L, the members expressed their concern that the new SLB falls outside of the Commission\u2019s statutory authority, writing, \u201cThis is yet another example of the Commission pushing a progressive agenda on the shareholder process\u2026 The unelected staff of the SEC should not be the arbiters of social policy in our financial markets. The SEC has neither the statutory authority nor the expertise to make determinations about the issues of broad societal impact.\u201d\n\nReps. Barr, Hill, Huizenga and Loudermilk continued, \u201cAnother major flaw in this SLB is that it provides no objective process for how SEC staff will evaluate if a proposal is or is not socially significant\u2026 This opaque process will give staff enormous power to force companies to engage on social issues that have nothing to do with their business.\u201d\n\nThe members concluded, \u201cWe call on the SEC\u2019s Division of Corporation Finance to immediately rescind SLB 14L and reinstate SLB Nos. 14I, 14J, and 14K. It is inappropriate for the SEC to use staff guidance to go around the statutory rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedures Act while making major changes to the shareholder proposal process.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=53C82B79-54F2-4B7C-9DC8-06659FAA294B", "Barr Votes Against Partisan Debt Ceiling Legislation", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives voted to raise the debt ceiling:\n\n\u201cDemocrats\u2019 partisan efforts in the House to raise the debt ceiling epitomizes their misplaced belief that somehow we can tax, spend and borrow our way to prosperity. The truth of the matter is that when we raise the debt ceiling without reform, we make way for new spending that, in turn, not only threatens to bankrupt America but fuels the out-of-control inflation that has been ravaging poor and middle-class families for the entirety of this Administration\u2019s tenure.\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office only just recently confirmed what Republicans have been saying all along: Biden\u2019s Build Back Broke agenda, with its gimmicks removed, doesn\u2019t cost zero dollars as advertised. In fact, the CBO estimates BBB would introduce nearly $5 trillion in new spending in the long run which Democrats will happily dump into the lap of every American taxpayer and at the feet of our future generations.\n\nI proudly voted against this reckless measure that would add an astounding $2.5 trillion more to the national debt. Rest assured, I will continue to fight alongside my Republican colleagues against the Democrat effort to bankrupt America at the expense of the most vulnerable among us.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA6CBAB1-8B43-4CE2-9FC5-5F5C59F75D33", "U.S. House Holds Moment of Silence for Kentucky Tornado Victims", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday night, U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers joined his colleagues from Kentucky on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a moment of silence in memory of tornado victims in Kentucky and surrounding states who were impacted by deadly storms on December 10 and 11.\n\n\"In this moment of silence, I pray for God's divine peace and comfort to be with every family in Western Kentucky and those in neighboring states who tragically lost a loved one during severe storms over the weekend. May the Lord, strengthen search and rescue teams, first responders and our National Guard as they continue their heroic efforts. In the midst of storms of this magnitude, there are always unsung heroes and although we may never know every detail, we salute each person who risked their own life to save another,\" said Congressman Rogers, Dean of Kentucky's Congressional Delegation. \"The people of Eastern Kentucky know all too well, the pain and heartache of unexpected deadly storms, but we also know the blessing of compassion and hope that floods in during recovery efforts. As donation drives and volunteer crews begin to help our friends in Western Kentucky, it is my prayer that hope shines across this Commonwealth.\"\n\n\"I was proud to join Kentucky's congressional delegation in support of the Governor's federal request for emergency assistance and I stand ready help our neighbors in the days ahead,\" Rogers continued.\n\nOn Sunday, President Biden approved Governor Beshear's request for an expedited major disaster declaration, with full support from Kentucky's Congressional delegation. Congressman Rogers applauds the rapid federal response, including FEMA teams that have already deployed to Kentucky.\n\nClick here to watch as Members of the U.S. House of Representatives hold a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims.\n\nDecember 14, 2021 - U.S. House held a moment of silence in memory of Kentucky tornado victims\n\nU.S. House Members from Kentucky led a moment of silence for Kentucky tornado victims", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C24EFAD5-4D5E-4CDF-959C-58CF60085E09", "Kentucky Congressional Delegation Supports Governor\u2019s Request for Disaster Declaration", "2021-12-11", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Kentucky's federal delegation, including U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and Representatives Hal Rogers (KY-05), John Yarmuth (KY-03), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Andy Barr (KY-06), Thomas Massie (KY-04), and James Comer (KY-01) sent a joint letter today to President Joe Biden expressing their support for Governor Andy Beshear's request for a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky regarding the overnight tornadoes and severe weather.\n\n\u201cWe write to draw your attention to the December 11, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe weather events\u2026We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,\u201d the delegation stated in their letter to the President. \u201cUnfortunately, at least 50 deaths have been reported across multiple counties in the Commonwealth as a result of these tornadoes. The Kentucky National Guard and Kentucky State Police have been mobilized to provide support to Kentuckians, but emergency response has also been hampered by the storm damage.\u201d\n\nInitial reports indicate that this was the longest tornado touchdown in the Commonwealth\u2019s history. The tornadoes have caused significant destruction of property, dangerous road conditions, significant vegetative debris, power outages for thousands of Kentuckians, and severe impacts to transportation and infrastructure.\n\nA federal disaster declaration would release funding and resources to aid Kentucky communities hardest-hit by the tornadoes and severe weather.\n\nClick here to read the letter from the Kentucky delegation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/statement-from-congressman-comer-on-tornado-damage-in-western-kentucky", "Statement from Congressman Comer on Tornado Damage in Western Kentucky", "2021-12-11", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "\u201cPlease be in prayer for all of the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night. Also continue praying for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night rescuing people from devastating damage in Mayfield.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DBCED2E7-07C9-48D9-A725-9EDC4475743D", "Attorney General Cameron's Office Awarded $600,000 Federal Grant to Provide Transitional Housing for Human Trafficking Survivors in Southeastern Kentucky", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 10, 2021) \u2013 Attorney General Daniel Cameron and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced that the Kentucky Attorney General's office was awarded a $600,000 federal grant from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop a transitional and short-term housing-assistance program for survivors of human trafficking in southeastern Kentucky.\n\nThe Attorney General\u2019s Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution (TAPP) will develop the program in partnership with Refuge for Women, a nonprofit recovery program for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The program will assist human trafficking survivors in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley Counties.\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to not only end human trafficking but to support trafficking victims, and this $600,000 grant will allow us to provide safe and stable housing services in an underserved region of our Commonwealth,\u201d said Attorney General Cameron. \u201cWe know that there is a great need for these services and that they are essential to assisting survivors in their healing and long-term recovery. Refuge for Women\u2019s care model is recognized nationally, and we are proud to partner with them to develop this program. We also appreciate the support of Congressman Rogers and Congressman Barr.\u201d\n\n\"Refuge for Women is excited to learn about the news of funding from the federal government to help victims of sex trafficking in the state of Kentucky,\u201d said Ked Frank, President of Refuge for Women. \u201cWe are excited to continue our work with the Attorney General's office to help more people in need.\u201d\n\nThe housing-assistance program will offer survivors the option to participate in a communal-site, transitional-housing program in Garrard County or a short-term housing-assistance program. Both options will include case-management support from professionals within the Refuge for Women organization and assistance from community survivors.\n\n\u201cThe inhumane practice of sex trafficking must be stopped in Kentucky, and we also need a place of refuge for the victims of these terrible crimes. It is heartbreaking to know that the latest data ranks Kentucky ninth in the country for new cases of criminal human trafficking,\u201d said Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05). \u201cI\u2019m grateful for Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron\u2019s determination to crack down on this problem, and for utilizing this DOJ grant to ensure victims have a safe place to rehabilitate. It\u2019s always an honor to protect funding for these crucial federal grants that benefit the people of southern and eastern Kentucky.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe partnership between the Kentucky Attorney General\u2019s Office and Refuge for Women will help survivors of human trafficking recover,\u201d said Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06). \u201cI proudly supported Refuge for Women through a letter of support to the Department of Justice and voted for the funds used for this grant.\u201d\n\nParticipants in the program will be identified through self-referrals or referrals from prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims\u2019 advocates. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Human Trafficking Program. The program is dedicated to victim-centered responses to human trafficking.\n\nThis is the second federal grant Attorney General Cameron\u2019s office has received from the Department of Justice to address human trafficking in the Commonwealth. In 2020, the Office received a grant to develop a human trafficking awareness campaign in the Commonwealth. The resulting \u201cYour Eyes Save Lives\u201d campaign was launched in January 2021 and encourages Kentuckians to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report it to law enforcement.\n\nFor more information about Attorney General Cameron\u2019s work to end human trafficking in Kentucky, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=18133EE1-2B6C-4E98-A4D8-A16E56DD0EDB", "CAROL Act Passes the U.S. House of Representatives", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Today, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) championed the legislation to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor \u201cCarol\u201d Leavell Barr, who passed away last year at 39 years old from sudden cardiac death. The CAROL Act makes critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) are leading a companion bill.\n\nThe CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death.\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s vote, we are one step closer to pushing the CAROL Act across the finish line and enshrining Carol Barr\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThis bill delivers critical resources to close the gaps in understanding about valvular heart disease and save lives. I am grateful to the American Heart Association, WomenHeart, the American College of Cardiology and so many of my colleagues who supported this bill from the start.\u201d\n\n\u201cCarol Barr was a devoted mother, an accomplished professional, and a supportive spouse. Her grace and compassion made an everlasting impact on the world, and especially on her family and community. Andy was blessed with a wonderful wife and their daughters were fortunate to have an amazing mother. There is no better way to honor her memory than to support initiatives that will help save lives,\u201d said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. \u201cI am in awe of Andy\u2019s strength in navigating grief to work on the CAROL Act \u2013 legislation that will provide $20 million in research grants to study valvular heart problems. It is a fitting tribute to Carol\u2019s legacy. It is an honor to support this legislation alongside my colleagues.\u201d\n\n\u201cI know the pain of losing a spouse to a deadly disease while still young\u2014nobody can prepare you for that kind of loss. I hope that Rep. Barr and his family can take comfort in the passage today of the CAROL Act, which will promote research that will help spare other families in the future from experiencing that pain,\u201d said Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer. \u201cI thank Rep. Barr for his leadership and work to advance this important legislation in his late wife\u2019s memory. Carol\u2019s legacy lives on, not only in those she knew and loved but also in the countless Americans whose lives will be saved by the research into heart valve diseases undertaken in her memory.\u201d\n\n\u201cEarlier today, I had the privilege of honoring Carol Barr\u2019s legacy on the House Floor by speaking in favor of the CAROL Act. Thank you, Congressman Barr, for introducing this life-saving legislation that will expand research on valvular heart disease and its treatment. No family member should lose a loved one to this horrible disease, and the CAROL Act brings us towards this future,\u201d said House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.\n\n\u201cOne of the most troubling aspects of mitral valve prolapse is just how much we still don\u2019t know about the causes and risk factors that can lead to it. The Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act takes a number of crucial steps to help us learn more about the condition, including through the establishment of a national registry of cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association is pleased to support the CAROL Act and profoundly thanks Rep. Barr\u2019s for his efforts to advance our understanding and awareness of heart valve disease, which kills approximately 25,000 people each year,\u201d said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President, Advocacy, American Heart Association.\n\n\"The passage of the CAROL (Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy) Act not only serves as a spark of hope for many cardiovascular patients, but will truly honor Congressman's Barr's wife. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is enormously thankful to the Congressman and his staff, and is proud to have played a role in the process,\u201d said ACC Health Affairs Committee Chair Samuel O. Jones IV, MD, MPH, FACC. \u201cMore than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with valvular heart disease each year and this vital legislation helps spread awareness on a critical area of cardiovascular health. This legislation will make needed impacts on research and education to improve care for our patients. We are grateful for those, like Congressman Barr, that champion efforts to enhance heart health and look forward to continued partnerships.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen are more likely than men to go undiagnosed, and therefore to go untreated, for heart valve disease. By investing in research and increasing awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of heart valve disease, as well as screening and detection efforts, the CAROL Act will help address that inequity and will save lives. WomenHeart thanks Congressman Barr for championing passage of this bill in the House, and we look forward to seeing it pass in the Senate,\u201d said Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FDA7A7D7-8446-4916-85B9-565962E49CA1", "Congressman Rogers Votes for Improved National Defense Authorization Act", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- On Tuesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act after including important revisions from Republicans, including a boost of $25 billion more than last year for national defense, and stripping the bill of a controversial \"red flag\" provision, dropping expansion of selective service to women, and zeroing out all funds for Afghanistan's now terrorist-led military.\n\n\"I was pleased to vote for this bipartisan bill that paves the way for stronger a national defense, modernizes our Navy fleet, and provides more support for our servicemembers and their families, including a 2.7% pay increase. As President FDR said in 1941, December 7th will 'live in infamy,' and in light of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we owe it to the American people to ensure that we maintain the world's top military force moving forward,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"As Russian and Chinese aggression increase, this bill strengthens our military posture, supporting our allies and ramping up intelligence efforts with historic investments in emerging technologies. After the Biden Administration's catastrophic failure in Afghanistan, this bill also establishes an independent commission to investigate the 20-year conflict and eliminates all funding for the Afghan military, which is now led by the Taliban.\"\n\nThe legislation also works to address our nation's southern border crisis by deploying military personnel to assist Customs and Border Protection.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3849793F-0EF5-4A94-89A8-3F19961B0AE2", "Barr Votes for NDAA to Boost Defense, Pay for Military Servicemembers", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted in favor of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After his vote, Congressman Barr released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a much-deserved pay raise for military servicemembers, funds to improve military family housing and prevents cuts to the military health program. Additionally, the NDAA reverses proposed cuts by President Biden for new aircraft, combat vehicles, missile systems and other key military weaponry that will be essential in defending our homeland now and in the years to come.\n\n\u201cIncluded in this package is a provision to ensure that no military servicemember can be dishonorably discharged for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This NDAA version also removes Red Flag law provisions concerning firearm possession and the requirement for women to register for the Selective Service System, otherwise known as the military draft.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, the NDAA contains critical measures that I have been pushing for to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their ongoing failure in Afghanistan. The NDAA authorizes $7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, $2 billion above the President\u2019s request, to combat the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Lastly, the NDAA provides $300 million in security assistance and intelligence support to Ukraine. This investment will counteract ongoing aggression from Russia toward Ukraine. For these reasons and many more, I voted to support the NDAA.\u201d\n\nUnder the House NDAA, the Biden Administration will be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress regarding:\n\nContingency plans to retrieve Americans still in Afghanistan;\n\nItemized lists of aircraft, combat vehicles, and other U.S. military equipment left behind and destroyed;\n\nThreats posed by Al Qaeda, ISIS-K, and other terrorists operating in Afghanistan;\n\nThreats posed by prisoners released by Taliban during the Afghanistan evacuation. This includes terrorists released from Bagram Air Base, which Congressman Barr warned the Administration about in early May 2021;\n\nCongressman Barr previously pushed legislation in the House requiring the Administration to report to Congress on a regular basis on Americans left behind in Afghanistan, a plan to get them home, and details on military weaponry left behind.\n\nIn addition to the investments made in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, the NDAA also requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to assess the involvement of the CCP in the origins of COVID-19. The legislation also prohibits the DOD from purchasing goods from Chinese forced labor camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.\n\nFor the Sixth District, the bill allows the United States to fulfill international treaty obligations by destroying chemical weapons and authorizes continued chemical agent and munitions destruction activity that occurs at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/12/comer-oversight-republicans-probe-pandemic-unemployment-benefits-stolen-by-foreign-adversaries", "Comer, Oversight Republicans Probe Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Stolen by Foreign Adversaries", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Representative Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans today called on the Justice Department to provide an update on its efforts to combat and pursue COVID-19 relief stolen by transnational and state-sponsored organizations. A recent report reveals tens of billions of pandemic unemployment benefits were obtained by foreign adversaries, including China and Russia.\n\n\u201cThe theft of up to $280 billion in unemployment benefits due to fraudulent activity by foreign adversaries and criminals is a major scandal and a breach of our national security. To put this number in perspective, the amount of pandemic relief money lost to fraud over the past 18 months is the same as we spent on the Apollo program over 13 years to put men on the moon. Where possible, the perpetrators of these crimes should be tracked down and prosecuted, and those who negligently allowed this fraud, waste, and abuse to happen must be held accountable for betraying American taxpayers\u2019 trust. Our government simply must instill stronger oversight into distribution of tax dollars. This is unacceptable and the American people deserve better,\u201d said Rep. Franklin.\n\nAccording to a recent report, 40 percent or more of the $700 billion spent on pandemic-related unemployment benefits went to fraud. This includes $175 billion to transnational actors with $140 billion of that\u201420 percent of the overall amount spent by the U.S. government\u2014going to state-sponsored entities. The Department of Justice recently told Republican committee staff it has charged nearly $1 billion in intended loss of COVID-19 relief to fraud, but based on estimates, this means there are still hundreds of billions in unidentified loss. The Justice Department also refused to share how many active cases involve transnational organizations or state-sponsored organizations.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that tens of billions of taxpayer dollars were stolen by foreign adversaries. Americans\u2019 hard-earned money shouldn\u2019t be lining the pockets of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and their cronies who are opposed to our interests. The Justice Department must provide us with answers about how it plans to combat and prosecute these crimes. For nearly a year I\u2019ve sounded the alarm about massive fraud in pandemic unemployment benefits, but Oversight Committee Democrats have refused to hold a single hearing on this gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. The mission of the Oversight Committee is to root out waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in the federal government and Republicans will continue working to ensure safeguards are in place to protect taxpayers,\u201d said Ranking Member James Comer.\n\nIn their letter to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the Task Force to Combat COVID-19 Fraud Lead, the Republican lawmakers request a briefing to better understand the Justice Department\u2019s efforts to combat transnational and state-sponsored COVID-19 related fraud schemes. Ranking Member Comer and Republican lawmakers previously called on Chairwoman Maloney (D-N.Y.) to hold a hearing on massive pandemic unemployment fraud, but she has refused.\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9A8D072F-76BC-4E69-A01E-CE18CBDBBD04", "Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Misguided Short-Term Spending Bill", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Washington Democrats passed a second short-term appropriations bill, only funding the federal government through February 18. The first stop-gap measure was passed in late September. The bill pushes the December 3 deadline to February 18, and did not include an effort by House and Senate Republicans to defund President Biden's court embattled vaccine mandates.\n\n\"We have worked on federal funding bills all year, but because Washington Democrats refuse to come to the table to negotiate government funding, here we are in another crunch to ensure government operations continue. While we all want to avoid a government shutdown, these short-term spending bills leave out a lot of unmet needs across the country,\" said Congressman Rogers, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. \"Washington Democrats' misguided priorities have left us without a comprehensive deal to fully fund the 2022 fiscal year. Instead, they are focused on finding a path forward for their multi-trillion dollar socialist agenda and funding President Biden's vaccine mandates, some of which have already been blocked in federal court. I call on Democrats to come to the table so we can end these short-term spending bills and fully fund the government for 2022.\u201d\n\nThe bill now moves to the Senate for consideration before current government funding expires at midnight on December 3.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B5B75FCB-341E-41B3-8067-8B4FF01EF50D", "Reps Barr and Levin Partner on Bipartisan Bill to Restore Education Benefits to Veterans", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the amount of time certain veterans can utilize their GI Bill education benefits. Earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) restored GI Bill entitlements for veterans who previously used Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits. However, the VA did not extend the expiration date for these benefits, meaning some veterans received more months of GI Bill entitlements than they had time to use before the expiration date.\n\nTo resolve this discrepancy, Rep. Barr and Rep. Levin are leading the More Opportunities for Veterans Education (MOVE) Act. This legislation will provide eligible veterans with sufficient time to use their restored GI Bill benefits by extending their expiration dates and requiring the VA to notify all veterans affected.\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that veterans who served our country have access to the entirety of their education benefits earned through the Post 9/11 GI Bill,\u201d said Rep. Barr. \u201cOur bill is a straightforward legislative fix to achieve just that. This legislation will help veterans obtain skills, training and educational benefits to further their post-service success. It is great to partner with Representative Levin on this bill, and I will keep working to get his bipartisan bill signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the VA restored GI Bill entitlements for many veterans who have taken advantage of Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, but we must extend the expiration date to use those benefits so eligible veterans can take full advantage of them,\u201d said Rep. Levin. \u201cI\u2019ve heard of veterans at Saddleback College and other local institutions who need this extension to make the most of their restored GI Bill benefits, and I\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation on their behalf. I appreciate Congressman Barr\u2019s partnership on this commonsense bill and I\u2019m hopeful we can advance it through the House soon.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently changed its interpretation of the \u201848-month rule\u2019, allowing student veterans to use their Vocational Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits up to its cap before using any other education benefit up to its own, separate cap,\u201d said Justin Monk, Policy Associate at Student Veterans of America. \u201cIn addition, VA also restored entitlement to veterans who were previously denied the correct amount of time to use their benefits. Unfortunately, thousands of veterans receiving these restored benefits have fewer months until their delimiting dates than the number of months they had restored. The More Opportunities for Veterans Education (MOVE) Act provides an intelligent, common-sense solution by extending the timeframe during which any eligible student veteran with restored entitlement can utilize those benefits. SVA is grateful to Chairman Levin for his leadership on this issue, and we hope to see swift passage of this bill through the House and Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecently, a policy change refunded Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to veterans who relinquished them to participate in VA\u2019s Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. However, many veterans who served prior to \u201cForever GI Bill\u201d have already passed the delimiting date that allows them to use these entitlements. The MOVE act is a commonsense solution to this problem. It requires the VA to inform veterans of this change and provides them with an extended amount of time to use the benefits they\u2019ve earned. In today\u2019s job market, continuing education is vital for career advancement. It also a great tool for personal and intellectual growth. Congressman Barr has once again shown why veterans of all political persuasions appreciate his leadership. His bipartisan efforts with Congressman Mike Levin ensures that veterans who served during the early days of the Global War on Terror will have access to the benefits they have earned,\u201d Dr. Travis Martin, Director, Kentucky Center for Veterans Studies and who is a U.S. Army Veteran.\n\nSpecifically, the MOVE Act would apply to veterans who, as of April 1, 2021, did not have at least 12 months in addition to the number of months the VA restored in GI Bill benefits until their expiration date. The bill would ensure these individuals have 12 months plus the number of restored months until the window to use their benefits expires, also known as the delimiting date. This 12-month cushion would ensure veterans have ample time to plan for their education, apply for a program, enroll, and begin class. The bill also requires VA to notify all covered veterans of their new delimiting date within 30 days of enactment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-introduces-bill-to-ban-biden-s-authoritarian-federal-contractor-vaccine-mandate", "Comer Introduces Bill to Ban Biden\u2019s Authoritarian Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today introduced the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2021 (H.R. 6016) to ban President Biden from requiring the employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.