{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/31/smith-delivers-rural-health-funding-for-missouri-communities/", "Smith Delivers Rural Health Funding for Missouri Communities", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a $216,276,818 grant to the state of Missouri to expand access to health care in rural communities from the Rural Health Transformation Program that was created as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill that Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) co-authored. Since passage of the Bill, Congressman Smith (MO-08) personally contacted both HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz to ensure rural communities in Missouri receive desperately needed funding, particularly in southeast and south-central Missouri.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cAccess to care is the biggest issue facing working families in Missouri, which is why I made funding rural health care such a top priority in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The Rural Health Transformation Program is a foundational piece of a broader Republican effort to prioritize working families in rural communities across the country. Sixty million Americans \u2014 roughly 20 percent of our nation\u2019s population \u2014 live in rural communities that lack sufficient access to quality, affordable health care. This funding will help fund greatly expanded health care access, better training and retention for health professionals, and new innovations to fight the chronic disease epidemic. This effort will dramatically improve the delivery of health care in rural communities that currently suffer from a disproportionate level of mortality when compared to their urban counterparts \u2014 including heightened cancer and maternal mortality rates, alongside the closure of hospitals like the twelve that have shut down in Missouri over the past decade. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing this once in a generation opportunity to strengthen the health and well-being of America\u2019s rural communities. Now I will work hand-in-hand with our state\u2019s leaders to ensure this funding is used to create sustainable, long-lasting changes that improve the quality of life for Missouri residents through improved health access.\u201d\n\nCongressman Smith, alongside members of the Missouri delegation, sent a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the importance of the RHTP program to Missouri\u2019s rural communities and asking officials to incorporate key policies in their application.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-outlines-legislative-wins-and-next-priorities-oan", "Rep. Eric Burlison Outlines Legislative Wins and Next Priorities on OAN", "2025-12-30", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) appeared on One America News Network to reflect on the 2025 session and preview the policy priorities Republicans must advance in the second half of the 119th Congress.\n\nWatch the full interview here.\n\nBurlison highlighted key outcomes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, noting that Congress enacted meaningful spending reductions, including defunding NPR and PBS. He also pointed to a significant Second Amendment tax relief provision, permanent extensions of major tax reforms, the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and the codification of more than three dozen Trump administration executive actions focused on deregulation and domestic energy production.\n\nBurlison noted that these reforms are beginning to show positive economic effects, while emphasizing that additional work remains.\n\nLooking ahead, Burlison stressed the need for another reconciliation bill to address unresolved priorities, particularly healthcare and election integrity. He explained that rejecting a temporary extension of enhanced COVID-era Obamacare subsidies was an important step toward creating the leverage necessary for meaningful reform.\n\nBurlison outlined clear expectations for any reconciliation legislation, including significant healthcare reform that expands patient choice, increases transparency, and lowers costs without adding to the national debt. He emphasized giving individuals greater control over insurance options, provider networks, and alternative care models such as direct primary care.\n\n\u201cWe have to set the marker early and be clear about our expectations,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cReconciliation must deliver real reform, not more spending layered onto a broken system.\u201d\n\nBurlison also addressed recent comments from Democrats suggesting another government shutdown, noting that many Democrats remember the consequences of the last shutdown, which brought the country within days of crippling TSA operations and airport travel. He emphasized that continuing to advance appropriations bills would reduce the impact of any shutdown effort and remove it as a political weapon.\n\nThe interview concluded with Burlison reaffirming his commitment to fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and restoring accountability as Congress enters the next phase of the legislative session.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-kansas-city-chiefs-relocation", "Congressman Cleaver\u2019s Statement on the Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Relocation", "2025-12-23", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Kansas City, MO) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the Kansas City Chiefs announced their relocation from Missouri to Kansas.\n\n\u201cWhen a major corporation leaves the city, it hurts badly but it will heal. When a major league franchise leaves the city, especially when it has become a part of the city's culture, it damages the heart. The healing of the heart will last a generation, and even then, there might be a leaking valve.\n\n\u201cThis is an extraordinarily disappointing outcome for Missourians, Chiefs fans, and taxpayers throughout western Missouri and eastern Kansas. With this announcement, I fear, comes the resumption of the economic border war between Missouri and Kansas, guaranteeing a race to the bottom that will lead to more subsidies for big businesses, paid for by fewer quality services for hardworking families and the communities we love.\n\n\u201cMy heart breaks for the generations of Chiefs fans across Missouri who have demonstrated die-hard loyalty to this franchise through the hardest of times and the greatest of moments. They have been, and will continue to be, the greatest fans in sports.\n\n\u201cKansas City has proven we are a major league destination, and as we move forward, we must do so together. City, County, and State officials must immediately turn their attention toward a coordinated and unified effort to retain the Royals and the benefits they bring to Kansas City and Jackson County. Our citizens deserve nothing less.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-issues-statement-chiefs-move-kansas", "Rep. Burlison Issues Statement on Chiefs' Move to Kansas", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Eric Burlison issued the following statement regarding the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to relocate operations to Kansas:\n\n\"The Kansas City Chiefs have built a proud and lasting legacy in Missouri, anchored by Arrowhead Stadium and generations of loyal fans.\n\nThis is a sad day for Missouri and for free-market capitalism.\n\nCronyism has won the day. It should be illegal to tax citizens and use their money to subsidize privately-owned businesses. NFL owners use leverage aggressively, and the reality is that Kansans will now be forced to foot the bill for a stadium that benefits a multibillion-dollar franchise.\n\nIn the process, many Missouri-based fans are being taken for granted. It is also worth noting that Missouri\u2019s largest cities continue to dwindle under long-standing Democratic control and have repeatedly lost major professional sports franchises.\n\nThat record deserves serious reflection.\n\nThe way forward for Missouri is simple: keep taxes low for all, cut regulations, grow the economy and population\u2014and then the teams will come knocking.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-nominations-us-military-service-academies", "Graves Announces Nominations to U.S. Military Service Academies", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Missouri\u2019s Sixth Congressional District. Each year, Members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America\u2019s prestigious military academies.\n\n\u201cOne of the greatest honors I have as the Congressman for North Missouri is nominating highly qualified students to our nation\u2019s military service academies,\u201d said Rep. Graves, who notified each student by phone of their nomination. \u201cThese young men and women are among the best and brightest. They\u2019ve gone above and beyond in their academics and have already demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school and communities. They will undoubtedly make North Missouri proud.\u201d\n\nThe following students from across North Missouri received nominations from Congressman Graves:\n\nBeau Blomme \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Park Hill High School)\n\nJarett Brooner \u2013 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Savannah High School)\n\nZechariah Compton \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (Savannah High School)\n\nLeona Dalakishvili \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill South High School)\n\nLandon Frazier - U.S. Military Academy (Smithville High School)\n\nGable Gross \u2013 U.S. Air Force Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School)\n\nLauren Haley-Clark - U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Mark Twain High School)\n\nAvery Janiak - U.S. Naval Academy (Kearney High School)\n\nBenjamin Jaster \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Maryville High School)\n\nMadison Laffey \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kearney High School)\n\nAndrew Lager \u2013 U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Jefferson C-123 in Conception Junction)\n\nJaxon Limle \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy (St. Joseph Central High School)\n\nAshton Lovegreen - U.S. Naval Academy (Palmyra R-1 High School)\n\nKaleb Miller - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Liberty High School)\n\nNoah Rees - U.S. Air Force Academy (West Platte High School)\n\nJackson Rotterman - U.S. Air Force Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School)\n\nWyatt Tuley - U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy (Marion County R-II High School)\n\nKirstin Young - U.S. Air Force Academy (Kirksville High School)\n\nThe nomination system is a very competitive process. Various military service academies hold extremely selective admission standards. To help in the nomination process, Rep. Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board. The board, made up of military service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of the Sixth District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants before making final recommendations to Rep. Graves.\n\nStudents interested in being appointed to a military service academy in the future are encouraged to learn more, particularly early in their high school career, by contacting Graves\u2019 district office in Kansas City or by visiting graves.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-19T06:31:01Z", "2026-05-19T06:32:40Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-onder-applauds-trump-administrations-announcement-sex-rejecting", "Congressman Onder Applauds Trump Administration\u2019s Announcement on Sex-Rejecting Procedures", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Rep. Bob Onder, M.D. (MO-03) attended a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement of regulatory actions to end the practice of providing irreversible transgender surgeries and prescriptions to children. These actions were directed by President Trump\u2019s January 28, 2025, Executive Order 14187, \u201cProtecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.\u201d\n\nThe executive order also required HHS to review and publish all available clinical evidence through a Gender Dysphoria Report, which exposed the alarming lack of clinical evidence to support these interventions, and documented serious risks and harms. Additionally, the order directed the Department of Justice to transmit legislation to Congress to permanently prohibit these procedures. Rep. Onder introduced that legislation\u2014H.R. 5483, the Chloe Cole Act\u2014with Senator Marsha Blackburn introducing the Senate companion.\n\n\u201cThe dark days of subjecting children like Chloe Cole to irreversible harm that they cannot consent to are over. Secretary Kennedy\u2019s announcement today will protect children, their families, and the majority of doctors who want to uphold their promise to \u2018do no harm\u2019. I thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their leadership on this crucial issue. The Administration is banning all hospitals, clinics, and providers that accept federal funding from performing these experimental and dangerous procedures on children. This will effectively end the practice of chemical and surgical mutilation in the United States,\u201d Congressman Onder said.\n\nBackground Information\n\nAccording to Secretary Kennedy\u2019s announcement, HHS intends to:\n\nProhibit hospitals from providing transgender surgeries or prescriptions to minors\n\nPrevent taxpayer dollars from supporting transgender medical interventions on minors by prohibiting Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding these procedures on minors\n\nWarn sellers and manufacturers of breast binders they must immediately end the illegal marketing of these products to minors\n\nAllow medical providers who do not want to participate in transgender surgeries or prescriptions the option to decline to participate by reversing the Biden administration\u2019s attempt to include gender dysphoria within the definition of a disability\n\nIssue a public health message to inform health care providers, families, and policymakers that current evidence does not support claims that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries are safe and effective treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria.\n\nWhen used long term in healthy children, puberty blockers can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When cross-sex hormones follow puberty blockers, the child can be left permanently infertile and can be more likely to experience cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. We know that these procedures cause serious, permanent damage and provide little psychological benefit. Political pressures have infiltrated medical society leadership, who have chosen to disregard evidence-based medicine and stifle concerns from physician members. Both the Endocrine Society and American Academy of Pediatrics adopted so-called \u201cGender Affirming Care\u201d without allowing debate or a vote by their membership. In fact, physician members of both organizations have petitioned their leadership for the opportunity to discuss their concerns, but both have refused to allow such debate. Whistleblower doctors and nurses have shared that parents and children are usually uninformed of the long-term health risks, and that many gender clinics intentionally refuse to track negative outcomes or provide support to children who are unhappy with the outcomes of their hormone intervention.", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-passes-rotor-act-strengthen-aviation-safety", "The Senate Passes ROTOR Act to Strengthen Aviation Safety", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 18, 2025\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) is leading the House companion to the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, which has just passed the United States Senate. Working alongside Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the legislation strengthens aviation safety and oversight. Rep. Onder, a licensed pilot, serves on the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\nThe ROTOR Act will eliminate a loophole that allows military aircraft to operate without Automatic Dependent Surveillance \u2013 Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transmitting \u2013 a technology that broadcasts an aircraft\u2019s precise location. It requires all aircraft operating in high-risk and high-volume airspace to use ADS-B In to enhance pilots\u2019 visualization. In addition, the bill requires safety reviews at all major and mid-sized airports, strengthens coordination and information sharing between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and calls for The Army Inspector General to audit Army aviation operations, particularly around the National Capital Region.