{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396947", "McGovern Backs Obama Action to Sanction Russia for Election Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice in Congress on U.S.-Russia relations  author of a bipartisan bill recently passed by Congress to sanction Russia for corruption and human rights abuses  released the following statement in support of the Obama Administration's latest round of sanctions against Russia:\r\rI strongly support President Obama's actions today to respond to Russia's interference in our election. American democracy was attacked in 2016. This was a very serious act by a foreign government and deserves a very serious response. These sanctions are a strong step to hold accountable those individuals identified by U.S. intelligence agencies as responsible for meddling in our presidential election. But more action is needed.\r\rWe need an independent and bipartisan commission to fully investigate the actions by all who played a role in interfering in this year's election. Protecting our elections from foreign interference is vital to our national security and must be our first priority. Both Republicans and Democrats alike must put country first and work together to support a complete and thorough investigation to give the American people the answers they deserve and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.\r\rPresident-elect Trump's continued praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the campaign and in the face of overwhelming evidence that Russia interfered in our election should alarm all Americans. The incoming Trump administration must work with both parties in Congress to build on these new sanctions and ensure this attack on American democracy is answered strongly and swiftly. We must be united in standing up to Russia and protecting the integrity of our elections against all foreign influence.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BBC90F49-2F07-4F9D-854B-83A253AEDD65", "A look back at 2016", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Katherine Clark", "C001101", "katherineclark.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends, \nAs 2016 comes to a close and we look ahead to the start of a new Congress, I wanted to share some highlights from our work.\r\n\r\n   In 2016, President Obama signed 4 of my bills into law, including legislation to fight the opioid epidemic and to strengthen maternal health programs. In total, the 114th Congress passed 7 of my bills and proposals to improve educational opportunity for vulnerable children, increase the quality of care for our youngest learners, develop care for infants affected by the opioid crisis, and to support the health and success of women and their families. We have met, worked with, and helped thousands in our community through our mobile office hours, Coffee with Katherine events, open forums, policy panels, and visits throughout the Commonwealth's 5th district.\nBy making sure Congress hears your stories, we've been able to lead the national conversation on issues like gun violence, the opioid crisis, online abuse, protecting vulnerable families, defending science, and building an economy that works for everyone. I invite you to read a few stories about our work together in 2016:\r\nElle: Congresswoman Katherine Clark is Taking on The Trolls \nTime Magazine: Meet the Woman Behind the Democratic Sit-in     Huffington Post: Congress Passes Groundbreaking Postpartum Legislation \nBoston Globe: Mass. lawmakers focus on opioids\r\n   Please know that I am a resource for you. If you have ideas, questions, concerns, or need help with a federal matter give us a call or pay us a visit. For updates on our work, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. \nAs always, I'm grateful that you've given me the opportunity to serve our community. I look forward to continuing our fight in Congress in 2017. \nSincerely, \n   Katherine Clark    Member of Congress (MA-05)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-trump-is-wrong-about-expanding-us-nuclear-capabilities-will-make-world-a-more-dangerous-place", "Senator Markey: Trump Is Wrong About Expanding U.S. Nuclear Capabilities, Will Make World a More Dangerous Place", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey: Trump Is Wrong About Expanding U.S. Nuclear Capabilities, Will Make World a More Dangerous Place \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 22, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator calls on President-elect to commit to reducing bloated U.S. nuclear weapons spending and avoid new nuclear arms race with Russia\r\n\r\nWashington (December 22, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today called on President-elect Donald Trump to reduce America\u2019s nuclear arsenal and reform U.S. nuclear posture after Mr. Trump tweeted, \u201cThe United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its sense regarding nukes\u201d.\r\n\r\nIn his letter, Senator Markey pointed to the nearly $1 trillion dollars the United States will spend over the next three decades to modernize its nuclear forces that could instead be used for other domestic and defense priorities, such as the infrastructure plan that the President-elect has proposed. Senator Markey also points to remarks made by General James Mattis, Mr. Trump\u2019s nominee for Secretary of Defense, who said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee in January 2015: \u201cIs it time to reduce the triad to a diad, removing the land?based missiles? This would reduce the false alarm danger.\u201d\r\n\r\nFinally, Senator Markey pointed to escalating tensions with Russia and the need to engage in negotiations with the country to make bilateral cuts in defensive and offensive nuclear arms.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI urge you to recommit to meaningful nuclear arms control with Russia as part of a broader effort to reduce military tensions with Moscow,\u201d\u00a0writes the Senator in his letter to President-elect Trump.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cEscalating the nuclear arms race by building more nuclear weapons would undermine that objective, and it could violate the New START Treaty, which the United States and Russia signed in 2010.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe existential risk of nuclear war has motivated previous presidents from both parties to engage in arms control negotiations as part of their national security strategy,\u201dconcludes Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cFollowing your inauguration, you will have a similar opportunity, and Americans concerned about the risk of nuclear devastation expect you to seize it.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nA copy of Senator Markey\u2019s letter can be found HERE.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nLast week, Senators Markey and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) sent a letter\u00a0to Mr. Donald Trump calling on him to strengthen our system of alliances, including NATO and the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty, and long-standing nuclear nonproliferation policies.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-rubio-and-coons-call-on-state-department-to-examine-security-assistance-to-the-philippines-in-light-of-extrajudicial-killing-spree", "Senators Markey, Rubio and Coons Call on State Department to Examine Security Assistance to the Philippines in Light of Extrajudicial Killing Spree", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Markey, Rubio and Coons Call on State Department to Examine Security Assistance to the Philippines in Light of Extrajudicial Killing Spree \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 22, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLawmakers decry Philippine President Duterte\u2019s ongoing deadly campaign of mass atrocities in response to drug crisis\r\nWashington (December 22, 2016) \u2013 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today sent a letter to the State Department expressing grave concern with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte\u2019s so-called \u201cWar on Drugs\u201d, which appears to be little more than a brutal campaign of government supported extra-judicial killings and other human rights violations that is estimated to be responsible for the deaths of at least 6,000 Filipinos. President Duterte has pledged to kill another 20,000 to 30,000 people, many simply because they suffer from a drug use disorder. The United States has pledged $32 million in support of training and other assistance to Filipino law enforcement agencies, but the Leahy Law prohibits U.S. assistance or support of any unit of a foreign country\u2019s security forces when its members have perpetrated gross human rights violations.  \u00a0  \u201cWhile supporting law enforcement in foreign countries can be a key element of advancing U.S. interests overseas, recipients of our financial assistance must align with our values and ideals, including respect for human rights and the rule of law,\u201d write the Senators in the letter to the State Department\u2019s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. \u201cThose suffering with a substance use disorder need access to treatment and a pathway to rehabilitation, not a summary execution where the police or vigilantes act as judge, jury, and executioner. We urge the U.S. to denounce these horrific violations of basic human rights, and ensure that no foreign assistance is being provided to support egregious acts against humanity.\u201d\r\nA copy the senators\u2019 letter can be found HERE.  \u00a0  In the letter, Senators Markey, Rubio and Coons requested specific information from the State Department regarding U.S. monetary assistance being provided to the Philippines and the Department\u2019s ability to ensure that funding is not being used to support egregious acts against humanity.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/new-2015-opioid-overdose-death-data-calls-for-immediate-action-on-illicit-fentanyl-says-markey_", "New 2015 Opioid Overdose Death Data Calls for Immediate Action on Illicit Fentanyl Says Markey", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New 2015 Opioid Overdose Death Data Calls for Immediate Action on Illicit Fentanyl Says Markey   \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator has introduced bipartisan legislation to elevate illicit fentanyl trafficking as a foreign policy priority\r\n\u00a0\r\nBoston (December 21, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on opioid overdose deaths in 2015. More than 52,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2015, and 33,091, or 63 percent, involved an opioid. Death rates involving heroin have increased 20 percent from 2014 to 2015. Massachusetts ranks 2nd, per capita, in synthetic opioid deaths, which include fentanyl, with the number of deaths between 2014 and 2015 increasing by 109 percent.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cFentanyl is trending as the deadliest illicit opioid drug our country is facing,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cLeft unchecked, fentanyl threatens to cause a nationwide public-health crisis of epic proportions. Massachusetts is near the top of the list of states suffering fentanyl overdose deaths, but much of the rest of the country doesn\u2019t appreciate the threat that fentanyl is posing to the American people. We must educate the public about the existence of illicit fentanyl and the harm it can do. We need to make sure that China and Mexico are living up to their promises to combat the flow of this deadly drug and other synthetic opioids into the United States. And we must develop a national strategy that includes collaboration with our international partners to help stop fentanyl\u2019s deadly impact.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenators Markey and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). members of the Foreign Relations Committee, have\u00a0introduced\u00a0a Senate resolution calling for international cooperation to address the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the United States. Last year, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a nationwide alert on illicit fentanyl as a threat to public health and safety.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/terrorism-financing-task-force-releases-results-two-year-investigation", "Terrorism Financing Task Force Releases Results of Two-Year Investigation", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Stephen Lynch", "L000562", "lynch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSTON, MA \u2013 The House Financial Services Committee\u2019s Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing on Tuesday released a bipartisan report of its two-year long probe into the threat terror financing poses to the U.S. financial system. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) serves as the lead Democrat on the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing.\n\u201cFor the last two years, the Task Force has been examining ways to improve the federal government\u2019s approach to combatting the flow of funds to terrorist groups. This report incorporates essential components of the Task Force\u2019s strategy to address illicit terrorist financing activity, which threatens our national security, financial system, and the international trade system. Thank you to Task Force Chairman Fitzpatrick, Vice Chairman Pittenger, Chairman Hensarling, and Ranking Member Waters for recognizing that putting a stop to terrorist financing is critical to improving our national security. I\u00a0look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis in the 115th Congress to codify our approach to countering terrorism financing and hopefully augmenting the number of Treasury attach\u00e9s who are on the front lines of this effort,\u201d said Congressman Lynch.\n\u201cFighting the financial war against terror demands constant innovation and vigilance.\u00a0 I want to commend Chairman Fitzpatrick, Ranking Member Lynch, Vice Chairman Pittenger and all members of the Task Force for their leadership and hard work to identify areas where we must upgrade and improve our nation\u2019s ability to starve the terrorists of the financial resources they need to carry out their evil attacks. I look forward to working with Members in the coming Congress to implement their important findings,\u201d said Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX).\nTask Force Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) added, \u201cFor two years, including 11 hearings, our task force investigated the financial mechanisms terrorists use to fund their activities. We discovered highly critical vulnerabilities, namely federal information sharing and inter-agency coordination. The report released today will serve as a guide for the next Congress in crafting legislation to thwart terrorist groups from carrying out their vicious global operations. Combatting terror financing is a significant and often overlooked component of our national security strategy. This report signals to the next Congress and Treasury Department that we must continually evaluate and improve our response toward international terror and criminal financing.\u201d\n\u201cOver the past year, the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing has conducted critically important work to identify solutions to address 21st Century threats.\u00a0 In conjunction with the legislation we passed this Congress, I look forward to implementing the recommendations found in this report as we continue efforts to defeat radical Islamic terrorism,\u201d said Vice Chair Robert Pittenger (R-NC).\nAs a result of the hard work of its 21 members, Task Force leaders introduced several bipartisan bills aimed at addressing some of the threats its investigation identified:\nH.R. 5594, the \u201cNational Strategy for Combatting Terrorists, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act.\u201d\u00a0 Sponsored by Chairman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and co-sponsored by Reps. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), H.R. 5594 would require the President, acting through the Treasury Secretary, to develop and publish an annual whole-of-government strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The bill passed the House on July 11, 2016 by voice vote.\nH.R. 5602, sponsored by Ranking Member Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Peter King (R-NY), requires more detailed information to be reported to the Treasury regarding certain types of transactions in a specific area for a limited amount of time.\u00a0 H.R. 5602 passed the House on July 11, 2016 by a vote of 356-47.\nH.R. 5607, the \u201cEnhancing Treasury\u2019s Anti-Terror Tools Act.\u201d\u00a0 Sponsored by Task Force Vice Chairman Robert Pittenger (R-NC) and co-sponsored by Ranking Member Lynch (D-MA), H.R. 5607 would enhance Treasury\u2019s anti-illicit finance tools by addressing issues that came up repeatedly in Task Force Hearings. The bill passed the House on July 11, 2016 by a vote of 362-45.\nH.R. 5603, the \u201cKleptocracy Asset Recovery Act.\u201d\u00a0 Sponsored by Ranking Member Lynch (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), H.R. 5603 would establish a reward program aimed at helping the U.S. identify, freeze, and, if appropriate, repatriate assets linked to foreign government corruption, which is often an enabler of terrorism.\nH.R. 5606, the \u201cAnti-Terrorism Information Sharing Is Truth Act.\u201d\u00a0 Sponsored by Vice Chairman Pittenger (R-NC) and co-sponsored by Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), H.R. 5606 seeks to refine \u201csafe harbors\u201d for the sharing of anti-terror information, reaffirming Congressional intent in existing statute that encouraging the government to share terror methodologies with banks to help them better recognize such activity.\nIn addition to the five bills the Task Force introduced, the bipartisan report made several recommendations for further Congressional attention, including:\n Better interagency coordination and resource allocation;\n\tBetter use of and access to information that can identify illicit finance;\n\tAdding more overseas Treasury attach\u00e9s;\n\tContinued attention to helping developing countries fight illicit finance;\n\tA greater domestic and international focus on stopping trade-based money laundering;\n\tDevelopment of a harmonized regulatory and examination procedure for nonbank financial institutions \u2013 primarily money service businesses (MSB) but also emerging value transfer technologies \u2013 to squeeze out illicit finance and provide banks the comfort necessary for them to again widely offer MSB retail account services;\n\tDevelopment of a whole-of-government strategy to combat terror finance and other forms of financial crimes; Beneficial ownership of corporate entities; and\n\tRe-animation of the interagency Terrorist Financing Working Group.\n Text of the full report can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynch.house.gov/2016/12/terrorism-financing-task-force-releases-results-two-year-investigation", "Terrorism Financing Task Force Releases Results of Two-Year Investigation", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Stephen F. Lynch", "L000562", "lynch.house.gov", "lynch", "https://lynch.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "BOSTON, MA \u2013 The House Financial Services Committee\u2019s Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing on Tuesday released a bipartisan report of its two-year long probe into the threat terror financing poses to the U.S. financial system. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) serves as the lead Democrat on the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing.\n\n\u201cFor the last two years, the Task Force has been examining ways to improve the federal government\u2019s approach to combatting the flow of funds to terrorist groups. This report incorporates essential components of the Task Force\u2019s strategy to address illicit terrorist financing activity, which threatens our national security, financial system, and the international trade system. Thank you to Task Force Chairman Fitzpatrick, Vice Chairman Pittenger, Chairman Hensarling, and Ranking Member Waters for recognizing that putting a stop to terrorist financing is critical to improving our national security. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis in the 115th Congress to codify our approach to countering terrorism financing and hopefully augmenting the number of Treasury attach\u00e9s who are on the front lines of this effort,\u201d said Congressman Lynch.\n\n\u201cFighting the financial war against terror demands constant innovation and vigilance. I want to commend Chairman Fitzpatrick, Ranking Member Lynch, Vice Chairman Pittenger and all members of the Task Force for their leadership and hard work to identify areas where we must upgrade and improve our nation\u2019s ability to starve the terrorists of the financial resources they need to carry out their evil attacks. I look forward to working with Members in the coming Congress to implement their important findings,\u201d said Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX).\n\nTask Force Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) added, \u201cFor two years, including 11 hearings, our task force investigated the financial mechanisms terrorists use to fund their activities. We discovered highly critical vulnerabilities, namely federal information sharing and inter-agency coordination. The report released today will serve as a guide for the next Congress in crafting legislation to thwart terrorist groups from carrying out their vicious global operations. Combatting terror financing is a significant and often overlooked component of our national security strategy. This report signals to the next Congress and Treasury Department that we must continually evaluate and improve our response toward international terror and criminal financing.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the past year, the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing has conducted critically important work to identify solutions to address 21st Century threats. In conjunction with the legislation we passed this Congress, I look forward to implementing the recommendations found in this report as we continue efforts to defeat radical Islamic terrorism,\u201d said Vice Chair Robert Pittenger (R-NC).\n\nAs a result of the hard work of its 21 members, Task Force leaders introduced several bipartisan bills aimed at addressing some of the threats its investigation identified:\n\nH.R. 5594, the \u201cNational Strategy for Combatting Terrorists, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act.\u201d Sponsored by Chairman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and co-sponsored by Reps. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), H.R. 5594 would require the President, acting through the Treasury Secretary, to develop and publish an annual whole-of-government strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The bill passed the House on July 11, 2016 by voice vote.\n\nH.R. 5602, sponsored by Ranking Member Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Peter King (R-NY), requires more detailed information to be reported to the Treasury regarding certain types of transactions in a specific area for a limited amount of time. H.R. 5602 passed the House on July 11, 2016 by a vote of 356-47.\n\nH.R. 5607, the \u201cEnhancing Treasury\u2019s Anti-Terror Tools Act.\u201d Sponsored by Task Force Vice Chairman Robert Pittenger (R-NC) and co-sponsored by Ranking Member Lynch (D-MA), H.R. 5607 would enhance Treasury\u2019s anti-illicit finance tools by addressing issues that came up repeatedly in Task Force Hearings. The bill passed the House on July 11, 2016 by a vote of 362-45.\n\nH.R. 5603, the \u201cKleptocracy Asset Recovery Act.\u201d Sponsored by Ranking Member Lynch (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-PA), H.R. 5603 would establish a reward program aimed at helping the U.S. identify, freeze, and, if appropriate, repatriate assets linked to foreign government corruption, which is often an enabler of terrorism.\n\nH.R. 5606, the \u201cAnti-Terrorism Information Sharing Is Truth Act.\u201d Sponsored by Vice Chairman Pittenger (R-NC) and co-sponsored by Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), H.R. 5606 seeks to refine \u201csafe harbors\u201d for the sharing of anti-terror information, reaffirming Congressional intent in existing statute that encouraging the government to share terror methodologies with banks to help them better recognize such activity.\n\nIn addition to the five bills the Task Force introduced, the bipartisan report made several recommendations for further Congressional attention, including:\n\nBetter interagency coordination and resource allocation;\n\nBetter use of and access to information that can identify illicit finance;\n\nAdding more overseas Treasury attach\u00e9s;\n\nContinued attention to helping developing countries fight illicit finance;\n\nA greater domestic and international focus on stopping trade-based money laundering;\n\nDevelopment of a harmonized regulatory and examination procedure for nonbank financial institutions \u2013 primarily money service businesses (MSB) but also emerging value transfer technologies \u2013 to squeeze out illicit finance and provide banks the comfort necessary for them to again widely offer MSB retail account services;\n\nDevelopment of a whole-of-government strategy to combat terror finance and other forms of financial crimes; Beneficial ownership of corporate entities; and\n\nRe-animation of the interagency Terrorist Financing Working Group.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-condemns-kabilas-refusal-to-step-down-at-the-end-of-constitutionally-mandated-term-calls-for-immediate-end-to-violence", "Senator Markey Condemns Kabila’s Refusal to Step Down at the End of Constitutionally-Mandated Term, Calls for Immediate End to Violence", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Condemns Kabila\u2019s Refusal to Step Down at the End of Constitutionally-Mandated Term, Calls for Immediate End to Violence \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBoston (December 20, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee, released the following statement on the refusal of Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to step down on December 19, the constitutionally-mandated end of his term. Media sources report that government security personnel have used force to break up peaceful protest in Kinshasa and other cities and that some protestors have been detained.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI strongly condemn President Kabila\u2019s refusal to leave office as mandated by the country\u2019s constitution. Kabila\u2019s persistent efforts to cling to power are a flagrant violation of democratic norms and an affront to the people of the DRC, whose right to choose their next leader through free and fair elections is guaranteed by the constitution.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI also am deeply troubled by reports that the DRC\u2019s security forces are using force against peaceful protestors. I reiterate my call on the DRC\u2019s government to cease all intimidation and violence, end restrictions on the media and internet, and allow peaceful political activity.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cPresident Kabila and other DRC officials must understand that the eyes of the international community are upon them.\u00a0 If they continue to stifle the democratic process and violate human rights, they will suffer further consequences, including additional U.S. sanctions.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-booker-praise-obama-administration-move-to-permanently-ban-offshore-drilling-in-parts-of-arctic-and-atlantic-oceans", "Senators Markey and Booker Praise Obama Administration Move to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling in Parts of Arctic and Atlantic Oceans", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Markey and Booker Praise Obama Administration Move to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling in Parts of Arctic and Atlantic Oceans \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators led the call for President Obama to use authority under Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently protect both areas\r\n\u00a0\r\nBoston (December 20, 2016) \u2013 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today praised the Obama administration for taking steps to permanently protect large parts of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans from offshore oil drilling. In October, Senators Markey and Booker\u00a0led\u00a0a group of 12 other senators in calling on President Obama to use his authority under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to permanently protect the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans from offshore oil and gas drilling.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cBy using his authority under Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently protect these oceans from offshore drilling, President Obama is cementing a profound legacy of environmental and natural resources protection,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cWe know that in the Trump administration, there will be a Big Oil bullseye on our coastlines for offshore drilling. As President-elect Trump nominates fossil fuel allies to his cabinet, President Obama has instead put the interests of millions of Americans ahead of those of Big Oil with these permanent protections. The Atlantic Coast is both a natural wonder and economic engine, and I will continue to fight to protect Georges Bank and New England\u2019s waters. We must not allow the Trump administration to open our waters off of New England to dangerous offshore oil and gas drilling.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud President Obama for answering our calls to permanently protect vulnerable waters in the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans from the potential devastating effects of a catastrophic oil spill,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Booker.\u00a0\u201cWe must now stand ready to fight any efforts by the incoming Administration to undermine these historic protections for our environment, our economy, and our coastal communities.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe statute in OCSLA states, \u201cThe President of the United States may, from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf.\u201d The absence of explicit language in OCSLA that references the authority to revoke those withdrawals, in contrast to other statutes like the Federal Land Policy and Management Act that does includes language to both withdraw lands from certain uses and also to revoke those withdrawals, indicates that this statute empowers the President to permanently withdraw federal lands offshore from oil and gas drilling.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1331", "McCaskill-Warren GAO Report Shows Shocking Increase in Student Loan Debt Among Seniors", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Elizabeth Warren today released a government report showing that student loan debt is escalating rapidly, and tens of thousands of senior Americans are currently having their Social Security benefits cut below the poverty line to recoup defaulted student loan debt.\nThe report, conducted for McCaskill and Warren by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), indicates that in the past ten years the amount of student loan debt among seniors has skyrocketed, as has the number of seniors whose Social Security benefits are being garnished in order to recoup that debt. McCaskill and Warren both serve on the Senate Aging Committee, where McCaskill is the top Democrat.\nThe report's troubling findings included:\n \nThe cohort of those over 50 in student loan debt, over 7 million Americans, is growing much faster than younger cohorts. Since 2005, Americans aged 65 and up saw their total student loan debt grow by 385 percent.\nThe number of Americans whose Social Security checks are being garnished by the government to recoup defaulted student loans has increased by 540 percent in the last decade to over 114,000 older borrowers.\nSince 2004, the number of seniors whose Social Security benefits have been garnished below the poverty line has increased from 8,300 to 67,300.\nThirteen percent of borrowers 50 or older at the time of their initial offset died while their loans were still outstanding.\n \n\"This report shows us that seniors clearly aren't immune to the student loan crisis-they're deeply impacted by this issue to the point that it's leaving many of them in a dire financial situation,\" McCaskill said. \"We could have hundreds of thousands of American seniors living in poverty due to garnished Social Security benefits if this trend continues, and we shouldn't allow that to happen.\"\n\"The hard-earned Social Security checks that are the sole source of income for millions of seniors should not be siphoned off to pay interest and fees on student loan debt,\" said Warren. \"It's no wonder many Americans don't think Washington works for them: our government is shoving tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities into poverty through garnishment every year-and charging them $15 every month for the privilege-just so that the Department of Education can collect a little bit more interest and keep boosting the government's student loan profits. This is predatory and counterproductive, and Congress should pass the bill I've cosponsored to put a stop to this practice.\"\nSome of the report's troubling findings included that more than 70% of garnished Social Security benefits were going toward fees and interest, and not paying down seniors' principal balances-leaving many seniors with a reduced standard of living, in a cycle of debt they could not escape.\nGAO also issued recommendations related to the report, including eliminating Social Security benefits garnishment to below the federal poverty line, as well as simplifying the paperwork for disabled Americans to discharge their student loan debt.\nThe report is available online here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-markey-calls-on-president-elect-trump-to-reject-opec-call-for-united-states-to-cooperate-on-oil-market-manipulation", "Markey Calls on President-elect Trump to Reject OPEC Call for United States to Cooperate on Oil Market Manipulation", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey Calls on President-elect Trump to Reject OPEC Call for United States to Cooperate on Oil Market Manipulation \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tUrges Trump to oppose any efforts by OPEC to expand oil market control, production cuts at the expense of consumers, national security\r\n\u00a0\r\nBoston (December 19, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, today denounced a call by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the United States to join future deals to limit oil production. Last week, OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo stated that there could be additional deals by OPEC to further limit oil production and that such future deals would be \u201cincomplete\u201d without U.S. participation. He further commented that \u201cwe do not live in a world of energy-independent nations.\u201d In his letter, Senator Markey called on President-elect Donald Trump to reject these comments and pledge that the United States will not negotiate or collaborate with the oil cartel to manipulate oil markets. He also called on Trump to oppose any OPEC efforts to expand inclusion of non-OPEC nations in future agreements to limit or manipulate oil production.\r\n\u201cThe suggestion that the United States should work with OPEC is deeply troubling. Higher oil prices might benefit oil producers but they do not benefit U.S. consumers or our economy,\u201d\u00a0writes the Senator in the letter to President-elect Trump.\u00a0\u201cThe United States should seek to continue to decrease our reliance on oil from unstable and hostile regions of the world, not work with a cartel of foreign nations to artificially increase oil prices at the expense of U.S. consumers and our economy.\u201d\r\nA copy of Senator Markey\u2019s letter can be found\u00a0HERE.\r\nEconomists have outlined how each one-penny increase in gas prices translates into $1 billion a year in increased costs to consumers, and that each $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil can reduce the growth rate of the American economy by 0.2 to 0.3 percentage points.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-condemns-attack-on-berlin-christmas-market", "Senator Markey Condemns Attack on Berlin Christmas Market", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Condemns Attack on Berlin Christmas Market \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 20, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement today after a truck rammed into a crowd of people at a holiday Christmas market in Berlin. The German authorities are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI condemn today\u2019s barbaric attack in Berlin on innocent bystanders visiting a Christmas market. My thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured, their loved ones, and all the people of Germany at this tragic moment. Such a wanton and vicious attack on people celebrating a beloved and joyous holiday has no place in a civilized society and can never be justified.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our German allies. Together, we will overcome this scourge of terror and violence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-final-stream-protection-rule", "Senator Markey Statement on Final Stream Protection Rule", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Final Stream Protection Rule \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 19, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBoston (December 19, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement today after the Obama administration released final regulations to prevent or minimize impacts to surface water and groundwater from coal mining.