\n\n\u201cAmerican workers should not be forced to get the jab to keep their job. President Biden\u2019s authoritarian mandate on employees of federal contractors requiring vaccination or termination is unfair to those who support the federal government and jeopardizes services such as defense and border security. Because of the sweeping mandate, employees risk losing their entire livelihoods\u2014jobs, pensions, and healthcare plans\u2014and President Biden places our country at risk to public safety, health, and supply chain crises,\u201d said Ranking Member Comer.\n\nIn September, President Biden issued Executive Order 14042, under which employees of federal contractors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 infection by January 4, 2022, or risk losing their jobs and all the benefits associated with them. The executive order offers very few exemptions and does not provide options to be tested regularly.\n\n\u201cThe Fairness for Federal Contractors Act makes it clear Americans are empowered to make their own medical decisions. President Biden\u2019s continued assault on Americans\u2019 freedom must be stopped,\u201d added Ranking Member Comer.\n\nRanking Member Comer and Oversight Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Services Administration Secretary Robin Carnahan, and Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Shalanda Young requesting all information and documents related to President Biden\u2019s sweeping federal contractor vaccine mandate. The lawmakers also expressed concern it may also impact federal grantees, which could jeopardize the operations of local police departments, fire departments, emergency medical systems, and other vital organizations across the country.\n\nThe text of Fairness for Federal Contractors Act can be found here. Over 50 original cosponsors joined Ranking Member Comer in introducing the bill, including all Oversight Committee Republicans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EBB41ED6-C663-4D8A-BF9C-54F712440F21", "Barr Votes Against Biden\u2019s Big Government Socialist Bill", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr voted against the big government tax, borrow and spend Socialist bill. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement:\n\n\u201cDespite historic, out-of-control inflation and rising costs of living for Kentuckians, Democrats are charging ahead on their big government Socialist spending bill.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and top Administration officials insisted for months that their Socialist agenda would cost \u201czero dollars.\u201d However, the Congressional Budget Office confirmed that this was a lie. Instead, the Democrats\u2019 spending spree will add at least $367 billion to the almost $30 trillion debt.\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats passed a crushing, $1.2 trillion tax hike on families, small businesses and job creators, their bill gifts a tax cut to the vast majority of high-income earners. This includes a tax cut averaging $17,000 for the top 66 percent of taxpayers earning over $1 million in income.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, the Socialist package is riddled with special interest giveaways. One such handout is an electric vehicle (EV) tax credit that advantages automobile manufacturers in Michigan and Illinois but won\u2019t be applicable to EVs made at the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.\n\n\u201cFinally, the Socialist package contains amnesty provisions for illegal immigrants, doubles the IRS budget to target Americans and creates a new carve out in the tax code for trial lawyers. To protect hard working Kentuckians and stop this Socialist takeover of America, I voted no on this bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-marshall-sound-alarm-over-agreement-between-usaid-and-wsu-to-conduct-dangerous-pathogen-research", "Comer, Marshall Sound Alarm Over Agreement Between USAID and WSU to Conduct Dangerous Pathogen Research", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) sent a letter to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, expressing concerns over the cooperative agreement between USAID and Washington State University (WSU) requiring the university to conduct dangerous research on emerging pathogens. Considering the recent lack of transparency by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) over dangerous experiments being conducted with taxpayer dollars, the lawmakers are seeking to understand what measures are in place to prevent researchers from potentially creating another pandemic.\n\n\u201cRepublicans are conducting oversight of the cooperative agreement between the U.S. Agency for International Development and Washington State University. The agreement, announced on October 5, 2021, requires WSU to conduct research to better detect emerging pathogens and prevent pandemics\u2026 Considering the inability of NIH and NIAID to be transparent with the American people regarding dangerous research conducted on the taxpayer dime and the possibility of a laboratory leak or research accident leading to the COVID-19 pandemic, the terms of this agreement are concerning. The Committee needs to understand what measures are in place, under the agreement, to prevent researchers from potentially artificially creating another pandemic,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cAccording to the agreement between USAID and WSU, American taxpayers will help fund dangerous viral research, the very type of research at the center of the COVID-19 origin investigation\u2026 Because of biosafety concerns, it is vital that the taxpayer funds associated with this agreement are allocated to laboratories that are safe and secure. Based on assessments from the Department of State and the U.S. Intelligence Community, this agreement should not include any laboratory in China due to the possibility COVID-19 originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and China\u2019s general refusal to cooperate with the international community\u2019s ongoing COVID-19 investigation. There are options other than China, and it is critical that USAID and WSU protect national security and act with the best interests of the American people in mind,\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\nTo better understand USAID and WSU\u2019s cooperative research agreement, the lawmakers are requesting a briefing and information focused on laboratory security and international research partners.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-biden-s-1-8-trillion-tax-and-spend-package/da0a1855-6b14-437a-b41b-d1365e9c4afd", "Congressman Comer Votes No on Biden\u2019s $1.8 Trillion Tax-and-Spend Package", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Comer released the following statement upon voting no on President Biden\u2019s $1.8 trillion spending bill, which passed the House and now moves to the U.S. Senate. Despite President Biden\u2019s claims that the legislation costs zero dollars, the Congressional Budget Office has announced that the legislation adds $367 billion to the deficit, with the rest of the bill financed by significant tax increases.\n\n\u201cI voted no on yet another multi-trillion dollar spending bill being rammed down taxpayers\u2019 throats by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi. This $1.8 trillion spending bill will pour gas on America\u2019s inflation fire and lead to even higher costs for milk, gas, and other essential items the American people rely on.\n\nFurther, this left-wing wish list includes radical proposals like amnesty and welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, the hiring of 87,000 new IRS agents, and a government takeover of significant portions of the American economy. Clearly Washington Democrats missed the message from Virginia, where the American people sent a message that they are fed up with the excessive spending, budget gimmicks, and special-interest giveaways found in this bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EF727278-7005-468A-B990-82524545681A", "Congressman Rogers Votes Against Democrats' Social Spending Spree", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Washington Democrats rammed through another irresponsible spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives as Congressman Hal Rogers and House Republicans voted against the bill, warning Americans about the crippling impact it will have on our economy and how it will effect every family.\n\n\"Our nation is in crisis and American families are feeling the impact more every day at the gas pump, at the grocery store, and as we continue to watch the Biden Administration fail to address the mass supply chain failures at our ports. This bill does nothing to address those problems; in fact, it will only worsen them, taxing every family through more inflation and killing local jobs,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The Democrats' so-called Build Back Better plan gives two-out-of-three millionaires a tax cut, while raising taxes on the middle class and American businesses. It also paves the way for higher energy bills, by spending more than $80 billion to advance its Green New Deal, shutting down current American energy resources and targeting coal operations once again.\"\n\nThe legislation excludes the Hyde Amendment, a long-time bipartisan provision that prohibits taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions. The bill also prohibits faith-based child-care providers from receiving funds for pre-K and child-care programs, imposing new federal Head Start restrictions.\n\n\"There are hidden liberal agenda items woven throughout this legislation, attacking faith-based policies and removing longstanding protections for a parent's right to choose the best child-care providers,\" said Congressman Rogers.\n\nOne of the biggest beneficiaries of the bill is the IRS, receiving funding to double its staff and increase audits on American families. Nearly half of the predicted 1.2 million additional IRS audits will directly impact families earning $75,000 or less.\n\n\"While the IRS ramps up efforts to squeeze every dollar out of American taxpayers, the Democrats' plan also includes amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants,\" Rogers stated.\n\nDespite President Biden's claim that this bill would cost \"zero\" for American taxpayers, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the bill will add $367 billion to the nation's deficit.\n\nThe bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=330AC288-D055-4239-8C6B-50D4E28263EC", "Barr Unveils Bill to Fix Failed Housing First Policy", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), a senior Member of the House Financial Services Committee, unveiled legislation to reform the failed Housing First policy at a press conference at the House Triangle on Thursday. The Housing Promotes Livelihood and Ultimate Success (Housing PLUS) Act is intended to end the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s (HUD) exclusive reliance on the so-called \u201cHousing First\u201d methodology, which recent U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness data demonstrates is a failed experiment.\n\nSpecifically, the bill would prohibit the HUD Secretary from prohibiting, limiting or otherwise restricting award of Continuum of Care (CoC) funds to providers because they require wraparound services such as addiction treatment or job counseling, or because they are faith-based organizations. The bill also directs the HUD Secretary to allocate no less than 30% of CoC funding to recipients that provide, or facilitate access to, wraparound services.\n\n\u201cHousing First prevents providers who require wraparound services from receiving federal funds to curb homelessness in our communities,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThese wraparound services are oftentimes necessary to ensuring a person can safely and fully attain permanent housing on their own. We need to abandon HUD\u2019s exclusive reliance on Housing First in favor of an all-hands-on deck approach to end homelessness in the United States. The Housing PLUS Act will ensure that HUD grant funding is reaching providers who are helping people transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, without unneeded restrictions.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn my district, Austin, Texas has experienced the homelessness crisis get out of hand due to the failed liberal policies. Austin, like so many cities across the country, highlights the failure of big government solutions to fix local problems. We need to move on from the one-sized fits all Housing First policy that was an abject failure and allow greater flexibility for communities to find localized solutions that can finally deliver change,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25). \u201cI am proud to work alongside my colleagues and organizations who are dedicated to lifting people up and ending the cycle of government reliance.\u201d\n\n\"I\u2019m proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. Frankly, Republicans need to do a better job talking about the issues that directly affect people in our communities. As a Christian, I believe in the approach of civil society and of human beings helping each other. I don't believe in top-down approaches that limit the creativity and the ability of people, Texans, to be able to help fellow Texans,\u201d said Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21).\n\n\u201cCongressman Barr realizes what Congress has been doing regarding homelessness has not been working, and his Housing PLUS Act would start to address the issues by encouraging wraparound services to address the true root causes of homelessness. I thank Congressman Barr for his leadership on this critical issue,\u201d said Dr. Robert Marbut, former Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.\n\n\"Victims of domestic violence addiction and mental illness, first and foremost, need to heal from the trauma they have experienced,\u201d said Michele Steeb, Senior Fellow Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) who oversees TPPF\u2019s initiative to transform United States\u2019 and Texas\u2019 homelessness policy. \u201cTurning a blind eye to their conditions by instead placing them in a home without support to address their underlying needs is the antithesis of compassion. It is no surprise that this approach has seismically failed the homeless and the communities in which they reside.\"\n\nIn the five years after 2014 when the U.S. adopted Housing First as its exclusive solution to combatting homelessness, unsheltered homeless increased more than 20%, despite substantial increases in federal funding to fight homelessness. This sharp increase came after a decline in homelessness of roughly 31% between 2007 and 2014.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-biden-s-vaccine-mandate-plays-politics-with-americans-food-supply", "Comer: Biden's Vaccine Mandate Plays Politics with Americans' Food Supply", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.), and Oversight Republicans called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to delay the implementation of President Biden\u2019s vaccine mandate for USDA employees until the department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff. The Republican lawmakers express concern with current vacancies at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the vaccine mandate\u2019s potential to impair our economy, food supply, and national security.\n\n\u201cWe are concerned with the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s rejection of the National Association of FSA County Office Employees\u2019 request for an exemption to President Biden's Executive Order Requiring Vaccination for Federal Employees,\u201d wrote the Republican lawmakers. \u201cOur offices have heard from numerous farmers and ranchers concerned with such far overreach by the Biden Administration and how this mandate will jeopardize the programmatic delivery of Farm Bill programs. While parts of the country are still recovering from an active 2020 and 2021 weather season, such as the Derechos and droughts in the Midwest, hurricanes and winter freezes in the South, and wildfires out West, ensuring the Department is keeping offices fully staffed is crucial.\u201d\n\nLocal and state FSA offices play a pivotal and crucial function in interacting with the agriculture community. Eleven months into the Biden Administration, USDA has only appointed seven state FSA Directors. These positions do not require Senate confirmation. Recruiting and retaining local and state FSA personnel is a complex and slow process, and the vaccine mandate will exacerbate it and result in the loss of decades of experience and knowledge.\n\n\u201cPlaying politics with American's food supply is profoundly concerning. With the threat of African Swine Fever knocking on our door, South Korea\u2019s confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza, and the continuing rising cost of household foods, any further action by the Department that would increase these risks is misguided. We respectfully ask you to delay the implementation of this mandate until the Department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff and when the remaining 43 FSA State Directors will be appointed,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe letter to Secretary Vilsack can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-requests-hearing-with-climate-czar-john-kerry", "Comer Requests Hearing with \"Climate Czar\" John Kerry", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on the Environment Ranking Member Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) released the following statements after sending a letter to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney requesting Democrats convene a hearing with White House \u201cClimate Czar\u201d John Kerry. Given recent U.S. climate commitments to world leaders authorized by Mr. Kerry, the lawmakers are seeking the opportunity to examine the intricacies of Mr. Kerry\u2019s dealings and how the Biden Administration\u2019s climate policies are impacting the American economy, including skyrocketing gas prices and surging inflation.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden granted his Climate Czar, John Kerry, the ability to unilaterally set foreign policy and bind the United States to international agreements without consent from Congress. The American people deserve to fully understand Kerry\u2019s role in the Biden Administration and what closed-door deals he is making with any potential foreign adversary. Democrats should begin to take their oversight responsibilities seriously and immediately join our request for Secretary Kerry to appear before this Committee and answer the American people\u2019s questions,\u201d said Ranking Member James Comer.\n\n\u201cThe real \u201cclimate crisis\u201d we face is the Biden administration disregarding sound climate policy in favor of woke virtue signaling and a shameful reluctance to admit the Chinese Communist Party, guilty of human rights abuses, is the greatest threat to this planet both philosophically and ecologically. John Kerry can continue jetting around the globe building his narrative or he can buck up and come have a chat about real solutions to climate change with members of the Oversight Committee,\u201d said Rep. Ralph Norman.\n\nRead the full letter Chairwoman Maloney here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E8C104C9-3151-4174-AE8A-1654FC3359C4", "Congressman Rogers Cosponsors Act to Reverse Biden's Vaccine Mandates", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) is now a cosponsor of the No Vaccine Mandate Act (H.R. 5811). The legislation would reverse President Biden's vaccine mandate for private businesses with over 100 employees, which requires workers to be fully vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.\n\n\"I am fully vaccinated and have advocated for individuals to get vaccinated from day one. However, President Biden's mandate on private employers is an overreach of power and an infringement on the freedom of Americans to make the best medical decision with their doctor, rather than being forced by the federal government,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"Employers immediately started filing lawsuits across the country, challenging the mandate, and this bill aligns with protections for those private employers and 84 million employees.\"\n\nLast week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the emergency mandate calling it \"fatally flawed\" and ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to suspend any implementation or enforcement efforts pending judicial review.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=637A4E5A-7C9E-48F2-8033-F4D1F7391167", "CAROL Act Clears Energy and Commerce Committee, Marches Toward House Passage", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 On Wednesday, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy (CAROL) Act unanimously passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee. U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is leading this bill to honor the legacy of his late-wife Eleanor \u201cCarol\u201d Leavell Barr, and make critical investments in research for valvular heart disease. This paves the way for the full U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the bill.\n\nThe CAROL Act authorizes a grant program administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), supporting research on valvular heart disease. It also convenes a workshop of subject matter experts to identify research needs and opportunities to develop prescriptive guidelines for treatment of patients with MVP. Finally, the bill instructs the Centers for Disease Control to increase public awareness regarding symptoms of valvular heart disease and effective strategies for preventing sudden cardiac death.\n\n\u201cCarol\u2019s life was dedicated to serving her community and country. This legislation that honors her extraordinary life and legacy will invest in the critical research needed to prevent the tragedy that impacted our family from happening to others,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cI am grateful to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, and Congressman Brett Guthrie, for pushing this legislation through the Committee. It is time to move this bill across the finish line and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cI commend my friend Congressman Barr for leading this bipartisan bill which will fund new investments in valvular heart disease research and honor his wife, Carol,\u201d said U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-04), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. \u201cI am proud to co-lead this legislation, and I thank Chairman Pallone and our Energy and Commerce colleagues who advanced it today.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled the CAROL Act is now one step closer to becoming law after the full Energy and Commerce Committee passed it at today\u2019s markup. I commend my colleague and friend Andy Barr for introducing this legacy bill in honor of his late wife, Carol, to help other families avoid the same tragedy his family has faced. I hope the CAROL Act receives a vote on the House floor soon, and I will continue to support this bill every step of the way,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), who serves as the lead Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A83B9F6D-8052-40F5-BAF3-ABD0A05A7DAB", "Congressman Barr Speaks on House Floor and Leads Moment of Silence to Honor Former Congressman Larry Hopkins", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) spoke on the House floor today to pay tribute to former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins (KY-06), who passed away on Tuesday. Congressman Barr also led the House in a moment of silence for the late Congressman Hopkins. The full transcript of Congressman Barr\u2019s remarks is below:\n\n\u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true American patriot, former Congressman Larry Hopkins, who served in this body from 1979-1993 and passed away early yesterday. Throughout his extraordinary career in public service, Larry served in the Kentucky State legislature and for over a decade in Congress in the seat I now hold. Larry\u2019s career in public service began as a U.S. Marine in 1954. It was that love for the military that Larry would bring with him to Congress, where he rose to become the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee.\n\n\u201cLarry\u2019s humor was famous with both his constituents and his colleagues\u2014 always offering a disarming joke to lighten the mood or evoking a good laugh. Above all Mr. Speaker, Congressman Hopkins was proud of his work across the aisle and the relationships he had with all of his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike.\n\n\u201cIn these divided times, let us be inspired by the legacy of Congressman Hopkins to come together and solve the problems of our day, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans who all love our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, God bless Congressman Larry Hopkins. To my colleagues in the House, join me in praying for his wife Carolyn, and three children, Shae, Tara and Josh. Mr. Speaker, I now ask for a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the life of Congressman Larry Hopkins.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-congress-must-review-pbms-role-in-rising-prescription-drug-prices", "Comer: Congress Must Review PBMs\u2019 Role in Rising Prescription Drug Prices", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) opened today\u2019s forum on \u201cReviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets\u201d by emphasizing congressional oversight of rising prescription drugs must include an examination of pharmacy benefit managers\u2019 (PBMs) role.\n\nIn his opening remarks, Ranking Member Comer outlined how PBMs\u2019 consolidation has negatively affected competition in the marketplace, leading to higher drug prices for Americans. He concluded his remarks by calling on PBMs to provide greater transparency about their practices and urged further review of proposed legislation to determine any changes needed to decrease the costs of prescription drugs and benefit patients.\n\nBelow are Ranking Member Comer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery.\n\nAmericans spend more on prescription drugs\u2014about $1,200 per person\u2014than any other country.\n\nWhile prescription drugs account for approximately 10% of overall healthcare spending, Americans pay more out-of-pocket for prescription drugs than for hospital care or health insurance.\n\nFor years Democrats have attacked pharmaceutical companies\u2014companies that bring innovative and life-saving medications to market, including three incredibly successful COVID-19 vaccines thanks to Operation Warp Speed.\n\nInstead of highlighting successful pharmaceutical innovation that leads to treatments and cures for disease, Democrats have demonized these companies for high list prices without regard to the fact that patients do not pay the list price and patients can still access the medication.\n\nAll the while, Democrats have given a free pass to Pharmacy Benefit Managers even though they play an outsized role in driving rebates and list prices of prescription drugs.\n\nDespite my request to Chairwoman Maloney to hold a hearing to examine the role of PBMs, Democrats have decided to limit their drug pricing investigation to only pharmaceutical companies leaving a significant void in in the Oversight Committee\u2019s review of drug pricing and many unanswered questions.\n\nToday, I am pleased to hold this forum to examine the role PBMs play in pharmaceutical markets.\n\nPBMs were intended to be intermediaries to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacies on behalf of public and private payers such as Medicaid and Coca-Cola for example.\n\nOver the past decade PBMs have consolidated from more than 20 regional and national players, to 3 that control roughly 80% of the market.\n\nThe consolidation in the market has enabled PBMs to exercise significant negotiating power with pharmaceutical manufacturers and led to increases in the use of generic medications and savings for patients.\n\nHowever, PBMs have not only consolidated horizontally, they have also done so vertically.\n\nAs of today, every major PBM owns or is owned by a major health insurer.\n\nFurthermore, every major PBM owns or is owned by a specialty, mail-order, or retail pharmacy, or all three.\n\nThis means that when PBMs negotiate with a pharmacy or a health insurer, they are either negotiating with themselves or one of their direct competitors.\n\nTheir position as the middlemen, negotiating and engaging with all the players in the pharmaceutical market has enabled PBMs to grow exponentially, and snuff out their competition.\n\nPBMs audit competing pharmacies viewing data including the pharmacies acquisition costs and patient data and then use that data to steer commercial patients to their own pharmacies and reimburse competing pharmacies at lower rates.\n\nIn Ohio two of the largest PBMs, CVS Caremark and OptumRx, charged Ohio Medicaid $223.7 million more than it had paid competing pharmacies.\n\nIn my home state of Kentucky, PBMs paid competing pharmacies $123.5 million less than was charged to the state Medicaid program in 2018, alone.\n\nThis is only one example of how PBMs negatively affect competition.\n\nIn the Medicare program, PBMs use a tactic known as direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR, to claw back billions of reimbursements paid to pharmacies.\n\nIn 2019, DIR clawbacks rose to over $9 billion, more than 18% of the Medicare drug spending.\n\nWhile these clawbacks were originally intended to enable PBMs to accurately report pharmacy rebates and price concessions, they have grown dramatically, enabling PBMs to create a negative reimbursement in certain cases.\n\nThis means a PBM is not only taking back all of what the PBM paid the pharmacy for the prescription, but also clawing back all or a portion of the patient\u2019s copay.\n\nPBMs also exert immense control over patient formularies, allowing them to steer patients to high-cost medications because these medications give them higher rebates.\n\nBy steering patients to higher-cost medications, PBMs increase patients\u2019 copays and force manufacturers to increase list prices to pay PBMs higher rebate demands.\n\nWhile PBMs pass on a portion of rebates they receive to payers, their lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible to determine whether these rebates are truly benefiting patients, or simply increasing PBM profits.\n\nWithout greater transparency of PBMs it is difficult to see how these tactics are benefitting patients at all. If the value for consumers is so great, it shouldn\u2019t be a stretch for PBMs to prove their worth and have an open discussion about their practices.\n\nThat is why this forum is so important.\n\nToday, we take a first step to reviewing the role of PBMs in pharmaceutical markets to determine what, if any, changes need to be made and how proposed legislation could decrease the costs of prescription drugs and benefit patients.