\n\n\u201cThe collision that occurred in January over the skies of our nation\u2019s capital was a horrific tragedy. Sixty-seven lives were lost, with no survivors. My heart goes out to every family who lost a loved one, and to the first responders who confronted unimaginable devastation,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cThat tragedy made clear that serious gaps exist in our aviation oversight\u2014gaps that demand action. I\u2019m encouraged and grateful that the Senate has now passed Senator Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act, which takes an important step forward by closing loopholes that allow government and military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their location and by requiring modern, reliable tracking technology on all aircraft.\n\n\u201cThis is commonsense, responsible legislation, and it reflects our obligation to protect the American people. I\u2019m thrilled to see this bill advance in the Senate, and I\u2019m proud to be leading the fight in the House to get it across the finish line.\u201d\n\nUpon passage, Sen. Cruz said, \u201cThis bill will be a fitting way to honor the lives of those lost nearly one year ago over the Potomac River. The goal of the victims\u2019 families is to ensure no one else endures a similar avoidable, completely unnecessary, tragedy. The ROTOR Act will save lives.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nBackground Information\n\nOn January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when air traffic controllers asked the pilots if they could redirect to land on a shorter runway. The pilots confirmed they could.\n\nNearby, an Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting its annual proficiency training. Less than 30 seconds before the two aircraft collided, a controller radioed the Black Hawk to ask whether it had the incoming flight in sight. Moments later, the collision occurred and there were no survivors.\n\nOne of the passengers on board was from the St. Louis region - a woman named Asra Hussain. The entire St. Louis community stands with her family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We mourn with them, and we honor Asra, a Missourian, a newlywed, a daughter, and a friend.\n\nAt a three-day hearing in July, the National Transportation Safety Board revealed a critical detail: the Army Black Hawk had not broadcast its location via ADS-B for 730 days prior to the crash. Without this tracking data, the helicopter was effectively invisible to other aircraft, leaving both flight crews without situational awareness.\n\nThe ADS-B system provides more accurate and continuous information than traditional radar, transmitting an aircraft\u2019s location, speed, altitude, and other critical data in real time.\n\nThe ROTOR Act is H.R. 6222 in the House of Representatives and S. 2503 in the Senate.", 1, "2026-06-27T06:16:17Z", "2026-06-27T06:17:30Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-committee-leadership-advance-historic-housing-package-out", "Cleaver, Committee Leadership Advance Historic Housing Package Out of Financial Services Committee with Overwhelming Support", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Financial Services passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The comprehensive housing legislation introduced by Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chair Mike Flood (R-NE), House Committee on Financial Services Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), and House Committee on Financial Services Chair French Hill (R-AR), will streamline housing development and affordability by updating outdated programs, removing regulatory roadblocks, and increasing local control. The bill is now set for House consideration.\n\n\u201cAfter a year of good-faith negotiations, I\u2019m thrilled that we have successfully gathered the bipartisan support necessary to advance comprehensive and meaningful housing legislation out of the Financial Services Committee,\u201d said Ranking Member Cleaver. \u201cIncluded in this long overdue housing package are reforms that will revitalize our rural housing programs, streamline housing development in communities nationwide, and lower costs for American families who desperately need relief. I want to thank Chairman Flood, Ranking Member Waters, and Chairman Hill for their partnership in this important effort. We remain committed to working with our House and Senate colleagues to send urgently needed housing legislation to the president\u2019s desk, ensuring more working-class families will have access to quality, affordable housing.\u201d\n\nThe Housing for the 21st Century Act includes multiple reforms introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and various colleagues, such as:\n\nHOME Reform Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Chairman Flood, the legislation is the most significant reform to the HOME program since authorization in 1990 and would increase the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.\n\nRural Housing Service Program Improvements: The legislation includes sections of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), representing the most significant Rural Housing Service reforms in decades. The included sections would allow for greater use of the Rural Housing Service Section 504 Home Repair Program, including expanding participation to include more low-income families, among other provisions.\n\nChoice in Affordable Housing Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), the Choice in Affordable Housing Act is a major reform the HUD\u2019s Section 8 program that would streamline the program and increase the number of private landlords participating in the program.\n\nManufactured Housing Innovations: The legislation includes the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Rose (R-TN), which would update the federal definition of manufactured housing and allow for more efficient and cost-effective designs. Additionally, the housing package includes legislation introduce by Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver that would streamline energy efficiency and safety standards for manufactured housing.\n\nHUD Accountability Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Rep. Lawler, the HUD Accountability Act requires the Secretary of HUD to testify on an annual basis before Congress.\n\nOfficial text of the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nA one-pager for the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nA section-by-section of the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-self-insurance-protection-act-passes-house", "Rep. Onder\u2019s Self-Insurance Protection Act Passes the House", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan (Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Tonight, the House passed H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, which includes Congressman Bob Onder\u2019s bill, H.R. 2571, the Self-Insurance Protection Act. This legislation ensures that employers who choose to self-insure retain access to a critical financial tool\u2014stop-loss insurance.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve autonomy in their health coverage decisions, and small businesses should have the flexibility to choose a health plan that best meets the needs of their employees. As a physician, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how greater competition and choice can drive down costs. The Self-Insurance Protection Act ensures that businesses, large and small, can provide the right health care coverage for their workers without unnecessary government interference,\u201d said Congressman Onder.\n\n\u201cAt a time when health care costs are on the rise, we need to give businesses more tools to control their costs, not fewer. Unfortunately, Democrat-led states are intent on saddling self-insured health plans that use reinsurance to insulate themselves from unexpected high claims with more regulations by subjecting them to state health insurance law. This legislation confirms the obvious \u2013 reinsurance is different from health insurance and should not be regulated as such. Millions of Americans depend on self-insured employer-sponsored health plans. The Self-Insurance Protection Act will defend their access to high quality and affordable health care,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman, Rep. Walberg.\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full bill text for H.R. 2571 HERE\n\nLink to the full bill text for H.R.6703 HERE\n\nBackground Information\n\nMany employers choose to self-insure by covering their employees\u2019 medical costs directly\u2014either by paying providers or reimbursing employees as claims arise. In many cases, self-insured employers work with third-party administrators to manage provider networks and claims processing.\n\nTo manage financial risk, many self-insured employers rely on stop-loss insurance, which provides protection against unexpectedly high or catastrophic medical claims. Stop-loss coverage is a critical tool that enables employers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses, to offer health benefits while maintaining financial stability.\n\nDespite its importance, stop-loss insurance has faced increasing scrutiny at the state level. New York currently prohibits stop-loss coverage for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and other states have considered similar restrictions. While stop-loss insurance has traditionally been regulated by states and not at the federal level, the Obama administration signaled interest in redefining certain stop-loss policies as traditional health insurance. In 2014, the Department of Labor issued guidance stating that state laws regulating stop-loss insurance would not be preempted by ERISA, opening the door for states to restrict or prohibit its use.\n\nH.R. 2571, the Self-Insurance Protection Act, amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to:\n\nClarify that federal regulators may not classify stop-loss insurance as traditional health insurance; and\n\nAffirm that ERISA preempts state laws that attempt to block self-insurance by regulating or prohibiting stop-loss coverage.\n\nThis legislation ensures that businesses, especially small employers, retain the flexibility to offer health coverage without unnecessary government interference.", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-advances-onders-churchill-museum-legislation", "Senate Advances Onder\u2019s Churchill Museum Legislation", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan (Washington, D.C.) \u2013The Senate unanimously passed the National Historical Park and National Historic Landmark Establishment and Boundary Adjustments Act of 2025, which included Senator Josh Hawley\u2019s (R-MO) companion to Rep. Onder\u2019s H.R. 1945, the America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act. This bill formally designates America\u2019s National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.\n\n\u201cSir Winston Churchill inspired generations of leaders through his resilience, determination, and resolve. I am proud to lead America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act in the House, which designates America\u2019s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College as a National Historic Landmark. With the Senate\u2019s passage of this legislation, we are taking important steps to ensure Churchill\u2019s legacy continues to inspire future leaders right here in Missouri,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cMissouri is home of Winston Churchill\u2019s \u2018Iron Curtain\u2019 speech that marked the beginning of the Cold War,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have shepherded this legislation through the Senate to rightfully commemorate Missouri\u2019s friendship with one of the greatest leaders in world history.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nBackground Information\n\nLocated on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, the National Churchill Museum holds a unique place in world history. On March 5, 1946, it was there that Sir Winston Churchill delivered his famous \u201cSinews of Peace\u201d address\u2014known to history as the Iron Curtain speech\u2014declaring, \u201cFrom Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.\u201d\n\nAt this site, standing alongside President Harry Truman, Churchill warned of the growing division across Europe, a moment many historians mark as the beginning of the Cold War and a defining chapter of the 20th century.\n\nTo honor the legacy of Churchill\u2019s visit, Westminster College undertook a remarkable effort in the 1960s to relocate the 17th-century Church of St. Mary Aldermanbury from London to Fulton, stone by stone. Reconstruction was completed in 1969, and the church now serves as the home of America\u2019s National Churchill Museum.\n\nNearly 80 years later, this historic site continues to educate visitors about leadership, freedom, and the importance of understanding our nation\u2019s history.\n\nThe America\u2019s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act:\n\n\u25cf Directs the Secretary of the Interior to designate America\u2019s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its exceptional historical significance.\n\n\u25cf Requires the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study to evaluate future designation opportunities for the site.\n\nThis legislation ensures that some of the most consequential moments in modern history are preserved, honored, and shared with generations to come.", 1, "2026-05-21T06:28:16Z", "2026-05-21T06:29:43Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-lee-reintroduce-legislation-protect-vehicle-data-and-personal-privacy", "Burlison, Lee Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Vehicle Data and Personal Privacy", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) reintroduced the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, legislation to stop the unchecked collection, sale, and exploitation of personal data generated by modern vehicles. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nAs vehicles become increasingly connected, manufacturers now collect detailed and highly sensitive information, including location data, driving behavior, and biometric identifiers. Much of this data is gathered and monetized without clear disclosure or meaningful consent, leaving Americans exposed to surveillance, data brokers, and foreign adversaries.\n\nThe Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act establishes firm protections to ensure vehicle owners control their personal data and decide how it is used, shared, or deleted.\n\n\u201cAuto manufacturers have quietly turned cars into data-harvesting machines,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cDrivers are being tracked, and their personal information is monetized with little transparency or consent. Your data should never be treated as a corporate asset or an open target for bad actors.\u201d\n\n\u201cCarmakers are collecting and selling personal data from millions of American drivers,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cYour morning drive to work, your GPS location, and your driving habits could be sold to insurance companies, or even to international adversaries like China. Drivers deserve ownership of their data, so the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act will enable them to see, delete, and opt out of having their privacy violated in the drive-through line.\u201d\n\nKey provisions include:\n\nData ownership and consent: Prohibits manufacturers from accessing or selling vehicle data without explicit, written consent from the owner.\n\nLimits on data sharing: Restricts disclosure to narrow circumstances such as emergencies or valid court orders.\n\nNational security protections: Bars data transfers to entities tied to foreign adversaries\n\nConsumer access and deletion: Requires manufacturers to provide owners free access to their vehicle data and the ability to delete it.\n\nA 2023 Mozilla Foundation study found that 92 percent of car brands give drivers little or no control over their personal data. Industry projections estimate vehicle data monetization could reach as much as $750 billion by 2030, creating powerful incentives for invasive data practices that undermine privacy.\n\n\u201cThis bill draws a clear line,\u201d Burlison said. \u201cPersonal data belongs to the individual. Not to automakers. Not to data brokers. Not to foreign governments.\u201d\n\nBill Text Attached.\n\nOrganizational Support:\n\nRichard Ward, Executive Director of AVOA\n\n\"We are excited about the reintroduction of the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy (ADPA) Act, legislation aimed at ensuring that vehicle data remains with the vehicle owner, not the manufacturers. Motor vehicle fleet owners and operators provide a wide range of essential mobility services. Yet manufacturers are increasingly limiting access to vehicle-generated data, undermining the property rights of consumers and fleet operators alike. Vehicle owners must have access to and control over their vehicle-generated data, which is critical for privacy, safety, innovation, and fair market competition. This legislation represents a significant win for privacy, competition, and consumer choice. We look forward to working with Congress to protect American drivers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-bill-increase-transparency-higher-education-costs-passes-committee", "Rep. Onder\u2019s Bill to Increase Transparency in Higher Education Costs Passes Committee", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) joined Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) in sponsoring H.R. 6498, the Student Financial Clarity Act. The bipartisan legislation passed out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on December 11, 2025, and now awaits consideration on the House floor.