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cThe Interior Department\u2019s Stream Protection Rule will help protect Appalachian communities from the devastating and toxic impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining. This rule is a critical step in protecting the public health and clean water for millions of Americans and I will work to ensure that it is not rolled back by a Trump Administration. I applaud President Obama and Secretary Jewell for taking this important action to protect public health in these areas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396946", "U.S. Congressman McGovern on Syria Humanitarian Crisis", "2016-12-17", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice in Congress on human rights, released the following statement on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. \r\r\"Every day we hear about new horrors as the massacre in Syria continues.At this moment, somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 people remain in Aleppo waiting to be evacuated to safety. Thanks to the evacuation operation that was negotiated this week, some 8,000 people were able to leave Aleppo in recent days.\r\r\"But it appears that the operation has broken down. While we do not know the details, there are reports that a convoy of 1,000 evacuees was stopped by pro-Syrian government militiamen, who shot several passengers, execution-style, before sending the rest back. There are also reports of the failure of a separate operation to evacuate civilians from two Shiite villages in nearby Idib Province that have long been surrounded by rebel forces.\r\r\"Continuing attacks against civilians in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria  against women, children, humanitarian workers and medical personnel  are inexcusable, a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and a failure of the most basic tenets of human decency.\r\r\"This is not a civil war; this is a war on civilians. Nothing has demonstrated the scale of the slaughter more than what has happened and is happening in Aleppo. Most of the carnage is being carried out by the Syrian regime, which is massacring its own population, aided and abetted by Russia and Iranian militias.\r\r\"To bring this slaughter to an end, there must be an immediate, verifiable, durable cessation of hostilities and attacks by all combatants. Safe passage out of besieged areas must be secured for all those who have been trapped inside, and full access must be restored for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. This is what decency requires.\r\r\"Regrettably, we are not dealing with a regime that has any sense of decency. We need to remember that the Syrian uprising began as a peaceful movement seeking social justice and democratic reform. The Assad regime transformed this peaceful protest into a crisis and then a brutal civil war by arresting, torturing and murdering opponents en masse and pursuing a strategy of annihilation against its own people not seen since Bosnia and Rwanda.\r\r\"While I strongly support Secretary Kerry's persistent efforts to use diplomatic channels and try to get the belligerents back to the negotiating table -- because in the end, the only way to end the horrific war in Syria is through a political settlement -- I have little confidence that his Russian counterparts are negotiating in good faith. I fear they are either stalling for time to allow Assad to carry out his murderous campaign, or they have no genuine ability to influence the Syrian regime and secure a humanitarian evacuation.\r\r\"I will continue to support humanitarian assistance for Syria and the surrounding region. The United States has already provided more than $6 billion in humanitarian aid, and there is no doubt that much more will be needed.\r\r\"But the incapacity of the international community, including the United States, to protect or save the civilian population of Aleppo is a failure of the greatest magnitude. I believe it will haunt us all for years to come. It represents not only the erosion of international humanitarian law and commitment, but a lack of political will and a lack of moral courage.\r\r\"So, I call on all decent people around the world to demand accountability for the Syrian and Russian officials who are responsible for the horrific atrocities that have been committed against the Syrian people. Each and every official who has ordered or committed these crimes should be sanctioned; efforts to document the atrocities should be supported; and people everywhere should condemn and shame the Russian and Syrian regimes for what they have done.\r\r\"In January, when the U.S. Congress reconvenes, we should debate what more we can do to help end this war, support its victims, and return to them some semblance of their lives. Every day more innocent lives are lost. The time for action to end this conflict is now.\"\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-bill-authorizes-new-national-manufacturing-institute", "KENNEDY BILL AUTHORIZES NEW NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Joseph Kennedy", "K000379", "kennedy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newton, MA \u2013 On the second anniversary of his Revitalize American Manufacturing (RAMI) Act, Congressman Joe Kennedy III today applauded the creation of a new manufacturing innovation hub in Delaware. Authorized by Kennedy\u2019s bill, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) will join a network of U.S. manufacturing institutes dedicated to supporting next-generation technologies and training a top-tier workforce.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tLast year, Kennedy spearheaded Congressional efforts to support the successful bid for a Massachusetts-based institute, which will focus on emerging technologies in fibers and textiles. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cFor countless American communities and working families, advanced manufacturing is a critical economic bright spot in a system that too often threatens to leave them behind,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cRebuilding a thriving manufacturing sector in the United States is an essential part of ensuring everyone can access the tremendous opportunities that an innovation economy brings. I thank Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and the entire Obama Administration for their commitment to American manufacturing and look forward to supporting the employers, educators and students at NIIMBL.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Delaware project will be the country\u2019s eleventh Manufacturing Innovation Institute and will be a partnership of more than 150 companies, educational institutions, research centers, coordinating bodies, non-profits, and manufacturing extension partnerships. It will include input from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. For more information on NIIMBL, please click here.  \n\t\u00a0  Background on RAMI:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tCongressman Kennedy introduced RAMI with Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) in 2013. Securing over 100 co-sponsors, evenly split between both sides of the aisle, the bill passed the House of Representatives in September of 2014 with overwhelming support. \u00a0A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). The bill was signed into law by President Obama in December of 2014.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tRAMI builds off an existing Obama Administration pilot program to create a network of regional institutes across the country, each focused on a unique technology, material, or process relevant to advanced manufacturing. Comprised of local industry, academia and other stakeholders, the institutes will work to (1) expand research and development, (2) close the gap between R&D and commercialization of products, (3) support small and mid-sized manufacturers, and (4) train a top-tier advanced manufacturing workforce.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t# # #  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0  For Immediate Release:  \n\tDecember 16,\u00a02016  \n\t\u00a0  Contact:  \n\tEmily Kaufman (617) 332-3333  \n\tDan Black (202) 225-5931Follow Congressman Kennedy on\u00a0Instagram,\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/moultons-faster-care-for-veterans-bill-signed-into-law/", "Moultons Faster Care for Veterans Bill Signed into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Moulton\u2019s Faster Care for Veterans Bill Signed into Law \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 16th, 2016\r\n                        Bipartisan bill will bring VA healthcare into the 21st century\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Seth Moulton\u2019s (D-MA) bipartisan Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 was signed by President Barack Obama and became law. Moulton introduced the legislation with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to improve access to veteran health care. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous vote last Saturday.\nThe Faster Care for Veterans Act will make critical improvements to veteran health care by utilizing 21st century technology. The legislation requires the VA to pilot an online self-scheduling app for VA patients, equipping the VA with the same state-of-the-art technology enjoyed by patients in the private sector to improve the quality of veteran health care services. Moulton and McMorris Rodgers\u2019 legislation will allow patients to self-schedule appointments from their smart phones or computers with the click of a button.\n\u201cOur veterans deserve the best health care in the world, but for far too long they have been underserved by outdated systems that make it hard to simply schedule an appointment,\u201d said\u00a0Moulton. \u201cPresident Obama signed our bill into law today, and veterans across the nation will soon have the ability to use online, self-scheduling technology to make appointments. I\u2019ve heard from thousands of veterans across the country that this will make a major difference, and I\u2019m grateful to Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and Senators Klobuchar and Ernst for their efforts to get our legislation through the House and Senate. Improving veteran services is one of my top priorities, and I thank my colleagues for putting country over politics to make a difference for our veterans.\u201d\n\u201cToday is a victory for our veterans and a big step toward bringing the VA into the 21st Century and back to being focused\u00a0on its sole mission \u2013 serving veterans,\u201d said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). \u201cI\u2019m grateful for my colleagues\u2019 support of this legislation, and I look forward to seeing the very real impact it will have on giving our veterans easier access to the care they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\u201cOur veterans shouldn\u2019t be forced to wait weeks on end for an appointment at the VA,\u201d said\u00a0Senator Joni Ernst. \u201cThe Faster Care for Veterans Act will allow veterans to schedule and confirm their appointments at VA centers online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Modernizing the appointment process means quicker and more accessible service. I am pleased that this new law will help to uphold our commitment to provide quality and timely care for our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\n\u201cExcessive wait times can put veterans\u2019 lives at risk, but state-of-the art technology that makes it easier to schedule appointments already exists and is being used in other hospital systems,\u201d said\u00a0Senator Amy Klobuchar. \u201cOur veterans have earned the right to use the same technology to schedule their medical appointments without unnecessary red tape and delays. This bipartisan bill will take an important step forward in ensuring that our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much have access to the medical care they need and deserve.\u201d\nLast February, Moulton posted a video on his official Facebook page of District Representative and Army Veteran, Dennis Magnasco, attempting to make an appointment at the VA, but he could not get past the automated answering service. The video, \u201cWhy Veterans Need H.R. 4352 The Faster Care for Veterans Act,\u201d went viral and has been viewed nearly 1.5 million times with 35,000 shares and thousands of comments of support.\nMoulton has made veterans\u2019 care a top priority during this congress. In June 2015, Moulton introduced his first package of legislation: The VA Education Training and Sustainability (VETS) Act, four bills aimed at improving the talent pipeline at Veterans Affairs medical facilities across the country. In this Congress, Moulton passed three bills through the House and has had one bill signed into law; a total which no other Freshman House Democrat has surpassed.\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or connect with him on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://neal.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-neal-calls-bipartisan-investigation-russian-interference", "CONGRESSMAN NEAL CALLS FOR A BIPARTISAN INVESTIGATION INTO...", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Richard Neal", "N000015", "neal.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON) Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement today calling for a bipartisan investigation into allegations that the Russian government deliberately interfered in the 2016 presidential election. \n\nThe most senior national security and law enforcement officials in the country have said that Russia interfered in the presidential election to help determine its outcome. The United States intelligence community, including the CIA, believes the integrity of our electoral system was put at risk due to Russian cyberattacks. Under no circumstances can we let our democratic process be threatened, undermined or manipulated by a foreign government. That is why I strongly support a bipartisan congressional investigation into these serious allegations. I strongly believe every American has the right to know the degree to which the Kremlin may have influenced the 2016 elections through these troubling hacks, said Congressman Richard E. Neal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://neal.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-richard-e-neal-release-federal-report", "STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN RICHARD E. NEAL ON THE RELEASE OF...", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Richard Neal", "N000015", "neal.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON) Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement today after the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a comprehensive plan to substantially improve rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) over the next 25 years at a cost of $130 billion. According to the FRA, the proposal will upgrade aging infrastructure and improve the reliability, capacity, connectivity, performance, and resiliency of passenger rail service on the NEC for both intercity and regional trips, while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth. Rail service will significantly grow across the region with ridership projected to double by 2040 to 520 million a year. There will be faster trips, additional track and expanded service with as many as 35 daily trips between Springfield and New York City. \n\nThe NEC FUTURE Final EIS has been posted here: https://necfuture.com/\n\nThe release of this federal report is exciting news for the supporters of expanded rail service in the region. I have always believed that we should be investing more in our infrastructure, and this proposal is a generous down payment on the future of local transportation. This plan will result in more trains, faster trips and expanded service across the Northeast Corridor. With as many as 35 eventual daily trips between Springfield and New York City, its impact on Union Station will be significant. The importance of expanded and improved rail service cannot be minimized, and this ambitious program will help transform our regional rail system, and grow the economy in the process, said Congressman Richard E. Neal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-blumenthal-and-markey-slam-anti-consumer_anti-safety-ftc-settlements-allowing-used-car-dealers-to-advertise-cars-with-unrepaired-recalls-as-safe", "Blumenthal & Markey Slam Anti-Consumer & Anti-Safety FTC Settlements Allowing Used Car Dealers to Advertise Cars with Unrepaired Recalls as 'Safe'", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Blumenthal & Markey Slam Anti-Consumer & Anti-Safety FTC Settlements Allowing Used Car Dealers to Advertise Cars with Unrepaired Recalls as 'Safe' \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 16, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Final settlements between the FTC and used car dealers allow dealers to continue advertising used cars as certified and \u201csafe\u201d even if those vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls \r\nWASHINGTON, DC] \u2013 A final consent order issued by the Federal Trade Commission is anti-consumer and anti-safety, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) said today after the FTC announced a settlement allowing auto dealerships to continue to advertise used cars as \u201csafe,\u201d \u201crepaired for safety issues,\u201d and having been rigorously and extensively inspected, including that they are certified\u2014a term that connotes safety\u2014even if those vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls.\r\n\u201cFTC\u2019s unsound decision to finalize this deeply flawed consent order is disappointing and anti-consumer. It finalizes a dangerous decision that permits car dealers to promote cars with unrepaired recalls as safe or certified. Under no circumstances should potentially deadly vehicles be advertised as safe,\u201d Blumenthal said. \u201cThe disclosure requirements do more to deceive than fully inform, and worse, could protect unscrupulous dealers. Consumers must stay vigilant and always check any used car in\u00a0www.safercar.gov\u00a0for unrepaired defects.\u201d\r\n\u201cInstead of ensuring safe cars for consumers, the FTC is ensuring safe harbor for used car dealers who provide false and deceptive assurances,\u201d Markey said. \u201cThe FTC is supposed to protect consumers, but this settlement only makes it easier for dangerous cars to remain on the road, endangering American families. I urge all consumers to continue to checkwww.safercar.gov\u00a0to ensure they aren\u2019t buying a car with unrepaired defects.\u201d\r\nIn November, Blumenthal led a letter with Markey, and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) calling on the FTC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure used car dealers cannot advertise a car as \u2018safe\u2019 if it has an unrepaired safety recall. Recent proposed settlements between the FTC and used car dealers allow dealers to continue advertising used cars as certified and \u201csafe\u201d even if those vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls. The Senators also called on the FTC and NHTSA to redraft the proposed settlements to ensure consumers have the critical safety information they need when buying a car.\r\nThe text of the Senators\u2019 letter is available\u00a0here\u00a0and copied below:\r\nDear Administrator Rosekind and Chairwoman Ramirez:\r\nWe write with serious safety concerns regarding the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s (FTC) recent proposed settlements with General Motors Company, Jim Koons Management, and Lithia Motors Inc, regarding their failure to adequately disclose unrepaired safety recalls when advertising their used car inspection programs. The proposed settlements would allow dealers to continue to advertise used cars as \u201csafe,\u201d \u201crepaired for safety issues,\u201d and having been rigorously and extensively inspected, including that they are certified\u2014a term that connotes safety\u2014even if those vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls. As such, in their current form, these proposed settlements would fail to address the wrongdoing at hand.\r\nWe understand that, at our behest, your two agencies have discussed these proposed settlements. Nevertheless, we remain concerned that this important public safety and public policy matter has not received the heightened scrutiny it deserves. Congress has long debated whether dealers should be allowed to sell used cars subject to open safety recalls. We firmly believe that the law should prohibit such sales, as it currently does for new cars with open safety recalls. These proposed settlements wade into this contentious public policy debate, and we believe they would establish an anti-consumer, anti-safety precedent with far-reaching policy implications. Accordingly, we urge you to work together, and in good faith, to leverage your respective agency\u2019s expertise and redraft the proposed settlements so they ensure that consumers receive meaningful information regarding the safety of their potential used vehicle purchases and that public safety is not compromised.\r\nThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has publicly stated time and time again that all recalls are safety recalls that need to be fixed. In 2011, a spokeswoman for NHTSA said, \u201cAll safety recalls resulting from defects present an unreasonable risk to safety and we believe it is inappropriate to suggest that some defects are not risky enough to require repair.\u201d[1]\u00a0In a 2013 hearing, former Administrator David Strickland testified, \u201cAll NHTSA safety recalls address an unreasonable risk to safety and should not be ignored.\u201d[2]\u00a0In addition, NHTSA\u2019s current FAQ on vehicle recalls explicitly states, \u201cA recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.\u201d[3]There is no question that any vehicle with an outstanding recall is an unsafe vehicle.\r\nIn contrast to NHTSA\u2019s longstanding position, the FTC\u2019s proposed settlements would allow dealers to continue committing the same wrongdoing that was the impetus for the Commission\u2019s actions. Car dealers would still be able to represent that a pre-owned vehicle is \u201csafe,\u201d has been \u201crepaired for safety issues,\u201d and has passed a \u201crigorous safety inspection\u201d or to label a pre-owned car as being certified even when it is being sold with an unrepaired safety recall. A certified used vehicle with an unrepaired safety recall is inherently misleading. Perhaps more alarming, the proposed settlements would only require dealers to make a blanket statement that their rigorously inspected and certified used vehicles \u201cmay be subject to unrepaired recalls.\u201d Consequently, this \u201cdisclosure\u201d arguably amounts to nothing more than a legal disclaimer that could absolve dealers from their responsibilities and would likely do little, if anything, to meaningfully convey to consumers the existence of an open recall and dissuade them from purchasing such vehicles due to their safety risks.\r\nThe sale of any car with an unrepaired safety recall is a threat to public safety. We support the concerns raised in the comments recently filed by a number of consumer groups that no dealer should be able to advertise that a car is certified or any similar terminology connoting safety, if the car is subject to an outstanding recall.[4]\u00a0Please report back by August 10, 2016 on how you intend to cooperate and work together to amend the proposed settlements and ensure that car dealers cannot mislead and deceive consumers about the safety of their prospective purchases.\r\n    \r\n\r\n[1]\u00a0Christopher Jenson,\u00a0Faced With Recalls, Rental Companies Sometimes Decide to Wait, N.Y. Times Wheels, Apr. 19, 2011, http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/19/faced-with-recalls-rental-companies-sometimes-decide-to-wait/.\r\n\r\n\r\n[2]\u00a0Hearing on S. 921, the \u201cRaechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2013\u201d Before the Subcomm. on Consumer Protection of the S. Comm. Commerce, Science, and Transp., 113th\u00a0Cong. (2013) (statement of David Strickland, Adm\u2019r, Nat\u2019l Highway Traffic Safety Admin.,\u00a0available athttps://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/492dcbd0-de37-4ea6-9810-8b72d07bb4c0/F2BA003C793F45BA47EB84D6116C92BD.strickland.pdf.\r\n\r\n\r\n[3]\u00a0Nat\u2019l Highway Traffic Safety Admin.,\u00a0Vehicle Recalls: Frequently Asked Questions, Safercar.gov, https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/faq.jsp (last visited June 10, 2016).\r\n\r\n\r\n[4]\u00a0Letter from Consumer Groups to Federal Trade Commission (Feb. 29, 2016),\u00a0available athttps://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_comments/2016/02/00011-100830.pdf.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1330", "Led by Merkley, Warren and Sanders, Senate Democrats Roll Out New Website Inviting Personal Stories from Americans Hurt by Foreclosure King Steve Mnuchin", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MASS) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced that Senate Democrats have launched a new website inviting Americans to share their personal stories of being impacted by the foreclosure practices of Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary nominee, foreclosure king Steve Mnuchin.\n\"Donald Trump's choice of Mnuchin is not only a fundamental betrayal of his promise to stand up to Wall Street-it is a punch in the gut to the thousands of American families who were thrown out of their homes by Mnuchin's bank,\" said Senator Merkley. \"The voices of these Americans should be heard loud and clear as the Senate examines his record and considers his nomination.\"\n\"After years peddling the kind of dangerous\u200e mortgage-backed securities that eventually blew up the economy, Mnuchin swooped in after the crash to take a second bite out of families by aggressively--and sometimes illegally--foreclosing on their homes,\" said Senator Warren. \"This man has engaged in the worst kinds of practices on Wall Street and directly hurt thousands of working families - and now, Donald Trump wants to literally hand him the keys to the Treasury where he can make big banks even richer at the expense of America's families.\"\n\"During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump told the American people that he was going to change Washington by taking on Wall Street.  But now that the election is over, Donald Trump's choice for Treasury Secretary is the same old, same old Wall Street insider who made a fortune during the financial crisis as millions lost their homes,\" said Senator Sanders. \"If confirmed, Steve Mnuchin would be the third Treasury Secretary to come from Goldman Sachs in the last 17 years.  That is not the type of change that Donald Trump promised to bring to Washington - that is hypocrisy at its worst.  The last thing we need is another Treasury Secretary from Goldman Sachs and another broken promise from Donald Trump.\"\nAs the CEO and owner of OneWest Bank, Mnuchin oversaw an operation that was called a \"foreclosure machine,\" repossessing the homes of tens of thousands of American families between 2009 and 2015 and intensifying the economic pain of the Great Recession. Despite the fact that there were programs available specifically to help banks like OneWest work with families to modify their mortgages and keep them in their homes, OneWest instead pursued an aggressive strategy of foreclosing on families to rack up profits. OneWest executed 39% of all foreclosures on federally-insured reverse mortgages from April 2009 through April 2016, despite servicing approximately 17% of the market.\nOneWest used illegal tactics like \"robo-signing\"-falsifying key documents-to create a wave of foreclosures that kicked more than 36,000 families out of their homes. In one case in Florida, OneWest foreclosed on a 90-year-old woman over a 27-cent payment error. In another case in Minnesota, a homeowner in a foreclosure dispute with OneWest came home in the middle of a blizzard to find that the locks on her house had been changed.\nView the new website here: democrats.senate.gov/foreclosureking.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/lynch-calls-bipartisan-oversight-investigation-reports-russian-cyberespionage", "Lynch Calls for Bipartisan Oversight Investigation into Reports of Russian Cyberespionage", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Stephen Lynch", "L000562", "lynch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSTON, MA \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) sent a letter to Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Jason Chaffetz requesting the Committee commence a bipartisan investigation to examine reports that Russia engaged in cyberespionage targeting the United States to interfere with the 2016 U.S. federal elections. Congressman Lynch, the lead Democrat on the National Security Subcommittee, highlighted that a bipartisan investigation would help address weaknesses in public and private cybersecurity in order to safeguard critical government and private institutions against cyberattacks. Congressman Lynch also requested a classified briefing regarding Russia and the elections.\n\u201cI am deeply concerned about reports that Russia targeted our democratic institutions and engaged in cyberespionage in order to interfere with our federal elections. Based on the intelligence communities\u2019 assessment, it is a matter of national security that the Oversight Committee thoroughly examines any vulnerability in our cybersecurity systems and protects both individuals and institutions from potentially devastating data breaches. The Oversight Committee owes it to the American people to conduct a transparent bipartisan investigation into these critical national security concerns,\u201d said Congressman Lynch.\nIn particular, Congressman Lynch\u2019s letter notes \u201cthe grave security threat posed by Russian Government cyberoperations\u2026most recently evidenced by U.S. Intelligence Community reports indicating that Russia sought to interfere with the 2016 U.S. federal elections. On October 7, 2016, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security issued an unprecedented joint statement expressing confidence on behalf of the U.S. Intelligence Community that the \u2018Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions\u2019 in order to \u2018interfere with the US election process.\u2019\u201d\nThe full text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynch.house.gov/2016/12/lynch-calls-bipartisan-oversight-investigation-reports-russian-cyberespionage", "Lynch Calls for Bipartisan Oversight Investigation into Reports of Russian Cyberespionage", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Stephen F. Lynch", "L000562", "lynch.house.gov", "lynch", "https://lynch.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "BOSTON, MA \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) sent a letter to Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee Jason Chaffetz requesting the Committee commence a bipartisan investigation to examine reports that Russia engaged in cyberespionage targeting the United States to interfere with the 2016 U.S. federal elections. Congressman Lynch, the lead Democrat on the National Security Subcommittee, highlighted that a bipartisan investigation would help address weaknesses in public and private cybersecurity in order to safeguard critical government and private institutions against cyberattacks. Congressman Lynch also requested a classified briefing regarding Russia and the elections.\n\n\u201cI am deeply concerned about reports that Russia targeted our democratic institutions and engaged in cyberespionage in order to interfere with our federal elections. Based on the intelligence communities\u2019 assessment, it is a matter of national security that the Oversight Committee thoroughly examines any vulnerability in our cybersecurity systems and protects both individuals and institutions from potentially devastating data breaches. The Oversight Committee owes it to the American people to conduct a transparent bipartisan investigation into these critical national security concerns,\u201d said Congressman Lynch.\n\nIn particular, Congressman Lynch\u2019s letter notes \u201cthe grave security threat posed by Russian Government cyberoperations\u2026most recently evidenced by U.S. Intelligence Community reports indicating that Russia sought to interfere with the 2016 U.S. federal elections. On October 7, 2016, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security issued an unprecedented joint statement expressing confidence on behalf of the U.S. Intelligence Community that the \u2018Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions\u2019 in order to \u2018interfere with the US election process.\u2019\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-fcc-chairman-tom-wheeler", "Senator Markey Statement on FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 15, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 15, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement today after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler announced he will be stepping down from his post on January 20, 2017.\r\n\r\n\u201cFew leaders at the FCC have known how better to expand horizons by promoting competition in the telecommunications marketplace than Tom Wheeler. From preparing students for the global economy through the modernized E-Rate program, to promoting net neutrality as the governing principle of the internet, to ensuring online privacy protections, Tom Wheeler has led the FCC and our nation through an important pro-consumer, pro-competition era. Tom Wheeler is a telecommunications titan, and I thank him for his tremendous service to the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1329", "Senate Democrats to Introduce Bill to Require President and Vice President to Fully Divest Personal Financial Conflicts of Interest", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fact Sheet (PDF)\nWashington, DC - On the day President-elect Donald Trump was supposed to inform the American people about his future with the Trump Organization, a group of Democratic U.S. senators announced they will introduce a bill in January that would require the President and Vice President to disclose and divest any potential financial conflicts of interest. It also would require presidential appointees to recuse themselves from any specific matters involving the President's financial conflicts of interest that come before their agencies.\nThe co-sponsors of this legislation include Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).\nThe senators have consistently asked for more transparency and accountability from President-elect Trump. In November, the lawmakers filed a Resolution stating the Senate's expectation that President-elect Trump needs to decisively and transparently divest all of his business interests and holdings and completely sever his affiliation with the Trump Organization to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts with the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, which prohibits the President from accepting gifts or benefits from foreign governmental actors.\n\"The American people deserve to know that the President of the United States is working to do what's best for the country - not using his office to do what's best for himself and his businesses,\" said Senator Warren. \"The only way for President-elect Trump to truly eliminate conflicts-of-interest is to divest his financial interests and place them in a blind trust. This has been the standard for previous presidents, and our bill makes clear the continuing expectation that President-elect Trump do the same.\"\n\"President-elect Trump's financial entanglements are unprecedented in American history, and the American people are still waiting to hear what steps he will take before January 20th to guard against conflicts of interest and corruption in his Administration. Just this week, the President-elect cancelled a scheduled announcement about severing his business ties, taking time instead to meet with Kanye West,\" said Senator Durbin. \"The American people deserve to know that their President is putting the United States' interests before his own, his family's, or that of any foreign government.\"\n\"It's simple. There's only one way for Donald Trump to end his conflicts of interest and reassure the American people that he is working for them and not for himself: Divest. Sell off the businesses and put the proceeds in a true blind trust,\" said Senator Merkley.\n\"The American people do not want the President encumbered by conflicts of interest that put him in violation of the Constitution or US law,\" said Senator Cardin. \"He shouldn't want such conflicts either. Through legislation, resolutions, and advocacy we will continue to uphold the Constitution and current law and require the President-elect to take serious steps to give the American people the transparency they deserve.\"\n\"Our President-elect has significantly greater risk of business and financial conflicts of interest than any other president, yet has so far refused to follow the precedent set by previous presidents. \u00a0To this day, President-elect Trump has refused to address his conflicts of interest,\" said Senator Coons. \"His continued delay in taking such steps is deeply troubling and calls into question his commitment to two fundamental responsibilities: running an open, transparent White House and fully severing his business ties before taking office. That's why Congress must act promptly to pass this legislation that will require the President to divest their financial interests and place the proceeds in a blind trust. The presidency is a full-time job with only one client: the American people.\"\nA fact sheet about the bill is available here. The legislation will be introduced when the Senate returns to session in January.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senators-markey-and-rubio-urge-president-elect-trump-to-strengthen-commitment-to-alliances-and-nonproliferation", "Senators Markey and Rubio Urge President-elect Trump to Strengthen Commitment to Alliances and Nonproliferation", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Markey and Rubio Urge President-elect Trump to Strengthen Commitment to Alliances and Nonproliferation \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators call for assurances of commitment to alliance institutions such as NATO, and firm opposition to the spread of nuclear weapons\r\n\r\nWashington (December 14, 2016) \u2013 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), members of the Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter today to President-elect Donald Trump calling on him to strengthen our system of alliances, including NATO and the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty, and long-standing nuclear nonproliferation policies. In the letter, the Senators stress the need to assure allies of America\u2019s commitment to their defense and affirm opposition to the spread of nuclear weapons. By strengthening assurances of military protections to allies such as Japan and South Korea, the United States reduces incentives for allied nations to launch nuclear weapons programs of their own.