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=37681DA2-4C85-4AF7-8C2C-B5E9B6D47B8A", "Barr Announces Major $616,000 Infrastructure Grant for Frankfort", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced the City of Frankfort will receive a major, $616,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Funded through the DOT\u2019s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, the grant will support planning revitalization efforts in Frankfort\u2019s Holmes Street Corridor. Congressman Barr voted for the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act that funded this grant and advocated on behalf of Frankfort\u2019s application through a letter of support to the DOT.\n\n\u201cUpgrading the Holmes Street Corridor will enhance economic development and quality of life for residents and businesses in Frankfort for decades to come,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThis federal grant is the first step in devising a plan to calm traffic, improve road safety as well as create pedestrian and bike access from Kentucky State University to downtown Frankfort.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Holmes Street corridor is a diverse neighborhood of residential, commercial and industrial property and is an important entrance into our city,\u201d said Layne Wilkerson, Mayor of the City of Frankfort. \u201cThe RAISE grant will help the City of Frankfort better connect the corridor to downtown, attract new investment, and improve conditions for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and existing businesses. We are excited for this opportunity and thank our Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Barr, for his leadership and support for this grant.\u201d\n\nThe Holmes Street Corridor encompasses 25 city blocks. Approximately 2 miles in length, the neighborhood is extremely diverse, with a mix of housing, commercial, and industrial uses. Frankfort\u2019s comprehensive plan identifies the reconstruction of Holmes Street as a top priority. The Holmes Street Corridor was also designated an Opportunity Zone (OZ). Congressman Barr voted for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which created OZs and enables areas designated as OZs to be eligible for additional federal funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FC59B144-AEEB-4EB0-A58A-B851C562A86B", "Statement from Congressman Andy Barr on the Passing of Former Congressman Larry Hopkins", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the passing of former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins:\n\n\u201cLarry Hopkins was a legend in Kentucky politics and a force for the Commonwealth in the House of Representatives. Serving for over a decade in the seat I now hold, Larry rose to being the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. He was beloved by both sides of the aisle, and his humor was famous with constituents and colleagues. On a personal note, Larry was a great friend and mentor to me during and before my time in Congress. I will miss him, and I join all Kentuckians in praying for his family, friends and the community that he loved so much.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4DA85059-90B4-4680-BA1E-0A51B560B3F6", "Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers Award More Than $9 Million in Grants to Support Economic Development Projects in Eastern Kentucky", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) \u2013 Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) announced $9.18 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funds for economic development projects in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties.\n\n\u201cWhen completed, these projects will help support local communities and spur economic growth in Martin, Letcher, Floyd, Leslie, Knox, Knott, Owsley, Boyd, Pike and Perry counties,\u201d said Gov. Beshear. \u201cThis program has a proven record of creating jobs in Eastern Kentucky, and these grants are another solid building block to help us build a better Kentucky for all of our families.\u201d\n\nCongressman Rogers, along with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has championed $665 million in federal funding for the AMLER Program since 2016, of which $140 million has been awarded to Kentucky.\n\n\u201cThis grant program is creating jobs, advancing vital community projects and restoring hope in Eastern Kentucky. I am proud of what we have accomplished through these grants thus far and the ongoing work to meet the needs of our people,\u201d said Congressman Rogers. \u201cThis program is a great example of how federal, state and local governments can work together to invest in projects that greatly benefit our communities across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.\u201d\n\nEnergy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman selected the projects for initial vetting by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). More than 70 applications for funding in 2021 were received by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet\u2019s (EEC) Division of Abandoned Mine Lands.\n\nThe projects selected for funding include:\n\nCold Storage LLC was awarded $2.5 million for construction of an agriculture cold storage facility in Martin County in which an underutilized existing spec building will be converted into a refrigerated commercial facility allowing apples to be stored up to a year after picking.\n\nCowan Community Action Group Inc. was awarded $1 million to equip the Farmers Market Pavilion with cold storage, commercial equipment, restrooms, an office and stage, and to expand the Cowan food service kitchen as well as equip a food truck.\n\nAppalachian Regional Healthcare was awarded $750,000 to equip the Highlands ARH Medical Center in Prestonsburg with a diagnostic CT scanner and mammogram equipment.\n\nLeslie County Fiscal Court was awarded $1 million to expand the Leslie County Recreational Facility by constructing a camping complex with 114 picnic tables, stationary grills and fire pit rings. Almost 70 RV pads will be constructed, as well as a 40,000-square-foot entertainment pavilion that will include an event stage, roadway and parking.\n\nThe City of Booneville was awarded $600,000 for construction of cabins to allow for overnight accommodations at the Sag Hollow Golf Club.\n\nKCEOC Community Action Partnership Inc. was awarded $750,000 to purchase an existing 20,000-square-foot building on 10 acres in Knox County for a diesel mechanics shop and CDL test site. KCEOC will lease the facility to Southern Kentucky Community and Technical College, which will operate the training facility.\n\nThe City of Ashland was awarded $1 million to engineer and design a parking garage and convention center in downtown Ashland.\n\nPike County Fiscal Court was awarded $700,000 to install 3,000 feet of electric lines at the Wolfpit Industrial & Technology Park.\n\nThe Knott County Water District was awarded $600,000 for the purchase of two backup generators for the system that produces water for three counties, servicing 7,000 citizens.\n\nHazard Community & Technical College was awarded $280,000 for equipment purchases for the expansion of its successful lineman training program.\n\n\u201cThese grants are highly sought after and are providing the kind of job growth and economic stimulus that we hoped this funding program would produce,\u201d Secretary Goodman said. \u201cWe are excited to have helped launch these projects.\u201d\n\nAMLER grants are available for projects in 54 Appalachian counties in Kentucky with historic coal mining sites that have the potential to create long-term economic benefits.\n\nSince the AMLER program\u2019s inception in 2016, 63 projects in 23 counties have been selected for the funding. The program has generated 143 jobs so far, including 83 new positions at the Dajcor aluminum extrusion project in Perry County and more than 258 workers trained at the East Kentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) and at Hazard Community and Technical College. In addition, officials report a good volume of reservations being made at Impact Outdoors and the Prestonsburg-to-David Rails to Trails projects. Once completed, these 63 grantees are projected to have created more than 2,800 new jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer", "Comer Announces Forum on Role of PBMs in Drug Pricing", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014On Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and lawmakers will hold a forum on the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in pharmaceutical markets with experts, pharmacists, physicians, and PBMs.\n\n\u201cAs Congress reviews the rising costs of prescription drugs in America, we must evaluate all aspects that are driving up costs for patients. Part of this review includes the role pharmacy benefit managers play in drug pricing and patient cost sharing. There are concerns PBMs may use their market power and role as middlemen to impact competition and drive up costs for Americans. At next week\u2019s forum, we plan to hear from healthcare and industry experts to learn more about PBMs and their impact on prescription drug prices,\u201d said Ranking Member Comer.\n\nPBMs are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, self-insured employers, and other payers, such as state Medicaid programs. PBMs were created to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to decrease the cost of prescription drugs for patients, lower premiums, and decrease costs for payers. The PBM industry has significantly consolidated in the last ten years, and both large and small PBMs own and operate their own retail or mail-order pharmacies. As a result of consolidation, experts have expressed concerns PBMs\u2019 monopoly power no longer benefits payers and patients.\n\nWHAT: House Committee on Oversight and Reform Republican forum entitled \u201cReviewing the Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Pharmaceutical Markets\u201d\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. ET\n\nWHERE: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWHO:\n\nWitness Panel\n\nDr. Erin Trish, PhD: Co-Director of the USC Schaeffer Center, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Economics, USC School of Pharmacy\n\nMr. Antonio Ciaccia: Chief Executive Officer, 46Brooklyn Research\n\nDr. Jonathan Grider: PharmD, Owner of Lake Cumberland Pharmacy in Russell Springs, Ky.\n\nDr. Madeline Feldman, MD, FACR: President of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Practices and Chair of the Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines\n\nMr. Ted Okon, MBA: Executive Director of the Community Oncology Alliance\n\nMs. Tiffany Jones, JD: Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Assistant General Counsel at SenderraRx\n\nMr. Kim Caldwell, RPh: Principal at Texas Star Healthcare Consulting, Former Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Affairs and Comprehensive Health Insights at Humana Inc.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/op-ed-americans-deserve-to-know-the-full-story-behind-hunter-biden-s-overpriced-art/a02ce06c-b957-4ad6-9a50-e05c15e6a32d", "Op-Ed: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art.", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Rep. James Comer: Americans deserve to know the full story behind Hunter Biden's overpriced art.\n\n\"Every artist,\" Ralph Waldo Emerson said, \"was first an amateur.\" Emerson was a century and a half too early, however, to witness the arrival of Hunter Biden \u2013 perhaps the only painter ever to land on the scene fully perfected.\n\nHis genius must be apparent given the exorbitant prices charged for a \"Biden\" and the level of interest (that is, none) from the congressional ethics sleuths who left no stone unturned regarding the extended trump family.\n\nNothing to see here, except artistic masterpieces.\n\nAfter covering for the Bidens during the 2020 campaign \u2013 remember the Hunter Biden laptop? \u2013 Democrats and the press have kept the blinders on. President Biden promised to hold himself to \"the highest standards of transparency,\" and they are apparently willing to take him at his word. Consequently, they refuse to examine the odd arrangement between the White House and Hunter Biden\u2019s gallerist, Georges Berg\u00e8s, in which purchasers of his art are kept anonymous.\n\nWhy is this a problem? His paintings are priced between $75,000 \u2013 more than the median annual American income \u2013 and $500,000 \u2013 more than the median price of a new American house. Paintings that some art experts have characterized as being of coffee shop caliber.\n\nPeople can spend their money as they wish, but when dealing with the son of the sitting president, it begs the question who \u2013 and why \u2013 anyone would pay top dollar for items that are arguably worthless?\n\nForeign agents \u2013 and others \u2013 have obvious incentives to access Hunter Biden, and through him the Oval Office. And as we know, Hunter Biden has previously sought to peddle influence and access to his powerful father. Berg\u00e8s has expressed his desire to be the \"lead guy\" in China for art, and his gallery is now covered by the Chinese media. Rather than plying patrons with free drinks and passed hors oeuvres, perhaps Berg\u00e8s is offering a chance at something else.\n\nThis is not a problem Republicans are prepared to just chalk up to Hunter being Hunter. We intend to examine a president\u2019s family member with a history of suspicious activity who is now engaging in an industry rife with criminal potential.\n\nThis is a potential national security issue with major ramifications for how this White House confronts a rival foreign power. Foreign adversaries, including China, have used transactions involving sham art sales to launder money and evade sanctions imposed by the United States. Art sold at inflated prices can easily be moved across borders and cash is often an accepted form of payment, which makes it challenging to track down who bought the art and where it is going.\n\nWe\u2019ve called on the Berg\u00e8s Gallery to provide us with documents and communications outlining its deal with the White House to keep Hunter Biden\u2019s patrons anonymous, but they have ignored our investigation.\n\nThe American people deserve answers. That is why I have requested the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, the executive branch\u2019s ethics watchdog, to launch an investigation into the agreement between the White House, Hunter Biden and the Berg\u00e8s Gallery.\n\nAdditionally, I have called upon the chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., to hold a hearing to examine Hunter\u2019s art deals. Given this committee has taken no action to hold the Biden administration accountable on any of the crises facing our nation \u2013 and was recently given an \"F\" in oversight by a nonpartisan group \u2013 I am doubtful Democrats will take the actions needed to canvass the White House\u2019s ethical dilemma.\n\nWith or without the assistance of our Democrat colleagues, Republicans on the Oversight Committee will match Biden and his collaborators' stonewalling with every tool at the minority party's disposal.\n\nDemocrats must show their loyalties are to the country, not the Bidens.\n\nIn the meantime, Republicans are not buying what Hunter Biden is selling. We suspect it isn\u2019t just art.\n\nRep. James Comer represents Kentucky's 1st Congressional District and is the Republican leader of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/congressman-comer-votes-no-on-step-one-of-biden-pelosi-spending-spree", "Congressman Comer Votes No on Step One of Biden/Pelosi Spending Spree", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "\"I voted NO last night on the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that passed Congress in the dark of night. Less than 10% of the bill contained surface infrastructure, like roads and bridges, with significant money going toward things that do not affect Kentucky\u2019s 1st District \u2013 like mass transit and green energy. Even worse, Speaker Pelosi and President Biden have tied the infrastructure bill to their $3 trillion social spending bill, which initiates their Green New Deal pipe dream and empowers the IRS to spy on the finances of everyday Americans.\n\nThe passage of last night\u2019s infrastructure bill will inevitably lead to passage of the Biden/Pelosi social spending bill in two weeks, which I will also strongly oppose. Any member of Congress who voted yes last night can also take credit for passage of the massive socialist spending bill \u2013 which will undoubtedly lead to more inflation and government dependency.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C5D2332E-3F8F-439F-A7D8-E39E99AB71C8", "Congressman Rogers Votes Against Washington Democrats' Spending Binge", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) voted against the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill, H.R. 3684, after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delayed the bill for months, leveraging the nation's roads, bridges and broadband for a second bill - Biden's so called \"Build Back Better\" bill - that is designed to pay for Washington Democrats' extreme socialist agenda.\n\n\"We desperately need improvements to our infrastructure, especially in rural Kentucky, but the truth is that less than half of new spending in this bill goes toward real infrastructure projects, and this legislation is being used to coerce more Members to vote for a far more destructive spending binge that puts our country on a fast-track toward socialism,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"There is a better way to serve the American people. We not only need to repair our nation's infrastructure, we need to repair the deficit of trust that continues to grow with socialist schemes like this.\"\n\nThe Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill only offsets costs by $180 billion, creating a roughly $400 billion shortfall.\n\nThe legislation also fails to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process, despite the fact that the 6-year average delays on major projects cost our economy $3.7 trillion.\n\nHouse Democrats advanced the bill with a nearly party-line vote and it now moves on to the President for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/comer-urges-a-government-wide-review-of-federal-contractor-guidance", "Comer Urges a Government-Wide Review of Federal Contractor Guidance", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Bill Nelson, General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, and Office of Federal Procurement Policy Acting Administrator Lesley Field urging a government-wide review of federal contractor guidance and their plans to address the disparate impacts of President Biden\u2019s ongoing supply chain crisis on contractor delivery requirements.\n\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic dampened our economy and critically disrupted our supply chains. Due to labor shortages and growing backlogs, the supply chain crisis is now expected to last at least through 2022\u2014likely well into 2023. It is reasonable to assume such backlogs will impact federal contractors\u2019 ability to fulfill contract obligations due to a situation beyond their control. Meanwhile, government contractors, whose supplies are stuck in the backlog may face penalties for delayed performance on their obligations,\u201d wrote Ranking Member Comer.\n\nDespite the Committee\u2019s initial inquiry on October 14, 2021, the Biden Administration has failed to address its self-induced supply chain crisis and small business contractors may now be hit particularly hard by late fees and penalties\u2014making it unlikely they will survive the crisis.\n\n\u201cWhile enforcing contractual deadlines is normally necessary to protect the interests of the American taxpayer, appropriate forbearance should be exercised when the situation merits. According to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, excusable delays for contractors include delays which are unforeseeable and beyond the control of the contractor. A global pandemic and supply chain collapse should be considered unforeseeable. Penalizing contractors, many of whom bid on and were awarded contracts prior to the collapse of the supply chain, will further disrupt the economy. We request that you review department and agency guidance on when and whether to hold these contractors to certain deadlines in light of the supply chain crisis and the ongoing pandemic,\u201d concluded Ranking Member Comer.\n\nTo better understand how federal agencies will be handling contracting delays due to the supply chain crisis, Ranking Member Comer is requesting documents and information showing whether any government contractors have been penalized for failing to meet their contractual obligations.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/11/scalise-comer-blast-biden-s-authoritarian-vaccine-mandates", "Scalise & Comer Blast Biden\u2019s Authoritarian Vaccine Mandates", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Republican Whip and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Ranking Member Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) today blasted the Biden Administration\u2019s new policies requiring private sector businesses with 100 or more employees to require vaccinations or weekly COVID testing and mandating employees in certain health facilities be vaccinated by January 4, 2022.\n\n\u201cThanks to the success of Operation Warp Speed, Americans have the option to be vaccinated against COVID-19. But the medical decision to get vaccinated should not morph into a Washington mandate that forces the firing of millions of hard-working Americans. President Biden\u2019s sweeping decrees on families and businesses are more examples of illegal government overreach that will force small businesses to fire millions of their workers. At a time when employers are already struggling to hire employees, President Biden should not make it harder on our economy by placing burdensome mandates on American workers, especially on healthcare workers who risked their lives to help their fellow citizens throughout the pandemic. Americans must be free to make their own medical decisions,\u201d said Republican Whip and Ranking Member Scalise.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s authoritarian mandates on the American people are contrary to our nation\u2019s core value of individual liberty,\u201d said Ranking Member Comer.\u201cWhile I encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, we cannot allow the President of the United States to micromanage Americans\u2019 personal medical decisions and the operations of the private sector. President Biden\u2019s vaccine mandates are costing many Americans their jobs, healthcare, and ability to provide for their families. They are also harming healthcare workers who worked on the front lines during the pandemic. The Biden Administration\u2019s continued assault on Americans\u2019 freedom must be stopped.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0B029E59-7FF6-44ED-AD9F-072D8BC40FAE", "Barr Leads the Charge on Legislation to Spur Investment in Equine Industry", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) reintroduced legislation to incentivize investment in Kentucky\u2019s signature equine industry. The Equine Tax Fairness Act would make the three-year depreciation schedule permanent for racehorses, regardless of their age when put into service. Currently, Congress must reauthorize this provision in the tax law on an annual basis.\n\nAdditionally, this legislation would reduce the holding period for equine assets to be considered long term capital gains, putting them on a level playing field with other similar assets. Congressman Barr\u2019s bill is endorsed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Keeneland, and the American Horse Council.\n\n\u201cPermanently delivering tax incentives for owners and breeders will strengthen investment in our signature equine industry,\u201d said Congressman Barr, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Horse Caucus. \u201cI want to continue the momentum started with the enactment of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to push another key industry initiative across the finish line that will help solidify the sport for decades to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe three-year depreciation of racehorses (similar to other investment assets) is critically important to encourage robust investment in Thoroughbred horses and to maintain the vibrant economy and trade we have seen throughout this Thoroughbred sales cycle and consistently over the past 85 years at Keeneland,\u201d said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. \u201cWe appreciate Congressman Barr\u2019s consistent support of this legislation and the entire Thoroughbred industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Barr understands the horse racing industry and appreciates the impact this bill would have on attracting and maintaining ownership in racehorses,\u201d said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of NTRA. \u201cWe thank him for introducing the Equine Fairness Act and for helping support an industry that is a job-creating economic engine for his home state of Kentucky and for other states. Both provisions offer a level of tax fairness and flexibility that racehorse owners seek when determining their level of investment. This bill simply is good for business.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Jockey Club wholeheartedly supports the Equine Tax Fairness Act, introduced by Congressman Barr,\u201d said James Gagliano, President of the Jockey Club. \u201cThis bill will put horse ownership on par with other investment assets. The three-year depreciation schedule accurately reflects the typical career of a racehorse since nearly three-quarters of foals that race have a career of four years or less. This change has been enacted by Congress on a temporary, year-to-year basis since 2008, and needs to be permanent law.\u201d You can read the Jockey Club\u2019s full statement on the bill here.\n\n\u201cThe Kentucky Thoroughbred Association endorses the Equine Tax Fairness Act, and is very grateful to Congressman Andy Barr for introducing it. Kentucky breeders produce foals that become racehorses in 38 states, and the 3-year depreciation encourages racehorse ownership which we know supports 241,000 direct racing sector jobs nationwide as well as the 60,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,\u201d said Chauncey Morris, Executive Director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.\n\n\u201cThe Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association fully endorses Congressman Barr\u2019s bill to reward investment in our great sport,\u201d said Dan Metzger, President of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. \u201cWe thank him for his consistent support for owners and breeders and the Thoroughbred horse racing industry as a whole.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Horse Council is pleased to endorse Rep Barr's Equine Tax Bill, which will help ensure growth and investment in the $122 billion equine industry,\u201d said Julie Broadway, President American Horse Council.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=30C2D628-9332-4A94-B9E2-BD808145C0C2", "Barr Toasts to Suspension of EU Tariffs on American Distillers", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, is celebrating the suspension of European Union tariffs on American whiskey exports. Representative Barr organized a bipartisan letter with over forty Members of Congress requesting that the Biden Administration negotiate a suspension and ultimate removal of these tariffs.\n\n\u201cThe agreement reached between the United States and the European Union is a huge boost for distillers in Kentucky and throughout the nation,\u201d said Representative Barr. \u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I led multiple letters to both the Trump and Biden Administrations pushing for the full removal of these tariffs. I will always be an advocate for enhanced access to international markets for our distillers, so that they can provide Kentucky spirits and the world\u2019s best bourbon to countries across the globe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a great day for our industry. Representative Barr is a steadfast supporter of our industry and we are grateful to have him on the frontlines fighting for Kentucky distillers,\u201d said Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers\u2019 Association.\n\nThis is Representative Barr\u2019s second major victory on legislation for the bourbon industry in less than a calendar year. Representative Barr was instrumental in securing a major victory in the 2020 year-end COVID-19 relief bill for Kentucky\u2019s bourbon industry. That legislation included the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA), which contained the Aged Distilled Spirits Act, championed by Representative Barr. CBMTRA created a level playing field for bourbon distillers, allowing them to deduct interest expenses associated with production in the year it is paid, not when the bourbon is bottled and sold. This legislation also lowers the Federal Excise Tax (FET) rates for distillers and aged spirits. These FET rates were set to expire on December 31, 2020, unless Congress acted to make them permanent or provide an extension.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D846FA25-15CA-40FE-B1C2-579A955C0F33", "Barr Pushes Bill to Allow Unspent COVID-19 Relief for Infrastructure Projects", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is cosponsoring and pushing the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation gives flexibility to state and local governments to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for infrastructure projects. The legislation recently passed the U.S. Senate unanimously.\n\nUnder the original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other federal spending packages passed in the COVID-19 era, Congress provided some flexibility for how COVID-19 funds could be spent, but most funds were not able to be used for infrastructure projects. This bill gives state and local officials additional flexibility and time to responsibly spend remaining COVID-19 relief dollars. Kentucky has more than $1.1 billion in unspent relief funds.\n\n\u201cI want to provide our local leaders with the flexibility to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for projects their community need most. Infrastructure is a real need. We must upgrade our roads, bridges, airports, wastewater and other traditional infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. This commonsense proposal provides the opportunity to do just that without a massive tax increase, more blowout spending or new government mandates,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\n\nAdditionally, the bill permits eligible governments to spend the greater of $10 million or 30% of their total fiscal relief funding for categories like the: National Highway Performance Program, Tribal Transportation Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program. You can read the bill here or the one-pager here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-jordan-call-on-ag-garland-to-initiate-doj-investigation-after-ecohealth-failed-to-report-info-on-wuhan-experiments", "Comer, Jordan Call on AG Garland to Initiate DOJ Investigation After EcoHealth Failed to Report Info on Wuhan Experiments", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate a Department of Justice investigation into whether EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. violated federal law by failing to disclose information after using taxpayer funds to perform gain-of-function research on potentially deadly pathogens in Wuhan, China.