\n\nH.R. 6498 will increase price transparency for American students as they navigate higher education opportunities, improve the Universal Net Price Calculator, and bolster the College Scorecard to provide additional information about specific programs of study.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Congressman Guthrie in leading the Student Financial Clarity Act. With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, it is crucial that we help students thrive by creating transparency around institutions, programs, and costs. This is exactly what the Student Financial Clarity Act will accomplish. By creating an accurate Universal Net Price Calculator, this bill will empower students to compare universities and programs to help identify the best option not only for their educational future but also for their financial future,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cToday, America\u2019s young people face the daunting task of navigating an increasingly complex higher education landscape. As a result of the skyrocketing cost of education, Americans now owe nearly $1.8 trillion in student loans,\u201d said Congressman Guthrie. \u201cMy Student Financial Clarity Act would allow students to easily access information about the costs and outcomes at institutions and individual programs so they can evaluate the program that is best suited for their academic interests and financial means. This bill will bring much-needed clarity for the American student.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many college degree programs overpromise and underdeliver. In a time of declining trust in postsecondary education, now more than ever students deserve transparency so they know whether a program is worth the investment of their time and money. This bill is another strong step toward promoting sensible borrowing, driving down costs, and ending the hidden expenses that mire borrowers in student loan debt,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI).\n\n\u201cFamilies deserve clear, accessible information when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives,\u201d said Congresswoman Trahan. \u201cThe Student Financial Clarity Act builds on years of work to strengthen Net Price Calculators and expands those reforms through a modernized College Scorecard with transparency on costs, aid, and student outcomes broken down by institution and program. This bill delivers on the simple idea that every student should know what they are paying for and what they can expect in return. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help students and parents navigate the path to higher education with confidence.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the bill text can be found HERE\n\nLink to the Markup:Markup of H.R. 6392, H.R. 6472, H.R. 6498, and H.R. 6502\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Student Financial Clarity Act builds upon Guthrie\u2019s Net Price Calculator Improvement Act, which he introduced in the last three sessions of Congress to establish a Universal Net Price Calculator.\n\nSince 2008, Congress has required institutions of higher education to provide Net Price Calculator tools on their websites as a part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. However, this tool has been implemented inconsistently, resulting in students experiencing difficulty in accessing important information when making the most crucial decisions of their academic careers.\n\nIf enacted, the Student Financial Clarity Act would:", 1, "2026-04-16T05:48:36Z", "2026-04-16T05:50:08Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/15/smith-works-to-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program-fights-for-rural-county-schools/", "Smith Works to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program, Fights for Rural County Schools", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement celebrating the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to renew critical funding for rural counties in southeast Missouri and school districts across the country.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cCommunities across southeast Missouri have felt the strain since the Secure Rural Schools program expired in September 2023, leaving our counties and schools without the financial certainty they rely on. When so much of our land is federally owned, rural areas can\u2019t depend on a traditional tax base to fund classrooms, maintain roads, or support first responders. Reauthorizing this program restores the stability our communities deserve and ensures that our students and families aren\u2019t left behind because of federal land ownership. This is a major win for our schools, our infrastructure, and the long-term strength of our rural counties.\u201d\n\nThe Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program was created in 2000 to help rural counties offset lost revenue from declining timber harvests on federal land. Historically, counties containing national forest land received a portion of timber receipts to fund essential services like public education, road maintenance, emergency response, and law enforcement. As timber revenue dropped, many communities struggled to maintain these services. SRS provides stable, annual payments to ensure rural counties can continue supporting students, teachers, and first responders. Reauthorizing the program ensures predictable funding so rural communities can plan budgets, maintain infrastructure, and provide critical services without interruption.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-leads-colleagues-demanding-answers-president-trump-rising-cost-living", "Bell Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from President Trump on Rising Cost of Living", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) led four of his colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the administration to present a real plan to address the rising cost of living facing families across the country. The lawmakers warned that working people are being forced into impossible choices while the administration continues to pursue policies that worsen household expenses.\n\n\u201cAcross the country, American families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Groceries, energy, rent, childcare, and health care have all skyrocketed compared to previous years. Now, following the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, paychecks are still struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Working families are being forced to make impossible choices of feeding their children or paying their bills. Millions of American families across the nation are asking the same pressing question: When will the cost of living finally become affordable again?\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cDespite repeated promises to deliver a \u2018Golden Age for America,\u2019 your Administration has not presented a serious plan to lower costs for working- and middle-class families. Instead, H.R. 1 imposed the largest health care cuts in U.S. history, reduced food assistance for more than 4 million Americans who rely on nutritional programs each month, and slashed incentives to encourage alternative sources of domestic energy production. These actions increased the cost of living and lowered after-tax income for the bottom 40 percent of earners, while giving the top 20 percent of earners a $6,000 per year average tax cut.\u201d continued the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cAmerican families need real solutions: increasing the affordable housing supply, reducing prescription drug and healthcare costs, expanding access to affordable childcare, stabilizing supply chains, and ensuring wages rise in line with inflation. These are the staples of a sustainable working economy. The American people deserve straight answers. We urge you to please answer the following questions by Monday, December 29, 2025\u2026 You have an obligation to work to put forth policies that reduce costs, strengthen paychecks, and restore faith that the government can work for ordinary families.\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), and Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.).\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-cleaver-chairman-flood-ranking-member-waters-and", "Ranking Member Cleaver, Chairman Flood, Ranking Member Waters, and Chairman Hill Release Bipartisan, Comprehensive Housing Package", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, Mike Flood (R-NE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, and French Hill (R-AR), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, unveiled the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act.\n\nThis bipartisan housing package will streamline housing development and affordability by updating outdated programs, removing regulatory roadblocks, and increasing local control.\n\n\u201cThe cost of living remains the most urgent challenge facing Americans in every region of the country, and tackling that crisis begins with bipartisan, comprehensive housing reform,\u201d said Ranking Member Cleaver. \u201cOver the past year, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, Chairman Hill, and I have worked with Committee members on legislation that cuts unnecessary red tape, accelerates the development of affordable housing, and reduces costs for hardworking families. I\u2019m proud of the bipartisan package we are introducing today and look forward to working with the House and Senate to advance critical housing legislation to the president\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs housing gets more expensive, the American Dream of homeownership is slipping away for working families,\u201d said Chairman Flood. \u201cThis package is the product of bipartisan work in the Financial Services Committee to address some of the core issues driving up the cost of housing. I want to thank Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters and my counterpart on the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver for working together to produce this strong, bipartisan package. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation through the committee, move it across the House floor, and ultimately to get these critical reforms enacted into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, I am pleased that our Committee is finally taking the lead on advancing meaningful housing legislation,\u201d said Ranking Member Waters. \u201cThe Housing for the 21st Century Act reflects a shared recognition that our affordable housing crisis demands real solutions and coordinated effort. This is a historic moment for our Committee, and I commend Chairman Hill for his leadership and Subcommittee Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for joining in this effort. Under previous Republican Committee Chairmen, housing has either been ignored or put on the table for dismantlement. Through our partnership on this legislation, we are showing that housing is truly a bipartisan issue and that we can all come together to bring down costs and expand access to housing for all Americans. I also appreciate the work of my Senate colleagues in passing the ROAD to Housing Act, some of which is included in the House bill. While I was disappointed ROAD was not included in the NDAA, there is clearly broad bipartisan support in both Chambers to advance housing legislation. Our legislation, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, builds on my lifelong efforts to create long-term affordability and opportunity in housing, and represents an important first step towards finally solving our housing crisis once and for all. I want to be clear, however, that today\u2019s introduction is not a final product, as I know there are many more important, bipartisan ideas that I and other Members of the House will want to include as the bill advances. Nevertheless, when we pass the Housing for the 21st Century Act into law, we will move closer to a future where every family, no matter their income or ZIP code, has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. I look forward to moving this bill through the Committee process and to the House floor as quickly as possible. Millions of renters, homeowners, elderly, veterans and people experiencing homelessness are counting on us to act with urgency.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur Committee is dedicated to finding new ways to foster a home building and buying environment where achieving the American Dream is in reach for our families across the nation,\u201d said Chairman Hill. Our goal is to chart a path forward toward greater development capacity and a simplified regulatory framework. I\u2019m proud to advance this package with Ranking Member Waters, Subcommittee Chair Flood, and Ranking Member Cleaver to tackle housing costs and access challenges for American homeowners and renters. We look forward to moving this bill through regular order and working with our Senate counterparts in the new year to get a bill signed into law that reflects ideas from both chambers and delivers real results for American families.\u201d\n\nThe Housing for the 21st Century Act includes multiple reforms introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and various colleagues, such as:\n\nHOME Reform Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Chairman Flood, the legislation is the most significant reform to the HOME program since authorization in 1990 and would increase the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.\n\nRural Housing Service Program Improvements: The legislation includes sections of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), representing the most significant Rural Housing Service reforms in decades. The included sections would allow for greater use of the Rural Housing Service Section 504 Home Repair Program, including expanding participation to include more low-income families, among other provisions.\n\nChoice in Affordable Housing Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), the Choice in Affordable Housing Act is a major reform the HUD\u2019s Section 8 program that would streamline the program and increase the number of private landlords participating in the program.\n\nManufactured Housing Innovations: The legislation includes the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Rose (R-TN), which would update the federal definition of manufactured housing and allow for more efficient and cost-effective designs. Additionally, the housing package includes legislation introduce by Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver that would streamline energy efficiency and safety standards for manufactured housing.\n\nHUD Accountability Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Rep. Lawler, the HUD Accountability Act requires the Secretary of HUD to testify on an annual basis before Congress.\n\nOfficial text of the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nA one-pager for the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nA section-by-section of the Housing for the 21st Century Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/capital-markets-chair-wagner-chairman-hill-applaud-trump", "Capital Markets Chair Wagner, Chairman Hill Applaud Trump Administration\u2019s Move to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Proxy Advisory Process", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman Rep. French Hill (AR-02) and Subcommittee on Capital Markets Chair Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement supporting the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to advance reforms that strengthen transparency and accountability in the proxy advisory process.\n\nChairman Hill and Subcommittee Chair Wagner: \u201cFor too long, a small number of firms have held disproportionate influence over corporate governance decisions that impact millions of investors. These reforms will help ensure shareholder voting is fair, well-informed, and focused on maximizing value for all investors. Strengthening oversight of proxy advisers and reinforcing fiduciary accountability in proxy voting will enhance the integrity of our capital markets and increase investor confidence. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and regulators to ensure these reforms are implemented effectively, protect investors, and promote transparent corporate governance.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-secures-major-win-house-passes-permit-act", "Burlison Secures Major Win as House Passes PERMIT Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, a major permitting reform package that includes Congressman Eric Burlison\u2019s (MO-07) Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act.