\r\n\r\n\u201cFor more than seventy years, the United States has helped to construct and maintain the institutions of global peace,\u201d\u00a0write the senators in the letter to President-elect Trump.\u00a0\u201cAmong the most important of these institutions are defensive alliances such as NATO, as well as multilateral treaties comprising the nonproliferation regime. We urge you to affirm that the United States will continue to support these institutions.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letter can be found\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/democratic-senators-call-on-trump-education-secretary-nominee-devos-to-pay-53-million-in-unpaid-fines-for-election-violations", "Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Democratic Senators Call on Trump Education Secretary Nominee DeVos to Pay $5.3 Million in Unpaid Fines for Election Violations \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators say group run by DeVos, nominated to administer nation\u2019s student loan programs, showed blatant willingness to \u2018avoid paying legally obligated public debts\u2019\r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2014\u00a0Today,\u00a0U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.),\u00a0and\u00a0Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)\u00a0announced that they are calling on President-elect Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to ensure payment of the $5.3 million in fines and penalties owed by DeVos\u2019 All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) for campaign finance violations dating back to 2008. All Children Matter broke Ohio election law by illegally funneling $870,000 in contributions from its nationwide PAC to its Ohio affiliate \u2013 and accordingly, the state of Ohio levied a record fine of more than $5 million against DeVos\u2019 group. Yet nearly a decade later, the PAC has not paid the debts for its illegal activities.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn a letter to DeVos, the senators expressed their deep concern at the willingness of DeVos\u2019 PAC to both brazenly disregard election law and blatantly refuse to take responsibility and pay its fines. The senators noted that, as Secretary of Education, DeVos would be responsible for seeing to the timely repayment of debt from student loan borrowers \u2013 even as the PAC she chaired refused to pay fines that are nearly a decade old. Roughly 44 million Americans owe nearly $1.3 trillion in federal student loans, creating a crushing debt burden for individuals struggling to make their payments. But when All Children Matter broke election law and was fined a record $5.3 million, DeVos\u2019 group chose to simply cease operations and disband, rather than taking responsibility for its debts.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"The blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization\u2019s violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC\u2019s refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation\u2019s student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC\u2019s board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cPrior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts,\u201d the senators continued.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nDeVos\u2019 leadership role in the All Children Matter PAC is one of her many activities as a longtime billionaire mega-donor for conservative causes, with DeVos stating her own goal to be \u201cbuying influence.\u201d As DeVos\u00a0wrote in a 1997 op-ed\u00a0for Roll Call, \u201cmy family is the largest single contributor of soft money to the national Republican party\u2026. I have decided, however, to stop taking offense at the suggestion that we are buying influence. Now, I simply concede the point. We expect to foster a conservative governing philosophy consisting of limited government and respect for traditional American virtues. We expect a return on our investment; we expect a good and honest government. Furthermore, we expect the Republican party to use the money to promote these policies, and yes, to win elections.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nBetsy DeVos\r\nSecretary-Designate\r\nU.S. Department of Education\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary-Designate DeVos:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are writing to express significant concerns about the failure of the All Children Matter Political Action Committee (PAC) to pay Ohio $5.3 million in fines and late fees for violating the state\u2019s campaign finance laws. At the time of the violations, you were the head of the organization, and you and your husband were one of the PAC\u2019s biggest contributors.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2006, the federal All Children Matter PAC sought an advisory opinion from the Ohio Elections Commission to determine whether it was allowed to contribute more than the $10,000 statutory limit to its Ohio based affiliate. The Commission provided an advisory opinion stating that aggregate contributions of greater than $10,000 in a year to the Ohio affiliate would violate the law. Inexplicably, your PAC ignored this advisory opinion and proceeded to contribute $870,000 to the Ohio affiliate.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe bipartisan Ohio Elections Commission unanimously found both the federal and Ohio All Children Matter PACs to have violated the state\u2019s campaign finance laws and imposed fines of $5.2 million. An Ohio court subsequently upheld the fine and imposed additional late fees for failing to pay. Rather than pay the fines for violating the law, the All Children Matter PACs simply ceased operation and never paid the significant sum it owed to the state of Ohio.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe blatant disregard for the law that your PAC demonstrated is deeply troubling. However, when the organization\u2019s violations of law were punished by the Ohio Elections Commission, the PAC\u2019s refusal to take responsibility and pay the fines is unconscionable. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIf confirmed as Secretary of Education, you would be responsible for administering our nation\u2019s student loan programs and ensuring that borrowers repay their loans in a timely manner. However, the PAC that you chaired failed to pay fines that were imposed on it over eight years ago. This demonstrates a serious lack of judgment by the PAC\u2019s board and a willingness to avoid paying legally obligated public debts.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPrior to your confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, we request that you take the necessary steps to ensure payment of all fines and penalties imposed on the All Children Matter PACs by the Ohio Elections Commission and the state courts.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-no-excuse-for-political-witch-hunts-at-dept-of-energy-or-any-federal-agency", "Markey: No Excuse for Political Witch Hunts at Dept. of Energy or Any Federal Agency", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey: No Excuse for Political Witch Hunts at Dept. of Energy or Any Federal Agency \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTrump transition team disavows questionnaire sent last week to Energy Dept. after Senator Markey denounced inquiry requesting names of staff working on climate and clean energy issues\r\n\r\nWashington (December 14, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement today after President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s transition team disavowed the questionnaire sent last week to the Department of Energy (DOE) requesting a list of employees and contractors who helped develop the current administration\u2019s energy and climate policies. Senator Markey sent a letter last week denouncing the effort, calling it \u201ctantamount to an illegal modern-day political witch hunt\u201d.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cThe Trump transition team was right to abandon its effort to conduct a politically-motivated witch hunt at the Department of Energy, and President-elect Trump should commit to never attempt this type of inquisition at any other federal agency ever again\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u201cThis kind of inquiry is illegal and undermines the commitment to a peaceful transition of power by the Trump administration. No federal civil servant should be punished or fear that they may show up on a political \u2018hit list\u2019 simply for doing their jobs, even if the new administration disagrees with current policies and programs. I will continue to defend the federal workforce \u200eat the Department of Energy and all other federal agencies so that they can continue to do the vital work necessary for an effective government that helps all Americans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-collapse-of-ceasefire-in-aleppo-syria", "Senator Markey Statement on Collapse of Ceasefire in Aleppo, Syria", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Collapse of Ceasefire in Aleppo, Syria \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 14, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 14, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the crisis in Aleppo, Syria.\r\n\u201cThe situation in Eastern Aleppo is an unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe that must end immediately. If Russia wants to have credibility, it must stand by its agreement with Turkey and rebel groups in Aleppo to stop the wanton bombing and killing and insist that Assad and Iranian-linked forces fighting for him let innocent families and rebels who agree to the cease fire evacuate the city. Now is the time for Russia to show that it is serious about working diplomatically with the United States, Turkey, the Gulf Arab states, and the international community to stop the killing in Aleppo and throughout Syria.\r\n\u201cIt is imperative that all parties immediately agree to stop the slaughter, guarantee humanitarian relief to the victims of war, and protect both civilians and opposition fighters who abide by the ceasefire. The Assad regime and the opposition must engage in serious political negotiation over Syria\u2019s future and plan for eventual free, fair, and internationally-supervised elections in which all Syrians, including those President Assad has driven out of the country, have the right to vote on Syria\u2019s future government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1327", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Presses Federal Regulator for Clear Guidance on Banking Services for Vendors Working with Legal Marijuana Businesses", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of the letter available here (PDF)\nWashington, D.C. - Today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined a bipartisan group of Senators led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to press a key federal regulator to take further action to ensure that vendors working with legal marijuana businesses in states that have legalized recreational or medicinal marijuana do not have their banking services taken away.\nIn states that have legalized recreational or medicinal marijuana, conflicting federal policies have led most financial institutions to deny banking services to legal marijuana businesses, creating huge logistical and safety problems for communities across the country. In some cases, banks have even revoked services to businesses-for example, landlords and security companies-that contract to offer their services to legal marijuana businesses. With eight states having voted to allow or expand some form of legal marijuana usage this November, the problem is only set to grow.\nIn a letter to the head of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), U.S. Senators Merkley, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Warren, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) wrote:\n\"Most banks and credit unions have either closed accounts or simply refused to offer services to indirect and ancillary businesses that service the marijuana industry. A large number of professionals have been unable to access the financial system because they are doing business with marijuana growers and dispensaries. This long list of professionals includes chemists who have had their checking accounts closed due to their role in testing marijuana for the presence of harmful materials like arsenic; the security industry, which marijuana businesses heavily rely on due to the massive amounts of cash they handle; and lawyers offering legal services to marijuana businesses, who have reported banks denying applications for bank accounts and credit cards.\n\"To be clear, these legitimate, indirect businesses have been unable to open checking accounts and accept credit cards or checks. In some cases they have also lost access to existing accounts, such as retirement accounts, and have been forced to pay their employees, taxes, and bills in cash. Locking lawyers, landlords, plumbers, electricians, security companies, and the like out of the nation's banking and finance systems serves no one's interest.\n\"Forcing all these direct and indirect businesses to operate in cash not only creates a huge target for criminals, but also complicates the collection of state and federal taxes. ... This business environment is an invitation to tax fraud, robberies, money laundering, and organized crime.\"\nThe Senators pressed FinCEN to issue updated guidance on this issue without delay.The full text of the letter is available here.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1328", "Senator Warren Announces Appointment to Armed Services Committee", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) announced that she will be serving on the Senate Committee on Armed Services in the 115th Congress, subject to conference and Senate ratification.\n\"I'm looking forward to serving on the Senate Committee on Armed Services in the next Congress. All three of my brothers served in the military, and I understand the sacrifices America's servicemembers make to defend our country - and the important work that our Defense Department does to keep Americans safe,\" said Senator Warren. \"As a member of the Committee, I will focus on making sure Congress provides effective support and oversight of the Armed Forces, monitors threats to national security, and ensures the responsible use of military force around the globe.\n\"I'm proud that Massachusetts leads the nation in innovative defense work and scientific research that helps and protects our servicemembers as they do their jobs. During my time in the Senate, I've visited bases and met with defense companies and research labs across the Commonwealth, and I've seen the critical role they play in strengthening our national security. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them as a member of the Committee.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=32B76D90-BBD9-4158-A1D7-E87D9EB0CA70", "Clark statement on presidential electors and Russian interference", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Katherine Clark", "C001101", "katherineclark.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clark statement on presidential electors and Russian interference\r\nOn December 13, 2016, Congresswoman Katherine Clark issued the following statement:\r\n\"The American people deserve an immediate, full, and transparent investigation of Russian interference in our election. The intelligence community has concluded that a foreign government intended to interfere in our presidential election, and that is a threat to our national security and democracy. As such, any intelligence that impacts the integrity of our elections should be made available to electors prior to their votes on December 19so they may make a decision consistent with our Constitution and their own conscience.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396945", "McGovern, House Lawmakers Urge Secretary Kerry to Condemn Violence in Colombia, Work to Protect Human Rights Defenders", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice on human rights, led a group of 37 House lawmakers in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry expressing deep concern about the escalation of killings and assaults in Colombia on human rights defenders, LGBT and women activists, labor leaders and other social leaders. In the letter, the lawmakers call on Secretary Kerry to take strong and immediate steps to address the increased violence and support protections for groups under attack. Click here to view today's letter to Secretary Kerry.\r\rWe write to express our greatest sense of urgency and extreme concern regarding the escalation of murders, threats and attacks, the lawmakers write, urging Secretary Kerry to press and work with the Colombian government to publicly condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms.\r\rThe lawmakers called for Secretary Kerry to increase and expand mechanisms designed to prevent such attacks from being carried out, and provide defenders and social leaders protection so that they may continue exercising their invaluable leadership and work.\r\rGiven the spike in killings and assaults, it is imperative that these mandates are achieved rapidly and vigorously, the lawmakers added. We stand ready to provide whatever support we can to protect these defenders and activists and advance their role in building and consolidating a just and lasting peace in Colombia.\r\rIn today's letter to Secretary Kerry, the House lawmakers called for the United States to:\r\r \r\tWork with Colombian government to publicly condemn this violence in strongest possible terms;\r\tIncrease and expand mechanisms designed to prevent such attacks from being carried out;\r\tProvide protection to defenders and social leaders so that they may continue their work;\r\tDirect U.S. Ambassador to Colombia, Kevin Whitaker, to visit areas most threatened;\r\tSupport the prompt implementation of the Colombia Peace Accord to protect vulnerable groups.\r \r\rJoining Congressman McGovern in leading today's letter were Representatives Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), John Lewis (GA-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Mark Pocan (WI-02). Additional lawmakers on the letter include: Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Sam Farr (CA-20), Michael M. Honda (CA-17), Donna F. Edwards (MD-04), Peter Welch (VT), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jos E. Serrano (NY-15), Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Alan Grayson (FL-09), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), William R. Keating (MA-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Keith Ellison (MN-05), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Beto O'Rourke (TX-16), John A. Yarmuth (KY-03), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Luis V. Gutirrez (IL-04), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), David E. Price (NC-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Paul D. Tonko (NY-20). Click here to view today's letter to Secretary Kerry.\r\r\r\rFull Text of the Letter to Secretary Kerry is Below: \r\rDecember 13, 2016\r\rThe Honorable John F. Kerry\r\rSecretary of State\r\rU.S. Department of State\r\rWashington, D.C. 20520\r\r\r\rDear Secretary Kerry,\r\rWe write to express our greatest sense of urgency and extreme concern regarding the escalation of murders, threats and attacks against Colombian human rights defenders, trade unionists, LGBT and women activists, land rights advocates, and community, campesino, Afro-Colombian and Indigenous leaders.\r\rWe know that you share our concern. For this reason, we urge you to press and work with the Colombian government to publicly condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms, increase and expand mechanisms designed to prevent such attacks from being carried out, and provide defenders and social leaders protection so that they may continue exercising their invaluable leadership and work. Such actions must be done repeatedly and consistently, in all regions and at all levels of government. We also strongly recommend that protection measures be designed in close consultation with vulnerable communities, individuals and organizations in order to strengthen their effectiveness.\r\rWe emphatically condemn these murders and the intimidation of social leaders and activists. They are the very human capital that Colombia requires as it now faces the challenges of implementing the peace accords, promoting development and political participation, and providing guarantees for truth, justice, reparations and an end to violence. Colombia does not need more victims; it needs community, regional and national leaders willing to take on these challenges.\r\rIn June, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Whitaker joined the ambassadors from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway and Canada and denounced the killings of Colombian human rights defenders and pledged to work on behalf of defenders at risk. We strongly encourage you to direct Ambassador Whitaker and this diplomatic group to visit areas where defenders are most threatened and vulnerable, denounce the violence perpetrated against these defenders and activists, and provide mechanisms of protection.\r\rAt the same time, we urge you, Mr. Secretary, to work with the appropriate authorities in Colombia to ensure the prompt implementation of point 3.4 of the Peace Accord in its entirety, which includes a fully functioning High Level Commission on Security Guarantees and an active Special Investigation Unit within the Public Prosecutor's Office, along with point 5.2., which commits the government to establishing policies and strategies of protection for human rights defenders, in particular those who are victims of paramilitary and official authorities. Given the spike in killings and assaults, it is imperative that these mandates are achieved rapidly and vigorously. It is also notable that neither of these points was raised as a matter of controversy by opponents of the accords.\r\rPlease know, Mr. Secretary, that we stand ready to provide whatever support we can to protect these defenders and activists and advance their role in building and consolidating a just and lasting peace in Colombia.\r\rSincerely,\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/essex-dredging-bill-heads-to-president-obamas-desk/", "Essex Dredging Bill Heads to President Obamas Desk", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Essex Dredging Bill Heads to President Obama\u2019s Desk \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 13th, 2016\r\n                        Rep. Moulton, and Sens. Warren, Markey push bill through the House and Senate\nSalem, MA\u00a0\u2013 The U.S. Senate passed the Water Resource Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) with Congressman Seth Moulton\u2019s (D-MA) provision to allow dredging in the Essex River, and the bill is now heading to President Obama\u2019s desk. Moulton advocated for the Essex River dredging project to be included in WRDA, ensuring the project has the federal criteria it needs in order to occur, and Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey were instrumental in helping get the bill through the Senate this session.\n\u201cDredging the Essex River is critically important to public safety, and I\u2019m proud that we were successful in our efforts to include this dredging project in the final Water Resources Development bill heading to the President\u2019s Desk,\u201d said Moulton. \u201cThis project will make the Essex River channel more navigable, ensuring a safer environment and spurring local job growth while being conscious of the need to protect this valuable part of our environment. Harbormaster Silva, Town Administrator Zubricki, and U.S. Coast Guard officials have been tireless advocates for this dredging project. I thank them, along with the dedication of Senators Markey and Warren, for their advocacy.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m very glad this bill contains several key provisions we fought for to help Massachusetts\u2019 communities improve their water infrastructure,\u201d Senator Warren said. \u201cThe kinds of projects supported by this bill are good for families and good for economic growth across the Commonwealth. That\u2019s why I\u2019m particularly disappointed that Republicans refused to require infrastructure projects funded by US taxpayers use American-made materials \u2014 a commonsense rule that would have supported American jobs and further strengthened our economy here at home.\u201d\n\u201cWe worked hard to ensure that the Essex River Dredging project was included in the final legislation, and I am pleased that this bill provides the Town of Essex the tools it needs to ensure residents can enjoy its waterways safely. \u00a0I thank Congressman Moulton and Senator Warren for their partnership on this important issue, and I applaud Town Administrator Zubricki and Harbormaster Silva for their leadership,\u201d said Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass).\nMoulton introduced the Essex River Jobs and Recreation Act this year to allow for re-designated boundaries around the federal channel in order to eliminate encroachment issues from piers and docks, freeing the town to dredge the upper part of the river as it approaches the downtown Causeway and allowing for the safe passage of watercraft.\nThe annual WRDA bill authorizes all water resources development projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/essex-dredging-bill-heads-to-president-obamas-desk-", "Essex Dredging Bill Heads to President Obama’s Desk", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Essex Dredging Bill Heads to President Obama\u2019s Desk  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSens. Warren, Markey, Rep. Moulton\u00a0push bill through the House and Senate\u00a0\r\nSalem, MA\u00a0- The U.S. Senate passed the Water Resource Development Act of 2016 (WRDA)a provision to allow dredging in the Essex River, and the bill is now heading to President Obama\u2019s desk. Moulton advocated for the Essex River dredging project to be included in WRDA, ensuring the project has the federal criteria it needs in order to occur, and Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey were instrumental in helping get the bill through the Senate this session.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe worked hard to ensure that the Essex River Dredging project was included in the final legislation, and I am pleased that this bill provides the Town of Essex the tools it needs to ensure residents can enjoy its waterways safely. \u00a0I thank Congressman Moulton and Senator Warren for their partnership on this important issue, and I applaud Town Administrator Zubricki and Harbormaster Silva for their leadership,\u201d said Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass).\r\n\u201cDredging the Essex River is critically important to public safety, and I\u2019m proud that we were successful in our efforts to include this dredging project in the final Water Resources Development bill heading to the President\u2019s Desk,\u201d said Moulton. \"This project will make the Essex River channel more navigable, ensuring a safer environment and spurring local job growth while being conscious of the need to protect this valuable part of our environment. Harbormaster Silva, Town Administrator Zubricki, and U.S. Coast Guard officials have been tireless advocates for this dredging project. I thank them, along with the dedication of Senators Markey and Warren, for their advocacy.\r\n\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m very glad this bill contains several key provisions we fought for to help Massachusetts\u2019 communities improve their water infrastructure,\u201d Senator Warren said. \u201cThe kinds of projects supported by this bill are good for families and good for economic growth across the Commonwealth. That\u2019s why I\u2019m particularly disappointed that Republicans refused to require infrastructure projects funded by US taxpayers use American-made materials -- a commonsense rule that would have supported American jobs and further strengthened our economy here at home.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe annual WRDA bill authorizes all water resources development projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-blumenthal-call-on-transportation-department-to-promote-vehicle-cybersecurity-and-protect-occupants-privacy", "Markey, Blumenthal Call on Transportation Department to Promote Vehicle Cybersecurity and Protect Occupants’ Privacy", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey, Blumenthal Call on Transportation Department to Promote Vehicle Cybersecurity and Protect Occupants\u2019 Privacy \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators have introduced legislation to establish federal standards to secure cars from cyberattack and protect drivers\u2019 privacy\r\n\r\nBoston (December 13, 2016) \u2013 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that robust cybersecurity and privacy protections are put in place before automakers deploy vehicle-2-vehicle and vehicle-2-infrastructure communication technologies.\u00a0 Today, the DOT released a proposed rule that may require new light-duty vehicles to have vehicle-2-vehicle communication technologies, which use communications technologies to share speed, direction data, and other transportation information to prevent accidents and reduce congestion.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cWhile these new technologies have the potential to save lives, security and privacy cannot be an afterthought in this new era of connected cars,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Markey and Blumenthal.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIf hackers access a vehicle\u2019s systems, privacy could be compromised, the safety of the vehicle could be put at risk and disaster could ensue.\u00a0As this important rulemaking proceeds, we call on the Department of Transportation to ensure that vehicles have robust cybersecurity and privacy protections in place before automakers deploy vehicle-2-vehicle and vehicle-2-infrastructure communication technologies.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn August, the Senators sent a\u00a0letter\u00a0encouraging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider taking a number of steps to protect consumers\u2019 safety and privacy as car manufacturers deploy vehicle-2-vehicle and vehicle-2-infrastructure technologies in their automobiles.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn July 2015, Senators Markey and Blumenthal introduced the\u00a0Security and Privacy in Your Car\u00a0(SPY Car) Act, legislation that would direct the National Highway Traffic and Safety administration and the Federal Trade Commission to establish federal standards to secure our cars and protect drivers\u2019 privacy. The SPY Car Act also establishes a rating system \u2014 or \u201ccyber dashboard\u201d\u2014 that informs consumers about how well the vehicle protects drivers\u2019 security and privacy beyond those minimum standards.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0In 2015, Senator Markey released\u00a0the report\u00a0Tracking & Hacking: Security & Privacy Gaps Put American Drivers at Risk,\u00a0which\u00a0detailed major gaps in how auto companies are securing connected features in cars against hackers. For example, only two of the 16 car companies had developed any capability to detect and respond to a hacking attack in real time and, and most customers don\u2019t even know that their information is being collected and sent to third parties.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-statement-on-nomination-of-rex-tillerson-as-secretary-of-state-and-rick-perry-as-secretary-of-energy", "Markey Statement on Nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey Statement on Nomination of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 13, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement today after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State and Ricky Perry to be Secretary of Energy. These announcements come in the wake of the planned nomination of Scott Pruitt to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the likely nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to be Secretary of the Interior.\r\n\u201cIn a Donald Trump administration, America\u2019s foreign policy, energy policy, and environmental policy are all linked by one thing \u2013 oil.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cDonald Trump is drafting a cabinet of Big Oil All-Stars with the plan to drag us back to 19th century dirty energy sources and derail our 21st century clean energy future. These nominations are clear confirmation that a Trump administration will doggedly pursue an \u201coil above all\u201d energy agenda domestically and overseas, at the expense of our economy, national security, and public health. Both Scott Pruitt and Rick Perry have spoken about eliminating the very agencies they are now nominated to lead and have denied the science of climate change. And ExxonMobil\u2019s global drilling interests, especially in Russia and the Ukraine, raise serious questions about conflicts of interest for Mr. Tillerson. Donald Trump doesn\u2019t want to drain the swamp, he wants to drill in it. These nominees\u2019 ties to fossil fuel interests are as deep as an oil well.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese nominations are a harbinger of what\u2019s to come under a Trump administration \u2013 a system where oil and gas profits will be paid for by those who suffer the consequences of war, environmental injustice, and climate change. As the world forges ahead with a global climate accord that will help move us toward an energy system that does not threaten people or the planet, we must recommit to making progress on climate change and defend the bedrock environmental protections that ensure clean air, water, and land. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Trump administration should expect a fight on all of these nominations.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-warren-applaud-massachusetts-provisions-in-water-resource-and-infrastructure-bill", "Markey, Warren Applaud Massachusetts Provisions in Water Resource and Infrastructure Bill", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey, Warren Applaud Massachusetts Provisions in Water Resource and Infrastructure Bill \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSeveral Markey-led priorities for Massachusetts incorporated into bipartisan legislation, including provisions to benefit Boston Harbor, Hanscom Air Force Base, and local municipalities\r\n\u00a0\r\nWashington (December 13, 2016) \u2013 Massachusetts Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren today commended inclusion of several key provisions benefitting Massachusetts in the comprehensive water resources and water infrastructure bill, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, formerly the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill, which passed the Senate last week, will help address the adverse effects of climate change, improve the safety of and infrastructure for our nation\u2019s drinking water, and spur economic growth.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislative package provides welcome relief and support to communities throughout Massachusetts that are working to improve the quality of their drinking water, bracing for sea level rise and more intense storms, and striving to be more competitive in the global economy,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the WIIN legislation.\u00a0\u201cI thank Senator Warren and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation for their partnership on this crucial bill.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very glad this bill contains several key provisions we fought for to help Massachusetts\u2019 communities improve their water infrastructure,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Warren.\u00a0\u201cThe kinds of projects supported by this bill are good for families and good for economic growth across the Commonwealth. That\u2019s why I\u2019m particularly disappointed that Republicans refused to require infrastructure projects funded by US taxpayers use American-made materials -- a commonsense rule that would have supported American jobs and further strengthened our economy here at home.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cSenator Markey lead the charge to not only insert, but also protect this key provision in the WRDA bill,\u201d\u00a0said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn.\u00a0\u201cWe are grateful that the entire Massachusetts delegation worked together to move the legislation forward, a feat few thought possible this year. We look forward to continuing to work with our federal and state representation on the Harbor dredging project.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senators\u2019 provisions incorporated into the legislation include:\r\n \r\nBoston Harbor - Modifying the federal cost-share for harbor deepenings, which could save the Massachusetts Port Authority $16 million on the Boston Harbor Dredging project;\r\nHanscom Air Force Base - Moving the headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer\u2019s New England District to Hanscom Air Force Base;\r\nTowns of Salisbury and Newbury - Increasing the federal funding cap for beach erosion projects from $5 million to $10 million, which could allow the Corps to build robust beach nourishment projects for the Towns of Salisbury and Newbury;\r\nTown of Sandwich - Requiring the government to pay more for studies to assess whether federal infrastructure is causing harm to Massachusetts\u2019s shorelines, which may allow the Town of Sandwich to pay less for their shore damage study;\r\nTown of Sandwich - Limiting local governments\u2019 operations and maintenance obligations under the Corps\u2019 beneficial use program, which would give communities like Sandwich, Massachusetts, more flexibility to use sediment dredged from federal channels for beach nourishment;\r\nEssex River - Modifying the width of the Essex River Navigation Project to allow the Corps to dredge the river, improving navigation and safety;\r\nPlum Island and Salisbury Beach - Authorizing the Portsmouth Harbor and Picataqua River project, which could provide a much needed source of sediment for nourishing Plum Island and Salisbury Beach; and\r\nEstablishing a new water infrastructure grant program for underserved and disadvantaged communities.