\n\n\u201cWe have been investigating whether U.S. taxpayer dollars funded dangerous research into deadly pathogens in Wuhan, China. For more than a year, the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIH\u2019s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have denied using taxpayer money to fund this type of research. However, a recent admission from the NIH reveals that EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., a NIAID grant recipient, may have violated federal law in its taxpayer-funded work on deadly pathogens. We accordingly refer this matter to the Justice Department for investigation,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cBetween September 30, 2019 and August 3, 2021, EcoHealth received $21,648,574 in grant funds from U.S. taxpayers that the company may not have received if it had timely disclosed to NIH that it had created a virus that would trigger the cessation of its experiments. The fact that EcoHealth received more than $21 million during this period shows that the company had a clear financial incentive to violate the terms of its grant by failing to stop its experiments. In addition, EcoHealth\u2019s failure to provide the required reporting to NIH for nearly two years\u2014despite a requirement in the grant to do so annually\u2014suggests that EcoHealth knowingly withheld information from NIH in an effort to misrepresent the project\u2019s status,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nRead the full letter to AG Garland here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7F3F2A9A-15CF-4466-B146-2FD7F66822E6", "Barr Supports Clean Extension of Domestic Violence Prevention Programs", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted for a clean extension of Family Violence Prevention and Services Act programs offered by Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA). The Letlow proposal mirrors legislation Congress has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support for over three decades.\n\nInstead of continuing this bipartisan tradition, House Democrats rejected the Letlow proposal and chose instead to push a highly controversial, new bill which would threaten well-established domestic violence prevention programs. Specifically, the bill would pave the way for eliminating the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer funding of abortions. Democrats\u2019 new version also strips protections for religious organizations, preventing women\u2019s shelters and other advocates from providing victims of domestic abuse housing or services that are in line with their sincerely held religious beliefs.\n\n\u201cToday, I voted for a clean extension of key domestic violence prevention and treatment programs,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cCongress should honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month by renewing the authorization for these critical programs without jeopardizing religious liberties. I commend Congresswoman Letlow for her leadership on this bill and I call on the House to pass a non-partisan reauthorization of these vital programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was proud to bring forward this amendment to continue the critical programs contained in the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act, take out the Democrats\u2019 radical provisions, and keep the focus on the people who truly need these services the most,\u201d said Congresswoman Letlow.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2FBA29E2-3E13-4786-9575-FC2EA40CEF26", "Barr Votes to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Thirteen Fallen American Heroes", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 Tonight, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted for and the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation awarding a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to each of the thirteen fallen U.S. military servicemembers killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021. These fallen heroes were defending Americans and our Afghanistan allies who were evacuating Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country.\n\n\u201cThirteen heroic military servicemembers gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that American citizens and our Afghan allies could escape the threat of the Taliban, ISIS, and other terrorist actors in Afghanistan during the withdrawal. I proudly cosponsored and voted tonight for the bill awarding these patriots the Congressional Gold Medal. The legacy of these American heroes will never be forgotten,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\n\nThis legislation will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The names of the fallen servicemembers receiving the posthumous Congressional Gold Medal are below:\n\nNavy Corpsman Maxton Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio\n\nLance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California\n\nLance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas\n\nLance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, Jackson, Wyoming\n\nLance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of Wentzville, Missouri\n\nCpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California\n\nStaff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah\n\nCpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska\n\nSgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Roseville, California\n\nCpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Indiana\n\nLance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California\n\nSgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, Lawrence, Massachusetts and\n\nStaff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/column-partisan-spending-bill-will-damage-economy", "Column: Partisan Spending Bill Will Damage Economy", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "In Washington, President Biden and congressional Democrats are pursuing a multi-trillion dollar spending bill which, if passed, would further derail an already struggling economy.\n\nI stand strongly in opposition to the spending bill under negotiation by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi. Instead of borrowing and spending money we don\u2019t have, Congress should focus on stimulating economic growth by reducing the burdensome regulations holding our workforce and critical industries back.\n\nTrillions more in government spending will only worsen our existing economic crises. Americans are facing soaring prices for everyday items needed to survive, a direct result of trillions in spending and the resulting high inflation.\n\nOn average, gas prices are up 42% over the past year. The price of beef is up 18%. And gas-based utilities have risen by 20% in the same time frame. These dramatic price increases are effectively a tax increase on American consumers, and a direct result of reckless government spending.\n\nWe also continue to see disappointing jobs reports, serving as proof that government policies have discouraged Americans from working. If trillions more are spent to further welfare programs, the sad reality of a labor shortage will only worsen.\n\nWe also have a supply-chain crisis leaving ships awaiting entry at ports, containers piling up at railyards, and trucks off the highway due to a lack of workers. The end result of this chaos is an inability for Americans to access the good they need \u2013 and when they finally do, they are forced to pay astronomical prices.\n\nThis supply-chain crisis has in part been caused by the significant number of Americans staying out of the workforce. But it also proof that overreaching regulations often do more harm than good. Whether its environmental provisions forcing diesel trucks off the highways, or heavy-handed vaccine mandates, burdensome regulatory policies have undercut the American workforce.\n\nBut the expensive price tag is far from the only problem with this proposal; the substance is even worse. Under the guise of \u201cbuilding back better,\u201d this far-left proposal would raise energy prices even higher by taxing Americans\u2019 home-heating bills, grant amnesty to 8 million illegal immigrants, and impose massive tax increases on small businesses and family farms.\n\nUnfortunately, these provisions are only the tip of the iceberg in a package that is more about implementing a far-left agenda than truly helping the American people.\n\nThe legislation under discussion would also weaponize the IRS to dig into the American people\u2019s bank accounts. I have spoken out strongly against this proposal to hire thousands of new IRS agents to monitor consumer bank transactions, and signed onto legislation seeking to block its implementation.\n\nEach of these provisions are reason enough to oppose a bill originally written by Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist. But all together, this proposal represents a significant threat to the finances and freedom of the American people. It will send inflation even higher, implement dangerous new policies, and throw even more roadblocks in the way of an economic recovery.\n\nIf and when it comes to the House floor in the coming weeks, I will vote no and strongly encourage my colleagues to do the same.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-named-vice-chair-of-bipartisan-congressional-transparency-caucus", "Comer Named Vice-Chair of Bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) joined the bipartisan Congressional Transparency Caucus as a Vice-Chair and will aid Caucus Chair Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Co-Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) in their efforts. The American people have the right to access their government\u2019s information and the Caucus will help raise awareness about policy efforts in the 117th Congress to pursue open government, improve public access to federal laws and regulations, and provide spending transparency and budget accountability.\n\nRanking Member Comer joined the Caucus\u2019 first briefing in the 117th Congress by emphasizing the importance of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee\u2019s (PRAC) work. He highlighted PRAC\u2019s critical mission in helping root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s unprecedented pandemic relief spending programs. He noted the duty Congress has to taxpayers to make sure pandemic relief is being spent properly and administered effectively. In addition, Ranking Member Comer spoke in favor of commonsense legislation which would provide Congress the tools to identify and fix duplicative, fragmented, and inefficient federal programs and better transparency over federal budgeting and agency reports. He concluded by stating the importance of remaining diligently focused on proper oversight of legislation already enacted into law.\n\nBelow are his remarks as prepared:\n\nThank you for holding this important briefing today to discuss the importance of transparency in government and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee\u2019s work to oversee the massive government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nThe PRAC has a vital mission to help root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s unprecedented pandemic relief spending programs.\n\nThe Congressional Transparency Caucus has done great work bringing attention to the need for greater transparency in government programs and working on legislation that enables better oversight.\n\nThat is why I\u2019m pleased to join Carolyn Maloney as the Vice-Chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus.\n\nTogether, Congressman Tim Walberg, Mike Quigley, and I have supported vital governance principles such as open government, making federal laws and regulations more accessible, ensuring clear performance standards for federal agencies, and empowering the public\u2019s ability to track federal spending and understand the federal budget.\n\nCaucus Chair Mike Quigley and I worked together on the Congressional Budget Justification Act and the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act.\n\nThe Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act, which I am pleased to say has finally been signed into law, is a long overdue reform to ensure Congress and the public can understand the full scope of the President\u2019s annual federal budget request.\n\nIn July, the House also passed the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act.\n\nThis bill will make all Congressionally mandated agency reports easily accessible to the public and every member of Congress.\n\nLast year, Tim Walberg and I helped enact the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act.\n\nThat legislation will help Congress and the public gain insight into the government\u2019s organizational structure and provide a comparable list of all federal agency programs.\n\nSuch commonsense legislation will give us the tools to identify and fix duplicative, fragmented, and inefficient federal programs.\n\nThese transparency initiatives are good government solutions that will help Congress conduct better oversight and the American people better understand what is going on with their government.\n\nHowever, Congress must also remain diligently focused on proper oversight of the laws we have already passed.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m looking forward to hearing from today\u2019s panel of experts.\n\nThis will be an important discussion of the ongoing work across the federal government to investigate the waste, fraud, and abuse that we know exists in the agency\u2019s pandemic relief response programs.\n\nSince March 2020, Congress has appropriated more than $5 trillion in pandemic relief funding, including $500 billion for the U.S. Treasury\u2019s Coronavirus Relief Fund and Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.\n\nThis unparalleled amount of money and the expedited timetable for distributing funds, makes this spending particularly vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nWe have a duty to taxpayers to make sure pandemic relief is being spent properly and administered effectively.\n\nI am pleased that the Congressional Transparency Caucus has taken up this topic as its first briefing in the 117th Congress.\n\nThank you for your participation today.\n\nI hope the insights will help inform the work of standing Committees like the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, on which many of the Transparency Caucus\u2019s members also serve.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3FF39B6C-6801-4B83-89DB-A1E99E28E07D", "Congressman Barr on the Passing of Clark County Judge Executive Chris Pace", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Lexington, KY\u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after the passing of Clark County Judge Executive Chris Pace:\n\n\u201cI join all of Clark County in mourning the passing of Judge Executive Chris Pace. Chris embodied what it meant to be a dedicated public servant and leader in our community. I was proud to call him a personal friend.\n\n\u201cAbove all, Chris was a devoted husband and father to three young children. I am praying for Chris\u2019s wife Shannon, his mother Betty, and his three children, Jack, Roman and Maria. Chris leaves an extraordinary legacy that his family, friends and neighbors should be forever proud of. May he rest in peace and may God Bless the great community he loved and was so committed to.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=387AD04A-D0BF-4634-B91E-DEA78900175B", "Congressional Gold Medal Posthumously Awarded to an Eastern Ky WWII Hero", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "INEZ, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) secured the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the family of the late Col. Martin Himler from Martin County, who served the U.S. military during World War II as a colonel in the Office of Strategical Services (OSS), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Congressional Gold Medal was commissioned for members of the OSS in recognition of their valiant efforts to bring Hungarian Nazi war criminals to justice during World War II.\n\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.\n\n\"I was deeply honored to assist the Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society, the OSS Society, and the Himler family with obtaining the Congressional Gold Medal to commemorate Col. Himler's brave service to this nation,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"His life was extraordinary. After migrating to the United States from Hungary, opening a coal mine, and starting a newspaper, he joined the military at age 55 after the attack on Pearl Harbor to serve the nation he loved. Thanks to his brave efforts, justice was secured for some of the world's most notorious, barbaric Nazi war criminals of his time.\"\n\nAlthough he was instructed to arrest 15 Hungarian Nazi war criminals, Col. Himler requested the investigation be expanded to 300 Nazi soldiers, to ensure the guilty would be held accountable for their terrible crimes against humanity.\n\nAdam Rice, Field Representative for Congressman Rogers, presented the medal to Sanford Hertz, a great, great nephew of Col. Himler.\n\n\"Many of the artifacts of Martin's final home were passed on to our family. There are some, especially paintings from the Hungarian arts from the first half of the 20th Century, which we would like to donate to the Himler House when you restore it. These are authentic early paintings from Martin Himler,\" said Jim Hamos, a great, great nephew of Col. Himler. \"Our family is honored with this tribute to our uncle.\"\n\nEach medal is unique to its recipients, emblazoned with details that commemorate their service and achievements. The Congressional Gold Medal for the OSS shows three OSS operatives on one side: a woman, a man and a person in a parachute. On the other side, it lists code words and ID numbers for the OSS and related intelligence agents and operations, and shows a spearhead, the unofficial insignia of the OSS.\n\n\"Events such as today are important to remind all of us that Col. Himler and his OSS colleagues deserve our eternal gratitude for helping save the whole world from tyranny,\" said Mr. Charles Pinck, President of the OSS Society. \"The legacy of the OSS and Martin Himler continue to guide and inspire those who serve at the top of the spear today as our nation's first line of defense. The spearhead points the way forward.\n\n\"His history is remarkable. His hatred of Naziism and discrimination continued throughout his lifetime,\" said John Rosenberg, Holocaust survivor and founder of the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc. (AppalRed). \"He fought for Holocaust survivors and he would work his entire life to overcome that history.\"\n\nPrior to his military service, Himler founded a unique coal mining town in 1919 in Himlerville, now known as Beauty, Kentucky. It was home to the Himler Coal Company, the first cooperative coal company owned and operated by Hungarian coal miners. He also established a newspaper to report news from America and Hungary, in an effort to keep coal miners informed of important news in both countries.\n\nThe Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society is working to restore the historic Himler House in Martin County. Learn more about his legacy at https://himlerhouse.org.\n\nAdam Rice, Field Rep. for Congressman Rogers, presents the Congressional Gold Medal to the Himler family", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F939184F-CCF3-4C42-AA52-32869C6191DE", "Congressman Barr: Democrats Own Debt Crisis", "2021-10-12", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after voting against giving House Democrats a blank check to bankrupt America:\n\n\u201cSince the 117th Congress began, House Democrats have governed in a totally partisan fashion. Less than one month after the President took office, claiming he wanted to unify the country, and on the heels of five bipartisan COVID-19 packages in 2020, Congressional Democrats rammed through a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill on a party-line vote. Democrats called this bill a \u201cCOVID-19 relief bill,\u201d but less than 10% of the funding in the massive package went toward public health measures. House Democrats\u2019 payoff to progressives created historic inflation numbers that are crushing the middle-class and a debt crisis we confront today.\n\n\u201cSimply put, Democrats own this debt crisis. I voted to raise the debt ceiling in 2019 on a bipartisan basis and that debt ceiling increase covered expenses incurred by the Trump Administration through January 20, 2021. However, I will not give Congressional Democrats a blank check to bankrupt America by doubling down on their failed tax, borrow and spend policies and impose a $2.1 trillion tax increase on American job creators and families during a pandemic.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-cuellar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expanding-home-recovery-for-medicare-patients", "Comer, Cuellar Introduce Bipartisan Bill Expanding Home Recovery for Medicare Patients", "2021-10-11", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman James Comer (KY-1) and Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas have introduced legislation to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens recovering from hospitalization.\n\nThe Choose Home Care Act expands opportunities for qualifying Medicare beneficiaries recovering from hospitalization to receive post-hospital care in their own homes. When utilized, home health providers can excel at providing high-quality health care to patients in the comfort of their own homes.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Congressman Cuellar in introducing bipartisan legislation to provide Medicare beneficiaries with more options to receive post-hospitalization care in the place most comforting to them - their own homes,\u201d Congressman Comer said. \u201cMedicare\u2019s existing home health benefit doesn\u2019t always offer the services necessary to ensure the best care for patients, which is what our bill seeks to change. Our proposal is safe, cost-effective, and will enhance the quality of life of senior citizens who would rather receive care in a familiar home setting.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would significantly expand the existing Medicare home health benefit, allowing qualifying beneficiaries choice of care setting and ultimately enabling more beneficiaries to return directly to their homes after release from the hospital. To enable a safe transition from hospital to home, the expanded home care service would provide up to 24-hour care and medical supervision for as much as 360 hours over a 30-day episode.\n\n\u201cSeniors deserve the best health care possible. After hospitalization, people are often most comfortable in their homes,\" said Congressman Cuellar. \u201cMedicare needs to allow individuals the freedom to make the healthcare decisions best for them, including recovery in their homes. With just 27 nursing homes in my district, allowing my constituents the option of home care keeps them closer to loved ones and safer from infectious diseases. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to support legislation that improves the healthcare and quality of life of my constituents. I thank Representative Comer for working with me on this important bill.\u201d\n\nThe legislation was recently introduced in the House with 14 bipartisan co-sponsors. A similar Senate bill has likewise been introduced with support from Democrats and Republicans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B48B3AEC-834F-4CCD-9783-699F009F8F87", "Rep. Barr Leads Letter to SEC Chair Gensler Rebuking SEC Plans for Climate Risk Disclosure Standards", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Three senior members of the House Financial Services Committee are setting the battle lines for the coming fight on the SEC\u2019s authority on climate regulations\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), U.S. Representative French Hill (R-AR) and U.S. Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI) penned a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler pushing back on the SEC plans to develop climate risk disclosure standards for public and private companies. Barr, Hill and Huizenga are pushing for an explanation from the SEC regarding their recent public Request for Comment (RFI) on climate disclosures targeting private companies that are not under the jurisdiction of the SEC. Politico first broke the news of this letter in their Morning Money newsletter.\n\nAmong other things, the RFI asks respondents whether the SEC, which is charged with regulating the market for public securities, should address climate risk disclosures by private companies.\n\nThe joint letter rejects the jurisdiction of the SEC in creating and implementing policies that affect private, non-market companies. \u201cWe are unaware of any commenters who provided citations to statutory authority for such an unprecedented move. We believe the reason for this omission is simple: the SEC lacks any such authority. Lest there be any doubt, we wish to emphasize that the SEC has no authority to impose public disclosure obligations\u2014regarding climate or otherwise\u2014 on private businesses that have not accessed the public capital markets,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nReps Barr, Hill, and Huizenga further asserted that, \u201cwe likewise believe the SEC should devote its limited resources to other pursuits that are more likely to benefit Main Street investors. We see no good public policy reason to increase the cost of capital to small businesses and saddle them with additional compliance costs while providing no discernable benefit to investors or the capital markets more broadly\u2026 Rather than wade into social and environmental policy, the SEC should be focused on what benefits investors\u2014the fair and orderly allocation of capital, and the efficient operation of our capital markets.\u201d\n\nRep. Barr has been a vocal opponent against using government regulation to achieve climate goals. In December, Rep. Barr led a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signed by over 40 of his colleagues cautioning the Fed not to inject climate change scenarios into supervisory stress tests on lenders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-oversight-republicans-renew-demand-for-answers-on-rampant-improper-welfare-payments", "Comer, Oversight Republicans Renew Demand for Answers on Rampant Improper Welfare Payments", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans wrote a follow-up letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure renewing their demand for answers regarding the massive number of improper payments made by the Medicaid program. CMS's failure to respond to the request for documents and subsequent requests for updates shows an apparent attempt to subvert congressional oversight.\n\n\u201cImproper payments in the Medicaid program are an important issue for taxpayers. CMS\u2019 own numbers show that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, Medicaid made $57.36 billion in improper payments representing 32.8 percent of all improper payments across the federal government. According to CMS, in FY 2020, improper payments rose to $86.9 billion, meaning more than 1 out of every 5 Medicaid payments were improper. It is critical that we understand where and why these improper payments are occurring,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nOn August 17, Oversight Republicans initially wrote to CMS requesting state specific Medicaid improper payment information from 2015 to 2020. This information should be provided as soon as possible so that proper oversight may be conducted over the waste occuring in the Medicaid program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4F071B10-E81B-42D5-8ACE-4A92D2B8E408", "U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Visits Estill County Area Technology Center", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Irvine, KY\u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) visited the Estill County Area Technology Center. This was Congressman Barr\u2019s first visit to the facility after its recent completion. The new, state-of-the-art job training facility in Estill County will equip hundreds of Kentuckians with the skills to thrive in the 21st Century economy. Congressman Barr supported the Estill County Board of Education\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application with the U.S. Department of Commerce. This request was approved in 2019 and provided a $4 million grant to support the project.\n\n\u201cThe Estill County Area Technology Center will empower Kentuckians with skills for jobs in advanced manufacturing, diesel mechanics and health science, information technology and engineering (STEM), in addition to many other industries,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThis project has been a top priority of mine and I am thrilled that it is finally complete and prepared to make a big difference in Estill County.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe were excited that Congressman Barr came to visit the new Estill County Area Technology Center today,\u201d said Jeff Saylor, Superintendent of Estill County Board of Education. \u201cAndy and his office were instrumental in our application process and receipt of the $4 Million EDA Grant awarded for construction of this facility. We are thankful for his friendship and enjoyed hosting him for a fantastic afternoon.\u201d\n\nThe Estill County Area Technology Center is being built in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. Congressman Barr voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The TCJA created federal Opportunity Zones, enhancing the Estill County Board of Education\u2019s grant request with the Department of Commerce and allowing them to request a higher investment in their grant application.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7BBD0D82-EF36-4C48-89B1-BA9098245ADF", "Congressman Barr Delivers Posthumous Military Medals to Brother of World War II Veteran Killed in Action", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Editor\u2019s Note: U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), pictured right, with Retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald C. Hardy during the presentation of posthumous military medals for Colonel Hardy\u2019s brother, U.S. Army Private Gordon Lee Harvey.\n\nIrvine, KY\u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) presented a posthumous Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other military medals for U.S. Army Private Gordon Lee Hardy to his brother, Retired U.S. Army Colonel Donald C. Hardy. Private Hardy was killed in action on April 18, 1945, near Leipzig, Germany. Less than three weeks later, on May 7, 1945, the German Nazis surrendered, ending World War II in the European Theatre. Private Hardy was fighting with the Army\u2019s 271st Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division at the time of his death.\n\n\u201cOver seven decades later, I am honored to finally deliver long overdue recognition for Private Hardy\u2019s extraordinary service that his family deserves,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cPrivate Hardy was part of our greatest generation and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that all generations that came after him would have their freedoms and way of life preserved. His story is an inspiration and no matter how many decades pass, his legacy and impact will never be forgotten.