\n\nThe Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline to file legal challenges against permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. By preventing lawsuits from being filed months or even years after a project has already begun, the reform brings much-needed certainty to builders, local governments, energy producers, and agriculture.\n\n\u201cFor too long, environmental activists have weaponized the courts to delay critical projects and drive up costs for our communities,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cMy reform puts a stop to these last-minute lawsuits. With a clear 60-day deadline, we can finally give project sponsors the confidence to build, grow, and move America forward. I\u2019m proud to deliver this win as part of the PERMIT Act.\u201d\n\nSection 404 permits are essential for infrastructure, pipelines, agriculture, mining, and construction projects that require placement of fill material into waters of the United States. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act ensures that any legal challenges to those permits must be filed promptly, reducing costly delays and allowing projects to stay on schedule.\n\nThe PERMIT Act now moves to the Senate for further consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-mciver-reintroduce-bill-protect-and-prepare-workers", "Reps. Cleaver, McIver Reintroduce Bill to Protect and Prepare Workers for Economic Impact of AI", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Tech Initiative, along with Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), reintroduced the Workforce of the Future Act, legislation that would require a detailed study to grow our understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), its impact on the economy and workforce, and determine the skills necessary for workers to succeed. Additionally, the bill would provide workers, teachers, and students with the resources to develop integral skills required to participate in the workforce of the future. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\n\u201cWhile there is much excitement about the potential of AI and the benefits it can bring to our communities, there is also much concern about the impacts it will have on American workers, their jobs, and their wages. It is critically important that we take steps today to prepare our nation and our workforce for the economic consequences that are rapidly approaching with the growing adoption of AI,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cThe Workforce of the Future Act will provide the investments necessary to ensure American workers are ready and able to capitalize on those opportunities and that nobody is left behind.\u201d\n\n\u201cWorking people deserve innovation that expands opportunity\u2014not eliminates it. Strengthening our understanding of how AI is impacting jobs in real time and investing directly in education makes sure Americans are not caught flat-footed as AI accelerates,\u201d said Rep. McIver. \u201cBy prioritizing training that delivers economic gains to young people and underrepresented communities, the Workforce of the Future Act puts power back where it belongs: with the people who keep our economy running.\u201d\n\n\"Artificial intelligence is increasingly disrupting our economy, contributing to layoffs and occupational changes,\u201d said Senator Blunt Rochester. \u201cBuilding off the work done by Senator Laphonza Butler in the last Congress, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Workforce of the Future Act alongside Senators Hirono and Schiff and Representatives Cleaver and McIver. This bill allows us to remain proactive, protect workers who are most impacted by the technology, and supercharge the future of work by ensuring our future workforce has the skills they need to succeed. As Delaware\u2019s former Secretary of Labor, I have spent my career ensuring people can access and maintain stable, good-paying jobs. I will maintain this commitment in the Senate as we race to confront the challenges of tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI is already transforming every corner of our economy in California and across the country. That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical the federal government do more to evaluate how AI will impact workers, while also investing in job training programs to prevent AI-related job displacement,\u201d said Senator Schiff. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to join Senators Blunt Rochester and Hirono as well as Representatives Cleaver and McIver on the Workforce of the Future Act. We must act now to gain a full understanding of the impact of AI on the workplace, so we can ensure access to good paying jobs for the American people even as technology changes how we work.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs advanced and emerging technologies\u2014including AI\u2014become rapidly integrated within society, it is imperative that we prepare our workforce for these changes,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cSpecifically, we must ensure advances enabled by AI are used to strengthen, not weaken, the workforce. I am proud to introduce the Workforce of the Future Act to better prepare and equip workers with the skills necessary to adapt to AI and a rapidly-changing work environment.\u201d\n\nWithout proper guardrails, the impact AI could have on our economy is wide-ranging. According to studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AI could replace nearly 12 percent of the workforce. Currently, many recent college grads report being unable to find work. This legislation addresses the most pressing concerns behind AI\u2019s rapid advancement in our workforce while also providing resources to prepare individuals to succeed in advanced technology sectors.\n\nThe Workforce of the Future Act will:\n\nRequire the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Educationto jointly and efficiently prepare a report analyzing AI\u2019s impact on the economy and workforce that must identify critical information, including what industries and jobs will be most impacted, how job quality will be impacted, necessary skills for workers, and recommendations for preparing the 21st century workforce.\n\nAuthorize the Department of Education to award $160 million in grants to support expanding access to emerging and advanced technology education. Grants will help support foundational and innovative STEAM learning for students who need this knowledge to participate in the 21st century workforce.\n\nGrants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and may be used for teacher training and recruiting, high-quality learning materials, reducing gaps in access for underrepresented groups, engaging industry, and providing necessary support for student success.\n\nAuthorize the Department of Labor to award $90 million in grants to support workforce training for workers most impacted by AI.\n\nGrants must leverage information and recommendations from the report and support the training of workers to prevent AI-related displacement and provide immediate support and training to workers who experience job loss in AI-impacted industries.\n\nThe Workforce of the Future Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY), John Larson (D-CT), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).\n\nThe Workforce of the Future Act is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Anthropic, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Microsoft, the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), OpenAI, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).\n\nOfficial text of the Workforce of the Future Act is available.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagners-bipartisan-capital-formation-package-passes-house", "Wagner's Bipartisan Capital Formation Package Passes House", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 302 to 123. Led by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), the INVEST Act will cut red tape in Washington, empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, and provide Americans with the opportunity to more freely invest.\n\nChair Wagner said, \u201cI work every day to ensure that Americans across the nation, especially in our heartland, can better save for their future, build, and innovate. As Chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I have worked with all of my colleagues to craft vital policies that strengthen our markets so they can continue to be the strongest in the world and support Main Street investors who are saving for important goals like home ownership, a child\u2019s education, or their own retirement. The INVEST Act will supercharge our economy, provide stability for investors, and help small business owners grow and create jobs in communities around the nation. For too long, capital has been concentrated largely in the coastal regions, leaving out critical regions like the great Midwest. The INVEST Act will alleviate that imbalance and support growth in our neighborhoods in Missouri and beyond. It will invest in our community, in our jobs, and in our future. I thank my colleagues for their strong support of my legislation and look forward to the Senate quickly taking action.\u201d\n\nChairman Hill said, \u201cToday, we ensured the American Dream remains within reach for every family and community across our nation. I applaud the House\u2019s passage of the INVEST Act, which will keep our economy the envy of the world and secure a brighter future for generations to come. Through this bipartisan package, we expanded access to investment capital for new and expanding businesses; provided new investment options for investors and retirement plans; and lowered the costs for companies seeking to go public. I commend Subcommittee Chair Ann Wagner for her tremendous work in leading this legislation that will benefit all Americans in a profound way and am eager for INVEST to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nRep. Meeks said, \u201cAcross our country, hardworking families are invested in the stock market to build a future. These are the everyday Americans who rely on strong, fair, and accessible markets. Today, with the House\u2019s passage of this bipartisan INVEST Act, we took a major step forward. This bill strengthens our markets, expands opportunities for small businesses, and gives millions of Americans a greater chance to grow their retirement savings and achieve real financial security. At a time when families feel the squeeze of rising costs, this legislation is an opportunity to strengthen the financial future of every American household. I look forward to the INVEST Act becoming law so we can see real progress in closing the financial wealth gap in this country.\u201d\n\nRep. Gottheimer added, \u201cThe bipartisan INVEST Act takes vital steps to give Jersey small businesses and start-ups the resources they need to grow and thrive, which is becoming increasingly important as costs continue to surge. This bill also includes my bipartisan legislation, the Senior Security Act, to protect our vulnerable seniors from fraudsters who seek to take financial advantage of them. Millions of seniors across the country, including my own mother, have been the victims of financial scams, and this bipartisan legislation will help protect our seniors from having their hard-earned retirement savings stolen right out from under them.\"\n\nClick here for the Rules Committee Print of the INVEST Act.\n\nClick here for a one-pager.\n\nClick here for a section-by-section.\n\nClick here for a three-pager.\n\nClick here to read Chairman Hill\u2019s letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal.\n\nFurther Background on the Committee\u2019s work on capital formation legislation:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-secures-major-wins-and-millions-critical-funding-st-louis", "Bell Secures Major Wins and Millions in Critical Funding for St. Louis", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) voted YES on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan legislation specifies the annual budget and expenditures of the U.S. Department of Defense and included critical investment in the St. Louis defense workforce, a 3.8% raise for servicemembers, support for our allies abroad, and much needed oversight to hold Secretary of Defense Hegseth accountable.\n\n\u201cWhile this bill is not perfect, it represents a significant and necessary step forward for our state and our nation,\" said Rep. Bell. \"Crucially, it includes critical investments and oversight that will directly benefit the St. Louis region, securing a stronger future for the people I represent and for the country as a whole. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to champion the work the St. Louis region is doing everyday to support and strengthen our national security. No matter what, I will continue to fight to deliver for St. Louis and Missouri.\u201d\n\nHowever, the final version of the bill was not without disappointing omissions.\n\n\u201cRepublicans, at Donald Trump\u2019s direction, stripped out provisions protecting collective bargaining rights, expanding TRICARE coverage for IVF and fertility care, and safeguarding our efforts to ensure no military base honors Confederate traitors. I will continue fighting to restore these protections and deliver full accountability.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Bell was able to secure critical wins in the NDAA including:\n\nInvesting in the St. Louis Workforce and Industry:\n\nBringing home millions of dollars in programs that directly support the St. Louis defense industrial base and its skilled manufacturing workforce.\n\nProtecting and advancing next-generation defense systems built in St. Louis.\n\nStrengthening St. Louis\u2019 rapidly growing geospatial and AI ecosystem, anchored by the new NGA West campus in North St. Louis, through expanded federal support for GEOINT, AI/ML, and cybersecurity initiatives.\n\nReinforcing federal support for the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, preserving readiness and regional operations.\n\nProtecting DoD civilian workforce by strengthening protections against arbitrary reductions in force.\n\nDelivering for our Servicemembers and Military Families:\n\nProviding a 3.8% pay increase for servicemembers.\n\nSecuring $1.5 billion in new construction of barracks, dormitories, housing, and child development centers.\n\nPreventing the closure and downgrading of Military Treatment Facilities, including Ft. Leonard Wood Hospital.\n\nSupporting our Allies & Ensuring Accountability and Oversight on Trump/Hegseth:\n\nFencing 25% of Secretary Hegseth\u2019s travel budget until the Department releases all video evidence of recent Administration-directed strikes in the Caribbean.\n\nPreventing the Administration from abandoning key allies by prohibiting unauthorized troop reductions in Europe and South Korea, maintaining force levels critical to U.S. and allied security.\n\nSupporting our global Democratic allies by reauthorizing funding for crucial programs such as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI).\n\nRep. Bell is a member of the House Armed Services\u2019 Committee, serving on the Strategic Forces and Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-opens-hearing-technology-lowering-cost-healthcare", "Burlison Opens Hearing on Technology Lowering the Cost of Healthcare", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s joint subcommittee hearing on \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability.\u201d In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison noted how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Biden administration\u2019s regulatory agenda have made health care more unaffordable for Americans and highlighted how different technologies, like 3D printing and telehealth, have already improved the efficiency of healthcare.\n\nWATCH: Subcommittee Chairman Burlison's opening remarks\n\nWelcome to this joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services.\n\nToday we are here to explore how innovative technology in the health care sector can help lower Americans\u2019 health care costs.\n\nHealth care costs in the United States have long been on the rise, but recent Democrat policies and the radical Biden Administration\u2019s regulatory agenda have made health care costs in America even worse.\n\nThe Inflation Reduction Act or IRA, signed into law by the Biden Administration in 2022, was passed under the guise of lowering health care costs for working Americans.\n\nThese two subcommittees recently held a joint hearing on the ballooning costs and market-distorting policies included in the IRA.\n\nToday, we have another opportunity to take a hard look at the consequences of policies that not only fail to accomplish their intended goals but place an undue regulatory burden on Americans.\n\nBusiness owners in our country put their livelihoods on the line to develop breakthrough technologies to reinvent the healthcare industry, but are forced constantly to navigate the regulatory obstacles put in place by Democrat administrations.