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\nIn October, Senators Markey and Warren sent a letter to WIIN Conferees advocating for Massachusetts\u2019 water resource priorities.\u00a0 Further, Senator Markey led and Senator Warren joined a letter in support of a provision modernizing the cost share for harbor deepening projects, which will dedicate more federal resources toward harbor deepening projects beyond 45 feet, including Boston Harbor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-comcast-plans-for-nbc-signal-in-massachusetts", "Senator Markey Statement on Comcast Plans for NBC Signal in Massachusetts", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Comcast Plans for NBC Signal in Massachusetts \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after Comcast-NBC Universal announced plans that is has entered into agreement with another full-power Boston station (WMFP) to rebroadcast the NBC Boston signal. \u00a0\r\n\u201cI appreciate Comcast-NBCUniversal taking additional steps at my urging to temporarily expand the reach of its signal to cover most residents in Massachusetts and its stated intention to find a permanent solution to ensure full coverage of the market as soon as possible. I will continue to urge Comcast-NBCUniversal to ensure that all residents throughout the region can enjoy the same quality and reliability of free, over-the-air NBC content as soon as possible.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nA copy of the response to Senator Markey\u2019s inquiry can be found HERE.\u00a0\r\n\r\nLast week, Senator Markey sent a\u00a0letter\u00a0to Comcast requesting detailed information about the company\u2019s plans to ensure that residents in the Massachusetts and in parts of New England can continue to access to NBC\u2019s free, over-the-air coverage after it ends its affiliation with WHDH and launches an NBC-owned and operated station in January 2017.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-call-for-national-intelligence-estimate-of-russian-tampering-in-us-election-request-confirmation-of-justice-dept-investigation", "SENATORS CALL FOR NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE OF RUSSIAN TAMPERING IN U.S. ELECTION, REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF JUSTICE DEPT. INVESTIGATION", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SENATORS CALL FOR NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE OF RUSSIAN TAMPERING IN U.S. ELECTION, REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF JUSTICE DEPT. INVESTIGATION \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn letters to Director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, Senators push Administration on Russian hacks\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Ed Markey (D-MA) today called for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 United States presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by January 20th, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation\u2019s sixteen intelligence agencies.\r\n\r\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post\u00a0reportedthat the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cDirect and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security\u2014it is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress,\u201d the senators said. \u201cWe strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congress\u2014this issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nFull text of the senators\u2019 letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable James Clapper\r\nDirector of National Intelligence\r\nWashington, D.C. 20511\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Director Clapper:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017.\u00a0 Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions \u2013 and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States) \u2013 are deeply concerning.\u00a0 They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress.\u00a0 Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the\u00a0Washington Post\u00a0reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election.\u00a0 It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton\u2019s campaign chair.\u00a0 Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems.\u00a0 These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other.\u00a0 The\u00a0Post\u00a0quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, \u201cIt is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia\u2019s goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected.\u201d\u00a0 Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now \u201cquite clear\u201d that electing Trump was Russia\u2019s goal.\u00a0 In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, \u201cWe believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia\u2019s senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies.\u00a0 Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies.\u00a0 It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests.\u00a0 Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine.\u00a0 Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace.\u00a0 It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections.\u00a0 Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov \u2013 also known as the Kremlin\u2019s Chief Propagandist \u2013 warned this year that \u201cimpudent\u201d U.S. behavior towards Russia may have \u201cnuclear\u201d consequences.\u00a0 Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people.\u00a0 Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests.\u00a0 We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda.\u00a0 Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\r\n\u00a0\r\n--\r\n\u00a0\r\nFull text of the senators\u2019 letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch:\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDecember 13, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Loretta Lynch\r\nAttorney General\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other.\u00a0 If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department\u2019s standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway.\u00a0 Director Comey stated that \u201c[o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations,\u201d but he cited examples of \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including \u201cwhen there is a need for the public to be reassured\u201d and \u201cwhere the public needed transparency.\u201d[i]\r\n\u00a0\r\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance.\u00a0 On December 9, the\u00a0Washington Post\u00a0reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States.\u00a0 The\u00a0Post\u00a0further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia\u2019s government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party\u2019s national political committee and campaign chairman.\u00a0 Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\u00a0 The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice.\u00a0 We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests.\u00a0 We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1324", "After Trump Delays Announcement on Business Plans, Senate Democrats Call on President-elect to Divest Holdings", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of letter available here\u00a0(PDF)\nWashington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, along with 22 Democratic senators, sent a letter urging President-elect Donald J. Trump to follow the advice of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), an independent, nonpartisan ethics agency, and divest his business holdings in order to resolve potential conflicts of interest and deal with constitutional requirements before he assumes office.\u00a0\n\"As a businessman with interests in the United States and around the world, your holdings have the potential for serious conflicts between the national interest and your personal financial interests,\" the lawmakers wrote.\nThey continued, \"Whether the President of the United States makes decisions about potential trade agreements or sending troops into war, the American people need to know that the President is acting in their best interest. Divestiture of your businesses and the establishment of a blind trust controlled by an independent party would provide assurances that you will put the interests of the American people first and are fully committed to the success of your presidency.\"\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Co.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).\nThe text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1325", "Senator Warren Urges FERC to Suspend Approval of the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of the letter available here (PDF)\nWashington, DC - In a letter sent today, United States Senator Elizabeth Warren urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to suspend approval of the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline until safety concerns are addressed.\n\"As you are aware, the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline segment will carry highly pressurized natural gas in close proximity to an active quarry where dynamite is regularly exploded,\" Senator Warren wrote. \"This choice of path has left many residents concerned about the hazard of potential leaks - or worse - occurring in their densely populated neighborhoods.\"\nSenator Warren noted repeated requests to Spectra Energy Corp. from local authorities - including Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh, Police Commissioner William B. Evans, and Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn - to make public safety information available. \"Pipelines can pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of our communities - which is why safety concerns must be fully heard and transparently evaluated,\" the senator wrote.\nThe senator further pressed FERC, stating \"At a minimum, industry and federal regulators should immediately comply with local authorities' requests for additional information as they continue to provide security and emergency preparedness for our West Roxbury residents.\"\nRead a PDF copy of today's letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1326", "Warren and Cummings Ramp Up Investigation Into Wells Fargo Fraudulent Sales Practices", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of the letter available here\u00a0(PDF)\nWashington, DC -Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), sent a letter to the CEO of  Prudential Financial requesting a briefing and documents about press reports indicating that Wells Fargo bankers signed up customers for insurance without their knowledge or consent.\nRanking Member Cummings and Senator Warren have launched investigations into Wells Fargo's business practices after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's September 8, 2016 Consent Order describing widespread fraud at the bank, including the opening of more than a million unauthorized checking and credit card accounts.\n\"It appears that the extent of Wells Fargo's fraudulent business practices is still unknown and the bank preyed on low-income customers through numerous schemes in an effort to line executives' pockets,\" the Members said.  \"We need a complete picture of how far Wells Fargo's abusive business practices stretch in order to hold executives accountable and prevent such fraud from ever happening again.\"\nIn today's letter, Cummings and Warren requested information about Prudential insurance policies sold through Wells Fargo branches between January 2013 and the present.   Full text of the letter is available\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396944", "PHOTO: McGovern Awards Local Student Winners of 2016 Congressional App Challenge", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) announced the local student winners of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in the Massachusetts 2nd Congressional District, a competition aimed at encouraging high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications.\r\rThe winners were Worcester Polytechnic Institutestudents Arun Jeevanantham and Da-Jin Chu, both in the school's Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science. The students' app makes performing calculations easier and faster. They decided to develop the app because they discovered a dilemma: handheld calculators are bulky and complex, but mobile calculator apps are hard to use and lacking in features. Their app takes the best of both worlds by letting users drag, pinch, and circle to crunch numbers with ease. Click here for a video tutorial from the students.\r\rToday I am excited to congratulate these amazing students on this exceptional app that highlights the importance of computer science and STEM education, great local teachers, and the incredible potential of our young people,Congressman McGovern said. Each year the Congressional App Challenge encourages students to be creative and teaches skills that will help pave the way to good-paying jobs and exciting careers. My message to all of our Massachusetts students and teachers is keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing all the great apps submitted by our students next year.\r\r\r\rCaption: From Left to Right: Tim Loew, Executive Director of MassDiGI; Michael Barney, Director of Mass Academy; Congressman McGovern, Da-Jin Chu, and Arun Jeevanantham.\r\rWe are proud of the work and the creativity of our students and feel it is important that our school supports a great Computer Science program here, said Michael Barney, Director of Mass Academy. Kudos to our Computer Science Teacher, Angela Taricco, who prepares our students well. DaJin and Arun are awesome students, highly motivated, and very skilled. This is great recognition for both of them. We appreciate the sponsorship of Congressman McGovern, and all the sponsors of this program to highlight the need of Computer Science in Secondary Education curriculum.\r\rBACKGROUND ON 2016 WINNING APP\r\rQuestions & Answers with Students and Competition Judge\r\rWhat was a difficulty you faced in coding your app? What coding solutions did you use to solve it?\r\rAfter a few months of work, our GitHub repository (https://github.com/ottodog/apps-for-good) reached over 100 commits, and the rising complexity of our code became a major problem. There were so many pieces of code dependent on other pieces of code that trying to introduce a new feature in one part of the app often broke a different part. Our pace of development slowed to a halt. We took a step back and investigated why our code was so hard to work with. We discovered a major problem: the code doing calculations and governing how our app behaves, also known as the business logic, and the code that manages the user interface were either the same or interspersed within the same file. This made it difficult to change how the app looked without breaking how the app functioned or vice versa. In addition, this conglomerate of business and user interface code caused us many headaches when debugging because it was hard to trace errors. To solve this problem, we introduced an object oriented principle called model-view separation. It required a major rewrite of the app in which we isolated all of the business logic into a set of classes, called the model, that could operate independently of the user interface. The user interface code, called the view, was then rewritten to take the model as input, and display the graphical user interface accordingly.\r\rIf you were going to create version 2.0 of your app, what improvements would you make?\r\rWe are working towards a version 2 currently. We want to integrate a computer algebra system and add the ability to insert graphs. To completely meet our goal of bringing the power of handheld calculators to the portability and ease of use of smartphones, we need to be able to have all the functionality of handheld calculators. A major part of advanced calculators is the inclusion of computer algebra systems, which can solve and simplify equations. Letting users define functions and insert graphs will make further use of our novel visualization system. Since equations in our app are already laid out on a virtual graph paper, adding real graphs will be a natural next step. Adding these two features will increase the use cases for our app.\r\rJudged by Tim Loew, Executive Director of MassDiGI\r\rWhat did the students do particularly well?\r\rWhat a precocious programming effort! Building a calculator app that utilizes touch-technology is a big task. It was great to learn a little about how the team approached its work and overcame issues to get the app to where it is now  and where's it's going.\r\rIn what arena should the students focus their improvement efforts?\r\rIn addition to a continued focus on programming (keep pushing yourselves), while keeping an eye on scope, it'd be great to see some additional thought put into UI, UX design, too. All in all, a job well done.\r\rBACKGROUND ON CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE\r\rThe Congressional App Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation's young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.\r\rThe Challenge is open to all U.S. high school students in participating districts. Challenge participants are invited, either as individuals or as teams 0f up to four, to create and submit their own software application (app) for mobile, tablet, or other computing devices on a platform of their choice. A panel of local computer science professionals and congressional representatives will judge the apps, and the winners in each district will have the honor of being recognized by their Congressional representative.\r\rThe CAC is coordinatedby the Congressional Internet Caucus and the non-governmental sponsor of the project, the Internet Education Foundation. Click hereto read more about the Congressional App Challenge.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-possible-nomination-of-exxons-rex-tillerson-to-be-secretary-of-state", "Senator Markey Statement on Possible Nomination of Exxon’s Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Possible Nomination of Exxon\u2019s Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWashington (December 10, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement after media reported ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson may be nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of State.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cNominating Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State would be handing over the keys to U.S. foreign policy to Big Oil. Donald Trump would be sending a strong signal to OPEC and the entire global fossil fuel industry that oil will be America\u2019s primary foreign policy priority. We cannot allow oil to replace diplomacy as the currency of the State Department.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis nomination is clear confirmation that a Trump administration will doggedly pursue an \u201coil above all\u201d energy agenda, at the expense of clean energy and climate solutions. Big Oil\u2019s interests are not America\u2019s interests, and questions will need to be answered about possible conflicts of interest that this nomination could raise. Rex Tillerson\u2019s nomination would add yet another big business voice to a cabinet that Donald Trump has insisted would look out for the little guy. The Trump administration should expect a major battle if Rex Tillerson is nominated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-welcomes-sanctions-on-democratic-republic-of-congo-officials-reiterates-urgency-of-peaceful-democratic-transition-of-power", "Senator Markey Welcomes Sanctions on Democratic Republic of Congo Officials, Reiterates Urgency of Peaceful Democratic Transition of Power", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Welcomes Sanctions on Democratic Republic of Congo Officials, Reiterates Urgency of Peaceful Democratic Transition of Power \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 12, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s Africa and Global Health Policy Subcommittee, released the following statement today after the Obama administration announced additional targeted sanctions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a move that Senator Markey has championed since February.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI commend the administration\u2019s sanctions against Democratic Republic of the Congo officials Evariste Boshab, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security, and Kalev Mutondo, General Administrator of the National Intelligence Agency, for undermining the DRC\u2019s democracy and committing human rights violations.\u00a0 President Kabila should unequivocally announce he will not run for reelection and negotiate in good faith through\u00a0a fully inclusive dialogue that sets a date certain for elections in 2017 and establishes a caretaker government to oversee the elections and transition to a new president. The DRC\u2019s government must cease all intimidation and violence, end restrictions on the media and internet, and allow peaceful political activity.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIf President Kabila and other DRC officials flout the constitution and continue to oppose free and fair elections, there will be consequences, including further sanctions. Senate Resolution 485, adopted by unanimous consent in September, demonstrates the strong bipartisan consensus supporting the people of the DRC as they struggle to build a just and lasting democracy.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kennedy.house.gov/media/in-the-news/us-rep-kennedy-talks-rob-gronkowski-donald-trump-and-building-a-stronger-fall", "U.S. Rep. Kennedy talks Rob Gronkowski, Donald Trump and building a stronger Fall River", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Joseph Kennedy", "K000379", "kennedy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kevin P. O'Connor, The Fall River Herald News", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396942", "McGovern Announces $836K for UMass Medical to Fight Heart Disease", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) announced that UMass Medical School has been awarded $836,858 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research on treatments and cures for heart and vascular diseases. The new federal funding is awarded through the Community Surveillance of Coronary Heart Disease program, a national HHS effort to invest in medical research at world-class universities like UMass Medical School.\r\rHeart disease impacts families across the country every year and there has never been a more important time to invest in life-saving medical research. This new federal funding for UMass Medical School will help them continue their cutting-edge medical research that will help save lives while supporting economic growth right here in Massachusetts, Congressman McGovern said. I am grateful to HHS Secretary Burwell for making this investment in our community and recognizing UMass Medical School as a leader in the fight against heart disease. Together we can continue to support this important work to help families in Massachusetts and across the country.\r\rThe grant continues the decades-long work of the Worcester Heart Attack Study, funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute since the mid-1980s. The community-based study provides 40 years of data about the number of heart attacks among residents of the Greater Worcester community and outcomes of their medical care during and after hospitalization. It also provides insights on how patients who experience heart attacks in the community are treated by physicians.\r\rWe're going to have a 40-year picture of heart disease, which is unique. What we've learned since 1975 is that even though Worcester heart attack patients have become older and sicker, often having multiple diseases, the incidence of heart attacks is declining, and patients' prognosis both in-hospital and post-discharge is getting better, said Robert Goldberg, PhD, professor of quantitative health sciences and founder and principal investigator of the renamed Worcester Heart Attack Study. We think this is because patients are being much more aggressively managed with evidence-based care.\r\rWhat we want to learn is will these trajectories continue: will incidence of heart attacks continue to decrease? Will patients' prognosis continue to improve? And how much more effectively can patients be managed?\r\rThe new funding will help Dr. Goldberg and his research team achieve these goals by monitoring trends of heart attack patients; and patient management .\r\rMost novel is that we're going to use bioinformatics and very technical approaches to sift through available medical records, be they in paper or electronic form, and see how machines do compared to our manual abstractors, Goldberg said. The goal is to streamline the approach to data collection and data abstraction and give feedback to investigators and clinicians in real time.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396943", "McGovern Statement on White House Review of Russian Interference in U.S. Election", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice on U.S.-Russia policy, released the following statement today after President Obama ordered a full review of Russian interference in this year's election:\r\rWith overwhelming evidence of Russian interference intended to influence the outcome of this year's election, I am pleased that President Obama has ordered a full investigation to determine the extent of the Russian hacking. This was an attack on American democracy. Plain and simple. Protecting our elections from foreign interference is vital to our national security and should be supported by both Republicans and Democrats alike.\r\rIn addition to praising Russian President Vladimir Putin on the campaign trail, President-elect Trump openly encouraged Russian hackers to target his political opponent. Given the reluctance of our next president to stand up to Russia, there is even greater urgency for a full investigation of the Russian hacking, before President Obama leaves office next month. The American people deserve the truth and nothing less.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/relocation-of-army-corps-of-engineers-headquarters-to-hanscom-afb-approved-by-house/", "Relocation of Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters to Hanscom AFB Approved by House", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Relocation of Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters to Hanscom AFB Approved by House \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 9th, 2016\r\n                        \u00a0Moulton: \u201cThis decision will save taxpayer dollars and sustain jobs for our constituents.\u201d\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation yesterday that approves the relocation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 New England (USACE NE) Headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base. The legislation was included as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act).\nCongressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), and his staff worked closely with the USACE NE to identify the steps necessary to authorize the relocation to Hanscom. Renovation and maintenance of the facility at Hanscom will be funded by existing funding already included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 budget.\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that the Army Corps of Engineers has moved its headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base. This decision will save taxpayer dollars and sustain jobs for our constituents. It\u2019s another example of how Massachusetts is a leader in national defense,\u201d said Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA).\nThe USACE NE Headquarters currently leases a facility in Concord, MA. They have sought to renovate former Air Force Research Laboratory buildings on Hanscom Air Force Base to be used for their headquarters, with the goal of saving government funding to taxpayers in Massachusetts and throughout New England over the long-term.\nCongressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) worked closely with leaders on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as with Congresswomen Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Katherine Clark (D-MA), to ensure language authorizing the relocation was ultimately included in the final WIIN Act. Senator Ed Markey secured authorization for the relocation in the Senate version of the bill.\n\u201cThis is a win all around, giving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers modernized workspace, bringing about long-term cost savings and further solidifying Hanscom Air Force Base as a critically important facility for our military,\u201d said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA). \u201cI thank everyone involved for helping identify the steps necessary and for ensuring the authorization was included in the overall bill, and I look forward to seeing some far-reaching benefits take hold.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m thankful for Congresswoman Tsongas\u2019 leadership in ensuring a modernized headquarters for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,\u201d said Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA). \u201cHanscom is a national example of the Commonwealth\u2019s strength as a center for innovation and cutting edge technologies.\u201d\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://neal.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/neal-statement-republican-plan-cut-social-security-benefits", "Neal Statement on Republican Plan to Cut Social Security...", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Richard Neal", "N000015", "neal.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), incoming Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, today released the following statement after the top Social Security Republican introduced legislation to cut Social Security benefits: \n\nLess than one week after Speaker Paul Ryan told 60 Minutes that he had no plans to change Social Security, the Republican Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee introduced a bill that would dramatically cut Social Security benefits. As Congressional Republicans prepare to dismantle Medicare and Medicaid, it now appears that Social Security has been added to the Republicans' chopping block. America's seniors will be alarmed to hear that the top Republican on this important Subcommittee quietly put forward a plan to drastically cut Social Security benefits for millions of seniors. Instead of honoring the promises made to our seniors, the Republican plan would amount to a massive cut in Social Security benefits for working Americans through cuts to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), raising the retirement age to 69 and cuts to the benefit-computation formula. Ultimately, this translates to a 30% or more cut in benefits for middle class retirees. Social Security is the bedrock of retirement security  a benefit that seniors have earned through contributions over a lifetime of work. We should be strengthening Social Security, not cutting it. Democrats will fight any effort to undercut Social Security, just as we will fight any plan to replace Medicare with a voucher.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1923", "Relocation of Army Corps of Engineers headquarters to Hanscom AFB approved by House", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Niki Tsongas", "T000465", "tsongas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 December 9, 2016 \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation yesterday that approves the relocation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 New England (USACE NE) Headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base. The legislation was included as part of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act).\r\n\r\n\tThe USACE NE Headquarters currently leases a facility in Concord, MA. They have sought to renovate former Air Force Research Laboratory buildings on Hanscom Air Force Base to be used for their headquarters, with the goal of saving government funding to taxpayers in Massachusetts and throughout New England over the long-term.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) worked closely with the USACE NE to identify the steps necessary to authorize the relocation to Hanscom. Renovation and maintenance of the facility at Hanscom will be funded by existing funding already included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 budget.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Tsongas also worked closely with leaders on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as with Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-6) and Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-5) to ensure language authorizing the relocation was ultimately included in the final WIIN Act. Senator Ed Markey securedauthorization for the relocation in the Senate version of the bill.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Niki Tsongas said: \u201cThis is a win all around, giving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers modernized workspace, bringing about long-term cost savings and further solidifying Hanscom Air Force Base as a critically important facility for our military. I thank everyone involved for helping identify the steps necessary and for ensuring the authorization was included in the overall bill, and I look forward to seeing some far-reaching benefits take hold.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Katherine Clark said: \u201cI\u2019m thankful for Congresswoman Tsongas\u2019 leadership in ensuring a modernized headquarters for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hanscom is a national example of the Commonwealth\u2019s strength as a center for innovation and cutting edge technologies.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Seth Moulton said: \u201cI\u2019m proud that the Army Corps of Engineers has moved its headquarters to Hanscom Air Force Base. This decision will save taxpayer dollars and sustain jobs for our constituents. It\u2019s another example of how Massachusetts is a leader in national defense.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\t####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-blumenthal-call-for-ban-on-voice-communications-on-mobile-devices-during-flight", "Markey, Blumenthal Call for Ban on Voice Communications on Mobile Devices During Flight", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey, Blumenthal Call for Ban on Voice Communications on Mobile Devices During Flight \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators\u2019 amendment authorizing the Transportation Dept. to ban cell phone use on planes was included in last year\u2019s Senate FAA reauthorization bill\r\nWashington (March 16, 2016) \u2013\u00a0 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prohibit anyone on a commercial aircraft, except the crew and law enforcement, from talking on mobile devices during flight. Today, DOT issued a proposed rule that requires ticket agents and airlines to inform consumers if flights will permit voice communications on mobile devices, but does not outright ban the use of mobile devices for voice communications while flying.\r\n\u201cSmall seats, little legroom and, now, cell phone chatter \u2013 air travel could become even less comfortable if consumers are surrounded by passengers talking on mobile phones,\u201d\u00a0said Senators Markey and Blumenthal.\u201cPassengers sitting for hours in the confined space of an aircraft cabin should not have to suffer though other passengers\u2019 conversations on their mobile devices. Notifications of annoyances is no substitute for the zone of privacy that airline passengers pay for and deserve. The Transportation Department should prohibit anyone on an aircraft, except the crew and law enforcement, from talking on a mobile device during flight.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-commends-final-rule-to-combat-seafood-fraud-and-illegal-and-unregulated-fishing", "Senator Markey Commends Final Rule to Combat Seafood Fraud and Illegal and Unregulated Fishing", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Commends Final Rule to Combat Seafood Fraud and Illegal and Unregulated Fishing \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 9, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee,\u00a0applauded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) final rule establishing the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood fraud.\r\n\r\n\u201cSeafood fraud not only hurts American consumers, it also harms the fishermen who depend on an honest marketplace,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cEnsuring that seafood is legally caught and honestly labeled is important for our economy, public health, and the health of our oceans. Although this final rule focuses on priority species, the Seafood Import Monitoring Program lays the groundwork to ensure transparency and traceability for all seafood products that enter the American marketplace. As a global leader in seafood sustainability, the United States should set the example with a clear goal of boat-to-plate traceability for all seafood products. I will keep working with the seafood industry, consumer advocates and other stakeholders to protect both American fishermen and consumers.