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter seventy-six years, our family is honored to receive these medals on behalf of the courageous sacrifice made by Gordon Lee. It was through his service and sacrifice, and that of all other veterans, that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,\u201d said William Hardy, nephew of Private Hardy who first contacted Congressman Barr\u2019s Office on the Hardy family\u2019s behalf. \u201cThis ensures his legacy will not be forgotten and honors all those who served. We appreciate Congressman Barr, and his office, for their efforts and due diligence in making this happen.\u201d\n\nA full list of the Medals & Decorations being posthumously awarded to Private Hardy are below:\n\nBronze Star Medal\n\nPurple Heart Medal\n\nCombat Infantryman Badge\n\nEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star\n\nArmy Good Conduct Medal\n\nWWII Victory Medal\n\nHonorable Service Lapel Pin\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EB37B0F2-F54F-4C0C-9BE5-82C7DAF2C422", "Barr, House Foreign Affairs Republicans Push Administration for Answers on Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal", "2021-10-06", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Ranking Member of HFAC, along with 38 other House Republicans introduced a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) on the Biden Administration\u2019s Afghanistan withdrawal.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s precipitous, disorganized and disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has jeopardized everything Americans fought and died for in that country. This catastrophic foreign policy blunder erased two decades of progress countering radical jihadists who remain an imminent threat to our homeland,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cI previously called for the resignation of the entire Biden National Security Team following their mismanagement of our Afghanistan exit strategy and demand accountability from senior leaders in the Administration who are responsible for this failed withdrawal.\u201d\n\nRead the ROI here and check out Fox News\u2019 coverage of HFAC Republicans\u2019 call for accountability here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=983E1D67-6BB7-49EF-B898-4657088FA1CB", "Rep. Barr Hosts Top Republican on Agriculture Committee in Sixth District", "2021-10-05", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Lexington, KY\u2013 Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) hosted the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15), in the Sixth District on Monday and Tuesday for meetings with Kentucky\u2019s agricultural community. On Monday, Congressman Barr and Congressman Thompson toured the University of Kentucky\u2019s College of Agriculture and along with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, held roundtables with Kentucky cattleman and the Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barr and Thompson also met with bourbon distillers and participated at an event on Tuesday at Keeneland, where they discussed ongoing legislative efforts impacting Kentucky\u2019s signature equine industry.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Congressman Thompson for visiting with farmers and leaders in the agriculture industry here in the Sixth District. Farming is the backbone of the Commonwealth\u2019s economy and as Congress approaches the beginning of the next Farm Bill, I am pleased the voices of Sixth District farmers are being heard by the Republican Leader on the Agriculture Committee,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\n\n\u201cAs Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I have the pleasure of traveling around the country to hear directly from our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and cattlemen,\u201d said Congressman Thompson. \u201cMy job is made easier by surrounding myself with great agriculture advocates like Congressman Barr. I\u2019m grateful for his commitment to rural America and for the invitation to join him in Kentucky this week.\u201d\n\n\"Congressman Andy Barr understands the importance of our agricultural industry to the 6th Congressional District,\" said Commissioner Quarles. \"I sincerely appreciate his dedication to our farm families and for bringing Ranking Member GT Thompson to Kentucky to discuss a variety of issues affecting them, including supply chain and processing problems. Hosting the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee makes it clear that Congressman Barr and Kentucky's agricultural producers have a seat at the table when it comes to policy-making in Washington, D.C.\"\n\n\u201cHaving a strong voice in national agriculture policy is vital to the success of our farm families across this state and throughout the country. We are thankful for the leadership from Congressman Thompson when it comes to standing up for our industry and for visiting Kentucky to meet with our farmers to discuss issues they are facing,\u201d said Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. \u201cI would also like to thank Congressman Barr for his commitment to agriculture and for hosting Congressman Thompson for these very important discussions.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-republicans-express-concerns-over-d-c-mayor-s-failure-to-address-surging-violent-crime", "Comer, Republicans Express Concerns over D.C. Mayor's Failure to Address Surging Violent Crime", "2021-10-01", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans sent a letter to the mayor of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, seeking an explanation on the plummeting funding levels for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) amidst a substantial increase in homelessness and violent crime plaguing the nation\u2019s capital.\n\n\u201cAs homelessness and violent crime have increased at an unchecked rate throughout the city, your administration seems to have given up trying to prevent the District from falling into a state of chaos. The message coming from your office regarding the future role of, and funding for, the city\u2019s police is contributing to the decline\u2026 In May, a mother and her five-year-old daughter were both shot walking home from the park by someone riding a scooter. By ignoring this growing issue, your administration is contributing to these people\u2019s suffering, not alleviating it,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nIn Washington, D.C., chronic homelessness has increased 20% in the last year and homicides are set to break the 16-year high of 2020. Recently, the mayor\u2019s office signaled its intent to decrease funding for the MPD\u2019s budget, limiting its resources and ability to hire new recruits. The current budget only permits the MPD to hire 170 new officers, down from a normal 280. The decision has led to the smallest police force in the nation\u2019s capital in more than two decades.\n\n\u201cThe emergence of vast homeless communities\u2014where drug use and violence often go unchecked \u2014will only exacerbate and add to the crime in the city\u2026 Further, the District is compounding the crime and homelessness issues with mixed messages coming from the D.C. government and the groups influencing it,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nAs the Committee of jurisdiction for all matters involving the District of Columbia, the Republican lawmakers are seeking to understand the deteriorating situation and are requesting a briefing regarding the status of MPD funding.\n\nRead the full letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/10/comer-seeks-answers-on-fbi-s-handling-of-widespread-ransomware-attack", "Comer Seeks Answers on FBI's Handling of Widespread Ransomware Attack", "2021-10-01", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (September 29, 2021)\u2014 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray requesting a briefing on the FBI\u2019s three-week delay in aiding hundreds of businesses and institutions that were successfully targeted by a major ransomware attack this past summer. Cyber-attacks, including ransomware attacks, have become more severe and the lawmakers are requesting information to understand the rationale behind the FBI\u2019s decision to withhold critical assistance as the FBI sought to disrupt the attack.\n\n\u201cEarlier this summer, a Florida-based software company was the victim of a ransomware attack that compromised between 800 and 1,500 businesses around the world. Although the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly obtained a digital decryptor key that could have unlocked affected systems, it withheld this tool for nearly three weeks as it worked to disrupt the attack, potentially costing the ransomware victims\u2014including schools and hospitals\u2014millions of dollars,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cThe growing threat of ransomware attacks requires our federal government agencies\u2014especially the FBI\u2014to respond quickly and effectively to prevent or minimize the damage from these attacks. Public reporting raises questions about the FBI\u2019s response to this summer\u2019s ransomware attack. The FBI has stated that it withheld the ransomware key it had previously acquired so the Bureau could engage in an operation to disrupt the Russian-based hackers without tipping them off. During this delay, many businesses, schools, and hospitals suffered lost time and money, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis. \u2026 Ransomware hackers have shown their willingness and ability to inflict damage on various sectors of the U.S. economy. Congress must be fully informed whether the FBI\u2019s strategy and actions are adequately and appropriately addressing this damaging trend,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nTo understand the FBI\u2019s decision, the lawmakers are requesting a briefing from the FBI on its legal and policy rationale for withholding the ransomware key, as well as the FBI\u2019s overall strategy for addressing, investigating, preventing, and defeating ransomware attacks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1B00DEFF-5E68-4D1B-AD23-5003C03A526F", "Rogers, McConnell Announce $590,000 Grant for Elkhorn City Project", "2021-10-01", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $590,208 to Elkhorn City for improvements to its sewer collection system in Pike County. The sewer improvements will help prevent sewer overflows benefiting 531 households and 62 businesses along the Russell Fork watershed.\n\n\"This is great news for families and businesses in Elkhorn City, where costly repairs are desperately needed for the local sewer system. Elkhorn City, like many of our rural mountain communities, relies on a system that was built 60 years ago. Patches and repairs have been made to make the system last over the years, but this investment will ensure that the system is secure for years to come,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"Senator McConnell and I have worked together for years to protect federal funding for the ARC to ensure basic necessities, like water and sewer, are protected in every community.\"\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been proud to work alongside my friend Congressman Rogers to bring high-quality water treatment and sewage systems to Kentucky\u2019s Appalachian communities. Through a program I established within the Appalachian Regional Commission, the federal government has directed funding for life-changing improvements across the Commonwealth,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cI am thrilled Elkhorn City residents will soon have access to a clean, updated sewage system through this ARC grant program.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the ARC funds from the Central Appalachian Distressed County Infrastructure program, state sources will provide $735,617, bringing the total project funding to $1,325,825.\n\nThe improvements include the replacement or repair of 1,720 linear feet of sewer line, rebuilding 3 sewer lift stations, and repairing 6 damaged manholes.\n\n\"This is great news for Elkhorn City. The money will go to refurbishing our pump stations and repairing lines. A big thank you to Congressman Rogers and Sen. McConnell for their support,\" said Mike Taylor, Mayor of Elkhorn City.\n\nElkhorn City will also develop a corrective action plan to reduce inflow and infiltration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-requests-briefing-on-charges-against-lt-col-stuart-scheller", "Comer Requests Briefing on Charges Against Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Ranking Member Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting information about the court martial of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller Jr., a Marine who spoke out against the Biden Administration\u2019s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Republican lawmakers are concerned the charges brought against the Lt. Col. may be politically motivated and a possible attempt to silence future whistleblowers from criticizing the Biden Administration\u2019s actions abroad.\n\n\u201cIn the wake of a terrorist attack on U.S. forces and Afghan nationals that killed 13 service members, Lt. Col. Scheller posted a public video on a social media website expressing criticism of senior officials handling the withdrawal from Afghanistan and demanding they be held to account. His superior officers subsequently relieved him of his command. On Monday, September 27, 2021, Lt. Col. Scheller was then incarcerated and placed in pretrial confinement at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. Although he has apparently not yet been charged in a formal court martial, he stands accused of contempt toward officials, disobeying a superior officer, failing to obey lawful orders, and conduct unbecoming of an officer. It appears that these charges would also relate to his criticism of senior military officials for their actions in connection with the withdrawal from Afghanistan,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cBecause he criticized the Biden Administration and senior Department of Defense leadership, the charges levied against the Lt. Col. appear politically motivated. Further, Lt. Col. Scheller is the only soldier or official within the entire Executive Branch who has faced any consequences whatsoever related to how the Biden Administration withdrew from Afghanistan. Not only is the lack accountability for the deadly consequences from the Afghanistan pullout unacceptable, but we are also concerned the charges against Lt. Col. Scheller are a very public attempt to silence potential future whistleblowers and preempt criticism more broadly across the Department of Defense,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nIn order to facilitate oversight over the military\u2019s decision to relieve Lt. Col. Scheller of his command and incarcerate him, the lawmakers are requesting an immediate briefing on his incarceration, the underlying investigation against him, and what, if anything, the Department of Defense is doing to ensure that it is not unfairly or unlawfully retaliating against whistleblowers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1D62FBD8-D70A-4248-8725-C2112A3A87E2", "McConnell and Rogers Announce $500,000 for Water Improvements in Lincoln County", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) announced today the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will award $500,000 to the McKinney Water District in Lincoln County. This grant will provide funding for the installation of 65,475 linear feet of waterline and a new 300,000-gallon water storage tank.\n\nThe federal funds come from an Appalachian Regional Commission infrastructure program established by Senator McConnell to devote resources to distressed counties throughout Central Appalachia. These communities have received over $60 million from this ARC fund.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in the Senate, I\u2019ve been proud to work alongside my friend Congressman Rogers to help provide Kentuckians with the clean and accessible water services they deserve. With today\u2019s grant announcement, we are taking an important stride toward that goal,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cThe additional water infrastructure funds provided by ARC have been instrumental in our efforts to help develop Kentucky\u2019s Appalachian communities. I look forward to continuing to work within Congress to provide the resources needed to enhance Kentucky\u2019s water services for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is great news for families and businesses in Lincoln County, where improvements to the water system are urgently needed. Lincoln County has essentially outgrown its water lines and this grant will go a long way to expand and update the system to ensure that clean water is accessible for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Hal Rogers. \u201cThis project is one of the many reasons why Senator McConnell and I continue to work together to secure and protect ARC funding year after year \u2013 it is vital for our rural communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am thankful to the ARC for this grant, which will allow over 2,200 households to have quality water and a much-needed increase in water pressure,\u201d said Jim Adams, Lincoln County Judge Executive. \u201cWe appreciate our federal leaders for supporting this project, which will make a significant impact in Lincoln County.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A25B69C1-B53C-4001-9365-E92E94F3F00E", "Congressman Rogers Votes for National Defense Legislation", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which passed the House on Thursday with a Republican amendment that boosted funding by nearly $25 billion. This important legislation restores critical support for the U.S. Armed Forces and approves a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers.\n\n\"This legislation is a bright spot in what has been an otherwise dismal week of overspending and misguided priorities for our country. The U.S. has been historically known for world-class military operations, but after the embarassing debacle in Afghanistan, we must double down on national defense operations, accountability and support for our military heroes,\" said Congressman Rogers, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. \"We cannot afford to underfund our military or our national defense with new threats emerging around the world. The American people are still waiting for answers about the failed withdrawal in Afghanistan, and a military plan that will restore confidence in all defense operations moving forward. The NDAA is a great example of what this Congress can accomplish when we work together, and it's a major step in the right direction for our servicemembers around the world.\"\n\nThe legislation also works to address our nation's southern border crisis, where apprehensions remain at a 21-year high. It also provides for next steps in Afghanistan counter-terrorism operations and focuses on Russian and Chinese aggression.\n\nFACTS ABOUT THE NDAA:\n\nIt reverses President Biden\u2019s reckless cuts to our national security and fully funds combatant commander priorities.\n\nIt authorizes a 2.7% pay increase for our men and women in uniform.\n\nIt preserves servicemembers\u2019 free speech by protecting them from punishment for political statements on social media accounts and prohibits dishonorable discharge for troops who refuse a COVID-19 vaccination.\n\nIt increases parental leave for servicemembers, expands the in-home childcare pilot program, and improves support available to military families with special needs children.\n\nPuts the Navy back on track to building a 355 ship fleet and authorizes over $1.3 billion in new aircraft, equipment, and weapon systems for the National Guard and Reserve.\n\nDeclares the record number of illegal crossings on our southwest border a national security crisis, and directs additional National Guard resources toward border security.\n\nIt authorizes $250 million to conduct counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, including requiring the Department of Defense to submit a plan to Congress on how it will support the evacuation of American citizens, maintain air superiority, and conduct intelligence and surveillance missions.\n\nThe FY22 NDAA is also focused on countering Russian aggression and the Chinese Communist Party, establishing supply chain independence and security, countering Chinese malign influence, supporting Taiwan, discovering the origins of COVID-19, and stopping human rights violations.\n\nThe legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E2017F7F-06E4-4F1B-902B-804D55EC10A4", "Congressman Rogers Votes Against Abortion on Demand Bill", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) voted against House Democrats' pro-abortion agenda disguised as the \"Women's Health Protection Act.\" The legislation, better known as the \"Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act\" radically paves the way for every state to perform late-term abortions until birth for any reason with no accountiability or protections for women. It removes nearly all pro-life protections for the unborn at both the state and federal levels.\n\n\"Not only does this heartless piece of legislation allow abortions in every state until birth, but it would also allow abortions based on the baby's sex or whether the baby has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome,\" said Congressman Rogers, a staunch pro-life leader. \"This legislation overpowers our states and callously removes the sanctity of life. Every life should be protected and valued, not violently discarded.\"\n\nThe legislation abolishes pro-life informed consent laws, parental involvment in a minor's abortion, and laws preventing dismemberment abortions. It also allows abortions when a baby can feel pain and when a heartbeat can be detected.\n\nHouse Democrats passed the legislation with a majority party-line vote of 218 to 211 and it now moves on to the Senate for consideration.\n\nHouse Democrats have also advanced legislation allowing tax-payer dollars to be used for abortions in the United States and in other countries.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E4BBE972-77E5-4FA1-846C-A39009042E91", "Reps Barr, Hill and Gonzalez Request IMF Investigation", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Three members of the House Financial Services Committee, U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Representative French Hill (AR-02), and U.S. Representative Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to review and report to Congress about the findings by the law firm WilmerHale, which concluded that current International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva pressured staff to manipulate the 2018 Doing Business Report to favor China while she was the Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank.\n\nRep. Barr, Rep. Hill, and Rep. Gonzalez said: \u201cIf the findings contained in the report by WilmerHale are substantiated, the IMF Board should reassess her position leading the Fund.\u201d\n\nIn their letter to Secretary Yellen, they outlined concerns with how the Chinese Communist Party, in pursuing its self-interest, undermines and infiltrates multilateral institutions such as the Fund, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations, stating: \u201cChina feels entitled to a greater say in how these international organizations operate; its lack of commitment to multilateral values demonstrates why it must not be allowed to.\u201d\n\nThe letter calls on Secretary Yellen to report to Congress within 30 days on the following:\n\nRecommendations to ensure strict and transparent data integrity in reports by the IMF and the World Bank, including appropriate firewalls to prevent data from being influenced by their respective leadership and member countries;\n\nDirector Georgieva\u2019s interactions with Chinese representatives at the Fund during her deliberations and decision-making process leading up to the August 2, 2021 announcement by the IMF Board of Governors to approve a $650 billion general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which included an estimated $42 billion to the People\u2019s Republic of China; and\n\nAdvocacy by China with respect to potential shareholding changes at the conclusion of the IMF governance review, and an assessment of any inappropriate actions taken by Ms. Georgieva as a result of such advocacy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-hunter-biden-s-artwork-is-another-attempt-to-profit-off-his-father-s-position-in-government", "Comer: Hunter Biden\u2019s Artwork is Another Attempt to Profit Off His Father\u2019s Position in Government", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) wrote to Georges Berg\u00e8s, owner of the Georges Berg\u00e8s Gallery, reiterating his request for all documents and communications related to the exorbitant prices the gallery set for selling Hunter Biden\u2019s art. Mr. Biden\u2019s prior questionable dealings raise serious concerns given the history of foreign governments using high value art to evade U.S. sanctions, the extravagant prices for which Mr. Biden\u2014a new, untrained, celebrity artist\u2014is selling his art, and the Biden family\u2019s history of using proximity to political power for self-gain.\n\n\u201cFor years, Mr. Biden has attempted to profit off his father\u2019s position in government, and the art deals are merely the latest iteration of these efforts. The investigation into Mr. Biden\u2019s business ventures, and those who have aided him in his dubious endeavors, has been ongoing for over two years, and, if necessary, will continue into the next Congress,\u201d wrote Ranking Member Comer.\n\nOn September 7, 2021, Ranking Member Comer sent an initial request seeking all information related to Mr. Biden\u2019s artwork. The art gallery has not responded.\n\n\u201cThe documents requested from you will inform and are pertinent to our oversight of any attempts to seek improper influence with the Biden Administration by anonymous benefactors, and understanding the process you are purportedly undertaking to shield the Administration from any influence by those procuring Mr. Biden\u2019s art. Additionally, your documents and information could inform legislation related to ethics regulations,\u201d concluded Ranking Member Comer.\n\nRanking Member Comer has requested all documents and communications between the gallery and Mr. Biden; all communications and documents between the gallery and the White House, including the ethics guidelines; all price setting documents and communications surrounding Mr. Biden\u2019s art; all documents showing who purchased Mr. Biden\u2019s art; and all documents showing who attended the opening of Mr. Biden\u2019s art shows. In the most recent letter, Ranking Member Comer also requests a briefing from Mr. Berg\u00e8s on this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=407462E4-D698-4CF1-BBA3-7DBD3228ECB4", "Rep. Barr Introduces Sanctions Bill Targeting CCP Military or Surveillance Companies", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanction Act of 2021 protects U.S. national security and limits western capital from fueling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military and surveillance companies.\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), unveiled legislation to target sanctions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military or surveillance companies. Rep. Barr, a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees, crafted the bill as part of a broader effort by Republicans on the Financial Services Committee to combat the rise of the CCP.\n\nRep. Barr\u2019s proposal requires the President to sanction CCP military companies included on the U.S. Department of Defense\u2019s annual listing and other Chinese military and surveillance companies that pose a risk to U.S. national security. JulieGrace Brufke of the New York Post broke the news of this bill introduction in this report.\n\n\u201cMy legislation protects U.S. national security and the privacy of every American by imposing sanctions on companies clearly identified as Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military or surveillance companies,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cWithout question, these companies present real and imminent threats to national security, and my bill would limit their access to capital and investment.\n\n\u201cThis proposal combats these threats without trying to beat China by becoming China,\u201d Barr added. \u201cI am committed to preserving our free market, capitalist economic principles while confronting the national security challenges we face from the CCP.\u201d\n\nCongressman Barr serves as the lead Republican on the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy, with jurisdiction over sanctions. Congressman Barr previously authored the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, which passed with broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump in 2019. These sanctions represented the toughest sanctions on North Korea in a generation. Additionally, Congressman Barr had a key role in devising and passing the Nord Stream 2 sanctions that were waived by President Biden earlier this year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1AC41081-E5BA-4DF3-8CEA-DB82541B6750", "Washington Democrats Vote to Suspend the National Debt Limit & Cut $1 Billion from Israel's Iron Dome", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a controversial continuing resolution to fund the government through December 3, 2021, on a divided, party-line vote. Washington Democrats used the stop-gap funding bill to suspend the national debt ceiling and to remove $1 billion in federal support from Israel's air defense system, known as the Iron Dome. Congressman Rogers voted against the legislation.\n\n\"Washington Democrats have been on a non-stop spending spree since the beginning of the year with control of the House, the Senate and the White House. And now that the debt limit is at a record $28.4 trillion, they want the American people to come to their rescue by writing a blank check for the rest of the year, rather than working toward a fiscally responsible plan for the future,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"I strongly oppose this bill and this way of conducting business behind closed doors, refusing negotiations with Republicans who want to work through better ways to address our nation's debt crisis. They are effectively removing the voice of the American people with their exclusive politics.\"\n\nOn Tuesday morning, while simultaneously working to increase spending in the U.S., Democrat leaders announced their decision to block $1 billion from federal support for Israel's Iron Dome.\n\n\"A vote for this legislation is a devastating vote against Israel, one of our strongest allied nations. Rejecting U.S. funding for Israel, opens the door to new threats against Israel and innocent civilians,\" said Congressman Rogers, Kentucky's longest-serving Member of Congress and long-time supporter of Israel. \"This vote marks a dark day in our historic relationship with Israel. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in a bipartisan manner for generations, and we must not bow to the liberal exteremists who attempt to demonize our long-held sovereign partnership.\"\n\nThe legislation now moves to the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate for consideration before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0385CBA5-6E14-4AF4-AC12-65C8ED2F85A6", "Barr Opposes Reckless Spending and Debt Bill", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted against House Democrats\u2019 fiscally irresponsible \u201cgovernment funding and debt ceiling bill.