\n\nThe money spent on legal fees and administrative procedures could be reinvested to further improve technologies that doctors and other medical providers can use to improve patient experiences, save lives, and bring families together.\n\nCongress must give private sector innovators the space and resources they need to develop these technologies.\n\nWe have already begun to see the tremendous capabilities of artificial intelligence to help lower costs in our everyday lives.\n\nIf that power were harnessed in the health care sector, resources could be more effectively deployed to help patients get better.\n\nIn addition, lower costs would save the federal government and taxpayers a lot of money in federal health care programs.\n\nFor example, patients can use wearable technology to monitor their health.\n\nThese devices assist doctors and researchers with realistic data on their patient\u2019s day to day in real-time.\n\n3D printing can create personalized medical devices for individual patients.\n\nInvestment in this printing technology has led to the development of customized prosthetics, implants, and surgical tools.\n\nTelehealth improves the efficiency of health care by allowing medical providers to serve patients on a live virtual call.\n\nTelehealth saves time and helps patients connect to their doctors, especially in rural areas with few medical facilities.\n\nThese kinds of technologies are revolutionary, but if innovators cannot afford to develop more of them because of expensive barriers put in place by the Biden Administration and the Inflation Reduction Act, the American people will miss out on cutting-edge medical care that could improve patient outcomes.\n\nEarlier this year, President Trump signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill into law. That bill gives over $50 billion to rural hospitals to ensure their continued operation and development of medical technology.\n\nSince entering office, President Trump has taken decisive action aimed at reversing innovation-stifling, Biden-era policies in artificial intelligence, promoting transparent drug pricing, and eliminating the \u201cBiden Pill Penalty.\u201d\n\nOur expert panel of witnesses, including a fellow Missourian and medical technology business owner, will provide testimony on this important issue.\n\nI thank all the witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to our discussion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-applauds-missouri-housing-development-commission", "Congressman Cleaver Applauds Missouri Housing Development Commission Investments in Parade Park Homes Redevelopment Project", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Kansas City, MO) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement after the Missouri Housing Development Commission announced additional investments in the Parade Park Homes redevelopment project.\n\n\u201cAfter securing $15 million in federal funding to support the redevelopment of Parade Park, I\u2019m thrilled that the Missouri Housing Development Commission has approved a package of federal and state support, including $6,575,000 in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), $2,400,000 in HOME funds and $32 million in tax-exempt bond authority, demonstrating significant support for affordable housing.\n\n\u201cWhether at the federal, state, or local level, Missourians are demanding action to expand the supply of affordable housing so that we can lower costs for hardworking families. Parade Park is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when collaboration occurs between the public and private sector.\n\n\u201cAs the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, I will continue pushing bipartisan reforms like my HOME Reform Act to ensure more affordable housing projects like Parade Park can move forward in the months and years ahead.\u201d\n\nSince 2022, Congressman Cleaver has worked with HUD and local officials to stabilize Parade Park and chart a path to preserve affordable housing, ensuring the property was sold by HUD to the City of Kansas City for redevelopment last year. Following the City\u2019s conveyance of the property to Twelfth Street Heritage Corporation, a non-profit, Rep. Cleaver has strongly advocated for additional investments to support redevelopment while ensuring it remains affordable to local and longtime residents. In January of this year, Rep. Cleaver announced $15,514,225 in federal grant funding through HUD\u2019s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program which supports the development, rehabilitation, and acquisition of housing for low-income elderly persons.\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-raises-concerns-regarding-systemic-abuse-american", "Rep. Cleaver Raises Concerns Regarding Systemic Abuse at American Veterinary Schools, Calls for Information from Institutions", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) raised concerns about allegations of systemic abuse at numerous veterinary schools across the country. In a letter to 36 veterinary medicine schools, Congressman Cleaver called on the institutions to provide information about their policies and procedures to better understand the issue and what can be done to ensure students are not being abused.\n\nFollowing several reports of troubling complaints, including patient care suffering due to 100-hour workweeks and students losing 15 pounds in a single month due to inadequate time to eat, Rep. Cleaver is pushing the universities to share information about what protections are in place for students, as well as how universities ensure students are not exploited for their free labor in the name of education.\n\n\u201cI believe strongly that our higher education institutions should provide rigorous curriculums that guarantee students will receive the best education and experience possible, ensuring they are capable and qualified when they enter into the workforce,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cHowever, just as we have taken steps to ensure colleges and universities are not taking advantage of student athletes for institutional monetary benefit, we must ensure that students at veterinary medicine schools are not being exploited. Unfortunately, with numerous allegations of abuse, it appears we have more work to do\u2014and I\u2019m hopeful that these institutions will provide information to address these concerns and ensure proper protections are in place.\u201d\n\nThe letter was delivered to the following universities: Auburn University; Colorado State University; Cornell University; Iowa State University; Kansas State University; Lincoln Memorial University; Long Island University; Louisiana State University; Michigan State University; Midwestern University; Mississippi State University; North Carolina State University; Oklahoma State University; Oregon State University; Purdue University; Rowan University; Texas A&M University; Texas Tech University; The Ohio State University; Tufts University; Tuskegee University; Universidad Ana G. Mendez; University of Arizona; University of California, Davis; University of Florida; University of Georgia; University of Illinois; University of Minnesota; University of Missouri-Columbia; University of Pennsylvania; University of Tennessee; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Utah State University; Virginia Tech University; Washington State University; Western University of Health Sciences.\n\nThe official letter from Rep. Cleaver is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-co-leads-legislation-provide-permanent-federal-tuition-assistance-drill", "Graves Co-Leads Legislation to Provide Permanent Federal Tuition Assistance for Drill Status Guard Members of the Air National Guard", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressmen Sam Graves (MO-06), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17), introduced the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a permanent federal tuition assistance program for drill status guard (DSG) members of the Air National Guard (ANG).\n\nThis tuition assistance program would be consistent with the program already available to the Army National Guard. The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).\n\n\"The Air GuardSTATUS Act is about finally closing a gap that should\u2019ve never existed. It gives Air National Guard members the same federal tuition assistance the Army National Guard already receives, helping recruit, retain, and take care of the Airmen who keep our communities and our country safe. We value their service and investing in their education is one of the clearest ways to show it,\u201d said Rep. Graves.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join Reps. Sorensen and Graves in introducing the Air Guard STATUS Act, which will deliver much needed educational assistance to the brave men and women serving in the Air National Guard and create parity with the benefits afforded to the Army National Guard. This legislation will ensure deserved benefits and recognition reach all DSG members of the National Guard who have answered the call to serve our great nation,\u201d said Rep. Finstad.\n\n\u201cOur Airmen proudly serve our communities and our country, and they should have equal access to education benefits no matter where they live,\u201d said Congressman Sorensen. \u201cI am proud to stand alongside Reps. Finstad and Graves to make sure we invest in our Air National Guard members across the country.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-30T06:05:15Z", "2026-04-30T06:07:09Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-delivers-wins-north-missouri-defense-bill", "Graves Delivers Wins for North Missouri in Defense Bill", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nDecember 10, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, delivered important wins for North Missouri in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House today. The bill supports our troops at home and abroad, their families, and their mission in keeping our country safe.\n\n\u201cWe have to ensure our military remains the most lethal, most effective fighting force in the world,\u201d said Graves. \u201cTo do that, we have to give our troops the tools they need to fight and win\u2014while supporting them and their families at home and abroad. I\u2019m proud to have worked in the House Armed Services Committee to ensure this year\u2019s defense bill does just that, while also supporting the vital mission of the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph and good-paying skilled jobs at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.\u201d\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\n$200 million for procuring 2 C-130Js for Air National Guard\n\nExtends C-130 fleet protections through FY28, including the minimum inventory requirement and the prohibition on reducing Air National Guard C-130 aircraft.\n\nRequires annual reports through FY28 on Air Force C-130 inventory, planned retirements, modernization and recapitalization efforts, and basing plans for fielding C-130Js for Air National Guard\n\nFosters development of a Domestic Operations Tactics Training Center for C-130J aircrews at Rosecrans, building on the 139th Airlift Wing\u2019s expertise in responding to domestic disasters and training crews in advanced airlift tactics.\n\nEncourages the expansion of C-130J simulator training, including training at the 139th Airlift Wing.\n\nHighlights the strategic warfighting training done at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Center at Rosecrans.\n\n$15.5 million to partner with the private sector and academic institutions like the University of Missouri \u2013 Kansas City to develop and demonstrate technologies needed for the domestic production of critical materials from domestic mineral sources.\n\nNearly $700 million for small arms ammunition produced or will be produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant\n\nAnother $1 billion for small arms facilities modernization, including Lake City Army Ammunition Plant\n\nWins for Missouri:\n\nProhibits the Air Force from reducing the A-10 fleet below 93 primary mission aircraft in FY26, and requires a briefing on plans to fully divest the A-10 before FY29.\n\nEnsures there\u2019s a plan to recapitalize the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base\n\nProtect Fort Leonard Wood\u2019s Military Treatment Facility (MTF) by extending the freeze on cutting medical billets to 10 years and requiring a full-year notice with stricter oversight before DoD can reduce or change any MTF services.\n\n$2.59 billion for procurement of B-21 long-range bombers, which will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base\n\n$407 million to manufacture MQ-25 Stingrays in St. Louis\n\n$576 million to modernize and sustain F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs in St. Louis\n\n$50.6 million to produce the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in St. Louis\n\n$33 million for military construction at Whiteman Air Force Base to support the B-21 bomber\n\n$132.6 million for the Joint Assault Bridge, made in Bridgeton\n\nWins for Our Troops:\n\nDelivers a hard-earned 3.8 percent pay raise for our servicemembers and expands military bonuses and special pay.\n\nIncreases the Family Separation Allowance for deployed servicemembers\n\nAuthorizes $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.\n\nMandates a plan to meet the government\u2019s unfulfilled legal obligations on health, safety, and environmental hazards in military housing.\n\nRequires an independent evaluation of military housing conditions\n\nThe FY2026 NDAA now heads to the Senate for final passage before it can be signed into law by President Trump.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-06T06:05:57Z", "2026-05-06T06:07:49Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-strengthen-national-security-support-missouri-defense", "Wagner Votes to Strengthen National Security, Support Missouri Defense Priorities", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cOur adversaries have made it clear they intend to exert their own reckless influence around the globe at the expense of our nation\u2019s safety and security. The stability of our world and the safety of Americans here at home and worldwide depends on our military being an effective deterrent to dictators who seek to expand their power at all costs. I voted in support of today\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act to support our military at a critical time in history and bolster our national security, deter destructive nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and ensure America\u2019s military remains the strongest in the world.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s NDAA will bring significant investments to the major St. Louis-area programs to the tune of $4 billion, including $2.6 billion for the F-47 fighter jet, $460 million for MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone procurement, $400 million for F-18 modifications and sustainment, $372 million for F-15 procurement, and $187 million for JDAM procurement.\n\n\u201cThis bill also increases much-needed resources for our troops, including a pay raise for all service members and new barracks and family housing to support the family members who sacrifice when their spouse and parents are away fighting for our freedoms. The NDAA also expands access to sexual assault forensic kits and programs to prevent and punish sexual misconduct.\n\n\u201cThis vote authorizes $2.7 billion to bolster our defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to prevent China from growing its already dangerously expansive influence. We also fought to include important funding to support our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, in the form of $70 million in anti-drone initiatives and full funding for joint U.S.-Israel defense programs like the Iron Dome and David\u2019s Sling. And in another win for our area and the Bosnian-American community, I\u2019m happy to say this bill codifies important sanctions to promote peace in the Western Balkans, language I have championed through my bill to protect Bosnia\u2019s Dayton Peace Agreement.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-secures-funding-sullivan-county-memorial-hospital", "Graves Secures Funding for Sullivan County Memorial Hospital", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced that he secured $4,000,000 for the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital building project in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill signed into law last month.\n\n\u201cOur rural hospitals are critical to North Missouri,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cSullivan County Memorial Hospital plays a vital role in ensuring that there is quick access to life-saving care when folks need it most. This new hospital facility will go a long way towards ensuring there is access to quality care in the area for many years to come. I\u2019m thrilled to secure this funding to help move this rural hospital project forward.