\u201d\r\n\r\nIn July 2016, Senator Markey led a\u00a0letter\u00a0to NOAA and the State Department in support of a strong final rule to ensure that both fishermen and consumers are protected from IUU fishing and seafood fraud. Senator Markey, joined by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss), wrote President Obama in January 2014 requesting that he direct federal agencies to better coordinate their efforts to fight seafood fraud. In June 2014, the White House announced the formation of the Presidential Task Force on Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud whose work led to the today\u2019s announcement.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-decries-possible-witch-hunt-for-dept-of-energy-staff-scientists-working-on-clean-energy-and-climate-change-policies", "Senator Markey Decries Possible “Witch Hunt” for Dept. of Energy Staff, Scientists Working on Clean Energy and Climate Change Policies", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Decries Possible \u201cWitch Hunt\u201d for Dept. of Energy Staff, Scientists Working on Clean Energy and Climate Change Policies \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTrump transition team has requested names of agency staff and contractors who worked on climate policies, attended international climate conferences\r\n\u00a0\r\nWashington (December 9, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, today sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump with serious concerns about media reports that his transition team requested that the Department of Energy (DOE) provide a list of employees and contractors who helped develop the current administration\u2019s energy and climate policies. In his letter, Senator Markey notes that if any of the information that is collected on staff, contractors and scientists who attended sanctioned meetings or worked on administration policies is used to terminate, demote, or otherwise discriminate against employees whose only action was to execute the directives of their supervisors, the new Trump administration would be in violation of U.S. law.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAny politically motivated inquisition against federal civil servants who, under the direction of a previous administration, carried out policies that you now oppose, would call into question your commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power,\u201d\u00a0writes Senator Markey in his letter to President-elect Trump.\u00a0\u201cCivil servants should never be punished for having executed policies with which a new administration disagrees. That would be tantamount to an illegal modern-day political witch hunt, and would have a profoundly chilling impact on our dedicated federal workforce.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of Senator Markey\u2019s letter can be found\u00a0HERE.\r\n\r\n \r\nIs @realDonaldTrump team conducting witch hunt of @ENERGY Dept. staff working on clean energy & #climate policies?https://t.co/Il3AUqFH0z\r\n\u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 9, 2016 \r\n\r\n \r\nIs @realDonaldTrump team conducting a witch hunt of @ENERGY staff working on #cleanenergy & #climate policies?https://t.co/iu5ZwUyyQV #\r\n\u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 10, 2016", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-nomination-of-rep-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-for-secretary-of-the-interior", "Senator Markey Statement on Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers for Secretary of the Interior", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers for Secretary of the Interior \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 9, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement today on news that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers as Secretary of the Interior\r\n\u201cPresident-elect Donald Trump just announced a fire sale of our federal lands with the nomination of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to head the Department of the Interior. The Trump administration intends to turn the Interior Department from a watchdog of the fossil fuel industry into a lapdog. Our National Parks and other public lands belong to all Americans. Any nominee who intends to hand over the keys to our public lands to the oil, gas, mining, and logging industries and denies the science of climate change is unsuitable to lead the Interior Department.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1323", "Senator Warren's Statement on the Nomination of Andrew Puzder for Secretary of Labor", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Senator Elizabeth Warren released the following statement on today's announcement that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Andrew Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, to serve as Secretary of Labor:\n\"Throughout his entire career, Andrew Puzder has looked down on working people. At Hardees and Carl's Jr., he got rich squeezing front-line workers on wages, overtime, and benefits, all while plotting to replace them with machines that are so much better than workers because they are \u2018always polite' and \u2018never take a vacation.' Appointing Puzder to run the federal agency responsible for protecting workers is a slap in the face for every hard working American family.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=845879BE-5C95-4115-A5ED-A4BD79CA611B", "Clark bill criminalizes malicious publication of private information", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Katherine Clark", "C001101", "katherineclark.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clark bill criminalizes malicious publication of private information\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Congresswoman Katherine Clark has introduced the Interstate Doxxing Prevention Act, legislation to combat doxxing or the malicious publication of private information. Doxxing is often described as the weaponization of personally identifiable information. Perpetrators collect victims' private information, including home addresses, Social Security numbers, bank account passwords, and cell phone numbers with the intent to share them online to encourage abusive or threatening behavior. Targets of doxxing have been threatened with violence and death, and report taking drastic actions like fleeing their homes, hiring security, and forfeiting work opportunities. Other victims of doxxing have had their identities stolen and their bank accounts compromised. The Interstate Doxing Prevention Act creates a single, clear cut federal prohibition on the use of the interstate telecommunications system to place another person in fear of death or serious bodily injury by knowingly publishing their personally identifiable information.\r\nVictims of crimes like cyberstalking or online threats of rape and murder constantly fear that anonymous attackers might find and hurt them or their families, said Clark. They need to know that the law will protect them from criminals who jeopardize their safety by maliciously releasing private information. The Interstate Doxxing Prevention Act ensures that perpetrators who use our personal and private information to cause fear and terror will be met by the full force of the law.\r\nFull text of H.R. 6478 can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396940", "Bipartisan McGovern Human Rights Bill Passes Congress", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) applauded Congressional passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, a bill he co-authored to crack down on corruption and human rights abuses around the world. The bill was passed as part of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 375-34. Congressman McGovern is one of four co-sponsors of the bipartisan legislation along with Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ). The bill now goes to President Obama's desk for his signature.\r\rAmerica must stand up for human rights at home and abroad. With today's passage of the Global Magnitsky Act, Republicans and Democrats came together to continue America's leadership on human rights around the world, Congressman McGovern said. This bill will empower the president to deny U.S. visas and freeze U.S.-based assets of human rights abusers and corrupt foreign officials. I urge President Obama to sign this important bill into law. This is an important step, but there is still much more work ahead. \r\rDuring the campaign, two words I never heard Donald Trump utter were human rights' and that should concern all of us. President-elect Trump has repeatedly praised Vladimir Putin and other world leaders guilty of brutal crackdowns on dissidents. Since his election, President-elect Trump has continued to raise red flags about his approach to political opponents, McGovern added. Americans need a leader who will stand up for the freedoms our country was founded on and I hope President-elect Trump proves his critics wrong and uses the new tools in this bill to bring the leadership we need on human rights. \r\rThe Global Magnitsky Act allows the president to deny U.S. visas and freeze U.S.-based assets of human rights abusers and corrupt foreign officials. It also directs the president to consider information from NGOs when determining who to sanction. Members of Congress and certain assistant secretaries of state may also recommend names for sanction. The president is required to make public the names of individuals being targeted.\r\rCongressman McGovern has been a leading voice in the call for U.S. leadership and action to strengthen human rights across the world, including in Russia. Congressman McGovern is one of the authors of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, legislation passed by both the U.S. House and Senate in 2012 to establish a critical precedent that human rights must be an essential component of trade legislation.\r\rThe Magnitsky Bill was named after Sergei Leonidovich Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer and auditor who worked for Hermitage Capital Management. Magnitsky's arrest and subsequent death while in Russian custody triggered both official and unofficial inquiries into allegations of fraud, theft, and human rights violations.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396941", "McGovern, House Democrats Call for White House to Strengthen Safeguards on Killer Robots", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) led a group of House Democrats in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ash Carter to push for meaningful human control as a safeguard on lethal autonomous weapons systems, also known as fully autonomous weapons or so-called killer robots  an emerging and concerning military technology.\r\rThe letter comes ahead of the upcoming Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) to be held at the United Nations in Geneva on December 12-16, 2016. The CCW is five-year Review Conference and will focus on lethal autonomous weapons systems. Click Here to View the Letter Online.\r\rIn today's letter to the Obama Administration, Congressman McGovern and House Democrats write that these weapons would constitute a new method of warfare  and one that would not be for the betterment of humankind. Once activated, these weapons would be able to select and attack targets without any further human involvement. While these weapons do not yet exist, technology is racing ahead, and experts say that they could be procured within years, not decades.\"\r\rJoining Congressman McGovern on today's letter to the White House were Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alan Grayson (D-FL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), John Lewis (D-GA), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Maxine Waters (D-CA).\r\rThe lawmakers expressed their support of the call for a preemptive prohibition on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons. This call has been endorsed by thousands of artificial intelligence and robotics experts, including many of the most respected people in those fields, as well as two dozen Nobel peace Laureates, more than 100 prominent faith leaders, numerous humanitarian organizations and many more. This prohibition, which should require meaningful human control over target selection and engagement for each individual attack, could be achieved as a new CCW protocol.\r\rIn today's letter, McGovern and House Democrats called on the Obama Administration to take the following actions at the CCW Review Conference next week:\r\r \r\tThe U.S. should strongly support the continuation of discussions in the CCW on the legal, ethical, technological, proliferation, international security, and other challenges raised by what the CCW calls lethal autonomous weapons systems.\r\tThe U.S. should strongly and unequivocally support the recommendation agreed to by CCW members, including the United States, in April that states establish a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) at this Review Conference to continue these deliberations next year. The creation of an open-ended GGE would move the CCW discussions from informal to the more appropriate formal status, and indicate that the CCW is making progress on the issue and intends to produce a result. Such groups have been the CCW's established method of work for the past two decades to address explosive remnants of war, landmines and cluster munitions. The U.S. agreed to the recommendation in April with reluctance, and at an August meeting, the U.S. indicated its preference is to continue the process using the current format of informal meetings. Given the uncertainty on advancing arms control measures, support for proceeding to the more formal process seems warranted.\r\tThe U.S. should propose an ambitious mandate for CCW work in 2017, one that states that CCW deliberations in 2017 should be carried out with a view to formal negotiations on lethal autonomous weapons systems in the future.\r\tThe U.S. should propose that the CCW commits to at least four weeks of time for its deliberations on lethal autonomous weapons systems in 2017. In the past, the CCW has only made progress on issues when it devoted such an amount of time.\r \r\rClick Here to View the Letter Online.\r\rThe Full Text of Today's Letter to the Obama Administration is Below:\r\r\r\rDecember 8, 2016\r\r\r\rThe Honorable John F. Kerry\r\rSecretary of State\r\rU.S. Department of State\r\rWashington, DC 20520\r\r\r\rThe Honorable Ashton B. Carter\r\rSecretary of Defense\r\rU.S. Department of Defense\r\rWashington, DC 20301-1400\r\rDear Secretaries Kerry and Carter,\r\rWe are writing with respect to the upcoming Fifth Review Conference of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) to be held at the United Nations in Geneva on December 12-16, 2016.\r\rThe main focus of this five-year Review Conference will be lethal autonomous weapons systems, also known as fully autonomous weapons or so-called killer robots. The high contracting parties, including the United States, will decide whether to continue discussions on this issue in the CCW, and if so, what the format, content, objective and duration of the talks should be.\r\rWe believe that fully autonomous weapons are a matter of vital concern. They would not simply be another weapon in the world's arsenals, but would constitute a new method of warfare  and one that would not be for the betterment of humankind. Once activated, these weapons would be able to select and attack targets without any further human involvement. While these weapons do not yet exist, technology is racing ahead, and experts say that they could be procured within years, not decades.\r\rWe support the call for a preemptive prohibition on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons. This call has been endorsed by thousands of artificial intelligence and robotics experts, including many of the most respected people in those fields, as well as two dozen Nobel peace Laureates, more than 100 prominent faith leaders, numerous humanitarian organizations and many more.\r\rThis prohibition, which should require meaningful human control over target selection and engagement for each individual attack, could be achieved as a new CCW protocol. The CCW has already taken similar action on one weapon, namely preemptively banning blinding laser weapons through its Protocol IV.\r\r We urge that at the CCW Review Conference in December the U.S. delegation take the following actions:\r\r \r\tThe U.S. should strongly support the continuation of discussions in the CCW on the legal, ethical, technological, proliferation, international security, and other challenges raised by what the CCW calls lethal autonomous weapons systems.\r\tThe U.S. should strongly and unequivocally support the recommendation agreed to by CCW members, including the United States, in April that states establish a Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) at this Review Conference to continue these deliberations next year. The creation of an open-ended GGE would move the CCW discussions from informal to the more appropriate formal status, and indicate that the CCW is making progress on the issue and intends to produce a result. Such groups have been the CCW's established method of work for the past two decades to address explosive remnants of war, landmines and cluster munitions. The U.S. agreed to the recommendation in April with reluctance, and at an August meeting, the U.S. indicated its preference is to continue the process using the current format of informal meetings. Given the uncertainty on advancing arms control measures, support for proceeding to the more formal process seems warranted.\r\tThe U.S. should propose an ambitious mandate for CCW work in 2017, one that states that CCW deliberations in 2017 should be carried out with a view to formal negotiations on lethal autonomous weapons systems in the future.\r\tThe U.S. should propose that the CCW commits to at least four weeks of time for its deliberations on lethal autonomous weapons systems in 2017. In the past, the CCW has only made progress on issues when it devoted such an amount of time.\r \r\rIn closing, we would like to stress that we recognize the importance of artificial intelligence and robotics to the future of the U.S. military, and their central role in the Pentagon's Third Offset Strategy, but we firmly believe that there must always be meaningful human control over critical combat functions.\r\rSincerely,.\r\r\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://neal.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-richard-e-neal-passing-former-senator-john-glenn", "STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN RICHARD E. NEAL ON THE PASSING OF...", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Richard Neal", "N000015", "neal.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON) Congressman Richard E. Neal, Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, released the following statement today on the passing of former United States Senator John Glenn.\n\nI consider myself fortunate to have served in the United States Congress with John Glenn. In every aspect of his extraordinary life, John Glenn displayed the right stuff. He was a Marine, the first American to orbit the Earth, a United States Senator, and a recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is American icon who made the country optimistic, assured and hopeful through his work in the space program. He was a role model for a generation and will be greatly missed by the American family, said Congressman Richard E. Neal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-praises-surgeon-generals-findings-on-the-dangers-of-e-cigarettes", "Senator Markey Praises Surgeon General’s Findings on the Dangers of E-Cigarettes", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Praises Surgeon General\u2019s Findings on the Dangers of E-Cigarettes \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 8, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today praised the release of a new report from the U.S. Surgeon General on the alarmingly high rate of e-cigarette use, especially among America\u2019s youth. The report, the first comprehensive federal review of the dangers of e-cigarette use among American youth and young adults, found that one in six high school students used an e-cigarette in a 30-day period in 2015. It detailed the specific risks that young people are susceptible to, including nicotine\u2019s effect on developing brains.\r\n\r\n\u201cI commend the Surgeon General for this comprehensive report on the dangers of e-cigarette use and call to action to fight this growing threat to our nation\u2019s health,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cWhen the tobacco industry saw a decline in traditional cigarette use, it turned its attention to the promotion of e-cigarettes, taking a page from its own playbook and setting its sights on hooking the youngest in our country. There is a belief that exists, especially with young people, that e-cigarettes are not harmful, and that\u2019s simply not true. Like all tobacco products, e-cigarettes pose a serious health risk, and we must keep these dangerous products out of the hands of children and teenagers. I thank the Surgeon General for taking this important step to raise awareness and outline a plan of action to help protect the health and well-being of our nation\u2019s youth.\u201d\r\n\r\nLast year, Senators Markey, Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)\u00a0introduced the Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act,\u00a0legislation to prohibit the marketing of e-cigarettes to children and teens.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2014, Senator Markey and lawmakers in the Senate and the House of Representatives released a report that showed a dramatic increase in the marketing of electronic cigarettes, with extensive resources being dedicated to social media, sponsorship of youth-oriented events, and television and radio advertisements that reach substantial youth audiences. The report, \u201cGateway to Addiction? A Survey of Popular Electronic Cigarette Manufacturers and Marketing to Youth,\u201d was the first comprehensive investigation of e-cigarette marketing tactics.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-passing-of-senator-john-glenn", "Senator Markey Statement on Passing of Senator John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on Passing of Senator John Glenn \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 8, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement about the passing of astronaut and Senator John Glenn.\r\n\r\n\u201cJohn Glenn helped lift America\u2019s gaze upwards to the constellation of possibilities \u2013 in space, in the halls of Congress, and in public life. From exploring the reaches of space, to working in the Senate for a nuclear weapons-free world, John Glenn was a hero for the entire planet. When I served in the House of Representatives, I was honored to work with him on Department of Energy oversight and nuclear nonproliferation. I am especially proud of having fought side-by-side \u2013 me in the House and him in the Senate \u2013 to try to stop the sale of nuclear material that contributed to a dangerous nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan. As a co-author of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act, John Glenn understood that the spread of nuclear weapons was one of the greatest threats facing the world, and he was indefatigable in his efforts to ensure history was on the side of peace, not annihilation. He was an inspiration and a pioneer, and he represented the very best of this nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1322", "Sens. Warren and Grassley Applaud FDA Steps to Improve Hearing Aid Accessibility, Implement Portions of Bipartisan Legislation", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement\u00a0that it will take steps to improve consumer access to hearing aids, including by not enforcing the requirement for a medical evaluation or waiver in order to acquire hearing aids. Earlier this month, Warren and Grassley introduced the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016, which would make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter (OTC) and remove unnecessary and burdensome requirements that would pose barriers for consumers who could benefit from hearing aids.\n\"I'm very glad to see the FDA recognize that over-the-counter hearing aids can improve access to millions of Americans with untreated hearing loss,\" said Senator Warren. \"This announcement by the FDA will implement one of the provisions in the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016, which I introduced with Senator Grassley earlier this Congress. Our bill will make additional simple changes to help adults with hearing loss get access to hearing aids and make it easier for consumers to shop for the best value.\"\n\"This is a very good first step,\" Senator\u00a0Grassley said. \u00a0\"The FDA is right to help consumers take advantage of innovative products. \u00a0Making certain hearing aids are available over the counter is meant to increase competition and help bring down costs. \u00a0The agency move clears a hurdle that people now face in getting hearing aids. \u00a0It reflects one of the provisions of our legislation. \u00a0Still, even with this positive step, introducing our legislation in the next Congress will be important. \u00a0Administrations shift and legal challenges occur. \u00a0 Getting the law on the books would ensure that those who could benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids would have certainty going forward.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-messer-intro-bipartisan-bill-to-help-grad-students-save", "KENNEDY, MESSER INTRO BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP GRAD STUDENTS SAVE", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Joseph Kennedy", "K000379", "kennedy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Congressman Luke Messer (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan bill that would allow graduate school students to place taxable stipend or fellowship income into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). By classifying this income as \u201ccompensation\u201d, the Graduate Student Savings Act of 2016 would remove barriers to retirement savings for nearly a million students.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cStudents pursuing advanced degrees should be allowed and encouraged to invest in their future without restrictions or roadblocks,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cBy reclassifying income that is already taxed, this legislation will allow young adults to save as they begin new careers. Along with Congressman Messer, I look forward to passing this bill and supporting current and future graduate students around the country.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI appreciate working with Congressman Kennedy on this common sense bill to help graduate students start saving while they're still in school,\u201d said Congressman Messer. \u201cGrad students and researchers who are studying to improve all of our futures should have the chance to invest in their own.\u201d\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tA majority of doctoral students report receiving some of their financial support during graduate school from fellowships or grants, and about a third of all students report that fellowships or grants were their primary source of funding. The median doctoral student takes about seven years to finish a degree \u2013 meaning that, for the better part of a decade, a student can be prohibited from saving major portions of her income in a tax-advantaged account. This bill would remove this unnecessary hurdle so that students and postdoctoral fellows can start saving today.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSenators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a companion version in the Senate. The Graduate Student Savings Act of 2016 is supported by Fidelity Investments; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU); National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS); TIAA; Betterment; and American Federation of Teachers (AFT).\n# # #For Immediate Release:  \n\tDecember 7,\u00a02016  \n\t\u00a0  Contact:  \n\tEmily Kaufman (617) 332-3333  \n\tDan Black (202) 225-5931Follow Congressman Kennedy on\u00a0Instagram,\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/moulton-to-host-inaugural-sixth-district-economic-development-federal-resource-forum/", "Moulton to Host Inaugural Sixth District Economic Development Federal Resource Forum", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Moulton to Host Inaugural Sixth District Economic Development Federal Resource Forum \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 7th, 2016\r\n                        Moulton will discuss impacts of Trump Administration on area businesses\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 On December 13th, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) will host a Sixth District Economic Development Federal Resource Forum with senior representatives from 13 federal agencies. At the forum, Moulton will discuss the impacts of a Trump Administration on our local businesses and regional economic development.  \nThe public is invited to join Moulton to learn about federal resources to support efforts in small business assistance, transportation and housing issues, coastal resiliency, and technological innovation. Many local leaders will participate including: Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken of Gloucester, Mayor Donna Holaday of Newburyport, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy of Lynn, Mayor Ted Bettencourt of Peabody, Mayor Kim Driscoll of Salem, Mayor Michael Cahill of Beverly, and Mayor Ken Gray of Amesbury.\nThe 13 federal agencies present will include the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Small Business Administration/SBIR, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. General Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA.\n\u00a0\nEVENT\nSixth District Economic Development Federal Resource Forum\n\u00a0\nDATE\nTuesday, December 13th\n\u00a0\nTIME\n10:00AM \u2013 12:00PM\n\u00a0\nPLACE\nPeabody City Hall\n24 Lowell Street\nPeabody, MA\n\u00a0\nRSVP\nhttp://bit.ly/2fIPnRj\n\u00a0\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1921", "Secretary of the Air Force presents Tsongas with prestigious award for her public service", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Niki Tsongas", "T000465", "tsongas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 December 7, 2016 \u2013 U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James yesterday presented Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) with the Secretary of Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award. Secretary James presented the award to Rep. Tsongas for the Congresswoman\u2019s continued commitment and advocacy work on behalf of the Air Force.\r\n\r\n\tThe Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award was established to recognize civilians who have personally made a profound contribution on the national level to advance the progress to the Air Force mission. The award is the Air Force\u2019s highest public service award bestowed to civilians by the Secretary of the Air Force.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMy sincerest gratitude goes to Secretary James and to all the men and women of the United States Air Force. I am humbled to be recognized with this award but more importantly, I am honored to work on their behalf in Congress,\u201d said Rep. Tsongas. \u201cAs the daughter of an Air Force colonel, having grown up on military bases around the world, and representing a district with a strong and proud military tradition, I know the challenges faced by military families and have dedicated my time on Capitol Hill to ensuring airmen, and all servicemembers, have the resources they need and the support they deserve. The Air Force continues to be on the cutting edge of defending our nation, as evidenced right here in Massachusetts at places like Hanscom Air Force Base, where they are leading the way with innovative projects to benefit servicemembers and pave the way for more widespread technological breakthroughs. I thank the remarkable men and women of the Air Force for this recognition and especially for their service to our country.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tAs a senior member of the House Armed Service Committee, Congresswoman Tsongas has worked across the aisle to ensure servicemembers have the resources, policies and support for continued safety and success here at home and around the world. Her advocacy has led to significant changes in military policy in a number of areas, most notably in addressing military sexual assault.\r\n\r\n\tFor example, when the Air Force started the Special Victims Counsel program, which provides sexual assault victims with a lawyer, Congresswoman Tsongas worked to bring it to every branch of the military. Rep. Tsongas has also been a strong advocate for the innovative research and development being undertaken at Massachusetts military installations, in particular Hanscom Air Force Base, the only active duty Air Force base in New England which currently is home to numerous high-tech programs and projects.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Tsongas is a co-chair of the House Air Force Caucus and also serves on the Air Force Board of Visitors.\r\n\r\n\tSecretary James said: \u201cI am grateful for the outstanding support from our Air Force Caucus co-chairs. The bipartisanship backing we receive in support of the Air Force, its Airmen, and their families allow them to remain the best and ensure an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tBelow, please find the text of the citation presented to Rep. Tsongas by Secretary James\r\n\r\n\tFor exceptionally distinguished public service in support of the Air Force, its Airmen, and their families from November 2007 to present day.\u00a0 As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and its Military Personnel and Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees, Representative Tsongas exhibited extraordinary leadership and vision ensuring America\u2019s Air Force remains the pre-eminent air, space, and cyberspace force in the world. As a Co-Chair of the House Air Force Caucus, Representative Tsongas has worked daily with fellow members to invest in the Air Force mission sets and capabilities that are America\u2019s asymmetric advantage.\u00a0 Also, as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, she worked to eliminate sexual assault from our military and provided measures to better prevent and respond to incidents. Further, as a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, she helps ensure our cadets are given the resources and instruction to be future Air Force leaders.\u00a0 In addition, Representative Tsongas\u2019 legislation expanded technological innovation initiatives ensuring the Air Force will maintain air superiority and global reach into the future.\u00a0 An unfailing promoter of Air Force innovation, she expanded relationships with companies that have not previously worked with the Department of Defense resulting in more than 7 million dollars in projects targeted toward rapid acquisitions.\u00a0 Representative Tsongas\u2019 outstanding, career-long contributions have ensured an enduring heritage and unlimited horizons for the United States Air Force.\r\n\r\n\tThe Air Force\u2019s press release announcing the award can be found by clicking here.\r\n\r\n\tIf you are interested in receiving a larger-size photo, please contact: michael.hartigan@mail.house.gov\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-and-merkley-lead-effort-calling-for-100-clean-and-renewable-energy-by-2050", "Senators Markey and Merkley Lead Effort Calling for 100% Clean and Renewable Energy by 2050", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Markey and Merkley Lead Effort Calling for 100% Clean and Renewable Energy by 2050 \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTransition to clean and renewable energy will help combat climate change, support continued job creation gains\r\n\u00a0\r\nWashington (December 7, 2016) \u2013 Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.) today introduced a Senate resolution calling for generating 100 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States from clean and renewable energy resources by 2050. The resolution points to the enormous job creation potential of transitioning to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal, particularly in communities with high rates of unemployment or underemployment. There are currently 310,000 individuals in the United States employed in the solar industry and 88,000 in the wind industry. The United States is projected to add more electric generating capacity from solar and wind than from any other source in 2016. More than half of all new electricity capacity added in the world in 2015 was renewable\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs a technological giant, the United States must continue to lead the clean energy revolution,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cThe question is no longer if we can power our country with 100 percent renewable energy, it\u2019s when and how we will make the transition. Moving to 100 percent clean energy will power job creation that is good for all creation. We can and will meet this goal and now, more than ever, it is critical that we stand up and fight for our clean energy future. I thank Senator Merkley for his partnership introducing this resolution that sets out the bold goal of generating 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2050.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s resolution sends a message loud and clear to our Senate colleagues: It\u2019s time to get serious about our climate efforts with big, bold and rapid moves to accelerate the clean energy economy,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Merkley.\u00a0\u201cTransitioning to clean and renewable energy is not only the right thing to do for clean air and a strong economy, it is what we must do to save our beautiful blue-green planet.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the resolution can be found\u00a0HERE. Full text can be found below.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOther Senators supporting the resolution include Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.).