\u201d\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) blasted House Democrats\u2019 for passing legislation that paves the way for their $3.5 trillion spending spree to bankrupt America and engineer a permanent socialist state. Following his vote, Congressman Barr released this statement:\n\n\u201cHouse Democrats are corrupting the budget process to pave the way for $3.5 trillion of massive new spending designed to impose a cradle-to-grave socialist state that will bury future generations with mountains of debt. I refuse to be part of this partisan betrayal of the American taxpayers and hard-working Kentuckians that I was elected to represent in Congress. I have voted in the past to raise the debt limit in a bipartisan fashion. However, after Democrats forced through a $1.9 trillion spending bill on a party line vote less than a year ago, I cannot vote to give them a blank checkbook to pursue trillions more in tax and spend policies.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, this government funding proposal strips $1 billion in funding for the Iron Dome, which protects Israel from missile strikes from terrorist groups like Hamas. After abandoning our Afghan partners and blindsiding our French allies, it appears House Democrats want to go for the trifecta and deliver a blow to another key American alliance. I fundamentally reject this, and I will fight to ensure that the United States always stands with Israel and the Jewish people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-biden-s-inconclusive-assessment-on-covid-19-origins-only-served-to-provide-more-conustion", "Comer: Biden's Inconclusive Assessment on COVID-19 Origins Only Served to Provide More Conustion", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines requesting all raw intelligence reports, meeting notes, and emails relied upon by the Intelligence Community (IC) when developing the recently released Assessment on COVID-19 Origins. The Biden Administration\u2019s 90-day study was woefully inconclusive and failed to provide Americans a thorough response on the origins of the virus.\n\n\u201cOn May 26, 2021, President Biden ordered the Intelligence Community to begin a 90-day study into the origin of the virus that caused the ongoing pandemic. The report, recently released on August 27, 2021, did not provide a conclusive assessment on the origin of the virus. Unfortunately, the Assessment on COVID-19 Origins only served to provide more confusion providing the American public with a vague, two-page unclassified summary,\u201d wrote Ranking Member Comer. \u201cThis is an unacceptable response that gives the American people little confidence our country is prepared for the next pandemic. Therefore, to assist the Committee with its oversight, we request all raw intelligence reports, meeting notes, and emails relied upon by the IC to develop the Assessment.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-hhs", "Comer: HHS  is Diverting Hundreds of Millions of Taxpayer Dollars From Their Intended Purpose", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans wrote to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra over reports indicating HHS diverted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars\u2014without authorization\u2014to cover services for those unlawfully crossing the U.S. Southern border. Once again, the country is reckoning with the consequences of President Biden\u2019s failure to secure the border and enforce deterrent-focused policies. His self-created border crisis is causing HHS to detract from its critical mission of combating COVID-19 and protecting public health.\n\n\u201cHHS is diverting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars from their intended purposes to cover the costs of housing unaccompanied migrant children during a crisis caused by the Biden Administration\u2019s policy decisions,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe are concerned that these budget transfers are negatively impacting other mission-critical functions of HHS and the overall effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic or respond to a future health crisis\u2026We are at a critical juncture in fighting the pandemic and it strains credibility that these huge transfers will have no impact on HHS mission critical functions or the Administration\u2019s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. This most recent round of budget transfers is only the latest in a months\u2019 long process of raiding critical funding streams to pay for the consequences of the Border Crisis.\u201d\n\nHHS has a statutory obligation under law to care for unaccompanied children placed in its custody from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In July alone, almost 19,000 unaccompanied children were encountered by the DHS and transferred to HHS custody. The ongoing surge of illegal border crossings remains historically high and is leaving HHS overburdened.\n\nTo assist Republicans in conducting important oversight over the border crisis\u2019s negative impact on HHS, the lawmakers are requesting all documents and communications related to the reprogramming of HHS funds to cover the costs of caring for unaccompanied children at the border.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-leads-effort-to-gather-information-from-faa-on-decision-to-ban-drones-covering-biden-s-border-crisis", "Comer Leads Effort to Gather Information From FAA on Decision to Ban Drones Covering Biden\u2019s Border Crisis", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Steve Dickson requesting information on the agency\u2019s decision to ban unmanned aerial drones covering the rapidly deteriorating situation in Del Rio, Texas. The Biden Administration\u2019s attempt to hide the conditions and consequences of the Border Crisis is concerning and their actions to censor the ability of U.S. media outlets to accurately report on the crisis is unacceptable.\n\n\u201cOver the last several days, media outlets have been reporting on more than 10,000 migrants who arrived and illegally crossed the border into Del Rio, Texas at one time, overwhelming U.S. personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and creating a humanitarian crisis as thousands of migrants sleep outdoors under a bridge waiting to be processed,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe Committee on Oversight and Reform Republicans write to request information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on recent actions taken to censor the ability of U.S. media outlets to accurately report on the crisis on the southern border. By preventing the use of unmanned drones to observe and report on rapidly deteriorating conditions in Del Rio, Texas, the Biden Administration is attempting to hide the conditions and consequences of the border crisis from the American people.\u201d\n\nFootage and images obtained and reported from unmanned aircraft prove the abrupt reversal of the Trump Administration\u2019s deterrent policies has led to a continued crisis. In fact, it is projected that nearly two million illegal aliens will cross the southern border this year, a record high and assault on the rule of law in the U.S. Although FAA granted clearance to at least one news organization to operate drones, the lawmakers are demanding that the FAA reverse its decision completely and once again permit aerial media surveillance to understand the consequences of the Biden Administration\u2019s decisions to not enforce the rule of law, or even pursue deterrence policies.\n\n\u201cConsidering the timing of the announcement, the specific geography targeted, the lack of justification given for the \u201cSpecial Security Reasons,\u201d and the specificity of the announcement targeting unmanned aircraft systems, we can only conclude that this action by the FAA was done to shield the Biden Administration from scrutiny over the consequences of its disastrous border policies and prevent the public from receiving more images of poor conditions on the border in Del Rio, Texas,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nTo better understand the FAA\u2019s decision to prevent media coverage of the Biden Border Crisis in Del Rio, Texas, Republicans are requesting an immediate briefing and all information related to the FAA\u2019s decision.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FDAA03AA-EFDD-4AF9-B619-38A9722C79EC", "Barr, McConnell, and Paul Announce More Than $450,000 to Support Blue Grass Army Depot Economic Resiliency Plan", "2021-09-17", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) announced today the Bluegrass Area Development District (ADD) will receive a $455,828 competitive federal grant from the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) to help the local community prepare for the end of the chemical weapons destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in 2023.\n\nThe chemical demilitarization mission employs nearly 1,450 highly skilled, highly-paid workers at BGAD and has contributed more than $1 billion in local payroll since 2006. By preparing for the eventual conclusion of BGAD\u2019s chemical weapons destruction mission, Bluegrass ADD\u2019s Resiliency Plan will provide crucial support for the housing, retail, and commercial industries which have benefitted from the employment and local contracting opportunities created by the site. Leader McConnell, Senator Paul, and Congressman Barr sent letters to the OLDCC advocating for this community\u2019s competitive federal grant application.\n\n\u201cThis grant award is an important step for Madison County to develop a roadmap for transitioning thousands of Kentuckians from employment at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) once the critical chemical demilitarization project is completed. I was happy to support and advocate for this grant through a letter of support to the Department of Defense,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThese Kentuckians are performing an essential public service to keep our communities safe and this grant ensures that there is a strong economic plan prepared for the region so that thousands of Kentucky families are not left behind after the important BGCAPP mission is complete.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile I am thrilled that the chemical weapons destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot is nearing completion, I know it is also important we help Madison County prepare for the eventual closure of the site. With today\u2019s grant announcement, I am confident local authorities will have the resources necessary to successfully handle the transition,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cFor many years, the Blue Grass Army Depot has provided thousands of well-paying jobs and supported Madison County\u2019s economy. Now, I look forward to those highly-trained employees contributing to Kentucky\u2019s economy through new industries and opportunities.\u201d\n\n\u201cSupporting economic development and job creation in Kentucky is one of my top priorities, and I\u2019m glad to work with local officials and our Congressional delegation to secure this opportunity and continue my work on behalf of all Kentuckians,\u201d said Senator Paul.\n\n\u201cMadison County has been the beneficiary of so many jobs, resources and programs for the past 30 years during the chemical weapon destruction project at the Bluegrass Army Depot. As the project nears completion, it is vital that we begin planning for life after CSEPP. While we are grateful for everything that this program has afforded Madison County the ability to do in the past, today\u2019s grant is about our future. It will assist us in preparing for that transition. It is an important step for Madison County to work alongside Senator McConnell, Senator Paul, Congressman Barr and the Bluegrass ADD to develop a plan to continue to support the economy and preparedness infrastructure after the program\u2019s completion. We want to make sure this program continues to leave a long-term, positive impact on our community,\u201d said Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor.\n\n\u201cThe Bluegrass ADD is very excited about this grant opportunity from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). We understand how much it means to Madison County, Richmond, Berea and the region. We appreciate Senator McConnell\u2019s long-term commitment to the Blue Grass Army Depot to ensure that not only are the chemical weapons safely disposed, but that the mission is also completed with minimal impact to the economy,\u201d said Bluegrass Area Development District Executive Director David Duttlinger.\n\n\"The OLDCC grant will help avoid a potentially severe economic downturn as the 1500 jobs disappear when the project ends. It provides us an opportunity to assess possibilities and plan for a stable economic future,\u201d said Kentucky Environmental Foundation Program Director Craig Williams.\n\n\u201cSince its outset, the Chemical Surety Material storage mission, and subsequent demilitarization operation, has been a joint venture between the DoD, other federal agencies, local civilian leadership at all levels, and the citizens of the Commonwealth trusting us to get it right. These BGADD funds are an important first step in the many required transitional activities that signify the end of one designated mission, the safe storage and successful demilitarization of all Chemical Surety Material, and the next potential opportunity for the people of Madison County. I\u2019m consistently impressed in the relationships and level of shared understanding this entire process fosters between all involved parties and remain confident in a safely and successfully executed transition plan moving forward,\u201d said Colonel Stephen Dorris, Commander of the Blue Grass Army Depot.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to the Blue Grass Area Development District for their work that resulted in this important grant award,\u201d said Michael S. Abaie, Program Executive Officer for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program. \u201cThis will assist Madison County and the surrounding region, which has supported the nation\u2019s defense by storing a category of weapons of mass destruction for more than half a century, toward achieving a sustainable economic transition.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=17DDA655-DC41-459A-921F-39540ACFB9C6", "Rogers, McConnell Applaud ARC POWER Grants Totaling $8 Million for Southern & Eastern Kentucky", "2021-09-17", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) applaud the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for investing $8 million for nine competitive projects impacting Kentucky's Appalachian region, an area hit hard in recent years by the war on coal and the subsequent downturn of the coal industry.\n\nFederal funding for the projects was made possible through ARC\u2019s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which targets federal resources to communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.\n\n\"These investments from the ARC are a silver lining in a dismal year, as Kentucky's Appalachian region battles the COVID pandemic and the impact that it continues to have in the heart of coal country. Our region desperately needs these investments that focus on challenges specific to our current and former coal-producing communities, especially broadband expansion, job creation and career development, boosting tourism efforts, helping individuals in recovery and much more,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"This is one of the many reasons why Senator McConnell and I have gone to bat for the ARC year after year, saving this commission from being abolished by several U.S. Presidents.\"\n\n\u201cI have been proud to work closely with Representative Hal Rogers and many Eastern Kentucky leaders to bring jobs, development, and new opportunities to the Commonwealth\u2019s Appalachian region. With today\u2019s competitive grant announcements, we are taking concrete steps to foster economic diversification in this area,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cAs Senate Republican Leader, I\u2019m able to help direct critical federal resources to Kentucky to spur growth, increase educational resources, and improve local infrastructure. These investments play a crucial role in helping our Appalachian communities succeed.\u201d\n\nSouthern and Eastern Kentucky awardees include:\n\nHarlan County Fiscal Court = $1,937,475 for rural broadband expansion. This project will deploy 40 miles of last-mile fiber network to an otherwise underserved 7,380 households and 282 businesses.\n\n\u201cGood reliable internet service has become as essential as water and electricity in today\u2019s changing world. Kids need broadband to learn from home. Many adults have digital jobs that allow them to work from home. There are still many digital job opportunities unfilled because the folks interested in doing the work can\u2019t due to living in locations where the internet speeds are terrible. This grant will drastically improve internet service for thousands of Harlan Countians. I can\u2019t wait to get this project started,\u201d said Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley. \u201cI also want to thank the nearly 2,000 Harlan Countians who answered the call to participate in the speed test earlier this year. It helped prove our case as to why this grant is much needed to expand broadband to rural areas of the county and improve it in two of our downtown business districts.\"\n\nKentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) = $1,500,000 for capital access, focused primarily on counties in the Empowerment Zone and Promise Zone. The project will help create at least 400 jobs and expanded access to remote work opportunities. \u201cWe would like to thank Congressman Rogers and Senator McConnell for their key support for the POWER program and continued support of the Appalachian Regional Commission,\" said Jerry Rickett, President/CEO of KHIC. \"We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with social enterprises to help them grow in the region, through financing and technical assistance. We are also excited to partner with EKCEP to expand their training and recruitment to additional Empowerment Zone counties.\u201d\n\nBig Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) = $1,161,684 for the East Kentucky Welding Technology and AWS Training Center, which will increase welding/fabrication training and certification.\n\n\u201cWe are absolutely delighted to provide high quality technical education for the hardworking people of Eastern Kentucky,\" said BSCTC President Sherry Zylka. \"With ARC\u2019s support, we are leveraging our resources to create a competitive workforce in our resilient region.\u201d\n\nPikeville Medical Center = $508,076 to equip Pikeville Medical Center's Medical Training Facility and Career Development Center project. The facilty will help train 1,700 clinical workers, create 15 jobs, and improve 2 businesses. The medical training facility will also strengthen employment longevity and increase graduation rates by joining students and medical staff in activities and programs as co-participants.\n\n\u201cBecause of similar initiatives aimed at offering healthcare-related training to those who previously worked in the mining industry, our region has been able to retain a portion of our population that would have otherwise been forced to leave,\u201d explained Donovan Blackburn, PMC President and CEO. \u201cThis ARC POWER funding will allow Pikeville Medical Center to equip a facility that will not only help us continue to grow our staff but offer additional training opportunities to those who wish to further their career in the healthcare industry. We could not have done this without the support of ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin, Senator McConnell and Congressman Rogers.\"\n\nShaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) = $50,000 for a last-mile broadband study to evaluate how to best utilize Appalachia Kentucky's Rural Energy Cooperative Corporations (RECC) and their existing infrastructure to bring high-speed internet to remaining unserved and underserved areas across Eastern Kentucky. The study area includes 13 counties and over 74,600 electric cooperative members. \u201cSOAR has no higher organizational priority than getting last-mile broadband done. We are grateful to the ARC and its POWER initiative for accepting our planning grant application focused on creating the playbook for how Kentucky nonprofit electric cooperatives can work with existing last-mile providers to see this job through to completion,\" said Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR. \"By finding creative ways to leverage existing infrastructure, SOAR believes it is possible to find more economical methods for connecting unserved and underserved communities across its service territory.\"\n\nCity of Pikeville = $50,000 for a tourism feasibility study focused on the Breaks Interstate Park. \"Pikeville is proud to offer an authentic Eastern Kentucky experience for visitors seeking to enjoy the great outdoors. This federal award is the first step to expanding our many attractions to drive tourism and economic engagement in our community,\" said James A. Carter, Mayor of Pikeville. \"Across the region, Kentuckians already look to Pikeville as a destination for education, medicine and development. Now, through our partnership with the Breaks Interstate Park, we look forward to enhancing our outdoor experiences for families, thrill seekers and more.\"\n\nMartin County Economic Development Authority = $48,030 for a feasibility study of value-added biomass products. The study will characterize biomass waste streams produced in Martin and Pike counties, as well as neighboring Mingo County, West Virginia, to be used in the production of wood products.\n\n\"On behalf of the Martin County Economic Development Authority, we are excited to see this project funded,\" said Victor Slone, Martin County Judge Executive. \"This technical evaluation could be the first step in developing a cluster of industries related to the production of value-added biomass products in central Appalachia.\"\n\nIsaiah House = $1,221,825 for the Reliance Works Second Chance Employment Expansion into Eastern Kentucky project, which will create 50 jobs and on-the-job training for 70 individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (based in Kentucky's 6th District, also serving individuals from the 5th District).\n\n\u201cWe know substance use disorder, limited work experience, criminal backgrounds, and poor work histories are barriers to employment for many, and access to employment is crucial for those who are in recovery and looking to rebuild their lives,\u201d said Isaiah House Founder and CEO Mark LaPalme. \u201cThese communities not only have a high rate of poverty and unemployment but their economic recovery has been hampered by a high rate of drug abuse, particularly opioid addiction. The Reliance Works Employment and Recovery Project takes a multi-pronged approach to focus on job creation as well as services to help people overcome substance abuse.\u201d\n\nMountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) = $1,500,000 for technical assistance to businesses and communities to build entrepreneurship in key economic sectors. The project will serve 1,240 businesses and create 180 jobs (based in Kentucky's 6th District, serving portions of the 5th District).\n\n\u201cSupport is critical for small enterprises to succeed in an economically distressed region such as Eastern Kentucky, even in the best of times,\" said Peter Hille, President of MACED. \"Our communities have struggled to recover from the Great Recession of 2008, the collapse of the coal industry in 2012, and now a pandemic. This makes technical assistance, capital and access to federal resources even more crucial as small businesses and nonprofits seek to pivot, find new ways to meet their markets, and build a new economy.\"\n\nSince 2015, ARC has invested over $287 million in 362 projects touching 353 counties across Appalachia through the POWER Initiative. Together, these investments are projected to create or retain nearly 35,000 jobs, leverage more than $1.5 billion in additional private investment into Appalachia\u2019s economy, and prepare tens of thousands of workers and students for opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband development, tourism, and other industry sectors.\n\n\u201cThe downturn of the coal industry has impacted economies across Appalachia. That\u2019s why ARC\u2019s POWER initiative helps to leverage regional partnerships and collaborations to support efforts to create a more vibrant economic future for coal-impacted communities,\u201d said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. \u201cMany of the projects we announced today will invest in educating and training the Appalachian workforce, nurturing entrepreneurship, and supporting infrastructure\u2014including broadband access. These investments are critical in leveling the economic playing field so Appalachian communities can thrive.\u201d\n\nARC plans to announce additional POWER projects later this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=444418C0-E178-4CE2-A1D1-0B8B480B2094", "Congressman Rogers Celebrates New Jobs, Rajant Expansion in Morehead", "2021-09-17", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "MOREHEAD, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers joined state and local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday at Rajant Corporation's new 48,000 sq.ft. facility in the MMRC Industrial Park in Morehead, Kentucky. The expansion will allow Rajant, the provider of Kinetic Mesh\u00ae wireless networks, to add 30 new jobs with plans to grow 100 full-time jobs in the near future. The facility, which is five-times larger than Rajant's current building, will expand production and services, including artificial intelligence (AI), and improving its commercial and military product lines.\n\n\"Rajant Corporation is raising the bar for innovative, high-tech job opportunities in Eastern Kentucky - partnering with Morehead State University to connect Space Science students with NASA, and the widespread opportunities available through the communications and aerospace industries. The west coast has the iconic Silicon Valley, and we are building what I like to call 'Silicon Holler' in Eastern Kentucky,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"I believe in the historic ingenuity and stellar work ethic of our region, and this expansion proves that Rajant does as well.\"\n\nThe celebration took place in an open area of the building designated as \"Rogersville,\" in recognition of Congressman Rogers' support to bring Rajant to Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District in 2015.\n\n\"Chairman Rogers has become a great friend to us at Rajant and I am forever grateful to him and the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation for leading us to Morehead, Kentucky. It is clear that he loves Eastern Kentucky, and we do too. Morehead State University is a real treasure and we are hiring many of their brilliant graduates, because of their drive, determination and integrity. Our partnership is a real success story,\" said Bob Schena, Chairman/CEO of Rajant Corporation. \"It's my goal to take this facility from 30 people to 100 people over the next few years. We will be adding folks with all kinds of backgrounds from manufacturing and assembly all the way to artifical intelligence and even genetics research as we branch into health care as well as part of our expansion here in Kentucky.\"\n\nRajant originally launched in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, aiming to develop secure communications for emergency responders during disasters. The technology proved to be beneficial for far more applications, including military operations and the mining industry, expanding Rajant's reach into 250 mines around the world and 60 countries.\n\nThe Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) reported its preliminarily approval of a 15-year incentive agreement with Rajant through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $300,000 in tax incentives based on the company's investment of $2 million and meeting annual targets, including paying an average hourly wage of $25, including benefits.\n\nKEDFA also approved Rajant for up to $50,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.\n\nThe Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) also provided $1.5 million in lending, in partnership with The Citizens Bank of Morehead. Congressman Rogers launched SKED in 1986 to help create jobs in Eastern Kentucky.\n\nTo see more photos from the event, visit Congressman Rogers' Facebook Page.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6629B61D-6664-44C0-A2F3-7820C2A7DB14", "U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Announces Slew of ARC Grants for Sixth District", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Lexington, KY\u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) announced a slew of Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants totaling almost $3.5 million for Kentucky\u2019s Sixth Congressional District.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce multiple grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that are being awarded to communities and organizations in the Sixth District,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThese grants will boost economic development, capital access for small communities, broadband expansion efforts and support second chance employment services for Kentuckians in recovery for substance abuse. I voted for the ARC funding used to make these grants possible, and I look forward to continuing to work with ARC to support communities in the Sixth District.\u201d\n\nCongressman Barr voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included funding for ARC. A full list of the grants provided to Kentucky\u2019s Sixth Congressional District is below:\n\n$1,500,000 to the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) for the Economic Recovery and Resilience in Eastern Kentucky Project. It is estimated that that 1,240 businesses and 50 participants will be served with 180 jobs created and $6.7 million in private investment leveraged because of this project.\n\n$1,221,825 to the Isaiah House Treatment Center for the Reliance Works Second Chance Employment Expansion to Eastern Kentucky Project. This project will create 50 new jobs and provide on-the-job training for 70 Kentuckians in substance abuse recovery.\n\n$630,000 to the Community Ventures Corporation (CVC) for the Appalachia Access to Capital Initiative. CVC will provide educations opportunities for communities, businesses, and individuals. This project is expected to serve 27 businesses and create 46 jobs while retaining 53 jobs. $15 million in private investment is expected to be leveraged.\n\n$50,000 to Robertson County to conduct a Broadband Feasibility Study. This project will produce a feasibility study and strategic plan to expand access to broadband internet service throughout Robertson County, Kentucky.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BC11425F-0011-4A97-9AE0-D7BCE9A79919", "Rep. Barr Reacts to Bombshell Findings on World Bank\u2019s \u201cDoing Business Report,\u201d Urges Stronger Oversight from Treasury", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) serves as the lead Republican on the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy.\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) is calling for the U.S. Department of Treasury to investigate bombshell findings about data manipulation involving the World Bank\u2019s flagship \u201cDoing Business Report,\u201d which helps incentivize countries to improve their business environment. According to an independent investigation conducted by the law firm Wilmer Hale, then-World Bank Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva and other senior leaders at the World Bank pressed staff to alter this report amid fears that China would otherwise be displeased with its rating by the World Bank.