\u201d\n\nSullivan County Memorial Hospital CEO Martha Gragg said, \u201cOn behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire staff of Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, we are grateful and thank the leadership of Congressman Sam Graves and his staff in attaining this funding for our new critical access hospital and rural health clinic. This commitment marks a pivotal moment, helping to ensure the future of essential primary and specialty healthcare in Sullivan County and continue to be a key economic driver that has contributed to the county for the past 72 years.\u201d\n\nThe Sullivan County Memorial Hospital project will construct a new 16-bed critical access hospital and rural health clinic to replace the current 72-year-old facility.", 1, "2026-04-23T05:48:52Z", "2026-04-23T05:50:10Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/08/smith-commends-president-trumps-aid-package-for-farmers-highlights-agriculture-wins-secured-in-the-working-families-tax-cuts/", "Smith Commends President Trump\u2019s Aid Package for Farmers, Highlights Agriculture Wins Secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement regarding President Trump\u2019s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers to help struggling farm families.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cAfter four years of being ignored by the Biden administration, I commend President Trump for taking action to help Missouri\u2019s farm families who are hurting. This aid package will provide much-needed relief to row crop producers ahead of next year\u2019s planting season, and be a critical lifeline for farmers who were at a critical juncture for their ability to continue with their livelihood.\n\n\u201cFarmers are still struggling beyond what this package alone can address, however. Low crop prices, export drops, and high input costs continue to weigh heavily on producers in the Missouri Delta\u2014which is why the agriculture investments secured in the Working Families Tax Cuts were so essential.\n\n\u201cThe Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American Farmers in a generation: $56 billion for Title I farm programs, $6 billion for Title XI crop insurance, and doubling the funding for MAP and FMD to strengthen exports and restore a true agricultural trade surplus. These investments clearly show our farmers are the backbone of rural America and the foundation of our nation\u2019s food supply. As these measures move forward, I will continue fighting to ensure our producers get the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-and-grothman-announce-hearing-technology-lowering-cost-healthcare", "Burlison and Grothman Announce Hearing on Technology Lowering the Cost of Healthcare", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) and Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairman Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) today announced a hearing titled \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability.\u201d During the hearing, members will examine the main causes of rising healthcare costs in the United States, including burdensome regulations from the Biden administration, and analyze how medical technology innovations can help alleviate this problem.\n\n\u201cOverbearing regulations and exorbitant costs should not get in the way of Americans accessing essential healthcare for themselves and their families. Private sector technological innovation can help lower the cost of healthcare and alleviate the burdens many Americans face by implementing automated systems that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance preventative care. We look forward to hearing from experts about new breakthroughs in medical technology and explore the ways that Congress can help lower healthcare costs for Americans across the country,\u201d said the lawmakers.\n\nWHAT: Hearing titled \u201cLowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology\u2019s Role in Driving Affordability\u201d\n\nDATE: Wednesday, December 10, 2025\n\nTIME: 9:00 A.M. CT\n\nLOCATION: HVC-210, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nMr. Brian Whorley, Chief Executive Officer, Paytient Technologies, Inc.\n\nDr. Darius Lakdawalla, Quintiles Chair in Pharmaceutical Development and Regulatory Innovation, University of Southern California\n\nDr. Ziad Obermeyer, Blue Cross of California Distinguished Associate Professor, Health Policy and Management, University of California-Berkeley\n\nMr. Chris Jacobs, Founder, Juniper Research Group", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/05/congressman-jason-smith-highlights-southeast-missouri-residents-heartbreaking-story-pledges-to-hold-organ-procurement-organizations-accountable/", "Congressman Jason Smith Highlights Southeast Missouri Resident\u2019s Heartbreaking Story, Pledges to Hold Organ Procurement Organizations Accountable", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, held an Oversight subcommittee hearing on organ procurement organizations (OPOs) this week and called Heather Knuckles from Southeast Missouri to share her heartbreaking story that shows why these organizations are in desperate need of reform. During the hearing, Heather spoke about how she watched her mother die shortly after receiving a liver that was infected with cancer while a former OPO employee pulled back the curtain on an instance where an OPO tried to procure organs from a patient who regained consciousness.\n\nThe hearing comes amidst a months-long Committee investigation led by Congressman Smith into questionable practices by tax-exempt OPOs that has revealed troubling clinical practices, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and questionable financial practices. In addition to life-threatening failures, investigations have unveiled instances of waste, fraud, and abuse by OPOs across the country. Worse, the Committee\u2019s investigation found that 18 of the 21 most profitable OPOs fall in the lowest-performing tiers, as established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The hearing took place one day before the deadline the Committee set for another OPO, the New Jersey Sharing Network, to produce key documents and schedule transcribed interviews.\n\nMissouri Woman: My Mother Received a Cancer-Ridden Liver That Shortened Her Life\n\nHeather Knuckles from Southeast Missouri shared the tragic story of her mother\u2019s kidney and liver transplant. Because of a mistake during donor screening, her mother received a liver with advanced cancer and a kidney with a cyst. Her mother\u2019s quick decline and eventual passing three months later was a source of tragedy for her family. Sadly, other families have experienced similar tragedies during the organ donation process that put the patient\u2019s life in danger.\n\nHeather Knuckles, daughter of organ recipient: \u201cOn October 30, 2022, my mother underwent the liver and kidney transplant at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis with organs procured by Mid-America Transplant\u2026On November 3, transplant surgeons informed us that the donor liver contained high-grade metastatic cancer that was not reported on the donor records from UNOS [United Network for Organ Sharing], but was discovered by the transplant hospital\u2026Our dreams were shattered. Fear and sadness washed over my mother\u2019s face. She was re-listed for transplant. Surgeons decided to not replace the donor kidney, even though its condition was questionable due to a large cyst at the time of transplant. My mother underwent a second liver transplant on November 8, 2022. She was extremely fragile. Afterwards, she hallucinated for days and suffered delirium. Occasionally, her wrists were restrained for safety. This was heartbreaking. By late November, she was transferred to the St. Louis Rehab Institute, and she remained unable to walk and was jaundiced\u2026\n\n\u201cThe transplant surgeon informed my father and I that based on the appearance of a CT scan and fluid testing the liver was cancerous. This confirmed the doctor\u2019s earlier suspicion that the cancer was transplanted from the first liver\u2026Following the passing of my mother, we suffered nearly three years as this horrific ordeal was ignored.\u201d\n\nFormer OPO Employee Calls for Congress to Build Public Trust in Organ Procurement System\n\nRecent misdeeds by OPOs have damaged public trust in a vital system that thousands of families rely on each year. As a result, organ donors are removing their names from donation lists, potentially denying Americans the organs they desperately need. A former OPO employee highlighted the need for Congress to improve transparency, accountability, and informed consent for donors as means to restore public trust.\n\nRep. Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee: \u201cWhat sort of reforms would further improve OPOs so folks are willing to donate and participate freely in the system?\u201d\n\nNyckolleta Martin, former Kentucky OPO employee: \u201c\u2026I think this has to start from regaining public trust, and the only way to do that is to have transparency and accountability, and for Congress to continue working with other legislative bodies and law enforcement specifically to make sure that these people are held accountability for what they\u2019ve done, so that it doesn\u2019t happen in the future. Then, we can show the public that we see the problems, and we\u2019re working on them. The public should have more informed consent. They should truly understand what they\u2019re signing up for when they sign up to be an organ donor, because organ donation is so important, and we need it so badly. Thousands of people are dying, but also thousands of people are taking their name off the organ donation registry, so we have to fix that.\u201d\n\nExpert: Reports Show Some OPOs Have Wrongfully Interfered with Determination of Death\n\nFederal investigations have uncovered evidence of certain OPOs interfering with the determination of death for organ donors, even though hospitals hold that responsibility. An incorrect determination contributes to the wrongful recovery of organs, as shown in a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) report.\n\nRep. David Schweikert (AZ-01): \u201cIn the hierarchy of a decision if someone has passed away\u2026it is the hospital that makes that decision, correct?\u201d\n\nJennifer Erickson, organ donation policy expert: \u201cIt is the hospital that declares death. One of the things that has come out through the HRSA\u2019s detailed report about Network for Hope and KODA [Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates] in Kentucky is that often OPO staff get involved in that decision-making process in ways that they should not.\u201d\n\nFormer OPO Employee: Stories of Organ Harvesting on People Who Have Regained Consciousness Indicates National Pattern\n\nSome of the most shocking stories from OPOs are attempts at organ recovery even when potential donors regain consciousness. The Committee\u2019s investigation into the New Jersey Sharing Network revealed an instance of the OPO proceeding with organ recovery from a patient who reanimated during the recovery process. A former OPO employee from Kentucky shared a similar story of her former employer proceeding with the organ recovery process even though the patient met the OPO\u2019s own criteria for showing signs of life.\n\nNyckolleta Martin, former Kentucky OPO employee: \u201cIn 2021, T.J. Hoover was brought to the hospital in cardiac arrest\u2026T.J. had remained unresponsive for several days, regaining consciousness during his cardiac catheterization. Immediately upon waking, he was paralyzed and sedated. Hospital staff described the situation as inhumane and akin to human euthanasia. The cardiologist present advised T.J. should have never been given a grave prognosis with no meaningful recovery, given his reflexes present. Despite being alert to these concerns, the OPO staff returned T.J. to the ICU without performing the required neurological exam that should have been repeated. Even more alarming, and to the best of my knowledge, the family was never informed that T.J. had regained consciousness and had shown meaningful emotion and purposeful movement. Under my former employer\u2019s own protocol at that time, the case should have been halted immediately once neurological function improved. The failure to do so represents a profound breach of medical standards and ethical responsibility\u2026\n\n\u201cThis experience resonated when I read this committee\u2019s letter to the New Jersey Sharing Network. The parallels between those whistleblower allegations and my own are unmistakable patterns of concerning organ recovery practices, document destruction, and retaliation against those reporting legitimate concerns, highlighting systemic failures that demand urgent accountability and reform.\u201d\n\nTaxpayers Are on the Hook for Botched Organ Procurements\n\nThe Ways and Means Committee has highlighted instances of OPOs overbilling Medicare for costs that do not qualify for reimbursement such as executive compensation, lobbying, meals, and entertainment. Medicare reimbursements to OPOs, including those with documented issues or whistleblower complaints, means taxpayers indirectly pay for unethical or life-threatening behavior.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/12/05/smith-praises-cms-approval-of-rural-emergency-hospital-status-for-pemiscot-memorial-hospital/", "Smith Praises CMS Approval of Rural Emergency Hospital Status for Pemiscot Memorial Hospital", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) status and confirmed that the facility will receive approximately two million dollars in backpay:\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cThousands of families in rural communities in both Pemiscot and Dunklin counties rely on Pemiscot Memorial Hospital for emergency care, primary care, and for the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is nearby when they need it most. I applaud Administrator Mehmet Oz and CMS for officially granting the hospital REH status and approving nearly two million dollars in backpay. Throughout this process, my staff and I have continued to engage directly with CMS to advocate for Pemiscot Memorial Hospital and preserve the last remaining source of emergency medicine in Missouri\u2019s Bootheel. REH status is a lifeline for rural hospitals like Pemiscot Memorial that have struggled for years to keep their doors open, and this decision ensures the facility will be able to serve the people of southeast Missouri for years to come.\n\n\u201cI will continue to support rural hospitals in southeast Missouri and ensure that federal agencies understand the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. This approval is a major win for every family who depends on this hospital.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation is a federal classification for rural facilities created by Congress in 2020 to preserve access to essential health care in rural communities like Pemiscot County that are at risk of losing their local hospital. Unlike most hospitals, REHs receive sustained Medicare investment so that they can provide 24/7 emergency care, observation services, and outpatient treatment. This designation will ensure that Pemiscot Memorial Hospital can continue to deliver critical, life-saving care to patients locally without them having to travel long distances to receive it.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:39Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-announces-new-healthcare-plan-solve-affordability-crisis", "Rep. Eric Burlison Announces New Healthcare Plan to Solve Affordability Crisis", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today announced his vision for a new, patient-centered healthcare framework, MAHA, a two-part plan designed to lower costs, expand choice, and return control to American families.\n\n\u201cFor too long, families have been stuck with a system that is too expensive, too regulated, and too unresponsive to patient needs,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cMAHA is a straightforward approach to make healthcare affordable again by empowering patients\u2014not bureaucracies.\u201d\n\nThe MAHA framework consists of two components:\n\nMAHA Insurance promotes competition, flexibility, and true price transparency in the insurance market.\n\nMAHA Accounts strengthen patient control and purchasing power.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-combat-chinas-aggression-support-independent-taiwan-signed", "Wagner Bill to Combat China\u2019s Aggression, Support an Independent Taiwan Signed into Law", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed into law her Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act:\n\n\u201cThe world is on fire, and the People\u2019s Republic of China has made it clear they have their sights set on exerting even more power over Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. The United States stands with Taiwan, and we will not allow China to destabilize the world even more than they already have. My Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act asserts American superiority at a critical time in history and is a strong step forward in our unwavering support for Taiwan as they push back against the CCP aggression and influence campaigns. This law strengthens our own national security and will help us prevent China from expanding their dangerous foothold in the region and globally.