\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nRESOLUTION\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupporting a transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy to help consumers, support the economy and national security of the United States, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, in December 2016, nearly 200 nations that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted an historic international agreement to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas transitioning to clean energy will help reduce carbon pollution in the United States, and combat climate change;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas transitioning to clean energy will help the United States meet its international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas transitioning to a clean energy economy will create millions of well-paying jobs in the United States, save consumers in the United States money, and boost economic growth;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas low-income communities, communities of color, and indigenous people in the United States are inordinately exposed to pollution from fossil fuels;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas distributed renewable energy and energy efficiency can provide access to local jobs in cities in the United States while cleaning up neighborhoods;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, in 2005, the United States had fewer than 10,000 megawatts of installed wind and solar electric generating capacity;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, in 2016, the United States has more than 100,000 megawatts of installed wind and solar electric generating capacity;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, in 2016, the United States is projected to add more electric generating capacity from solar and wind than from any other source;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, by the end of 2016, there are projected to be\u2014\r\n(1) 310,000 individuals in the United States employed in the solar industry; and\r\n(2) 88,000 individuals in the United States employed in the wind industry;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas, by 2020, there are projected to be nearly 600,000 individuals in the United States employed in the wind and solar industries;\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas more than 1\u20442 of all new electricity capacity added in the world in 2015 was renewable; and\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhereas according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the United States has the technical potential to generate more than 100 times the quantity of electricity it consumes each year as of 2016 solely from wind, solar, and other renewable resources: Now, therefore, be it\r\n\u00a0\r\nResolved, That the Senate\u2014\r\n\u00a0\r\n(1) supports a national goal of phasing out fossil fuel emissions and, by 2050, generating 100 percent of the electricity consumed in the United States from clean energy resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable resources; and\r\n\u00a0\r\n(2) supports policies to achieve that goal that will\u2014\r\n\u00a0\u00a0 (A) create jobs for all individuals, especially in communities with high rates of unemployment or underemployment, and build a sustainable economy; and\r\n\u00a0 (B) ensure universal access to clean energy for all homes and businesses in the United States, including for moderate- and low-income families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-urge-president-elect-trump-to-live-up-to-campaign-promises-and-clarify-whether-he-opposes-cuts-to-medicare-and-medicaid", "Senators Urge President-Elect Trump to Live Up to Campaign Promises and Clarify Whether He Opposes Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Urge President-Elect Trump to Live Up to Campaign Promises and Clarify Whether He Opposes Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC\u00a0-United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with 19 fellow senators, today sent a letter calling on President-Elect Donald Trump to remind him of his campaign promises to reject cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and to ask that he clarify whether he still intends to do so. The letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Robert P. Casey (D-Pa.), Al Franken (D-Minn.),\u00a0 Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).\u00a0\"During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your 16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid,\" the senators wrote. \"After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.\"\u00a0The letter continues, \"Over one hundred million Americans rely on these programs for health care.\u00a0 Low-income children and families and people with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of Medicaid.\u00a0 Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities have earned and rely on their Medicare benefits.\u00a0 Medicaid is the only assistance available to millions of low and middle-income families who have a loved one requiring nursing home care.\u00a0 As you noted when you extolled their benefits on your campaign website, cutting these programs would be devastating.\"The senators' letter draws attention to differences between the President-Elect's statements during the campaign, which were highlighted on his campaign website, and statements that are now posted on his transition website. These new policy positions contradict President-Elect Trump's promises as a candidate to protect Medicare and Medicaid, instead echoing Congressional Republicans' plans to cut these programs. The letter also notes that the President-Elect's nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, has been a \"leading architect\" of such plans.\r\nThe senators pressed President-Elect Trump to live up to his campaign promises and reject any cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. They wrote, \"We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited.\u00a0 You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them.\"\u00a0Read a PDF copy of the letter\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/markey-statement-on-nomination-of-scott-pruitt-as-epa-administrator", "Markey Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 7, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse, released the following statement today news that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\r\n\u201cAs its leader, Scott Pruitt would have EPA stand for Every Polluters Ally. Denying the science of climate change and carrying water for Big Oil and the fossil fuel industry make him unsuitable to lead the EPA. The EPA is our cop on the beat, protecting the American people and our environment from harmful pollution, hazardous waste and the impacts of climate change. As Attorney General of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt has tried to undermine the Clean Water & Clean Air Acts, putting the public health of millions of Americans at risk. He has dedicated years of his career to rolling back the bedrock laws and rules that protect our water and our air. We don\u2019t need federal agency leaders who would drag us back to 19th century dirty energy sources and try to stop our 21st century clean energy revolution.\r\n\u201cI will vigorously oppose Scott Pruitt\u2019s nomination and urge President-elect Trump to stop nominating science-denying, oil-soaked, climate change-causing polluter allies to his cabinet. The American people want clean air and water and to protect the health of their kids. Those are the time-honored American values that President\u2013elect Trump\u2019s cabinet should reflect.\u201d\r\n\r\n \r\n.@AGScottPruitt has tried to undermine the #CleanWaterRule & Clean Air Act \u2014the public health of millions of Americans is at risk.\r\n\u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 7, 2016 \r\n\r\n \r\nI urge @realDonaldTrump to stop nominating science-denying, oil-soaked, #climatechange-causing polluter allies to his cabinet.\r\n\u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 7, 2016 \r\n\r\n \r\n.@AGScottPruitt will make EPA stand for Every Polluters Ally. Denying #climatechange, carrying water for #BigOil make him unfit to lead @EPA\r\n\u2014 Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 7, 2016", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1320", "Senator Warren Introduces Legislation to Provide Military Health Care Treatment to Victims of Terrorism", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Photo: Patrick Downes and Jessica Kensky, who ran as newlyweds in the 2013 Boston Marathon and were severely injured by the bombing, cross the finish line of the 2014 Marathon. They received their handbikes - and lifesaving care - during their time at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. (Associated Press/Elise Amendola)\nBill Text (PDF)\nWashington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today introduced the Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes Act to provide victims of terrorism with access and treatment at appropriate military health care facilities. The name of the bill recognizes Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing who received a designation from the Secretary of Defense to receive the specialized care they needed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and who have committed their time to ensuring that other victims of terrorism have access to appropriate care.\n\"When I visited Jessica and Patrick at Walter Reed, I saw firsthand the state of the art facilities and met with some of their world-class physicians. \u00a0Jess and Patrick credited this highly specialized team for helping them recover more fully than would have been possible otherwise,\" Senator Warren said. \"But many people who suffer blast injuries are unable to find this kind of expert care. Our country needs a system that will allow military doctors to share their expertise with civilian doctors and that will provide victims of terrorism with streamlined access to our military healthcare facilities.\"\n\"Access to the Military Health System at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has been life changing,\" said Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes. \"The injuries that we and many others suffered as a result of the Boston Marathon bombing are most commonly seen by military physicians, and so they are best equipped to help us return to healthy, active, and purposeful lives. We are incredibly grateful to Senator Warren for all the ways she has supported us in our recovery, and for her leadership in ensuring that all those who come after us receive the best care our country has to offer. \u00a0We in compassionate and loving societies have an obligation to care for those injured by terrorism, and this Act will make a profound statement about how Americans will utilize our best resources to look after those in need, and demonstrate our steadfast resolve to unite in the face of forces attempting to pull us apart.\"\nCurrently, the Military Health System is only accessible to civilians who are granted Secretarial Designee (SECDES) status by the Secretary of Defense. Under the legislation, the Department of Defense (DOD) will also evaluate patients in critical care to determine if an individual's injuries are severe enough to warrant expedited SECDES status, in order to provide treatment at an appropriate military healthcare facility. \u00a0Individuals receiving SECDES Status will remain in such status on a space available and fully reimbursable basis in accordance with the current Department of Defense Instruction. \u00a0\nThe bill also requires the DOD, in consultation with Department of Homeland Security and other appropriate agencies, to establish procedures to promptly contact, coordinate, and provide medical expertise to local medical facilities treating traumatic injuries caused by an act of terrorism. \u00a0Expanding this program will not only benefit victims of terror but also provide military treatment facilities such as Walter Reed with the ability to provide ongoing education and training opportunities to mentor the next generation of military healthcare providers.\nThe text of the bill is available here.\n###\n\u00a0\n Photo: \u00a9 Associated Press 2015. All rights reserved. The photograph may not be published, broadcast or redistributed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1321", "Senators Urge President-Elect Trump to Live Up to Campaign Promises and Clarify Whether He Opposes Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of the letter available here\u00a0(PDF)\nWashington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with 19 fellow senators, today sent a letter calling on President-Elect Donald Trump to remind him of his campaign promises to reject cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and to ask that he clarify whether he still intends to do so. The letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Robert P. Casey (D-Pa.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), \u00a0Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).\u00a0\n\"During your campaign for President of the United States, you differentiated yourself from your 16 primary opponents by noting that you were the only Republican who would protect Medicare and Medicaid,\" the senators wrote. \"After winning the election, you suddenly appear to be using language supporting policies that would gut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.\"\nThe letter continues, \"Over one hundred million Americans rely on these programs for health care. Low-income children and families and people with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of Medicaid. \u00a0Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities have earned and rely on their Medicare benefits. \u00a0Medicaid is the only assistance available to millions of low and middle-income families who have a loved one requiring nursing home care. \u00a0As you noted when you extolled their benefits on your campaign website, cutting these programs would be devastating.\"\nThe senators' letter draws attention to differences between the President-Elect's statements during the campaign, which were highlighted on his campaign website, and statements that are now posted on his transition website. These new policy positions contradict President-Elect Trump's promises as a candidate to protect Medicare and Medicaid, instead echoing Congressional Republicans' plans to cut these programs. The letter also notes that the President-Elect's nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, has been a \"leading architect\" of such plans.\nThe senators pressed President-Elect Trump to live up to his campaign promises and reject any cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. They wrote, \"We ask that you rapidly and publicly clarify in plain language for the American public that you continue to stand behind your campaign promises; that you will not raise the Medicare eligibility age; that you will not privatize, voucherize, or otherwise cut Medicare benefits; and that you will not put in place changes to Medicaid that force enrollees' coverage to be dropped and benefits to be cut or limited. \u00a0You promised Americans you would not cut Medicare or Medicaid-please tell Americans you will stand by your promise to them.\"\u00a0\nRead a PDF copy of the letter here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396939", "McGovern Applauds Obama Call for Congress to Vote on ISIS War", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice on foreign policy and human rights, praised President Obama's foreign policy speech tonight for calling Congress to task for their failure to vote on an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) for the U.S. war against ISIS.\r\rIn tonight's speech, President Obama said, Right now we are waging war under authority provided by Congress over 15 years agoTwo years ago, I asked Congress. Let's update the authorization. Provide us a new authorization for the war against ISIL reflecting the changing nature of the threats. Reflecting the lessons we've learned from the last decade. So far, Congress has refused to take a vote. Democracies should not operate in a state of permanently authorized war. That's not good for our military. That's not good for our democracy. Click Here for the Video Clip of President Obama's Speech.\r\rCongressman McGovern applauded President Obama's speech: President Obama's speech tonight was a powerful reminder that Congress is sitting on the sidelines in the war against ISIS. The U.S. has now been at war with ISIS for more than two years, spent more than $6.8 billion on these military operations, and still Congress has failed to vote on whether to authorize this war. Americans are tired of endless war and that's why this debate and vote is so important.\r\rSpeaker Ryan promised to make a debate and vote on an AUMF for the war against ISIS a top priority this year. Now 2016 is nearly done and there's no AUMF in sight. While America's brave men and women in uniform are putting themselves in harms' way in the fight against ISIS, Congress refuses to do its duty and authorize their deployment.\r\rPresident Obama did his job by sending Congress an AUMF for the war on ISIS. It is up to Congress to do its job by either debating and voting on that proposal or putting forward its own. Tonight I join President Obama in once again calling on Congress to step up and finally do its constitutional duty to debate and vote on an AUMF for Iraq and Syria.\r\rCongressman McGovern has beena leading voicein this debate. In November 2015, McGovernled a bipartisan group of 35 House lawmakersin a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan calling for a debate and vote on an AUMF for the U.S. military engagement against ISIS. Earlier in 2015, McGovernled a bipartisan push to force a vote on an AUMF.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/house-passes-moultons-bill-to-improve-access-to-veteran-health-care/", "House Passes Moultons Bill to Improve Access to Veteran Health Care", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Moulton\u2019s Bill to Improve Access to Veteran Health Care \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 6th, 2016\r\n                        Moulton\u2019s bipartisan bill will utilize private sector technology to bring VA healthcare into the 21st century\n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the House passed Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) bipartisan veterans bill, H.R. 4352, the Faster Care for Veterans Act. This innovative piece of legislation is designed to make critical improvements to veteran health care by utilizing 21st century technology. The bill would allow patients to self-schedule appointments from their smart phones or computers with the click of a button. Moulton has now passed three bills through the House; a total which no other Freshman House Democrat has surpassed.\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s veterans deserve the best healthcare in the world, period,\u201d said Moulton. \u201cAs a Member of Congress, I declined congressional health care and pledged to receive my care at the VA. I receive excellent service from terrific doctors and nurses at my home VA facility in Massachusetts, but I also know that for far too long, our veterans have been underserved by outdated systems. It doesn\u2019t have to be this way, and today I\u2019m proud that the House came together to pass my bipartisan bill. This legislation will require the VA to use innovative technology in the private sector and drastically improve access to healthcare for our veterans.\u201d\nSelf-scheduling technologies have been widely successful in the private sector by reducing the number of missed or cancelled appointments and saving our health system money and creating a better experience for patients and doctors. Moulton\u2019s bill seeks to connect private sector innovation to the Department of Veterans Affairs by requiring the VA to pilot an online self-scheduling app for VA patients. This legislation will equip the VA with the same state-of-the-art technology enjoyed by patients in the private sector to improve the quality of veteran health care services.\nIn February, Moulton posted a\u00a0video\u00a0on his official Facebook page of District Representative and Army Veteran, Dennis Magnasco, attempting to make an appointment at the VA, but he could not get past the automated answering service. The video went viral and has been viewed nearly 1.5 million times with 35,000 shares and thousands of comments of support.\nMoulton has made veterans\u2019 care a top priority during this congress. In June 2015, Moulton introduced his first package of legislation: The VA Education Training and Sustainability (VETS) Act, four bills aimed at improving the talent pipeline at Veterans Affairs medical facilities across the country.\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/house-passes-national-defense-bill-with-moulton-amendments/", "House Passes National Defense Bill with Moulton Amendments", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes National Defense Bill with Moulton Amendments \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 6th, 2016\r\n                        NDAA will strengthen military efforts to defeat ISIL, hold Iran accountable and support jobs and innovation in Massachusetts\n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0The U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017, to provide critical military personnel funding and resources for our troops. The bill includes several amendments introduced by Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) which will strengthen our counter-ISIL political strategy; require the President to notify Congress with an action plan when Iran conducts a ballistic missile launch; and reauthorize the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghans who risked their lives working with the U.S. in Afghanistan.\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, It is my responsibility to ensure that we support our troops serving on the front lines and our veterans here at home,\u201d said Moulton. \u201cThe amendments I proposed sought to do just that, and I\u2019m proud that this legislation will implement a comprehensive political strategy in our military\u2019s efforts to defeat ISIS, ensure that we are holding Iran accountable, and reauthorize the Afghan SIV program to stand with hundreds of Afghans who put their lives on the line, not just for their country, but for ours. This bipartisan bill will also fund necessary upgrades at Hanscom Air Force Base and MIT Lincoln Labs, supporting jobs and ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in advanced defense research. While it does not contain every provision I fought for, it moves our country forward and strengthens our national defense.\u201d\nThe below amendments led by Moulton were included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017:\n \nAnti-ISIL Campaign Strategy: Moulton\u2019s amendment requires the Departments of State and Defense to implement a comprehensive counter-ISIL strategy that includes clear military and political objectives for Iraq and Syria with rigorous reporting requirements.\nIran Ballistic Missile Launch Reporting Requirement: Moulton\u2019s amendment requires the President to conduct an intelligence assessment and officially notify Congress within two weeks whenever Iran conducts a ballistic missile launch or test and inform the Congress as to actions the President will take in response, including efforts to pursue additional sanctions.\n \n\u00a0\nMoulton also worked to secure provisions that will advance Massachusetts\u2019 role as a leader in our national defense efforts. As part of the NDAA, MIT Lincoln Labs, located at Hanscom Air Force Base, has been authorized an additional $48.27 million in fiscal year 2017 to modernize and upgrade their research facilities, as well as $265 million over the next five years. The bill also supports the JSTARS program managed at Hanscom Air Force base, an important communication and command platform for our combat forces, and authorizes $10.96 million requested by the Air Force to upgrade Hanscom\u2019s Vandenberg gate, making it safer for base personnel and visitors.  \nThis year, Moulton has been an outspoken advocate for the Afghan SIV program. He introduced a provision to our National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to remove the narrowing of U.S. resettlement eligibility requirements to include Afghans who risked their lives working for the U.S. in Afghanistan. During a\u00a0speech\u00a0on the house floor, Moulton advocated to give these Afghan allies a chance to stay alive, rather than abandon them to the same enemies they united with the U.S. to destroy. His amendment was\u00a0endorsed\u00a0by The New York Times Editorial Board, but the eligibility restrictions remain in the final bill.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Afghan SIV program\u2019s four year reauthorization is certainly a step in the right direction, but with only 1,500 new visas and added eligibility restrictions, we are still leaving behind at least 5,000 people who have risked their lives for us,\u201d said Moulton. \u201cI commit to continuing to push for more visas to be added because I would not be here today without the courageous translators who worked with me to carry out our mission in Iraq.\u201d  \nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/representatives-moulton-royce-announce-2016-congressional-app-challenge-winners/", "Representatives Moulton, Royce Announce 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives Moulton, Royce Announce 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 6th, 2016\r\n                        Members promote the importance of coding and STEM by honoring students from 123 congressional districts across the United States.\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today over 120 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives will announce the winners of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge. Over the last four months thousands of students coded original apps as part of district-wide competitions hosted by Members of the House. Over 2,150 students participated in the 15-week regional competitions. They submitted over 650 original student-created apps, a 30% expansion in participation from the first official Challenge in 2015.\n\u201cComputer science education is something that everyone can and should get behind. I\u2019m incredibly proud to have co-chaired this bipartisan effort, which saw participation from one Independent, fifty-nine Republicans, and sixty-three Democrats. Representatives from every political viewpoint rallied around this effort to invest in our kids, and we need more of that type of bipartisan cooperation in Congress today,\u201d said Congressional Co-Chair Seth Moulton (D-MA.).\n\u201cComputer science skills are critical to the jobs of the future and the Congressional App Challenge fosters those skills in schools around the country. Seeing what these students are capable of creating when given the encouragement to do so is truly inspirational,\u201d said Congressional Co-Chair Ed Royce (R-CA.).\nIn all, 123 Congressional districts across 33 states hosted app challenges for their student constituents. Congressional participation was widespread and remarkably bipartisan.\nThe Congressional App Challenge will invite winners from across the country to showcase their apps to the Members of Congress and members of the tech community at #HouseOfCode, a DC-based reception to be held in April of 2017. Their work will be featured for one year on the permanent display in the U.S. Capitol Building, and on the House.gov website. Winning students will also be awarded a portion of $50,000 in credits, generously donated by Amazon Web Services.\n\u201cFew institutions have the reach that the House of Representatives does,\u201d said Rhianon Anderson, Executive Director of the Challenge. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled that Members of Congress from every corner of the country are leveraging that reach to inspire their student constituents to learn how to code. This is a life-changing opportunity for many kids.\u201d\nWinning students and their apps will be listed on the Congressional App Challenge website, under \u201c2016 Winners,\u201d beginning at noon, EST. Congratulations to all the students who participated!\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-blumenthal-respond-to-autonation-decision-to-resume-sales-of-deadly-cars-under-recall", "MARKEY, BLUMENTHAL RESPOND TO AUTONATION DECISION TO RESUME SALES OF “DEADLY” CARS UNDER RECALL", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MARKEY, BLUMENTHAL RESPOND TO AUTONATION DECISION TO RESUME SALES OF \u201cDEADLY\u201d CARS UNDER RECALL \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 6, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenators Call on Auto Retailer to Fully Inform\r\nConsumers of Broken Promise\r\n\u00a0\r\n[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), authors of the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act, issued the following statement after AutoNation, Inc. \u2013 the nation\u2019s largest new auto retailer \u2013 announced that\u00a0it is reversing its policy\u00a0to stop selling cars with recalled safety defects until the defective parts are repaired.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAutoNation\u2019s decision to resume the sale of deadly used cars in the wake of this presidential election is deeply troubling, and will lead to tragic consequences on our nation\u2019s roads and highways. After reversing course on its widely-advertised pledge to not sell defective cars, AutoNation now bears the responsibility of informing consumers about its broken promise. The company now has an obligation to publicize its decision to reverse course as widely as its original move towards better safety,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cUnfortunately, until Congress acts to ensure there is a level playing field for used car dealers who want to do the right thing for their customers, we will continue to see cars with deadly defects on our roads. In the wake of this announcement, we plan to double down on efforts to protect consumers from the worry that they might be buying a used car with unrepaired recalls.\u201d\u200e\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2015, Blumenthal and Markey introduced the Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act, which would require used car dealers to repair any outstanding safety recalls in used automobiles prior to selling or leasing and the Repairing Every Car to Avoid Lost Lives (RECALL) Act that would require owners of vehicles with open safety recalls to be notified and help ensure defects are repaired. The Senators have also urged auto manufacturers to take necessary action to protect consumers after defective parts are identified and recalled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-queries-toymakers-how-do-you-protect-childrens-information", "Sen. Markey Queries Toymakers: How Do You Protect Children’s Information?", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Markey Queries Toymakers: How Do You Protect Children\u2019s Information? \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 6, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator questions companies compliance with COPPA\r\nWashington (December 6, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D\u2013Mass.), the House author of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), today sent letters to toy maker Genesis Toys and technology developer Nuance Communications requesting information on what data they collect on children using two toys, the My Friend Cayla and i-Que Intelligent Robot.\u00a0 Genesis Toys makes My Friend Cayla and i-Que Intelligent Robot, which collect children\u2019s voice recordings and use Nuance Communications\u2019 speech-recognition software and data centers to answer questions posed by kids.\u00a0 According to recent reports, Nuance may be storing children\u2019s voice recordings and information without providing sufficient notice to parents.\u00a0\r\nCOPPA requires companies collecting information online about children 12 years old and younger to notify parents and obtain consent from them before collecting personal information from kids, as well as take reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality and security of personal information collected about children.\u00a0 In his letters, Senator Markey asks for responses to questions that include what data are the companies collecting about children 12 years old and younger, how is this information used, and\u00a0whether the\u00a0information\u00a0is\u00a0shared or sold.\r\n\r\n\u201cGiven the sensitive nature of children\u2019s recorded speech, I believe that Genesis Toys and Nuance must take responsible steps to protect children\u2019s privacy and comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA),\u201d\u00a0writes Senator Markey.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nCopies of the letters can be found\u00a0HERE\u00a0and\u00a0HERE.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenator Markey and Rep. Barton, joined by Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), introduced the\u00a0Do Not Track Kids Act, comprehensive children's online privacy legislation that updates COPPA by expanding and enhancing rules for the collection, use and disclosure of children's personal information. The legislation establishes new protections for personal information of children and teens, including extending protections to teens ages 13 to 15 by prohibiting Internet companies from collecting personal and location information from teens without their consent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1319", "Democratic Senators Urge Education Department to Protect Students and Taxpayers Should For-Profit Accreditor Lose Federal Recognition", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today called on the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to take steps to protect students and taxpayers in the event that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), currently the nation's largest accreditor of for-profit colleges, loses federal recognition. ACICS losing federal recognition would require the approximately 250 schools currently accredited by ACICS to receive new accreditation from a federally recognized accreditor in order to remain eligible for Title IV federal student aid.\n\"It is likely some of these schools may not seek or may not receive new federally-recognized accreditation, leading to eventual loss of Title IV eligibility and potential closure, which could leave thousands of remaining students in the lurch,\" wrote the senators in a letter to Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell. \"Also concerning is the potential for some former ACICS-accredited institutions, while provisionally certified, to attempt to amass as much federal student aid funding as possible to pad the pockets of executives and shareholders without any possibility or intention of continuing once the provisional period has expired.\"\nIn September, the Department made a decision to withdraw federal recognition from ACICS following a recommendation from the independent National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. That decision is now pending appeal to the Secretary.\nIn the letter, the senators outlined steps the Department can take using its current authority to protect students, families, and ultimately taxpayers in the aftermath of withdrawal of ACICS' recognition. Recommendations include:\nHalting new student enrollment at institutions not making progress obtaining new federally-recognized accreditation and placing limitations on institutions that pose substantial risks;\u00a0\n \nProhibiting institutional growth and expansion;\nRequiring teach-out agreements;\u00a0\nProhibiting the use of mandatory arbitration clauses in student enrollment agreements;\nProhibiting bonuses and other excessive compensation;\nImmediately placing institutions on Heightened Cash Monitoring;\nRequiring letters of credit;\nRequiring clear disclosures to students; and\nRequiring disclosure of a denial of accreditation.\n \nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396938", "McGovern Calls on Trump to Address Conflicts of Interest with Bahrain Government Event at Trump Hotel", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice on human rights, called on President-elect Donald Trump to take immediate steps to eliminate potential conflicts of interest created by the government of Bahrain paying the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. to host a major public event this week to influence U.S. policy. Click here to view the letter online.\r\rEach president must ensure that there is not even the appearance of impropriety and using the office for private gain. There must be no question about whether the president's decisions are influenced by foreign businesses and governments, Congressman McGovern wrote in today's letter. It is therefore deeply troubling that the government of Bahrain would be spending untold sums of money at a hotel that you are leasing from the federal government to host a major public event intended to influence U.S. policy.\r\rThe American people deserve a president and White House that will act solely in our country's interests, not those of any foreign government or business. Your private commercial dealings with repressive governments endanger this fundamental expectation of the president and deeply trouble many who care about human rights, McGovern added.I urge you to immediately and completely end your business dealings with the Bahraini and other foreign governments.\r\rToday's letter outlines three essential steps that President-elect Trump must take to address these conflicts of interest and protect the presidency from foreign influence:\r\r \r\tReject all business income from the Bahraini monarchy and any other foreign government.\r\tRelease all correspondence between the Bahraini monarchy and your businesses, including price negotiations and final contracts.\r\tRelease all correspondence between any foreign government and any of your businesses since you announced your campaign for president.\r \r\rThe letter also details some of the most troubling human rights abuses in Bahrain:\r\r \r\tAs early as mid-December, Bahrain's courts could sentence human rights defender Nabeel Rajab to 15 years in prison for social media posts critical of their government.\r\tPeaceful opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman may have his already unjust four-year prison sentence lengthened due to a re-trial on charges for which he was previously acquitted.