\n\nAt the time, Georgieva was allegedly attempting to convince the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to increase financial support to the World Bank. She now serves as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Representative Barr released the following statement after the report was issued:\n\n\u201cThe investigation into former World Bank President Jim Kim\u2019s and former World Bank CEO and current IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva\u2019s involvement with data manipulation for China\u2019s benefit is alarming. Republicans had repeatedly warned that under Mr. Kim, who was twice nominated for the World Bank presidency by the Obama-Biden Administration, the Bank was more devoted to fundraising and development fads than delivering results for low-income countries that wanted to grow their way out of poverty.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, the investigation\u2019s findings are a wake-up call for President Biden, who has been too busy with virtue signaling on climate risk at the World Bank and gifting billions of dollars in IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to China and state sponsors of terrorism to even nominate an official to head up the Treasury Department\u2019s international affairs unit. He must take these multilateral organizations far more seriously.\n\n\u201cGiven Ms. Georgieva\u2019s leadership of the IMF, Treasury should evaluate her actions in the run-up to the IMF\u2019s earlier approval of an SDR allocation, her advocacy for new trust fund assistance involving China, and her ongoing work surrounding the IMF\u2019s governance review, which has implications for China\u2019s influence at the Fund. Ensuring integrity at the IMF is essential.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C7B9AFCC-6A09-40C0-9D5B-9144171FC254", "Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul Advocate for Flood Assistance to Nicholas County", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Barr, McConnell and Paul renewed their push for Nicholas County flood assistance after the Commonwealth appealed the Biden Administration\u2019s denial of flood assistance to Nicholas County.\n\nCarlisle, KY\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden advocating for the approval of the Commonwealth of Kentucky\u2019s appeal for federal flood assistance to Nicholas County. The Commonwealth\u2019s first request was denied by the Biden Administration. Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul also wrote a letter of support for that request.\n\n\u201cWe write to call your attention to the September 9th, 2021, letter from Governor Andy Beshear appealing the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) September 5th decision to deny the Commonwealth of Kentucky\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration due to the severe storm cell that caused extensive and deadly flash flooding in Nicholas County on July 29 and 30, 2021,\u201d the letter from Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul read in part.\n\n\u201cWhile the Commonwealth has provided support to Nicholas County\u2019s 7,135 citizens, and local organizations have held fundraisers and processed donations, residents of the City of Carlisle and Nicholas County still face significant economic challenges, including a lack of adequate housing. Moreover, individuals potentially face job loss through the inability to get to work while also being unable to afford new modes of transportation. Given this, we believe that the Commonwealth\u2019s appeal of FEMA\u2019s decision deserves your full and fair consideration,\u201d the letter concluded.\n\nCongressman Barr visited Nicholas County and the city of Carlisle shortly after the floods occurred. The offices for Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul will continue to assist in flood recovery efforts in Nicholas County and be available to constituents who need help.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=238B15AA-5D9E-4363-AE5C-F0154B7C9BCC", "Congressman Rogers, Army Corps, Local Officials Kick-off Johnson County Flood Mitigation Project", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "PAINTSVILLE, Ky. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local leaders in Johnson County on Thursday to kick-off a major flood mitigation project in Paintsville. Congressman Rogers secured $118 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and implement a comprehensive plan through the Section 202 program to protect the people of Johnson County from future devastating floods. The proposed project includes a levee-flood wall system and a flood warning system.\n\nOver the last four decades, Congressman Rogers has secured nearly $800 million for flood control projects across Kentucky\u2019s Fifth Congressional District.\n\n\u201cFlood control has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to federal office. I don't want our folks to go to bed in fear every time a storm rolls through the mountains, and thanks to the Army Corps and local leaders, we have completed some impressive projects in several communities to help protect the people of southern and eastern Kentucky for generations. We\u2019re hoping to do the same thing here in Johnson County,\u201d said Congressman Rogers. \u201cI want to applaud Judge Mark Mckenzie and Mayor Bill Mike Runyon for working together with the Army Corps to advance this life-saving effort.\u201d\n\nThe Army Corps\u2019 Louisville District is working in close coordination with the Johnson County Fiscal Court and the Paintsville City Council to provide flood protection where it's needed the most.\n\n\u201cThe Johnson County Section 202 Flood Mitigation Project will improve public safety, reduce the impact from flooding for Paintsville and Johnson County and create jobs - therefore impacting our local economy. This $118 million project would not be possible without the consistent efforts and support of Congressman Hal Rogers,\" said Mark McKenzie, Johnson County Judge Executive.\n\n\"The city of Paintsville and its citizens want to thank Congressman Rogers for his efforts on our flood mitigation project. This project is huge for our community, as we have suffered for years with a flooding problem. This project will go a long way to eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures. As Mayor, I am so thankful to have you in our corner during this fight,\" said Bill Mike Runyon, Mayor of Paintsville.\n\nThe Army Corps completed a feasibility study for the project in April.\n\n\u201cThe Johnson County Fiscal Court, the City of Paintsville and Congressman Rogers have played a significant role to bring us where we are today. In August 2018, the Louisville District was first assigned to design, construct and look at cost effective means to address flooding issues in the City of Paintsville and Johnson County,\" said Col. Eric Crispino, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. \"We have divided the project into three phases for construction and implementation. We will begin awarding contracts for the first two phases in the next fiscal year, which includes a flood warning system and some features to reduce risk to the county courthouse and several structures in the surrounding area.\"\n\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District is hosting a virtual informational public meeting for the Section 202 Johnson County Flood Risk Management Project, located in Paintsville, Kentucky, on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 6 \u2013 7:30 p.m. (EDT). To participate in the virtual public meeting beginning at 6 p.m. (EDT), log in at: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/michael.moore17 and enter your name and email address. For the presentation\u2019s audio portion, call 1-844-800-2712. Access code: 199 250 1980.\n\nComments and questions may also be submitted via e-mail to: JohnsonCosect202project@usace.army.mil\n\nTo learn more about the project visit: https://go.usa.gov/xMgaz.\n\nFor additional information, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District Public Affairs Office at (502) 315-6767.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit https://halrogers.house.gov.\n\nTo view more photos from today's event, visit Congressman Rogers' Facebook page.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=EEE1054A-95A2-446F-90E0-89F25EC3AF96", "Congressman Rogers Celebrates the Completion of The Prestonsburg Passage", "2021-09-16", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "PRESTONSBURG, KY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers joined local leaders at Archer Park in Floyd County to celebrate the completion of The Prestonsburg Passage, an 8.2-mile rails-to-trails project that converted a former railroad track into a paved trail for hiking and biking in Prestonsburg.\n\nThe City of Prestonsburg competitively earned a $1.95 million Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Pilot Grant in 2016 for the tourism project.\n\n\"The people of Floyd County are to be commended for their diligent work to make Prestonsburg a destination for folks who want to get outside and enjoy life in Eastern Kentucky. The Prestonsburg Passage could be one of the most impressive trails in the country - it's a major tourist attraction,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The AML Pilot grant program is seed money for our coal communities, and we have planted those seeds over all of the United States, including $140 million right here in Kentucky's Appalachian region. I believe we will see the fruits of your labor here in Prestonsburg for many years to come.\"\n\nThe trail is already attracting new businesses, including an RV campsite that recently opened along the trail in David, Kentucky, with plans for future development.\n\n\"Our passage trail is a great illustration of what Congressman Rogers, through his foresight and experience, has been able to do for all of the Appalachian region. The AML Pilot program provides grant money directly to declining coal communities to help us flourish and make these dream projects come to life,\" said Les Stapleton, Mayor of Prestonsburg. \"Our Passage Trail has opened up tourism for not only Prestonsburg, but has started breathing new life into the David Community with visitors from all across the state and beyond our borders.\"\n\nThe trail has already welcomed well over 200 adventure-seekers on weekends.\n\n\"People used to come to Red River Gorge and stop, but now they are coming on down to Prestonsburg to enjoy our trails. The Gorge is now a gateway into our community,\" said Samantha Johnson, Executive Director of Prestonsburg Tourism. \"Despite all the challenges we faced in 2020, our community benefitted from $44 million in tourism-related spending last year, and I believe that's just the beginning.\"\n\nOne Saturday every month, golf carts are also allowed on the trail, including golf carts that are available for rent.\n\n\"I want to thank Congressman Rogers and his staff for all that they do for our community. This trail is going to have a positive impact on our economy for many years to come,\" said Robbie Williams, Floyd County Judge Executive.\n\nFor more information about The Prestonsburg Passage, visit https://prestonsburgky.org.\n\nTo see more photos from the event, visit Congressman Rogers' Facebook page.\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and here at home in Kentucky, visit https://halrogers.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=93AF05A9-886B-4913-8FC4-2B815ABB834C", "U.S. Congressman Andy Barr Honors Lexington Fire Department for 150 Years of Service", "2021-09-15", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Lexington, KY\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) visited the Lexington Fire Department and presented a Congressional Record to honor 150 years of service by the Department. The Lexington Fire Department responded to 304,000 local emergencies in the past 5 years, with a current staff of 597 men and women and a budget of just over $80 million.\n\n\u201cI am honored to participate in a celebration of the extraordinary service the Lexington Fire Department has provided to the people of Lexington for the last 150 years. This Fire Department is the gold standard of public service,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cI will continue to champion essential federal funding programs such as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, that support the work this Department and others throughout my District do on a daily basis to save lives and keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Lexington Fire Department has a long, proud history of service to our city. We are grateful to Congressman Barr for recognizing our historic milestone and sharing this day with us. We are also grateful for Congressman Barr\u2019s strong advocacy for our organization,\u201d said Jason Wells, Chief of the Lexington Fire Department. \u201cWhether it is advocating for our federal grant requests or supporting critical grant programs like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Congressman Barr has been a tremendous advocate for our Department.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C494F5D-8389-4E51-9A3D-4F0F84EDF9AB", "Rep. Barr Leads GOP Letter Calling on U.N. to Impose Economic, Travel Restrictions on Taliban", "2021-09-14", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to United Nations (U.N.) Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield with 20 of his Republican colleagues calling on the Ambassador to support the full implementation of all UN sanctions and reimpose travel restrictions on senior members of the Taliban.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration has maintained that the Taliban desires international legitimacy and financing. That legitimacy and funding must be denied while American citizens, Afghan partners, and others remain behind enemy lines, while the Taliban continues to maintain ties to al Qaeda and harbors terrorists that seek to harm Americans and our allies, and while the Taliban refuses to respect and protect the rights of all Afghan citizens,\u201d the Barr led letter to Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield read in part. \u201cThe travel ban, asset freezes, and arms embargos imposed by these sanctions are critical to that effort.\n\n\u201cWith the Taliban\u2019s capture of Kabul, we believe it necessary for the United States to support the full implementation of all United Nations sanctions on the Taliban, including rescinding previously issued waivers to the travel ban that are providing them the international legitimacy and access they want. We must maintain what little leverage this administration has left in place to secure the continued evacuation of Americans and our partners, and to ensure we are doing all we can to prevent the reconstitution of terrorist threats to our homeland,\u201d the letter concluded.\n\nRep. Barr has led the GOP efforts to cut off Taliban access to the international financial system. Shortly after the fall of Kabul, Rep. Barr sent a letter to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (NY Fed) President John Williams requesting that the NY Fed take steps to prevent financial assets held by the Afghanistan government at the NY Fed from falling into the hands of the Taliban. Rep. Barr also introduced the IMF Afghan Recognition Assurance Act, which would permanently cut off Taliban access to resources from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), unless there was a national security justification for the funds being provided.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/biden-s-afghanistan-failure-a-reminder-of-dangers-of-nation-building-lack-of-strategic-planning", "Biden\u2019s Afghanistan Failure a Reminder of Dangers of Nation Building, Lack of Strategic Planning", "2021-09-14", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "The images we have seen out of Afghanistan in recent weeks are heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with our fallen heroes, Afghan allies, and troops who have worked tirelessly to bring Americans home.\n\nThe situation in Afghanistan is a senseless national security and humanitarian disaster. President Biden\u2019s careless withdrawal was horribly executed with zero strategic planning \u2013 and sadly defined by the death of 13 of our soldiers and Americans stranded behind enemy lines.\n\nWhile we mourn the lives lost and must prioritize rescuing every remaining American from harm\u2019s way, Congress must also act to hold the Biden Administration accountable for such a haphazard exit. Withdrawing our troops before every American was brought home was a dereliction of duty. President Biden operated on the Taliban\u2019s timeline, a scenario the world\u2019s greatest superpower should never face.\n\nAs Republican Leader of the House Oversight Committee, I\u2019ve called for congressional hearings to gather testimony from senior Biden Administration officials regarding how they got this so wrong. In addition to the loss of American life, we have also seen $83 billion in American security assistance and significant military equipment fall into Taliban hands. We must have a full accounting for why President Biden did not make plans to secure or destroy taxpayer-funded equipment before it was seized by our enemy.\n\nBut in addition to seeking accountability, lawmakers must also reflect on how we got here and what American foreign policy should look like moving forward.\n\nI have long supported withdrawing the remaining American troops from Afghanistan. We entered this volatile country 20 years ago to kill the terrorists responsible for the September 11 attacks, an appropriate response to bringing to justice those who murdered nearly 3,000 Americans.\n\nHowever, America\u2019s subsequent nation building has done little but prop up a failed state that proved unable to defend itself, even after years of U.S. military training and financial assistance. This sad reality became clear when Afghanistan\u2019s security forces quickly fled Kabul as the Taliban rolled into town.\n\nThe choice between an endless war and responsible withdraw was clear: the American people should not be forced to finance more bloodshed in the interest of creating a Democracy in a country that country that cannot sustain it. A timely withdraw that safely removed American citizens, troops and allies would have been appropriate.\n\nWhile a withdrawal was necessary, President Biden\u2019s lack of a planned withdraw created madness. There was no strategy behind this debacle, no timely evacuation, and we nonsensically closed military bases and sent military assets home before our citizens could get out. As a result, chaos ensued and Americans were left behind.\n\nThroughout this crisis, the Biden Administration should have abandoned their August 31 deadline for troop withdrawal, and instead made clear that our withdrawal would occur when all Americans had left the country. Failing to do so dealt a severe blow to American credibility on the global stage.\n\nIn the wake of the disastrous withdrawal, terror threats rose and American soldiers and civilians were made less safe. This clear threat culminated in the suicide bombing at the Kabul Airport, killing American service members and countless Afghan civilians.\n\nMoving forward, we will hopefully see a Taliban regime that preserves some of the newfound freedoms discovered by the Afghan people in recent years. However, it is not the job of American taxpayers and soldiers to permanently provide for the security of foreign nations \u2013 no matter how just the cause.\n\nSpeaking for the 1st Congressional District, our hearts break for the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing Americans from Afghanistan. And to the veterans of this 20-year war: your sacrifice mattered, and will not be forgotten.\n\nRep. James Comer is a United States Congressman for the 1st Congressional District, which spans from South Central Kentucky to the river counties of far Western Kentucky. Contact him with any questions or concerns in his Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-3115, in the Tompkinsville Office at (270) 487-9509, in the Paducah Office at (270) 408-1865, or schedule an appointment in the Madisonville Office by calling (270) 487-9509.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/scalise-comer-investigate-claims-that-the-biden-admin-is-politicizing-booster-shot-recommendations", "Scalise & Comer Investigate Claims that Biden Admin is Politicizing Booster Shot Recommendations", "2021-09-14", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Republican Whip and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Ranking Member Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concerns that the Biden White House was pressuring career FDA officials to recommend booster shots before the agency saw research showing that booster shots are necessary.\n\nIn their letter to Janet Woodcock, Acting Commissioner of the FDA, the Republican lawmakers wrote, \"Without evidence and data, President Biden announced that booster doses of the mRNA vaccines would be available for Americans starting September 20, 2021. Top scientists and researchers were stunned by this decision\u2014particularly because the CDC and the FDA had not yet conducted their independent review of the data...The political manipulation and pressure to interfere with the science by President Biden\u2019s White House reportedly contributed to the decision of two top career scientists, Marion Gruber and Phill Krause, who were key in the vaccine process, to leave the FDA.\"\n\nBelow is the full text of the letter.\n\nSeptember 14, 2021\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Woodcock:\n\nSelect Subcommittee Republicans are conducting oversight of potential political interference with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the Biden Administration. President Biden, instead of following the science, is attempting to distract from his numerous crises by playing politics and moving out ahead of the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) when it comes to the science on coronavirus vaccine booster shots.\n\nWithout evidence and data, President Biden announced that booster doses of the mRNA vaccines would be available for Americans starting September 20, 2021. Top scientists and researchers were stunned by this decision\u2014particularly because the CDC and the FDA had not yet conducted their independent review of the data. In fact, two vaccine manufacturers have not yet submitted the relevant data to the government agencies. The political manipulation and pressure to interfere with the science by President Biden\u2019s White House reportedly contributed to the decision of two top career scientists, Marion Gruber and Phill Krause, who were key in the vaccine process, to leave the FDA. They felt that the FDA was being sidelined by the Biden Administration and \"what finally did it for them was the White House getting ahead of FDA on booster shots.\"\n\nFurther, we now know that those same FDA scientists disagreed with the Biden Administration on the need for booster shots. In a paper published September 13, 2021, both Krause and Gruber argued that \u201c[c]urrent evidence does not, therefore, appear to show a need for boosting in the general population, in which efficacy against severe disease remains high.\u201d\n\nIn order for the Select Subcommittee to conduct legitimate oversight and enable a better response to the next pandemic, we request the following documents and information as soon as possible but no later than September 28, 2021.\n\nAll documents and communications relating to the study and implementation of a booster shot option for mRNA vaccine recipients.\n\nAll documents and communications between the FDA and the White House relating to booster shots.\n\nAll documents and communications related to President Biden\u2019s August 18, 2021 announcement that booster shots would be available for Americans beginning September 20, 2021.\n\nAll documents and communications relating to any effort by political appointees or White House personnel to review, revise, edit, delay, or prohibit publication of information related to booster shots.\n\nAll documents and communications related to the departure of FDA scientist Marion Gruber.\n\nAll documents and communications related to the departure of FDA scientist Phil Krause.\n\nAll documents and communications relating to any adverse employment action taken or considered against any employee, official, or contractor of the federal government for actions taken in the course of their employment related to the science of American receiving booster shots.\n\nThe Committee on Oversight and Reform is the principal oversight committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate \u201cany matter\u201d at \u201cany time\u201d under House Rule X. Further, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis is empowered to investigate \u201cpreparedness for and response to the coronavirus crisis, including the planning for and implementation of testing, containment, mitigation, and surveillance activities.\u201d Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this inquiry.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSteve J. Scalise, Ranking Member, Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis\n\nJames Comer, Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Reform\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E3868197-EAA5-49C5-B291-FF487C0848D1", "Congressman Rogers' Statement on President Biden's Expanded Vaccine Mandate", "2021-09-10", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \u201cHal\u201d Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement regarding President Biden\u2019s expanded vaccine mandate for federal executive branch employees, contractors, and private businesses with more than 100 employees. The expanded mandate could impact roughly 100 million Americans.\n\n\u201cLet me clear: I have been vaccinated and I strongly believe that individuals should get the vaccine, but on their own accord and with the advice of their doctor.\n\n\u201cEnforcing federal mandates on our personal healthcare is not the American way and sets a disturbing precedent for future disasters. We all want to move past this virus and keep Americans healthy and safe, but authoritarian vaccine mandates\u2014that could have devastating impacts to our workforce and our economy\u2014are not the answer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-biden-s-vaccine-mandates-will-cripple-job-creators-medical-facilities-and-worker-freedom", "Comer: Biden\u2019s Vaccine Mandates Will Cripple Job Creators, Medical Facilities and Worker Freedom", "2021-09-09", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman James Comer released the following statement in response to President Biden\u2019s announcement mandating private sector employers with over 100 employees to require vaccinations or weekly testing for COVID-19. Biden also issued an executive order requiring federal workers and employees of health care facilities receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements to be vaccinated.\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s announcement of widespread federal vaccine mandates, President Biden is using the power of the federal government to trample on the rights of job creators, medical facilities and workers. These unilateral executive orders unconstitutionally coerce private businesses to be the vaccine police, bringing fear and intimidation into the workplace while straining job creators with overreaching regulations. Even worse, the same President who has failed to nominate an FDA Commissioner during a pandemic is worsening staffing shortages at our hospitals by making crucial Medicaid and Medicare funding contingent on all employees being vaccinated.\n\nI encourage Americans to consider being vaccinated after consulting their doctor. But vaccine mandates from politicians will only create more fear and distrust while hurting the ability of our medical facilities to care for those in need.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2590AF4F-0A8F-4F59-9B33-9744D5081E2A", "Congressman Rogers Announces Grant for SOAR to Expand Remote Work Opportunities", "2021-09-08", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) announced today that a $250,000 grant has been awarded to Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) by the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand remote work opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and potentially create new jobs in our region.\n\nThe grant will support SOAR's new project, Creating Opportunities for Digital Employment in Appalachia Kentucky, which will serve 15 organizations across 18 counties in Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District. SOAR will use the funding to host three regional meetings, offering technical assistance to assist local communities in connecting available high-paying remote jobs to high-skilled workers across Eastern Kentucky.\n\n\"Remote work opportunities provide a gateway to prosperity for individuals who cannot travel for work, and it has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide innovative remote job opportunities,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"I applaud SOAR for planning their work and working their plan to advance job opportunities in our region despite the challenges we face. The ARC has been a loyal partner for economic development opportunities in Kentucky's Appalachian region and I appreciate the commission's continued tireless efforts to help us shape a brighter future in the mountains.\"\n\nSOAR will bring together state, local, and federal officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions (K-12 and post-secondary), technical assistance providers, and individuals working at the grassroots level to attract or implement more remote work opportunities.\n\n\"SOAR continues to believe high-paying remote work is critical for economic revitalization in Eastern Kentucky. The jobs the region has sought for years have finally arrived...online. It's time communities work together to connect these opportunities with our best and brightest workers to keep them home,\" said Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR.\n\nSOAR will focus on last-mile broadband deployment, remote work community-level strategies to enhance awareness around employment opportunities, and marketing Eastern Kentucky as a remote work destination.\n\nFor more information about SOAR, visit https://SOAR-KY.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7F7E61BB-FF11-4ABB-8C15-97573FD7BF3D", "Congressman Rogers Cosponsors Congressional Gold Medal Bill", "2021-09-07", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers cosponsored a Congressional Gold Medal Bill to honor the memory of the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021 during a terrorist attack at the Abbey gate. The bill now has 226 cosponsors.\n\nThe legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.\n\n\"These 13 brave U.S. Troops were working diligently to protect Americans, our Afghan allies and their young children when merciless terrorists sent in a suicide bomber, gravely reminding America why we were in Afghanistan from day one. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much for our nation and there is no higher honor that we can bestow upon them, than the Congressional Gold Medal,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"In addition to the medals, we need to complete the work that these servicemen and women started - by bringing home every remaining American and ensuring our allied Afghan friends can still safely exit the country that is now under Taliban control.