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act would require the Department of State to conduct periodic reviews of its guidelines for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. These regular reviews and updates must:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/capital-markets-subcommittee-chairman-wagner-chairman-hill-and-reps", "Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Wagner, Chairman Hill, and Reps. Meeks and Gottheimer Unveil Bipartisan Capital Formation Package", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) unveiled the INVEST Act.\n\nNext week, the House of Representatives will consider the INVEST Act. This bill includes more than 20 bipartisan bills that advanced out of the Committee. The INVEST Act will cut Washington red tape, empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, and give Americans more freedom to invest.\n\nChairman Wagner said, \u201cThe House Financial Services Committee gets things done \u2013 full stop \u2013 and this package is a direct result of my mission in the Committee to advance policies that help American capital formation. The package of bills introduced today is the result of many months and years of my work with colleagues, engaging with stakeholders, holding hearings, and negotiating provisions to support Main Street investors and their families. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle who understand our public markets are the best in the world. I have made it my legislative priority to maintain that number one status, and ensure American financial markets grow stronger year over year so Main Street investors can continue to grow their portfolios and save for the future. The bills in the package introduced today support that priority, create even more opportunities for investors, and provide small businesses greater access to capital so they can keep building. Thank you to Chairman Hill for all of his work with us to make sure we get this package to the House Floor and across the finish line.\u201d\n\nChairman Hill said, \u201cThe INVEST Act is about renewing the promise of American opportunity. For too long, outdated regulations have stood between our entrepreneurs and the capital they need to innovate and grow. Our bill puts the full power of America\u2019s capital markets back to work for the people by modernizing rules, expanding access, and eliminating unnecessary burdens on small businesses. I commend Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner on her outstanding leadership on this bill that will positively impact all Americans and look forward to our package moving to the House Floor for a vote.\u201d\n\nRep. Meeks said, \u201cToday, more than half of American households have exposure to the stock market, not as day-traders or large-scale market players, but as teachers, firefighters, nurses, and workers saving for the future through mutual funds, pensions, and retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs. Strengthening our capital markets is about improving the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on these investments for long-term stability. This capital formation package expands opportunities for entrepreneurs, and for workers to grow their retirement savings and build real economic resilience. I appreciate the bipartisan collaboration that made this package possible, and I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of the American people. At a time when families are feeling the pressures of rising costs, these reforms are a meaningful step toward addressing the affordability crisis and empowering people to secure their financial futures.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-wagners-trafficking-survivors-relief-act", "House Passes Wagner\u2019s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, legislation co-led by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill provides federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation.\n\n\u201cVictims of human trafficking are often revictimized by their traffickers who coerce them into committing crimes against their will, making it that much harder to escape from their abuse,\u201d said Congresswoman Wagner. \u201cThis can leave them with a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their lives. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would help survivors break that cycle of exploitation so they can reenter the working world and access critical support services. Survivors of trafficking need every tool we can give them as they seek to find justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. I\u2019ve been proud to champion the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act over multiple Congresses, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill so we can send it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to see the House pass my bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which delivers relief to trafficking survivors and their families,\u201d said Congressman Fry. \u201cVictims of human trafficking are often forced into criminal activity, leaving them with federal records that follow them for life. That means they can\u2019t get a job, secure housing, or meet basic needs\u2014all because of crimes they were coerced into committing. This legislation breaks that cycle and gives survivors the chance to move forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurvivors of human trafficking deserve justice and compassion, not criminalization,\u201d said Congressman Lieu. \u201cFor too long, survivors have faced criminal charges because of crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked, making it harder for them to obtain housing, jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed relief to trafficking survivors. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill.\u201d\n\n\"The American Hotel & Lodging Association applauds the passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,\u201d said President and CEO of AHLA Rosanna Maietta. \u201cThe hotel industry stands firmly behind Representative Fry's efforts to ensure that our nation's response to human trafficking includes meaningful support for those who have endured unimaginable harm. Through the work of the AHLA Foundation, we have long been committed to elevating the visibility of this issue and uplifting survivors through investments in support to help them move forward. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a vital step which allows survivors to truly heal and build independent lives.\"\n\nBackground\n\nHuman trafficking remains a widespread crisis across our country. Traffickers often force or coerce their victims into committing crimes such as financial fraud, drug-related offenses, and identity theft. As a result, many trafficking survivors face arrest, conviction, and incarceration\u2014often without recognition of their victim status.\n\nAt the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.\n\nSpecifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.\n\nThe bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-support-small-businesses-and-entrepreneurs", "Wagner Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Overwhelmingly Passes House", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders (DEAL) Act:\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan DEAL Act will ensure the United States remains the most entrepreneurial country in the world, where the next great companies are founded and funded. Small businesses are the engine of our American economy, and the entrepreneurs leading these companies are building something new, taking real risks, and driving growth in communities across the nation. Too often, they can\u2019t get a fair shot at investment due to an extreme geographic imbalance in our capital markets that funnels money to just a handful of coastal cities, bypassing entire regions that are home to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs.\n\n\u201cI introduced the DEAL Act as a targeted, forward-looking effort to modernize outdated rules and channel investment to where it is needed most, especially our local economies right here in the greater St. Louis region and across the Midwest and South. This vital legislation ensures our policies are helping capital move efficiently and effectively\u2014not just to the coasts, but to brilliant businessmen and women across America, empowering those taking risks to build something new and helping good ideas grow into great companies.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-dol-decision-drop-fiduciary-case-following-her-years", "Wagner Applauds DOL Decision to Drop Fiduciary Case Following Her Years of Advocacy", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after the Department of Labor moved to dismiss its appeal in the Fifth Circuit Court that was defending the Biden Labor Department\u2019s 2023 Fiduciary Rule:\n\n\u201cThis is great news for Main Street investors and families looking to save for retirement! I have been proud to lead the charge against this completely reckless rulemaking since I first came to Congress. The so-called Fiduciary Rule was overly burdensome and reduced economic choices for consumers at a time when Missourians need and deserve greater options as they save for important moments in their lives.\n\n\u201cThis has been a long and arduous fight, but we have finally achieved victory for the American people. Over the years, and as Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, I have made it my mission to rally my colleagues in Congress and stand up to President Obama and President Biden as they decreed that their Labor Departments know better than you. This rule was a misguided, big-government attempt to dictate your personal financial choices, and I am glad this comes immediately after I filed an Amicus Brief with the Court asking them to strike down this rule. Make no mistake, this is a victory for American families across the country.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nCongresswoman Wagner has been the leader in Congress fighting against this Fiduciary Rule. These efforts include multiple public statements over the years beginning in the Obama Administration as well as the below actions challenging this misguided rule.\n\nAmicus Brief challenging the Biden Fiduciary rule\n\nLetter to Department of Labor detailing major concerns\n\nHolding DOL Deputy Secretary Julie Su to task\n\nSupporting Trump Administration Regulation Best Interest Rule\n\nInclusion of language stopping the Fiduciary Rule from being implemented in FY18 Appropriations legislation\n\nIntroduction and Committee passage of the PASS Act\n\nIntroduction and passage of H.J. Res. 88, Protecting Access to Affordable Retirement Advice\n\nLetter to DOL Secretary Tom Perez", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-rose-introduce-bipartisan-bill-lower-housing-costs", "Reps. Cleaver, Rose Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Housing Costs, Increase Supply Nationwide", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, and John Rose (R-TN), along with Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Lou Correa (D-CA), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), and Scott Peters (D-CA), introduced the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025. The legislation, which has broad bipartisan support, will remove a federal chassis requirement that has served to unnecessarily raise the price of manufactured housing. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\nSince 1974, federal law has required that manufactured homes include a permanently installed chassis that allows it to be moved even after installation. This has significantly reduced the ability of young and low-income families to buy their own homes. Removing the permanent-chassis requirement for manufactured homes will lower construction costs, unlock modern design flexibility, and open far more locations for quality, affordable housing.\n\n\u201cManufactured housing is a key component to the nation's supply of quality, safe, and affordable housing,\u201d said Ranking Member Cleaver. \u201cBy removing an outdated requirement that manufactured homes retain a permanent chassis, we can increase design innovation, reduce costs, and provide relief to more American families and communities. I look forward to working with Representative Rose and our colleagues to see this bipartisan, common sense update passed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cManufactured housing is a great way to get more families into homes that they own,\u201d Rep. Rose said. \u201cRent prices across Tennessee continue to soar because demand for housing still far exceeds supply. By striking this outdated restriction on manufactured homes, my legislation will increase supply and ultimately help bring home prices down for everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn order to get more young families on the path towards achieving the American Dream, we need more single-family homes at affordable price points. Manufactured homes are one type of product that can help fill that void in our market,\u201d said Congressman Flood. \u201cThe Housing Supply Expansion Act updates outdated rules applying to manufactured housing, and it makes changes that will ultimately get more supply on the market. I am proud to join Congressman John Rose, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congressman Scott Peters, Congressman Lou Correa and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz in introducing this very important piece of legislation.\"\n\n\"Manufactured housing is one of the most affordable options on the market, but outdated regulations are keeping new designs from becoming widely available,\" Rep. Correa said. \"This legislation is a win-win, it unlocks more opportunities for affordable housing in California, without driving up costs for the government.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to affordable housing is a top concern for South Texas families.,\u201d said Rep. De La Cruz. \u201cBy updating outdated regulations and cutting red tape, the Housing Supply Expansion Act will expand housing options and open the door for innovation in manufactured housing. As Vice Chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring families can find a home that meets their needs and achieve their dream of homeownership.\u201d\n\n\u201cSan Diego suffers from a housing crisis that threatens prosperity; we can help remedy this by building more affordable and accessible housing,\u201d said Rep. Peters. \u201cThe Housing Supply Expansion Act will make it easier and cheaper to build manufactured homes. This provision has already advanced through the Senate. I look forward to working with Congressman Rose to get this bill across the finish line so we can put homeownership back within reach for countless San Diegans.\u201d\n\nOfficial text of the Housing Supply Expansion Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-leads-call-restore-displays-honoring-black-servicemembers", "Rep. Cleaver Leads Call to Restore Displays Honoring Black Servicemembers at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) led 33 House lawmakers in urging the administration to restore displays commemorating the contributions of Black soldiers at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial that were recently removed. In a letter to the Acting Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, the lawmakers also requested information on why the displays were removed and the process that led to the decision.\n\n\u201cMore than one million African Americans fought in WWII, most of whom served in segregated units,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThey were willing to die for a country that didn\u2019t dignify them with equal opportunities, accommodations, or recognition. Among the thousands of American soldiers laid to rest in Margraten are 172 Black servicemen.\n\n\u201cFollowing a months-long crusade against diversity initiatives, including attacks on the National Museum of African American History and the removal of slavery exhibits in some national parks, this action marks this administration\u2019s latest attempt to erase not only Black history, but our shared American history,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\n\u201cAs our country commemorates its veterans this month, it is troubling to see the administration erase many of their contributions,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn addition to calling on the ABMC to restore the displays, the lawmakers requested response to the following questions:\n\nWhy were the two displays removed from the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial?\n\nWas the removal related to the administration\u2019s anti-DEI initiatives?\n\nDoes the ABMC intend to erase all exhibits acknowledging the accomplishments of Black servicemen?\n\nDoes the ABMC no longer recognize the contributions made by the 960th QMSC?\n\nAre the sacrifices of the Black servicemen buried in Margraten no longer valued by the ABMC?\n\nWill the ABMC commit to putting the panels back on display?\n\nIf so, when will the panels be put back on display?