\r\tProminent human rights lawyer Mohamed al-Tajer faces more than five years in prison for alleged offenses that violate his right to free expression.\r\tFormer leader of the Waad party, Ibrahim Shariff, confronts charges for expressing concerns in an interview with the Associated Press that a visit by Britain's Prince Charles would serve to whitewash human rights abuses.\r \r\rClick here to view the letter online.\r\rFull text of the letter to President-elect Trump is below:\r\r\r\rDecember 5, 2016\r\r\r\rDonald J. Trump\r\rPresident-Elect of the United States\r\rTrump Tower\r\r725 5th Avenue\r\rNew York, NY 10022\r\r\r\rDear President-Elect Trump,\r\rI write to express my deep concern regarding reports that the Kingdom of Bahrain will host its 2016 Bahrain National Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., this coming Wednesday, December 7th.\r\rIn less than two months, you will take the oath of office and be inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. With the immense power that comes with the presidency, it is essential that the individual in that office is held to the highest standards of ethics and transparency. Each president must ensure that there is not even the appearance of impropriety and using the office for private gain. There must be no question about whether the president's decisions are influenced by foreign businesses and governments. It is therefore deeply troubling that the government of Bahrain would be spending untold sums of money at a hotel that you are leasing from the federal government to host a major public event intended to influence U.S. policy.\r\rBahrain is widely recognized as an increasingly repressive monarchy that has repeatedly imprisoned and tortured peaceful critics. As early as mid-December, Bahrain's courts could sentence human rights defender Nabeel Rajab to 15 years in prison for social media posts critical of their government. Peaceful opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman may have his already unjust four-year prison sentence lengthened due to a re-trial on charges for which he was previously acquitted. Prominent human rights lawyer Mohamed al-Tajer faces more than five years in prison for alleged offenses that violate his right to free expression. Former leader of the Waad party, Ibrahim Shariff, confronts charges for expressing concerns in an interview with the Associated Press that a visit by Britain's Prince Charles would serve to whitewash human rights abuses. These are just a few examples; there are many more.\r\rTo protect the presidency from foreign influence, we urge you to take the following immediate steps:\r\r \r\tReject all business income from the Bahraini monarchy and any other foreign government.\r\tRelease all correspondence between the Bahraini monarchy and your businesses, including price negotiations and final contracts.\r\tRelease all correspondence between any foreign government and any of your businesses since you announced your campaign for president.\r \r\rThe American people deserve a president and White House that will act solely in our country's interests, not those of any foreign government or business. Your private commercial dealings with repressive governments endanger this fundamental expectation of the president and deeply trouble many who care about human rights.I urge you to immediately and completely end your business dealings with the Bahraini and other foreign governments.\r\rSincerely,\r\r\r\rJames P. McGovern\r\rMember of Congress\r\r\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-calls-for-protections-for-nbc-tv-viewers-in-massachusetts", "Markey Calls for Protections for NBC TV Viewers in Massachusetts", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey Calls for Protections for NBC TV Viewers in Massachusetts \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington (December 5, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today sent a letter to Comcast requesting detailed information about the company\u2019s plans to ensure that residents in the Massachusetts and in parts of New England can continue to access to NBC\u2019s free, over-the-air coverage. Earlier this year, Comcast-NBCUniversal announced its intention to end its affiliation with WHDH and launch an NBC-owned and operated station in January 2017. By ending its affiliation with WHDH, NBC will no longer use WHDH\u2019s transmitter to provide free, over-the-air coverage to communities in the Boston area and other parts of Massachusetts. Instead, NBC will reportedly use a transmitter in New Hampshire and has recently agreed to purchase a low-power television station in Boston, which may be used to boost NBC\u2019s signal.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the letter, Senator Markey asks Comcast what transmitter(s) it will use to provide Massachusetts with coverage by January, and which communities, if any, will be unable to access the same quality of indoor or outdoor antenna coverage in 2017 as they received with WHDH in 2016. Senator Markey also asked Comcast how it is making communities aware of the impending transition to a new network-owned station.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am concerned that when NBC launches its network-owned station in January, some communities in Massachusetts and throughout New England may lose reliable access to free, over-the-air NBC content,\u201dwrites Senator Markey in the letter to Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts.\u00a0\u201cSeniors, low-income residents, and anyone who has recently ended their pay-TV subscription may be particularly impacted if there is a reduction in coverage.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of Senator Markey\u2019s letter can be found\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-21st-century-cures-act", "Senator Markey Statement on 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on 21st Century Cures Act \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator has been leading the Congressional effort for opioid treatment funding included in legislation\r\n\r\nWashington (December 5, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today in support of the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act, which appropriates $1 billion dollars to fund opioid recovery and treatment programs.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cOur communities are being devastated by opioid addiction and overdoses across the country, and the funding in this legislation will be the help they need to save lives right now. This funding will provide hope to the individuals and families suffering with addiction in Massachusetts who cannot find a bed for detox or a provider for long-term treatment and recovery. Last year, I introduced legislation to increase funding for states by more than $1 billion to expand opioid treatment and recovery services and get help to those who need it most, and I am pleased that Congress is finally responding with financial resources to the greatest public health crisis facing our nation.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis legislation also includes medical and research funding that is the lifeblood of Massachusetts\u2019s innovation economy, supporting the development of the breakthroughs and cures for cancer, Alzheimer\u2019s and other deadly diseases. This funding will help ensure the continued success of the National Institutes of Health and the critical work of Massachusetts\u2019s hospitals, universities and researchers in the future.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI do have concerns with the provisions in this legislation around approval and oversight processes at the Food and Drug Administration. I will continue to monitor implementation of this legislation to ensure that the strongest protections are put in place at the FDA to protect American patients and consumers.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-demand-buy-america-provision-in-water-infrastructure-package", "Senators Demand Buy America Provision in Water Infrastructure Package", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Demand Buy America Provision in Water Infrastructure Package \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 5, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0Senator Edward J. Markey joined U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to restore a \u2018Buy America\u2019 provision in the\u00a0Water Resources Development(WRDA)\u00a0Act\u00a0that would require the use of American-made iron and steel products in infrastructure projects. The Buy America rule already passed in the Senate version of the bill with broad bipartisan support. But it has been pulled from the compromise package reached between leaders in the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe Buy America provision of the bill would require American-made steel and iron be used in infrastructure projects funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). In a letter to Senate and House leaders sent today and signed by 23 of Brown and Markey's colleagues, the Senators told leaders to put the provision back into the final bill to support U.S. steel and iron workers and manufacturers.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Al Franken (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Gary Peters (D-MI).\r\nFull text is available below.\r\nDecember 2, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Mitch McConnell\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Harry Reid\r\nMajority Leader\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Democratic Leader\r\nUnited States Senate\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senate\r\nWashington, D.C. 20510\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, D.C. 20510\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Paul Ryan\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi\u00a0\r\nSpeaker of the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Democratic Leader\r\nHouse of Representatives\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 House of Representatives\r\nWashington, D.C. 20515\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, D.C. 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell, Democratic Leader Reid, Speaker Ryan, and Democratic Leader Pelosi:\r\nWe write to express our concern that an important Buy America provision for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) has been struck from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) conference report to be considered by the House and Senate.\u00a0\u00a0 This provision (Section 7117 of S. 2848) was approved by the Senate with broad bipartisan support, and we urge you to ensure that it is included in the final WRDA bill.\r\nSection 7117 of the Senate bill would codify the Buy America procurement preference for American-made iron and steel products that has been applied to the DWSRF for many years through annual appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\u00a0 The language would ensure that the DWSRF is subject to the same Buy America policies permanently applied to the EPA\u2019s other federal-aid water infrastructure spending programs, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nBuy America is an important job-creating provision.\u00a0 If subject to the Buy America provisions, DWSRF-funded infrastructure projects will be required to use American iron and steel.\u00a0\u00a0 As a result, companies will have incentives to invest in domestic manufacturing facilities, and U.S. taxpayer dollars will support American manufacturers.\u00a0\r\nRemoving the Buy America provisions from the DWSRF will have the opposite effect.\u00a0 Without domestic content requirements, foreign companies will reap the advantages of U.S. taxpayer spending at the expense of taxpaying U.S. iron and steel producers and workers across the country.\u00a0 An opportunity to support and grow U.S. manufacturers will be squandered.\r\nThe American people spoke clearly in this past election that they want leaders who fight for the working class and who advance policies that create more jobs and grow the U.S. manufacturing sector. We urge you to heed their voices in the WRDA negotiations and ensure the DWSRF Buy America provisions are incorporated in the final bill.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1313", "Sens. Warren, Schumer, Murray, Brown, and Franken Release Joint Statement on DOL Appeal of Overtime-Pay Rule Injunction", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Al Franken (D-Minn.) released the following statement Friday on the Department of Labor's (DOL) decision to appeal a federal court injunction of the new overtime-pay rule:\u00a0\n\"We're glad the Department of Labor has decided to appeal a Texas court's misguided decision to take money out of the pockets of hard-working Americans. \u00a0Because Republicans and corporate lobbyists were able to persuade a judge to block this rule, more than 4 million Americans will not get the raises they deserve for the extra hours they work.\n\"President-Elect Trump should immediately announce his intention to stand up for 4 million hardworking Americans by supporting the Department's appeal. \u00a0If he won't, the American people will know that he has chosen special interests and their armies of lawyers and lobbyists over hardworking people.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1314", "Sens. Warren, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Make Hearing Aids More Accessible and Affordable", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Evidence Shows Pricey Hearing Aids Could Be Sold Safely \"For A Fraction\" Of Current Costs\nFact Sheet (PDF)  Bill Text (PDF)\nWashington, DC - U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Thursday introduced the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016. The bipartisan legislation would make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter (OTC) and remove unnecessary and burdensome requirements that currently create barriers for consumers who could benefit from hearing aids. Approximately 30 million Americans experience age-related hearing loss, yet only about 14 percent of those with hearing loss use assistive hearing technology, often because they cannot afford costly hearing aids.\n\"Millions of people in Massachusetts and across the country experience hearing loss as they get older, but they are unable to get the hearing aids they need because of high costs and complicated regulations,\" Warren said. \"This bipartisan bill is a simple fix that that will make hearing aids easier to access and - unlike in the current marketplace - will make it easier for consumers to shop for the best value.\"\n\"I hear from Iowans about the high cost of hearing aids, and I understand the concern,\" Grassley said. \u00a0\"If you can buy non-prescription reading glasses over the counter, it makes sense that you should be able to buy basic, safe hearing aids, too. \u00a0The goal is that by making more products more easily available to consumers, competition will increase and lead to lower costs. \u00a0More consumer choice and convenience are what we want to accomplish with this legislation. \u00a0This won't affect those who need professional expertise to be fitted for hearing aids or have hearing aids implanted.\nThe over-the-counter option is for those who would benefit from a simpler device.\"\nThe Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016 would allow hearing aids that are intended to be used by adults to compensate for mild to moderate hearing impairment to be sold over the counter, and would eliminate the requirement that people get a medical evaluation or sign a waiver in order to acquire these hearing aids. \u00a0It also asks the FDA to issue regulations containing safety and labeling requirements for this new category of OTC hearing aids and update its draft guidance on Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs).\nThe Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act implements recommendations from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which have both recommended making some types of hearing aids available over the counter and removing the requirement of a medical evaluation in order to allow millions more Americans to access hearing aids. Out of pocket costs for a single hearing aid currently average around $2,400. According to a report by PCAST, \"There is considerable evidence that hearing aids can be profitably sold for a fraction of today's end-user cost.\"\nThe bill is supported by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Consumer Technology Association, Bose, and the Gerontological Society of America.\nThe text of the senators' bill is available here, and a fact sheet is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1315", "Statement from Senator Warren on Congressman Neal's Election as Ranking Member of House Ways and Means", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren released the following statement today on Congressman Richard Neal's election to serve as Democratic Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means:\n\"Congressman Neal fights hard for families in Western Mass, and he will bring a wealth of experience to the position of Ranking Member on Ways and Means. House Democrats and the people of Massachusetts will benefit enormously from Richie's leadership on the Committee.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1318", "Senators Schumer, Brown, Whitehouse, and Warren Release Joint Statement on Attempt by Senate Finance Committee Republicans to Jam Through Radical Moninee to the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Senators Charles E. Schumer, Sherrod Brown, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Elizabeth Warren released the following statement today in light of attempts today by Senate Finance Committee Republicans to jam through the confirmation of Charles Blahous - an advocate of privatizing Social Security - to the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees.\n\"As Public Trustee Mr. Blahous' has promoted a radical agenda - spreading misinformation and fear about the future of Social Security and Medicare, while claiming to represent the very programs that protect millions of seniors from poverty.\n\"Republicans are trying to jam his nomination through committee today, out of view from the public in an effort to hide their extreme agenda. Ultimately, they won't be successful. We will block his confirmation to serve as a trustee on the Social Security and Medicare advisory board this year.\n\"This must be the last time his nomination comes before the Senate.\n\"President-elect Trump repeatedly promised to millions of Americans that he would not cut their Social Security benefits. America's seniors expect that he will live up to that promise. One small step he can take towards doing this is by nominating individuals to the board who are committed to protecting and expanding, not slashing, Social Security to meet the needs of America's workers in the years ahead.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1919", "Key portions of annual defense authorization bill championed by Tsongas support small business, servicemember protections and more", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Niki Tsongas", "T000465", "tsongas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 December 2, 2016 \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Niki Tsongas, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, supported the bill. The FY17 NDAA is expected to be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.\r\n\r\n\tRep. Tsongas served as a conferee to the NDAA Conference Committee, appointed by Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The Conference Committee, comprised of appointees from both parties and both chambers, reconciled the differences between the House and Senate drafts and crafted one final piece of legislation.\r\n\r\n\tThe FY2017 NDAA contains numerous provisions authored and championed by Rep. Tsongas, including significant provisions to support small businesses throughout the district and the Commonwealth, to combat sexual assault in the military, to support Massachusetts\u2019 military installations, and to provide much-needed resources to women servicemembers. For example, the FY2017 NDAA includes a five-year reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program across all participating federal agencies. The bill also included a permanent extension for the Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) to accelerate the fielding of new and innovative technologies produced by small companies in Massachusetts and across the country.\r\n\r\n\tPlease see below for specific provisions.\r\n\r\n\tCongresswoman Tsongas released the following statement:\u201cThe annual defense bill is crafted each year to support and protect military members and their families, who sacrifice so much in service to this country. The FY17 NDAA takes significant steps to establish policy and provide resources that will keep our servicemembers safe and successful, as well as support the businesses and communities around the country working on their behalf.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis year\u2019s bipartisan NDAA includes numerous provisions I authored and championed that, among other things, build on effortsto combat sexual assault, modernize critical equipment and boost the economy of the Third District and of Massachusetts by supporting companies performing innovative research and the industry partners developing critical resources for the Department of Defense. The bill also requires the DOD to adhere to longstanding policy in regard to buying American-made products and puts a greater focus on mental health issues in the armed forces.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor example, at the request of a coalition of small businesses located in my district, I strongly advocated for the extension of the SBIR and STTR programs.\u00a0 The SBIR program is often described as the most successful federal government research and development program because of its proven track record in creating jobs and fostering innovation in Massachusetts and across the country. The program\u2019s success hinges on its ability to provide small firms with small-dollar awards to give them a jumpstart when private financing is unavailable. The authorization for this program was set to expire in 2017, and the extension included in the NDAA will help ensure it remains a resource to small growth companies for the next five years.\u00a0 Massachusetts is one of the top research and development economies in the world, ranking first among states for patents, R&D, and SBIR awards per capita, according to the Journal of New England Technology. Small firms in our region in particular have been able to secure vital capital through the program, and have used it to grow their enterprise and as a bridge to other financing options. In addition, a provision I supported with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) resulted in the permanent reauthorization of the Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF), which will help to more quickly bring innovative technologies developed by small businesses into practical application within the Department of Defense\r\n\r\n\t\u201cIn regard to the disturbing prevalence of sexual assault in the military, I have worked closely with Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) to continue developing meaningful legislation to support survivors, strengthen prevention, encourage reporting, and reform the military justice system that too often fails survivors of these crimes. Among other things, our provisions in this year\u2019s bill make it a crime to engage in professional retaliation, require specific training on retaliation for investigators, and provide better survivor access to court information, and brings an increased focus on supporting male survivors of sexual assault.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe NDAA this year includes legislation I co-authored that requires the Department of Defense to adhere to a long-established law \u2013 the Berry Amendment \u2013 that provides U.S. servicemembers with American-made clothing, footwear and other equipment. For years, the DOD has been circumventing the Berry Amendment when it comes to athletic footwear for new recruits and this legislation will assure that practice ends. The benefits are widespread, as closing this loophole would simultaneously provide our servicemembers with high quality training shoes, keep business here on American soil, boost job growth in states across the country, support domestic manufacturing and the jobs done by hardworking men and women on the factory floors, and provide a better value to American taxpayers by ensuring that U.S. taxpayer money is spent on high-quality U.S.-made goods.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith long overdue steps now being taken to fully integrate women into combat roles, the DOD must ensure servicewomen receive the same quality resources and protections as their male counterparts. To this end, I championed several provisions in the FY17 NDAA to make sure the Pentagon is providing women servicemembers with state-of-the-art equipment, including gender-specific body armor and combat footwear, both of which will help ensure safety, efficiency and effectiveness in the field.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cMore broadly, the FY17 NDAA takes additional steps to ensure that all servicemembers are utilizing the most cutting-edge equipment and resources available. This means we must continue to pursue and implement the scientific gains and innovative research that provide modern, enhanced capabilities. Much of this is being done right here in Massachusetts, where military installations like Natick Soldier Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base, supported by our remarkable federally funded research and development centers like MIT\u2019s Lincoln Labs, play a critical role in supporting servicemembers and advancing our national security. I am encouraged that this bill includes authorization to begin a $450 million effort to modernize Lincoln Labs\u2019 facilities to ensure that the institution continues to develop the world-class advancements that help keep our servicemembers safe around the world.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAs with all bills of this size, there were pieces that I was not happy with. For example, I oppose continued funding for facilities at Guantanamo Bay and support measures to close the detention facility. I will also work with the Appropriations Committee to ensure that we support increases in non-defense spending to match defense spending increases in this bill that have gone above limits outlined in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. Ultimately, this bill brings together members on both sides of the aisle to fulfill our solemn obligation to protect and support our servicemembers.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tThe following is a list of some of the Tsongas-authored and/or sponsored provisions included in the FY17 NDAA:Support for small business and innovation\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The FY2017 NDAA includes a five-year reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program across all participating federal agencies. Since its inception over a quarter-century ago, the SBIR program has increased federal agency access to innovative ideas, technologies and capabilities through its support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBIR program is a unique collaboration, allowing\u00a0government agencies to fund projects to meet specific agency needs while expanding\u00a0opportunities for small businesses. Historically, the SBIR program has been instrumental in funding innovative \u201cinfant\u201d industry research and development where obtaining private capital is not yet an option. It is often described as the most successful government R&D program, delivering thousands of patents and hundreds of valuable innovations in agriculture, defense, energy, health sciences, homeland security, space, transportation, and other fields.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Similarly the STTR program, which was due to expire in 2017, will also be extended for five years. Like SBIR, STTR has expanded funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena and has a proven track record of success.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Permanent reauthorization of the Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF), which is designed to transition innovative technologies, primarily from small businesses that can be rapidly inserted into acquisition programs that meet speci?c defense needs.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tMilitary sexual assault\r\n\t  \r\n\tPrevent Retaliation and Open Transparency to Expand Care for Troops (PROTECT) Act  \r\n\tThis bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Tsongas and Turner, continues the lawmakers\u2019 shared efforts to combat sexual assault in the military.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Creates a specific article in the Uniform Code of Military Justice criminalizing professional retaliation against victims and witnesses of crimes, and requires specific retaliation investigation training for Department of Defense (DOD) investigators\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires DOD to report data on sexual assaults against spouses, intimate partners, and children to Congress\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires DOD to create a website where victims, witnesses, and members of the public can access key court-martial information, including docketed court dates, key court documents, and records of trial\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Conference report states that \u201cmore must be done to address the unique issues affecting male victims of sexual assault\u201d and makes it clear that Congress will continue to very closely watch the Department of Defense\u2019s efforts to support male survivors.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tProviding support and resources for women in the military\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires DOD to address the unique body armor needs of female servicemembers through a holistic acquisition strategy and to brief Congress on their plan to provide female-specific body armor\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pushes the Army to meet the unique footwear needs of female servicemembers and ensure that the service provides boots that are fitted and sized for optimal performance\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Authorizes funds and a contract process for the acquisition and maintenance of exhibits for the Women in Military Service for America memorial at Arlington National Cemetery\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tModernizing equipment\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires DOD to adhere to the long-established Berry Amendment in regard to athletic footwear for new recruits\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recommends that the Army set a goal of reducing body armor weight by 20% while maintaining armor effectiveness and directs the Army to brief Congress on the potential for manufacturing of revolutionary fibers, textiles and other technologies toward this end\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Directs the Secretary of the Navy to thoroughly review the safety and integrity of the \u00a0oxygen systems onboard the F-18 aircraft fleet and report findings to Congress\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tStrengthening public-private partnerships to help servicemembers\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides an additional $5 million to support innovative partnerships between the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and Natick Soldier Systems Center to enable students to develop next generations solutions to the military\u2019s hardest challenges\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Includes $25 million for the STARBASE program to provide STEM education programs to serve students that are historically under-represented in these important fields.\u00a0 The STARBASE Academy at Hanscom AFB is one of more than 50 STARBASE STEM education programs located on military bases across the United States.\u00a0 Students from Lowell, Lawrence, and Fitchburg are among some of the communities who\u2019ve benefited from the program.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tMassachusetts military installationsSupport for research laboratories\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Makes permanent the ability of the military services to use a portion of their annual funds for defense lab revitalization\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Affirms Congressional support of the military services\u2019 effort to take maximum advantage of state and local innovation centers located in high-tech innovation centers like the 3rd District and greater Boston areas\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tModernization Efforts at Hanscom Air Force Base\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extends support for the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) recapitalization program, one of the most reliable surveillance systems in the world managed at Hanscom Air Force Base, and grants full funding of the President\u2019s budget request for this critical program at $128 million\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Expresses continued Congressional support for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) that helps our servicemembers stay connected to each other in some of the most remote areas of the world\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides over $10 million in funding for a much needed gate project at Hanscom that will provide important security improvements for the men and women working on base.\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provides $20 million for new facilities at Hanscom to advance the critical cyber and information technology programs being developed on the base.\r\n\r\n\t  \r\n\tMIT/Lincoln Labs\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recognizes the important role that MIT\u2019s Lincoln Labs plays in cutting-edge research and development and authorizes planning and design funding that will go toward modernizing the facilities at Lincoln Labs\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0  \r\n\tMental health\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires the Secretary of Defense to work with Veterans Affairs to develop a methodology that measures rates of suicide and attempted suicide to identify areas for prevention and treatment; and report to Congress on efforts toward these goals\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Encourages the Department to continue work on non-deployment-related brain injuries across the military services in light of the fact that 80% of servicemember brain injuries occur outside of deployment\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tKeeping our commitment to Afghan allies\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increases the number of Special Immigrant Visas for Afghan interpreters, translators and others who worked on the U.S. government\u2019s behalf in the fight against the Taliban and other extremists groups.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOpioid abuse treatment and prevention\r\n\r\n\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on how education, prevention, treatment and outreach on opioid prescription drug abuse can improve the readiness, health and quality of life of armed servicemembers\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t# # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-love-booker-gillibrand-introduce-bill-to-address-discriminatory-legal", "KENNEDY, LOVE, BOOKER, GILLIBRAND INTRODUCE BILL TO ADDRESS DISCRIMINATORY LEGAL PRACTICES", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Joseph Kennedy", "K000379", "kennedy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Today, Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA-4) and Congresswoman Mia Love (R-UT-4), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), introduced the Fair Calculations in Civil Damages Act of 2016 to address the widespread practice of using discriminatory tactics when calculating future earnings potential in personal injury cases and claims.\u00a0\n\u201cMeasuring a person\u2019s potential by their color, creed, gender or sexual orientation is the definition of institutional bias,\u201d said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. \u201cSystemic inequities that limit opportunity, create pay gaps and impact everything from health care to education should not extend into our justice system. This bipartisan bill will work to end that practice, and I am proud to introduce it today with Senator Booker, Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Love.\"\n\u201cAs a conservative, I believe the value of a life should not be either elevated or downgraded based on a person\u2019s inherent characteristics, like race or gender,\u201d said Congresswoman Mia Love. \u201cThe courts should be above using race or gender in any way in determining awards in civil cases. \u00a0The Declaration of Independence reads: \u2018We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.\u2019 In introducing this bill, I am doing what I swore to do, supporting and defending the Constitution and the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence of the United States.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cOur country was founded on the principle that all are created equal,\u201d said Senator Cory Booker. \u201cYet the way that damages are awarded in courts value certain lives more than others, often due to someone\u2019s race or gender. That\u2019s wrong, and it must change. This bill will serve as a needed step in righting some of the systemic inequalities that pervade too many facets of our justice system.\u201d\n\u201cUnder our current legal system, civil courts can award less money based on the fact alone that a victim is a woman or a minority. This is wrong,\u201d said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. \u201cIn this day and age the courts should not be allowed to say one life is worth more than another. This is one of the most damaging and offensive consequences of America\u2019s pay inequality problem, and it should not be legal in this country. All lives should be valued equally, and it is outrageous that courts in the year 2016 are allowed to suggest otherwise. I will work with my colleagues from both parties to pass this bill and bring our civil courts into the 21st century.