\"\n\nFor more information about Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit https://halrogers.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/comer-republicans-will-gain-answers-on-botched-afghanistan-withdrawal-with-or-without-white-house", "Comer: Republicans Will Gain Answers on Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal With or Without White House", "2021-09-03", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Thanks Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction for heeding Republican calls for briefing, voices disappointment for lack of answers from Biden Administration\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014House Oversight and Reform Committee Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) released the following statement after the committee received a briefing from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Republicans pressed SIGAR for a briefing on August 19, 2021. The briefing is a result of their request.\n\n\u201cAmerica needs answers on Afghanistan, and, since the White House either cherry-picks what questions to answer or completely fails to respond to questions, Republicans have had to find answers elsewhere. Committee Republicans invited the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to brief Congress today, and I appreciate his willingness to come forward and his commitment to testify before the Full Committee in the coming weeks.\n\n\u201cBetween the botched withdrawal, the Biden Administration choosing to leave Americans behind, the likelihood American military equipment and taxpayer dollars now reside in Taliban or terrorist hands, Afghan President Ghani fleeing the country with more than $169 million, and the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemen and women, the situation in Afghanistan is dismal and heart wrenching.\n\n\u201cThe Special Inspector General has revealed even more startling consequences of President Biden\u2019s disastrous withdrawal. The SIGAR confirmed that 50% of fuel provided by the U.S. has been stolen in Afghanistan by corrupt government officials responsible for its distribution. It\u2019s also been confirmed U.S. military equipment is likely being used by the Taliban on Afghan civilians and being traded with terrorist organizations. This is unacceptable. Republicans will continue to take all actions possible to investigate what went wrong and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.\u201d\n\nOversight Republicans have sent the following letters in hopes of gaining better insight into the disastrous, deadly withdrawal effort.\n\nAugust 18: Letter to Chairwoman Maloney and Subcommittee Chairman Lynch demanding a hearing to answer questions regarding the withdrawal\n\nAugust 19: Letter to Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction Sopko demanding a briefing to account for the location of U.S. funds in Afghanistan\n\nAugust 19: Letters to Secretaries Blinken and Austin requesting they appear before the Oversight Committee\n\nAugust 23: Letter to Secretary Austin demanding info on Taliban access to American military equipment\n\nAugust 24: Letters to Secretary Blinken and Attorney General Garland regarding reports of the Afghan president fleeing with $169 million in cash\n\nAugust 24: Letters to Secretaries Blinken and Mayorkas on ensuring proper vetting of Afghan refugees", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1C648C52-C3C2-4D9E-935B-CC3855551FF1", "Barr Pushes Bill Requiring Biden to Immediately Give Congress an Accurate Accounting of Americans, Military Weaponry Abandoned in Afghanistan", "2021-09-02", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) is supporting and pushing legislation in Congress requiring the Biden Administration to immediately give Congress a precise accounting of the Americans they abandoned in Afghanistan, and to communicate a plan to get them home safe. The Biden Administration admitted that they stranded at least 200 Americans behind enemy lines in Afghanistan who wanted to leave the country.\n\nOn August 15, when the Taliban took power, the Administration said that between 10,000 to 15,000 Americans were still in Afghanistan. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday, August 29, during an appearance on NBC\u2019s Meet the Press that only 5,500 Americans were evacuated. That is why Congressman Barr is pushing the AWOL Act in Congress to:\n\nDemand a specific and accurate number of the Americans abandoned in Afghanistan and a plan from the Biden Administration to bring Americans stranded in Afghanistan home.\n\nDemand an accounting of all the equipment left behind.\n\nRequire transparency on any deals or agreements made by the Biden Administration with the Taliban.\n\nState that the Taliban should not be recognized as the government of Afghanistan.\n\nProhibit any federal funding or sanctions relief to the Taliban.\n\n\u201cIt is a national disgrace that this President left a single American, let alone hundreds or even thousands, behind enemy lines,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cThe Administration offers the excuse that most of the Americans left behind did not want to be evacuated. But who believes that any American wants to remain voluntarily in a country run by brutal terrorists who hate Americans? This is a massive hostage crisis in the making, the likes of which we have never seen in American history. That is why, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I will not rest until we hold this Administration accountable and demand every American be rescued.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s incompetence has left hundreds of Americans stranded in Afghanistan,\u201d said Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08), who introduced and is sponsoring the AWOL Act. \u201cThis common-sense bill holds the administration accountable by requiring them to develop a plan to save the people they left behind. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines during this crisis, and I\u2019m grateful to have Rep. Barr\u2019s support in this effort.\u201d\n\nHouse Democrats unanimously rejected similar legislation on August 24, that would have required the Administration to provide Congress with daily accounting of the Americans left in Afghanistan during the withdrawal and prohibit troop withdrawal until all Americans were safely evacuated.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/9/congressman-comer-visits-russell-county-to-hear-concerns-from-local-residents", "Congressman Comer Visits Russell County to Hear Concerns from Local Residents", "2021-09-02", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "RUSSELL COUNTY \u2013 On Monday, August 30, Congressman Comer spent the day in Russell County meeting with and listening to constituents and local leaders.\n\nHe met with Chief Rick Godbey at the Russell County Search & Rescue Department, spoke at Duo Broadband\u2019s board meeting, and visited with Russell County farmers active in the Kentucky Cattlemen\u2019s Association.\n\nThroughout the day, Congressman Comer discussed and listened to concerns regarding rural broadband access, Afghanistan, law enforcement and federal grant programs.\n\n\u201cAs a Congressman, my job is to spend time with the people I represent and take their insights and concerns back to Washington. From COVID-19 to Afghanistan, America is facing a series of challenges, and the voices of people in Russell County are crucial to shaping policy and discussions around these important issues,\u201d Congressman Comer said. \u201cI take pride in being a member of Congress who is accessible to my constituents and am grateful for the opportunity to represent the citizens of Russell County in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=624E0D91-EF4E-4055-BBA9-4DCD84CB79A9", "Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell Unveil $2.3 Million Grant to Jumpstart Paris-Bourbon County Economic Recovery Plan", "2021-08-30", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Paris, KY\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that the Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority in Paris, Kentucky is receiving a $2.3 million federal grant for roadway infrastructure improvements to accommodate the expansion of the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell made the announcement today at an event at Mustard Seed Hill.\n\nThis federal grant was distributed through the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA), with funding made available through the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congressman Barr voted for and Senator McConnell guided through the U.S. Senate as Senate Majority Leader in March of 2020. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell also contacted EDA to advocate for the Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority to receive this grant award when they applied for the CARES Act funds.\n\n\u201cEnhancing capacity for freight traveling to the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park will strengthen small businesses and manufacturing in the area for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Barr. \u201cI was proud to support this project and pleased that the emergency relief that Senator McConnell and I voted for at the height of the pandemic will finish this important project.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen I spearheaded the passage of the bipartisan CARES Act last year, developments like this one at the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park were just the kinds of projects I had in mind. Today, I was thrilled to join Congressman Barr to announce federal funding for this important infrastructure improvement and demonstrate the success of our efforts,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cBy supporting development and business growth in the Bluegrass, we will turbocharge the Commonwealth\u2019s economic recovery with new jobs, businesses, and opportunities. Kentucky\u2019s manufacturers are the backbone of our economy and I am proud to work with Kentucky\u2019s other leaders to ensure they have the high-quality infrastructure needed to succeed.\u201d\n\n\"We here in Bourbon County have been fortunate that we have been able to keep our economic momentum even during this time of pandemic,\" said Kentucky State Senator Steve West. \"The funds made available for the new entrance to the industrial park are essential to keep that momentum moving forward. It would not be possible without the continued cooperation between our federal delegation and our state and local leaders.\"\n\n\u201cIt was a great honor to have Congressman Barr and Leader McConnell at Mustard Seed Hill in Bourbon County today to make the announcement related to the $2.3 million award for the Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority from the CARES funding for a new access road for our Industrial Park. The road will improve safety and efficiency for all current and future businesses in the park, while enhancing the economic impact for all the citizens of Bourbon County,\" said Bourbon County Judge Executive Mike Williams. \"All the members of the Bourbon County Fiscal Court and I appreciate so much all that Congressman Barr and Leader McConnell do for Bourbon County and all its citizens!\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chamber is excited about the current and future growth of Bourbon County,\" said Lauren Biddle, Paris-Bourbon County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. The widening of Highway 460 is imperative to allow easier access to and from Bourbon County, and in particular the Paris-Bourbon County Industrial Park. Construction will soon start on a secondary access road to the Industrial Park as well. The Paris-Bourbon County EDA has done an outstanding job at priming our Industrial Park for opportunities. Allowing easier access to Bourbon County from the interstate and easier access to the Industrial Park will provide opportunities for new industry and hundreds of new jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank both Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr for their leadership in helping to bring this grant home to Bourbon County. This project is key to our economic recovery from the pandemic and will create jobs and economic growth in the years ahead,\u201d said Gordon Wilson, Paris-Bourbon County Economic Development Authority Executive Director.\n\nAccording to EDA, this development program is expected to create 296 jobs, retain 147 jobs, and generate $214 million in private investment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-calls-out-biden-administration-s-inconclusive-covid-origins-report-as-failure", "Comer Calls Out Biden Administration\u2019s Inconclusive COVID Origins Report as Failure", "2021-08-30", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) released the following statement on the Biden Administration\u2019s inconclusive COVID origins report:\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration\u2019s failure to reach a definitive conclusion on the origins of COVID-19 underscores the need for an immediate congressionally-led investigation. Oversight Republicans have repeatedly called on Democrats to join our efforts, but they\u2019ve refused. The Chinese Communist Party has spent almost two years misleading the world, spreading propaganda, and intentionally concealing the severity of COVID-19. Failing to hold the CCP accountable for a virus that has taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans would be a stain on this institution. It\u2019s past time for Democrats to join us in holding China accountable for their ongoing efforts to hide the truth.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=41CD8E27-C91C-45EA-921B-FD73B11CB9A1", "Rep. Barr Statement on Afghanistan Bombings that Killed U.S. Military Service-Members", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) released the following statement after attacks today in Afghanistan that killed multiple U.S. military servicemembers and wounded dozens more servicemembers and others on the ground:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s attacks in Afghanistan are tragic and horrific. Multiple U.S. military servicemembers gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that American citizens and our Afghan allies could escape the threat of the Taliban, ISIS, and other terrorist actors in the area. That is the legacy these American heroes will leave behind.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=39F0B586-BE6B-4BC9-BAC7-393D64378FED", "Barr and McConnell Announce Isaiah House to Receive Nearly $2.5 Million as Part of the CAREER Act", "2021-08-25", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Versailles, KY \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Isaiah House Treatment Center will receive $2,483,600 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Recovery Workforce Support Program, which was established as part of Congressman Barr\u2019s and Senator McConnell\u2019s Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act.\n\nCongressman Barr and Senator McConnell authored the CAREER Act to provide funding for treatment centers that assist individuals in recovery to reenter the workforce. In 2018, the CAREER Act was enacted into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a comprehensive and bipartisan bill that bolstered federal substance abuse prevention and treatment resources. Congressman Barr and Senator McConnell made the announcement during a press conference at Isaiah House in Versailles, Kentucky.\n\nIsaiah House will partner with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, the Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and other organizations to address workforce participation challenges caused by the prevalence of substance abuse in Kentucky. The program plans to serve over 6,000 Kentuckians in the next five years.\n\n\u201cIsaiah House continues to provide a roadmap and hope for Kentuckians struggling to overcome addiction. With overdose deaths rising in Kentucky by over 50% last year, we must move aggressively to provide resources to our frontline treatment and recovery providers. That is why Senator McConnell and I supported this grant request and championed the legislation that made this funding available. I will continue to support Isaiah House in its mission to reduce substance abuse in our community moving forward,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\n\n\u201cTragically, Kentucky has been ground zero for America\u2019s catastrophic substance abuse epidemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this problem grew only more severe. I have been proud to work with lifesaving organizations like the Isaiah House to help Kentuckians break free of the terrible grip of addiction and reenter society successfully,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cLast year, I had the privilege of visiting the Isaiah House to meet with their inspiring staff and help support their compassionate mission. I am incredibly thankful for their work and appreciate the opportunity to meet with them again today. Mark LaPalme and his team have been instrumental leaders in our efforts to prevent and treat substance abuse. In Congress, Congressman Barr and I will continue to advocate for CAREER Act funding to fight substance abuse and support the heroic efforts of groups like the Isaiah House.\u201d\n\n\u201cIsaiah House is grateful for Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr\u2019s leadership in providing this exciting opportunity for Isaiah House,\u201d said Mark LaPalme, CEO and Founder of Isaiah House. \u201cThis new funding will significantly improve our ability to impact the lives of thousands of Kentucky residents who have struggled to get the support and training they need to succeed in life and the workplace.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-we-must-guard-against-potential-terrorist-entry-into-the-united-states", "Comer: We Must Guard Against Potential Terrorist Entry into the United States", "2021-08-25", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken expressing concern related to the vetting of foreign nationals and specifically Afghan citizens coming to the U.S. Additionally, Ranking Member Comer questioned whether individuals not eligible to come to the U.S. or bad actors may be infiltrating those with a valid resettlement claim.\n\nGiven the surge in Afghans seeking entry into the U.S., in addition to the ever-growing Border Crisis, Republicans are concerned terrorists may take advantage of any weaknesses in America\u2019s vetting processes in order to gain entry into the U.S. Ranking Member Comer emphasized the need to help Afghans who risked their lives to aid American troops in Afghanistan while simultaneously ensuring Americans at home are protected from terrorists taking advantage of another humanitarian crisis that resulted from President Biden\u2019s failures.\n\n\u201cOur country owes a moral obligation to those who put themselves at great personal risk to provide substantial assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan. We therefore must work to ensure those individuals safe passage out of Afghanistan,\u201d wrote Ranking Member Comer. \u201cIt is no secret that terrorists and other bad actors will always seek to exploit any and all weaknesses in border security and vetting of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. In the chaotic situation left in the wake of the Taliban\u2019s takeover of Afghanistan, we are particularly concerned that terrorists and others who wish to harm the United States may seek to infiltrate the country disguised as those who provided assistance to coalition forces in Afghanistan.\u201d\n\nThe Ranking Member is requesting a briefing and all information related to the Biden Administration\u2019s ongoing efforts to thwart terrorists from gaining entry to the U.S. and their screening and vetting of Afghan nationals who may ultimately be resettled in the United States.\n\n\u201cThe integrity of our immigration system is paramount. Those who are eligible for immigration benefits should receive them, while those who are not \u2013 especially those who may be inadmissible for security and related grounds \u2013 should be screened out,\u201d concluded Ranking Member Comer.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/congressman-comer-history-will-not-be-kind-to-president-biden-on-afghanistan", "Congressman Comer: History Will Not Be Kind to President Biden on Afghanistan", "2021-08-25", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 After increased scrutiny of the lack of planning and poor execution behind President Biden\u2019s withdraw of American troops from Afghanistan, Congressman Comer stated that history would not be kind to the President\u2019s failed leadership in Afghanistan.\n\nIn an appearance on Fox News, he also expressed concern about American financial assistance and weapons falling into the hands of the Taliban. While reiterating that he supports ending the war and withdrawing American troops, Congressman Comer noted that American citizens should have been brought home before our troops left the country.\n\nWatch the interview here.\n\nInterview Highlights:\n\nOn the poorly-planned withdraw that left American citizens behind.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unimaginable that Joe Biden thinks he made the right decision (evacuating troops before citizens). That is the worst plan in the history of America. History will not be kind to Joe Biden on this decision, and a lot of other decisions.\n\nThis is the worst-executed plan, from a military standpoint, in the history of America.\u201d\n\nOn American weapons falling into Taliban hands:\n\n\u201cAs the Ranking Republican on the House Oversight Committee, we\u2019re demanding answers as to how much money was wasted, how much weaponry is now in the hands of the Taliban. I don\u2019t think the Pentagon has an inventory. I don\u2019t think Joe Biden knows. Not only does he not know how many Americans are left behind in Afghanistan, he has no idea how much of our military equipment is now in the hands of the Taliban. This is incompetence, and again it\u2019s the worst military move in the history of the United States.\u201d\n\nOn Congressional Oversight over the Afghanistan Disaster:\n\n\u201cCongress is asking questions. Joe Biden has refused to answer those questions \u2013 and I think it\u2019s because he has no idea what the answer to those questions are. It\u2019s a very sad day for the taxpayers. We\u2019re weakened from a national security standpoint. Our reputation on the international stage has been diminished. And I hope that we can turn it around.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F755422F-3883-4824-AFC3-C2E5B10ED4B5", "Rep. Barr Blasts House Democrats\u2019 Budget to Bankrupt America", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) blasted House Democrats for passing a budget resolution paving the way for $68 trillion in federal spending over 10 years. Representative Barr released the following statement after voting no on the House Democrats\u2019 budget to bankrupt America:\n\n\u201cAs if President Biden abandoning thousands of U.S. citizens behind enemy lines in Afghanistan wasn\u2019t bad enough, House Democrats are moving forward with their budget to bankrupt America.\n\n\u201cThis budget proposal puts America on track for an average deficit of $1.6 trillion a year and $17 trillion in new debt over ten years. Astonishingly, the Democrat spending spree flatlines defense and security spending, even though we face historic national security crises in Afghanistan and at the southern border.\n\n\u201cInstead of prioritizing the resources necessary to overcome these challenges, House Democrats convened today with one goal in mind: engineer a permanent socialist state through a massive expansion of government run healthcare, wasteful green energy subsidies and an unsustainable expansion of welfare programs that discourage work. Incredibly, the same politicians who criticized tax cuts, which allowed Americans to keep more of their hard-earned income, because it supposedly added to the deficit are now supporting $17 trillion in new unfunded liabilities. And that is after they reverse the tax cuts and impose the largest tax increase in American history!\n\n\u201cMoreover, Democrats are proposing to exacerbate the crisis at our southern border by granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, including the 1.3 million illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border in just the first seven months of the Biden Administration\u2019s open border agenda, dishonoring all immigrants who came to this country the right way.\n\n\u201cFinally, the reckless spending proposed in this resolution will continue to fuel the inflation crisis which is diminishing the purchasing power and increasing the cost of living for every American family struggling to make ends meet. I proudly voted no on this resolution to protect the hardworking Kentucky taxpayers I represent in Congress and I will continue to fight against this radical agenda in Washington.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://comer.house.gov/2021/8/comer-record-spending-spree-will-worsen-inflation-crisis", "Comer: Record Spending Spree Will Worsen Inflation Crisis", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "James Comer", "C001108", "comer.house.gov", "comer", "https://comer.house.gov/media", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman James Comer released the following statement Tuesday following his vote against Congressional Democrats\u2019 $3.5 trillion budget resolution, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives and kicks off the process of implementing the largest spending plan in American history.\n\n\u201cSpeaker Pelosi and House Democrats\u2019 $3.5 trillion socialist budget plan will only worsen Joe Biden\u2019s inflation crisis while taxing and spending Americans into oblivion. If ultimately signed into law, this budget will create the highest levels of government spending in history and pass trillions in additional debt along to our children and grandchildren. Further, this resolution paves the way for massive tax hikes on American families, job creators, farmers and future generations. I was proud to vote against this inflation ticking time bomb and hope that as this process moves forward, reasonable Democrats will see the light and stop this socialist spending plan from becoming law.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=45D840FE-8734-4A5C-ABE8-2367308B97A3", "Congressman Rogers Votes to Halt House Democrats' Spending Spree", "2021-08-24", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Instead of voting on a bipartisan infrastructure package for the American people this week, House Democrats paved the way for their $3.5 Trillion filibuster-proof taxing and spending spree. The package is the central part of Washington Democrats' agenda, as crafted by socialist leader Sen. Bernie Sanders. Congressman Hal Rogers voted against the spending plan in an effort to get the country's priorities back on track.\n\n\"Right now, the Biden Administration should be laser focused on a plan to bring home every single American that remains in Afghanistan, and passing common sense bills that provide infrastructure in our communities and support for American families. Instead, Speaker Pelosi devised a plan to bypass regular order and drive our nation so far over the ledge on spending that Americans will end up paying more in taxes over the next ten years than ever before,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The result of this Democrat overspending agenda is inflation, and American families are seeing it everyday at the gas pump and at the grocery store. Instead of ramping up military funding and Homeland Security, Washington Democrats plan to strengthen the IRS, provide amnesty to illegal immigrants and banish low-cost energy options, killing more coal jobs.\"\n\nAlso this week, in an unconstitutional power grab, House Democrats passed H.R. 4, undermining state and local election laws. The bill would also give the Biden Administartion authority to veto states' voter ID laws.\n\nMeanwhile, the catastrophic failure in Afghanistan continues to threaten the lives of Americans, Afghan allies and Christians who remain in hiding. Congressman Rogers joined House and Senate Republicans to send a unified letter to President Biden asking him to outline his plan moving forward in Afghanistan.\n\n\"Instead of caving to an arbitrary deadline with the Taliban, President Biden should first guarantee that every American is accounted for and safely evacuated from Afghanistan,\" said Congressman Rogers. \"The Biden Administration's catastrophic failure in Afghanistan made our nation look weak and not only emboldened our enemies, but empowered the Taliban with American military weapons, armored vehicles and state-of-the-art aircraft that was left behind. It is an international embarrassment and I will continue to press for answers from the Biden Administration and our military leaders.\"\n\nClick here to download the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=66E8B39D-CB66-45EC-8E21-FDF50321FAA6", "U.S. Congressman Andy Barr, Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul Push for Federal Flood Assistance to Nicholas County", "2021-08-23", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Carlisle, KY\u2014 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06), U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a letter to the Biden Administration on Friday urging an expedited approval for federal flood assistance to Nicholas County. The Commonwealth of Kentucky finalized the federal disaster request last Thursday, August 19. On July 29 and July 30, the city of Carlisle and Nicholas County experienced tremendous flood damage to 88 homes, 29 businesses, and critical infrastructure that downed the city\u2019s fire department services and impacted their wastewater treatment plant.\n\n\u201cWe write to call your attention to the August 19th, 2021 letter from Governor Andy Beshear requesting a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Kentucky due to the severe storm cell that caused extensive and deadly flash flooding in Nicholas County on July 29 and 30, 2021. We strongly support this request and ask for your timely consideration,\u201d the letter from Congressman Barr, Senators McConnell and Paul read in part.\n\n\u201cMany homeowners did not have flood insurance policies. Individual Assistance is needed for the community to recover from this devastating event,\u201d the letter continued.\n\nCongressman Barr visited Nicholas County and the city of Carlisle shortly after the floods occurred. The offices for Congressman Barr, Senator McConnell and Senator Paul will continue to assist in flood recovery efforts in Nicholas County and be available to constituents who need help.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 304, "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": "KY", "p2": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "KY", "label": "KY", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 304, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-08-23,https~3A~2F~2Fbarr~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D66E8B39D-CB66-45EC-8E21-FDF50321FAA6", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=KY&year=2021&_next=2021-08-23%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fbarr~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D66E8B39D-CB66-45EC-8E21-FDF50321FAA6&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 199.89209482446313, "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"}