\u201d\nRecent media reports and surveys have demonstrated the prevalence of lawyers and economists calculating damages awards and settlements based on the injured party\u2019s race, ethnicity, or gender. \u00a0A Washington Post piece from October of 2016 reported on the case of a four-year-old boy whose family had sought $3.4 million in lost future earnings from their landlord after the boy had developed a mental disability from exposure to lead paint. During the case, the landlord\u2019s lawyer alleged that because the boy was Hispanic, his earnings potential would be lower and argued for an award of $1.5 million instead. The presiding Judge, Judge Jack B. Weinstein ruled that it was unconstitutional to rely on ethnicity-based statistics to determine future income. Judge Weinstein emphasized that \"propelling race and ethnicity to the forefront of predictions about an individual's future achievement ignores the myriad factors affecting an individual's capacity to fulfill his or her potential.\"\u00a0\nHowever, civil court decisions, forensic economists, and lawyers across the country often rely on statistics that correlate earnings with factors such as gender and race in order to generate what they deem as a reasonable value for an injured individual\u2019s lost future earnings. According to a 2009 survey by the National Association of Forensic Economics, 44 percent of those responding reported they considered race and 92 percent considered gender when calculating potential lost earnings for injured children.\u00a0\nThe Fair Calculations Act would begin to address these troubling trends by:\n Precluding a court from awarding damages based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or actual or perceived sexual orientation;\n\tRequiring the Department of Labor to issue guidance to forensic economists on how to create inclusive future earnings tables that do not rely on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or actual or perceived sexual orientation;\n\tRequiring the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor to develop guidance to states on how calculations of future earnings for a violation of state tort law could violate federal equal protection laws; and\n\tDirecting the Judicial Conference of the United States to conduct a study and report to Congress on the use of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, or actual or perceived sexual orientation in the calculation of future earnings in civil court cases.\n # # #For Immediate Release:  \n\tDecember 1,\u00a02016  \n\t\u00a0  Contact:  \n\tEmily Kaufman (617) 332-3333  \n\tDan Black (202) 225-5931Follow Congressman Kennedy on\u00a0Instagram,\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396937", "McGovern: Trump Financial Transparency Vital to National Security", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), the second-highest ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, joined House Democrats in calling for passage of legislation to require presidential candidates to disclose three years of their tax returns. This year, President-elect Donald Trump became the first presidential nominee in more than 30 years to not release his tax returns.\r\rSpeaking on S. 2943, the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report, Congressman McGovern emphasized the need for the American people to know where a presidential candidate has financial dealings because of the direct impact that could have on national security. \r\rVIDEO: Click here for Part One. Click here for Part Two.\r\rMcGovern pointed to the example of President-elect Donald Trump and his glowing praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about Trump's potential financial dealings in Russia and whether he would stand up to Putin to protect U.S. interests and defend human rights.\r\rTax returns provide the public with vital information about our presidential candidates. Have they paid taxes at all? Do they keep money offshore? Or have they taken advantage of tax loopholes? This is important information that voters have a right to know.\r\rThe American people should expect candidates running for president to be open and transparent about their tax returns. And this legislation would ensure that transparency. It is hard for me to believe that giving people the right to know about presidential candidates' financial dealings is controversial. I hope that this isn't. \r\rI think where a presidential candidate and soon-to-be-President has financial dealings is directly related to our national defense. Does he have investments in Russia? Does he have investments in countries that have been hostile to human rights or to U.S. interests in various parts of the world? That is very relevant. \r\rMcGovern also highlighted the Global Magnitsky Act which aims to builds on the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, legislation that McGovern authored. That legislation focused on Russia and was approved by Congress and signed into law in 2012. The law targets individual Russian officials accountable for the death of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, as well as other Russian officials engaged in corruption, human rights abuses or who seek to undermine the rule of law. It denies them visas to the United States, and freezes their assets in the United States. The Global Magnitsky Act would extend the use of those same targeted sanctions to all countries, not just Russia, and ensure that visiting the United States and having access to our financial system, including U.S. dollars, are privileges not granted to those who violate human rights and the rule of law.\r\rFull Text of Congressman McGovern's Speech:\r\rTax returns provide the public with vital information about our presidential candidates. Have they paid taxes at all? Do they keep money offshore? Or have they taken advantage of tax loopholes? This is important information that voters have a right to know.\r\rThe American people should expect candidates running for president to be open and transparent about their tax returns. And this legislation would ensure that transparency. It is hard for me to believe that giving people the right to know about presidential candidates' financial dealings is controversial. I hope that this isn't.\r\rI think where a presidential candidate and soon-to-be-President has financial dealings is directly related to our national defense. Does he have investments in Russia? Does he have investments in countries that have been hostile to human rights or to U.S. interests in various parts of the world? That is very relevant. \r\rI don't know where the head of our next president is going to be when it comes to standing up to abuses by people like Vladimir Putin against opposition leaders and journalists and anybody he disagrees with.\r\rThis bill is named after a guy named Sergei Magnitsky, who, by the way, was an accountant in Russia who uncovered the largest corruption scandal in Russia's history. And what was his reward for doing that? Putin had him put in jail. He was tortured. And he was beaten to death. That's what happens in places that are run by strong men like Vladimir Putin.\r\rSo yes, I'd like to know whether or not our next president has investments in Russia. I think that would be very relevant to know. And quite frankly, the reason this Magnitsky legislation is so important is it gives us a tool to pressure the next administration on the issue of human rights. And it is a signal to Putin and other dictators and strong men around the world that Congress is not going to be silent in the face of human rights abuses.\r\rLet the American people know what the financial dealings of their presidential candidates and soon-to-be-presidents are.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/house-democrats-pass-key-leadership-reforms/", "House Democrats Pass Key Leadership Reforms", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Democrats Pass Key Leadership Reforms \r\n                        \r\n                                                    December 1st, 2016\r\n                        Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Today, House Democrats passed two motions, introduced by Reps. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and Kathleen Rice (NY-04), requiring key leadership positions to be elected by Members of the Caucus, instead of appointed by the Democratic Leader. The Caucus will now directly elect the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, as well as three co-chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.\nReps. Moulton, Gallego, and Rice issued the following joint statement:\n\u201cIn the wake of the 2016 election, it is more clear than ever that the Democratic Caucus needs to bring more voices into leadership, with new ideas that will help us to forge a strong path forward, evolve as a Party and earn back the support of the American people.\n\u201cThe conversations we have had over the past few weeks about the future of our Caucus were difficult and contentious, but also necessary and inspiring. As a result, our Members worked together to select a leadership team and make dramatic reforms that will increase the diversity of our leadership team and make our leadership accountable to our Members.\n\u201cIn order to be successful, all Members of the Democratic Caucus need to play a role in recruitment, messaging, fundraising and strategy. The changes adopted today are a true victory that will help us to empower our Members and make our Caucus stronger.\n\u201cDemocrats can\u2019t afford to back down in the face of a Donald Trump presidency and the regressive agenda he stands for. Today\u2019s outcome was a good first step towards our goal of reclaiming the majority in 2018.\u201d\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-statement-on-un-apology-to-the-haitian-people-for-deadly-cholera-epidemic", "Senator Markey Statement on UN Apology to the Haitian People for Deadly Cholera Epidemic", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Markey Statement on UN Apology to the Haitian People for Deadly Cholera Epidemic \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 1, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn remarks today, Sec-Gen Ban Ki-moon said the UN is \u201cprofoundly sorry\u201d for its role in the Haitian cholera outbreak\r\n\r\nWashington (December 1, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, released the following statement today after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a formal apology to the people of Haiti for the UN\u2019s role in the country\u2019s cholera epidemic, which has been attributed to improper wastewater disposal practices by UN Peacekeepers sent to Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 2010.\u00a0 Since that time nearly 800,000 cholera cases and almost 10,000 deaths have been reported in Haiti. As part of the apology, the UN also released a report outlining its new two-track strategy to enhance the medical response to the outbreak and begin developing the water and sanitation infrastructures to eliminate the presence of cholera. The plan also discusses a compensation plan for the victims of cholera and their families. The Secretary-General expressed his hope for broad UN Member State support to fund both of these initiatives. In the wake of Hurricane Matthew in October, Senator Markey\u00a0traveled\u00a0to Haiti to observe the humanitarian response and assess any public health conditions, including the possible aggravation of Haiti\u2019s cholera epidemic.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis apology from the United Nations has been years overdue and is an important first step for justice for the people of Haiti,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey.\u00a0\u201cThe people of Haiti have long deserved more than just acknowledgment for the pain and sacrifice they have suffered in great part due to UN negligence. The UN must now put its money where its mouth is and provide compensation to the Haitian people suffering from the devastation caused by the cholera epidemic. We must help build lasting solutions in the form of robust water and sanitation infrastructure to stop the spread of the disease. I continue to urge all UN member states to shoulder their responsibilities with robust financial support for this effort.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Markey called on the United Nations to\u00a0publicly apologize\u00a0for their role in the cholera outbreak and subsequent epidemic,\u00a0provide material resources\u00a0to end the threat of the disease in Haiti and deliver financial assistance to victims and their families that were affected by the epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=blog&id=1310", "The Patriot Ledger Op-Ed: Natural gas projects prioritize profit over safety", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dec 1, 2016\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Senator Elizabeth Warren \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBecause we must import nearly all of our fossil fuels from other states or abroad, Massachusetts must be very thoughtful about energy policy and how it affects both our families and our businesses. Over the last decade, we have helped lead the nation in innovations about how to produce and use energy, making significant advances in energy efficiency, clean energy, and a modernized electricity grid.\nBut not all changes move us into a more secure future. Pending proposals to construct natural gas pipelines, compressor stations, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks in populated or environmentally sensitive areas raise serious concerns about our future energy systems.\nRead the full op-ed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1311", "Senators Warren and Carper Question GSA on President-elect Trump's Conflicts of Interest", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Text of letter available here\u00a0(PDF)\nWashington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), Denise Turner Roth, seeking information on GSA's efforts to protect taxpayer dollars and address conflicts of interest in its business relationship with President-elect Donald Trump and his family. Specifically, the Senators requested information on GSA's terms of lease with affiliates of the Trump Organization to redevelop and manage the Old Post Office building in Washington, DC.\n\"In 2013, GSA negotiated a lease agreement with Trump Old Post Office, LLC-a private company owned by President-elect Trump and his adult children,\" the Senators wrote. \"In a material term of the contract, GSA requires that no elected officials play a role in the agreement ... However, once President-elect Trump assumes office, he will oversee GSA and have the authority to appoint a new GSA Administrator, which will effectively make President-elect Trump landlord and tenant at the same time.\"\nThe Senators continue, stating that GSA's relationship with President-Elect Trump is also complicated by two provisions in the Constitution prohibiting the President from receiving additional \u2018emoluments,' writing, \"The lease agreement between GSA and President-elect Trump states that the \u2018Landlord [to whom the Trump Old Post Office LLC, pays rent] shall mean the United States of America.' If the current lease agreement remains, President-elect Trump will receive compensation from the federal government separate from his annual salary, which is prohibited by the Constitution. Foreign governments are also reportedly paying for their official representatives to stay at Trump International Hotel because the property is affiliated with the incoming President-the Kingdom of Bahrain, for example, recently booked space at the Trump Hotel for a reception.\"\nThe Senators recommend that, \"Accordingly, GSA should immediately take steps to identify and mitigate any potential conflicts of interest relating to its lease agreement with President-elect Trump, including removing itself from the agreement to avoid any violations of law.\"\u00a0\nA PDF copy of the letter is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=42DB07FC-5B12-440B-BB22-4C44F62300D5", "House passes Clark postpartum depression legislation", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Katherine Clark", "C001101", "katherineclark.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House passes Clark postpartum depression legislation\n\r\nWashington, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. House passed Congresswoman Katherine Clark's legislation, the Bringing Postpartum Depression of the Shadows Act, to provide states federal grants to develop and maintain programs for better screening and treatment of postpartum depression. Nationwide, an estimated 1 in 7 new mothers are affected bypostpartum depression. Postpartum depression can last for months or even yearsand is one of the most common medical complications women experience during and after pregnancy.\r\nNo mom should feel alone while suffering from the pain, isolation, and frustration that comes with postpartum depression, said Clark. The health and success of families include-- and begin with -- the whole health of our moms. The passage of the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act means we're taking active steps to break down the stigmas that have kept moms from getting the care they need and deserve. \r\nClark's bill passed as part of the U.S. House's medical research funding package. \r\nExperts estimate that least 400,000 women suffer from postpartum depression each year, and yet it is estimated that only 15 percent receive treatment. It can increase risk for anxiety, cognitive impairment, guilt, and self-blame. Children of mothers with untreated postpartum depression may have difficulties eating and sleeping, and often experience delays in language development. Additionally, infants may develop passivity, withdrawal, and self-regulatory behavior as a response to maternal disengagement. Postpartum depression is treatable in 90 percent of cases. \nThe Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act has received the support of the 2020 Mom, American Academy of Nursing, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Psychological Association, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, March of Dimes, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health, National WIC Association, Postpartum Progress Inc., Postpartum Support International, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Zero to Three.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/legislative-center/moultons-advocacy-key-to-extending-program-for-afghan-allies/", "Moultons Advocacy Key to Extending Program for Afghan Allies", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Moulton\u2019s Advocacy Key to Extending Program for Afghan Allies \r\n                        \r\n                                                    November 30th, 2016\r\n                        Moulton: \u201cI commit to continuing to push for more visas.\u201d\nWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) praised provisions in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would reauthorize the Afghan special immigrant visa (SIV) program for four years, and he committed to continuing to advocate for an increase in visas made available for our Afghan allies supporting American troops abroad.\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to stand with thousands of Afghans who risked their lives working for the U.S. and putting their lives on the line, not just for their country, but for ours,\u201d said\u00a0Moulton. \u201cThe Afghan SIV program\u2019s four-year reauthorization is certainly a step in the right direction, but with only 1,500 new visas and added eligibility restrictions, we are still leaving behind at least 5,000 people who have risked their lives for us. I commit to continuing to push for more visas to be added because I would not be here today without the courageous translators who worked with me to carry out our mission in Iraq.\u201d\nMoulton has been a vocal advocate for reauthorizing the Afghan SIV program. This year, he introduced a provision to our National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to remove the narrowing of U.S. resettlement eligibility requirements to include Afghans who risked their lives working for the U.S. in Afghanistan and face well-documented death threats due to their work.\nDuring a speech on the house floor in support of his amendment, Moulton said we need to give these Afghan allies a chance to stay alive, rather than abandon them to the same enemies they united with the U.S. to destroy. His amendment was endorsed by\u00a0The New York Times\u00a0Editorial Board in an editorial\u00a0piece.\nCongress will vote on the NDAA in the next couple of days.\nTo learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit\u00a0https://moulton.house.gov\u00a0or find the Congressman on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter,\u00a0Instagram, or\u00a0Medium.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-senators-urge-smooth-transition-for-chemical-safety-reform-implementation-in-new-administration", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Smooth Transition for Chemical Safety Reform Implementation in New Administration \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn Letter to Trump Transition Team, Senators Call on New Administration to 'Maintain Momentum' on TSCA Reform\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON \u2014\u00a0Today,\u00a0U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.)\u00a0and\u00a0James Inhofe (R-Okla.), along with\u00a0Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.),\u00a0Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.),\u00a0Tom Carper (D-Del.),\u00a0Mike Crapo (R-Idaho),\u00a0Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.),\u00a0Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and\u00a0Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)\u00a0sent a bipartisan letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence in his role as chair of the Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee, urging the new administration to ensure there is continuity in the implementation of the landmark, bipartisan Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. The historic chemical safety law, which was signed into law in June with broad bipartisan support, reforms the badly broken Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 and is focused on protecting children, families and communities from potentially dangerous chemicals.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs the senators wrote, \"TSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products. The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the letter, the senators stressed the importance of communication between the presidential transition team and the EPA to ensure successful implementation of the critical reform law, which will safeguard public health and the environment and bolster confidence in the marketplace for manufactures and consumers alike. They noted that the EPA yesterday\u00a0announced\u00a0ahead of schedule the first 10 chemicals for risk evaluation, as required by the new law.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cWe want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed,\u201d\u00a0the senators concluded.\u00a0\u201cIn order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new law\u2019s deadlines. We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful.\"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter is available below and\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDear Mr. Vice President-Elect:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs you continue the transition process, we want to highlight for you the implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. \u00a0This bill to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 was signed by the President on June 22, 2016. \u00a0The badly needed reforms were widely supported in Congress by a 403-12 vote in the House of Representatives and by voice vote in the Senate with near unanimous support. \u00a0The effort took \u00a0several years to complete, resulting in the most recent reform of a landmark environmental law since the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTSCA was severely crippled in the 1990s and failed to provide basic health and safety protection for the American public. \u00a0Uncertainty in the regulatory program also harmed innovation and consumer confidence in everyday products. \u00a0The reformed law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make many critical decisions in the first months and years of the program, and the Agency has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the promise of the new law is realized. \u00a0The updated law also directs the Centers for Disease Control to investigate and respond to potential cancer clusters and improve communication and data sharing between local, state and federal governments. \u00a0Given that this implementation will overlap with the change of Administrations, we want to ensure there is continuity and continued momentum during this critical phase.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHaving worked to strengthen and pass the Lautenberg Act in order to help protect children and communities from dangerous chemicals, we are now looking to EPA to vigorously implement the new law. \u00a0This includes moving expeditiously to identify and address chemicals with the greatest potential impact on public health, especially those affecting vulnerable populations expressly required to be protected in the Act, including pregnant women, children, workers, and other at-risk communities. The EPA announced the first ten chemicals for risk evaluation ahead of schedule. \u00a0Successful implementation of this law will also help ensure there is certainty and restore confidence in the marketplace for manufacturers, consumer product producers, and the public.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe want to work with you next year to see this bipartisan law succeed. \u00a0In order for that to happen, we urge that you begin working with the Agency to communicate on critical steps that are underway and to get a full appreciation of the new law\u2019s deadlines. \u00a0We urge that you view appointments, funding and staffing to this office with utmost importance. \u00a0It is essential to maintain momentum during the Presidential transition and in the early months of the new Administration to ensure that this new law is successful.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/markey-epa-announcement-on-fuel-economy-standards-is-holiday-season-gift-that-will-keep-on-giving", "Markey: EPA Announcement on Fuel Economy Standards Is Holiday-Season Gift That Will Keep On Giving", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Edward Markey", "M000133", "www.markey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Markey: EPA Announcement on Fuel Economy Standards Is Holiday-Season Gift That Will Keep On Giving \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator is House author of fuel economy standard update in 2007 energy bill\r\nWashington (November 30, 2016) \u2013 Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that its technical analysis supports leaving current carbon pollution standards in place for cars and light trucks for model years 2022-2025. The fuel economy standards, announced in 2012, are on track to nearly double fuel economy and reduce carbon pollution.\r\nThe Obama administration\u2019s 54.5 mpg standard was partially enabled by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which included fuel economy standards co-authored by then-Rep. Markey. That law included Senator Markey\u2019s language that said the standard must be at least 35 mpg by 2020, and that the \u201cmaximum feasible standard\u201d must be set every year. The bill was signed by President George W. Bush in December 2007.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe EPA announcement that strong fuel economy standards should remain in place is the holiday season gift that will keep on giving,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and chair of the Senate Climate Clearinghouse.\u00a0\u201cBy keeping EPA standards in place, we can continue to push forward with the goals to save drivers money at the pump while reducing the carbon pollution at the heart of climate change.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Obama administration\u2019s fuel economy standards have put the American economy in the driver\u2019s seat, reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and providing certainty for the automotive industry as it continues to build a more climate- and consumer-friendly vehicle fleet. Automotive industry ingenuity has made today\u2019s cars and SUVs fuel-efficient computers on wheels, and we should not let lower gas prices lull consumers into buying less fuel-efficient vehicles that could roll back these important gains. The United States has joined the international community in committing to doing our fair share to address global warming in the Paris Climate Accord, and these fuel economy standards are a linchpin of our domestic plan to meet the climate change challenge.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warren.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1309", "Senators Warren and Sanders Release Joint Statement on Trump's Treasury Nominee", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Elizabeth Warren", "W000817", "www.warren.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement Wednesday after it was reported that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Steve Mnuchin to serve as Treasury secretary:\n\"During the campaign, Donald Trump told the American people that he was going to change Washington by taking on Wall Street. Donald Trump's choice for Treasury secretary, Steve Mnuchin, is just another Wall Street insider. That is not the type of change that Donald Trump promised to bring to Washington - that is hypocrisy at its worst. After his bank pocketed billions in taxpayer dollars from the bailout, Mnuchin moved on to make a fortune running another bank that aggressively foreclosed on families still reeling from the crisis. This pick makes clear that Donald Trump wants to cater to the same Wall Street executives that have hurt working families time and again.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-kennedy-bill-to-protect-online-consumer-reviews", "SENATE PASSES BIPARTISAN KENNEDY BILL TO PROTECT ONLINE CONSUMER REVIEWS", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Joseph Kennedy", "K000379", "kennedy.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Kennedy III today applauded bipartisan passage of his Consumer Review Fairness Act by the United States Senate. Introduced with Congressman Leonard Lance (R-NJ), this legislation passed the House of Representatives earlier in September and would ensure American consumers can post honest business reviews and feedback online without fear of retribution.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe legislation comes in response to reports of companies using secretive \u201cnon-disparagement\u201d clauses in their terms of service to try to bar customers from posting negative reviews of a product, service or experience. Along with Kennedy and Lance, the bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who have led legislative efforts on this issue in the past. \u00a0It is backed by online review platforms like TripAdvisor, which is based in Congressman Kennedy\u2019s district.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cSilencing consumers with secretive non-disparagement clauses denies their right to voice concerns with businesses or products that fail to meet expectations,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cWith the Consumer Review Fairness Act, we can ensure customers will never face the fear of unjust retaliation by companies they visit and subsequently review. I thank Congressmen Lance, Swalwell and Issa for their partnership in addressing this issue and look forward to the President signing this bill into law.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cConsumers in the 21st century economy should be able to post, comment and tweet their honest and accurate feedback without fear of retribution. \u00a0Too many companies are burying non-disparagement clauses in fine print and going after consumers when they post negative feedback online. \u00a0In 2016 online platforms are where consumers turn to praise or criticize their shopping, eating or traveling experiences. \u00a0They should be able to do so without harassment from companies eager to protect an image,\u201d said Congressman Lance.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Consumer Review Fairness Act would void any non-disparagement clauses in consumer contracts if they restrict consumers from publicly reviewing products or businesses in a negative manner and would authorize the Federal Trade Commission to take action against businesses that insert these provisions into their contracts. \u00a0It also would ensure companies still are able to pursue legal action against individuals who post false and defamatory reviews.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe legislation is supported by online review platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp and Glassdoor as well as the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Internet Association, Demand Progress, Engine, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Public Knowledge, and the Public Participation Project. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"TripAdvisor whole-heartedly applauds passage of the Consumer Review Fairness Act, led by Representatives Lance and Kennedy,\u201d said Adam Medros, Senior Vice President of Global Product at TripAdvisor. \u201cConsumer reviews have become an integral part of many Americans\u2019 purchasing decisions. \u00a0In the same way that you can tell your friends and family about a good or bad experience you had with a company or product, you also have a fundamental right to share that experience online. \u00a0While most businesses understand that such reviews offer businesses and consumers alike the ability to learn and benefit from others\u2019 experiences, a number of unscrupulous businesses have attempted to bully or intimidate their customers from sharing their negative experiences. We strongly believe that every American has \u2018the right to write\u2019 and these attempts to stifle free speech are against everything we stand for at TripAdvisor.\"  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t# # #  \n\t\u00a0  For Immediate Release:  \n\tNovember 29,\u00a02016  \n\t\u00a0  Contact:  \n\tEmily Kaufman (617) 332-3333  \n\tDan Black (202) 225-5931Follow Congressman Kennedy on\u00a0Instagram,\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lynch.house.gov/press-release/congressman-lynch-endorses-congressman-tim-ryan-democratic-leader", "Congressman Lynch Endorses Congressman Tim Ryan for Democratic Leader", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Stephen Lynch", "L000562", "lynch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSTON, MA \u2013 Today, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) released the following statement regarding his endorsement of Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio for Democratic Leader:\n\u201cAfter contemplating the course of our party\u2019s direction over the past several years, I am proud to say that I have decided to support Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio as the next Democratic Leader in Congress.\nWhile I have enormous respect for Nancy Pelosi, I believe the Democratic Party needs to change its direction and widen its focus in order to regain the trust and support of millions of hard-working American families who are our traditional base.\nI believe that Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio truly understands the plight of American workers and that he can help us regain the support of lunch bucket Democrats who go out to work every morning and struggle to raise families but haven't had a raise in a long, long time.\nIt is ironic that during a prolonged period of low wage growth for most Americans, today\u2019s Democratic Party has failed to articulate a forceful and meaningful message to working families that we are on their side. Instead, we are perceived as a party of narrow interests supported by the elite.\nWhile Democrats have rightfully championed causes for the oppressed in our society, we have, of late, ignored the economic struggles of average American families that could unify us all in a larger cause and a shared destiny for all Americans.\nThis last election was an epic failure and another lost opportunity. To continue with business as usual would be a betrayal of our democratic values. I honestly believe that with Tim Ryan as Democratic Leader, we can demonstrate to middle class workers that we really do care about them too. And we can tip the balance back in Democrats\u2019 favor and build a future that includes the millions of those American workers who put the Republicans and Donald Trump into power.\nI also encourage my Democratic colleagues to help bring the change we need by voting for Tim Ryan for Democratic Leader.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 818, "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": "MA", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 818, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 818, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MA&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MA", "label": "MA", "count": 818, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 818, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-29,http~3A~2F~2Flynch~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fcongressman-lynch-endorses-congressman-tim-ryan-democratic-leader", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MA&year=2016&_next=2016-11-29%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Flynch~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fcongressman-lynch-endorses-congressman-tim-ryan-democratic-leader&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 372.3768210038543, "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"}