\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ), Danny Davis (D-IL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Al Green (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), David Scott (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).\n\nOfficial text of the letter is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-leads-amicus-brief-challenging-biden-department-labors-harmful", "Wagner Leads Amicus Brief Challenging the Biden Department of Labor\u2019s Harmful Fiduciary Rule", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after she submitted an amicus brief supporting the American Council of Life Insurers, the Financial Services Institute, and the Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice in their case before the Fifth Circuit Court challenging the Biden Department of Labor\u2019s 2023 Fiduciary Rule:\n\n\u201cAs Chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, I have made it a priority to ensure families and workers have greater access to quality investment advice so they can responsibly save for their retirement and secure their future. As part of these efforts, I have fought the Biden Labor Department\u2019s misguided Fiduciary Rule that severely limits access to financial advice for millions of Americans. If implemented, this irresponsible rule would usurp Congress\u2019s authority and undermine the important work we have done over the past five years to support Main Street investors and their families. People deserve to have robust choices when they are looking to save for retirement, not an artificially constrained market due to an overbearing federal government. Critically, this rule lacks the clear congressional authorization it needs for a regulatory change of this magnitude, and the Fifth Circuit should recognize that fact in their ruling.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/11/24/congressman-jason-smith-provides-strong-endorsement-of-missouris-rural-health-fund-application/", "Congressman Jason Smith Provides Strong Endorsement of Missouri\u2019s Rural Health Fund Application", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, expressed his wholehearted support for Missouri\u2019s application for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz.\n\nThe Rural Health Transformation Program is a historic $50 billion investment in rural health included in Republicans\u2019 working families tax cuts, which Congressman Smith coauthored and ushered through Congress earlier this year. The fund is designed to supercharge access to health care infrastructure and delivery in rural communities, incentivizing states to create real solutions for their rural communities and ensure they are sustainable for future generations.\n\nCongressman Smith wrote, \u201cMissouri is the definitive example of the rural setting my Republican colleagues and I had in mind when we crafted the RHTP, with 40 percent of Missourians living in rural areas, many of those in the southeast Missouri communities I represent. In its application for RHTP funds, Missouri proposes to fight chronic disease and coordinate patient care through an innovative model which will foster sustainable investments in rural care delivery, deploy cutting-edge technology to improve care coordination, provide broader telehealth access, and hold providers accountable for better managing patients\u2019 health. This model has already proven successful as a pilot project in my own congressional district, and I write today to strongly endorse Missouri\u2019s application and ask that you give it full consideration.\u201d\n\n\u201cMissouri\u2019s RHTP application is focused on coordinated care, harnessing technology, and reducing chronic disease, all goals that are in lockstep with the priorities you and President Trump have emphasized through the program, and goals that will serve rural Missouri. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of southeast Missourians I represent and the millions of rural Missourians statewide, I wholeheartedly endorse Missouri\u2019s RHTP application and look forward to its implementation,\u201d the letter continues.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:22Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-department-educations-misguided-announcement-classify", "Wagner Statement on the Department of Education\u2019s Misguided Announcement to Classify Graduate Nursing Degrees on a Lower Level", "2025-11-23", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the Department of Education announced it will be classifying graduate nursing degrees on a lower level than other medical degrees in the federal student loan system:\n\n\u201cNurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and we rely on them to help provide quality patient care at a time when many are at their most vulnerable. I strongly disagree with the Department of Education\u2019s recent changes classifying graduate nursing degrees on a lower footing than other medical degrees and will be making it clear to the Administration that these changes are unacceptable and should be immediately reversed.\n\n\u201cEducation costs are through the roof. We all agree that loan caps for many graduate degrees are a vital method to reform the federal student loan system and rein in inflated tuitions, but they should be appropriately implemented for specific graduate degrees that make sense. Nurses should be on level footing with other medical degrees, not on a lower level.\n\n\u201cNurses are often the first point of contact for patients in need of care, and they keep our medical system running day in and day out. We should be recognizing the absolutely critical role nurses play in the medical field and incentivizing them to pursue opportunities to advance their careers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-barragan-introduce-food-assurance-and-security-act-restore-usdas-annual", "Bell, Barrag\u00e1n Introduce the Food Assurance and Security Act to Restore USDA\u2019s Annual Food Access Report", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.) introduced the Food Assurance and Security Act, legislation that reinstates and protects the federal government\u2019s annual reporting on hunger and food insecurity in the United States. The bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Census Bureau, to maintain an interagency food security measurement program and publish comprehensive yearly data on household food insecurity\u2014data that was halted under the Trump Administration after its historic cuts to SNAP.\n\n\u201cFamilies across the country are struggling to put food on the table, and the last thing they need is a government trying to hide the full scope of hunger in America,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cRestoring this report ensures we confront the real challenges people are facing instead of sweeping them under the rug.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to co-lead this bill, which reinstates the annual food access report published by the USDA. The Trump administration ended this report right after they made the largest cuts to SNAP in history. This cannot be coincidence,\u201d said Rep. Barrag\u00e1n. \u201cKicking hardworking Americans off SNAP means more people will be forced to go to food banks or shelters because basic groceries are too expensive. We cannot stand by and watch as the Trump Administration tries to hide the real harm of their cuts to food assistance by cancelling this report.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s introduction of the Food Assurance and Security Act comes as the Trump administration moves to erase the benchmark Household Food Security Report,\u201d said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). \u201cThis report has been our roadmap to understanding who is struggling to put food on the table, and the solutions needed to ensure no one goes hungry in the world's wealthiest nation. The most recent cuts to SNAP will undoubtedly deepen hunger and hardship. Eliminating this annual data will only hide the reality of hunger, not end it. We can't let this happen, especially as families grapple with the rising costs of food, housing, health care, and other basic needs. We strongly urge Congress to pass this bill without delay.\u201d\n\nSNAP has proven to reduce food insecurity and strengthen financial stability for young people building their futures. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the Urban Institute, nearly 3 million young adults ages 18 to 24 are at risk of losing these benefits, as the law includes $186 billion in cuts to SNAP.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-among-lawmakers-calling-trump-administration-stop-politicizing", "Cleaver Among Lawmakers Calling on Trump Administration to Stop Politicizing Houses of Worship; Defend Separation of Church and State Ahead of Court Arguments", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), a Methodist Minister for over 5 decades, Representative James Clyburn (D-SC), Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group, and Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Jared Huffman (D-CA), along with Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led lawmakers in objecting to the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to exempt two specific organizations from the law. In a new letter to Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed settlement in National Religious Broadcasters Association v. Bessent which carves out exceptions to the foundational principle of separation of church and state.\n\nFor the past 70 years, a provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment has insulated nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship from electoral politics. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits and houses of worship cannot engage in tax-exempt political speech. Despite widespread support for the Johnson Amendment among thousands of nonprofits and houses of worship, the Trump Administration reversed course on a lawsuit targeting the Johnson Amendment in an attempt to exempt two churches from complying with the law.\n\n\u201cCongress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cMembers have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.\"\n\n\u201cThe Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law,\u201d the lawmakers continued. They noted that the reasoning in the proposed settlement \u201cblows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThe Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together.\u201d\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), along with Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).\n\nThe official letter is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-delauro-and-30-house-lawmakers-call-additional-support", "Reps. Cleaver, DeLauro, and 30 House Lawmakers Call for Additional Support to Small and Specialty Farmers", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), along with 30 other House Democrats, called on the Trump administration to include small and specialty crop farms if the Administration moves forward with any federal effort to provide economic relief for farm losses due to President Trump\u2019s trade wars.\n\n\u201cThis is a crisis, and it is worsening every day,\u201d the legislators wrote. \u201cIf your Administration moves forward with plans to provide economic relief to large farmers suffering due to high input costs and lost export markets, you must not forget about small and medium-sized farms, family farms, and specialty crop farmers. These farmers are vital to local economies and are the backbone of our nation\u2019s food supply. They provide fresh fruit and vegetables to local stores, feed our families, and power rural communities by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The loss of even more small farms will devastate communities, restrict the food supply, and have long-term economic and food security ramifications for the United States and for the world.\u201d\n\nThe president\u2019s trade wars have closed access to critical foreign markets that American producers depend on, lowering the value of crops like soybeans, which are Missouri\u2019s largest commodity crop, and driving up farm bankruptcies. The value of U.S. soybean exports to China never fully recovered after the U.S. tariff war with China in President Trump\u2019s first term, when the value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunged from $14 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018. At the same time the soybean markets are under threat, farmers are being hit with higher input costs from Trump\u2019s tariff war.\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Becca Balint (D-VT), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Ed Case (D-HI), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Josh Harder (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Keating (D-MA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), John Larson (D-CT), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Patrick Ryan (D-NY), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).\n\nOfficial text of the letter is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-hosts-postmaster-general-meeting-accountability-transparency", "Wagner Hosts Postmaster General for Meeting on Accountability, Transparency on Mail Delivery Issues", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she brought in U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner to speak to a Missouri and Illinois-area Congressional delegation on recent delivery issues in our community:\n\n\u201cI have long been committed to holding the United States Postal Service (USPS) accountable for the appalling mail delivery issues that have affected so many families, businesses, and communities in Missouri's 2nd District and our greater St. Louis area.\n\n\u201cMissourians need and deserve a functional Postal Service. But for the last several years\u2014dating back to at least 2022\u2014severe dysfunction has plagued service in our area, due to systemic problems, inefficiencies, and major adverse events like mercury spills and the bankruptcy of a major contractor. USPS\u2019s failure to quickly address these problems and restore timely, accurate, and efficient service in the Saint Louis area has harmed our community. From missing wedding invitations and family gifts to critical items like utility bills, Social Security checks, prescription medications, and, most importantly, absentee ballots that ensure your vote is counted, these failures have gone on far too long.\n\n\u201cI first sent a letter to former-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, in February 2024, highlighting a local veteran, who missed a medical appointment due to late mail and demanding a remedy to staffing shortages. I then followed up with a September 2024 letter, joined by my Missouri colleagues, raising concerns over late absentee ballots in the August primary. Together, we led the call for the USPS Office of Inspector General to conduct an audit of our region\u2019s postal operations to determine the cause of unsustainably inconsistent mail delivery. Then again in April 2025, my Missouri colleagues and I sent yet another letter to ensure a proper audit of the St. Louis region was carried out. This work led to yesterday\u2019s long overdue meeting with Postmaster General Steiner that was bipartisan and included my colleagues from throughout Missouri and Illinois.\n\n\u201cWe presented a united front to tackle the systemic issues directly affecting our constituents\u2014from everyday mail delays disrupting lives to election failures undermining democracy. The meeting included a robust question-and-answer session where we pressed for specifics on audit findings and future reforms.\n\n\u201cDuring the discussion, the Postmaster General was forthright, acknowledging \u2018embarrassing\u2019 service failures, particularly in the middle of the country. I was pleased to hear that he monitors service standards reports regularly and has noticed unacceptably bad performance in our region. It was encouraging to hear there have been vast improvements in average delivery times, but work is still ongoing to resolve the remaining severe delays.\n\n\u201cMomentum is building toward real change. Service is stabilizing, but I am not satisfied yet. I will continue to work to ensure your mail is delivered on time and that the United States Postal Service is transparent and accountable to our community.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe August 2025 OIG audit exposed deep-rooted inefficiencies, including:\n\nA record backlog of over 2.5 million delayed mail pieces\u2014the largest in USPS audit history\u2014worsened by management instructing employees to hide delays in data systems.\n\nChronic staffing vacancies, unchecked truancy, and inadequate supervision, leading to operational breakdowns.\n\nIncomplete maintenance and poor compliance, causing 40% of outbound trucks to be late or canceled due to shortages and congestion.\n\nA complete failure of management to identify issues or enforce procedures, risking security for items like registered mail.\n\nThese failures culminated during Franklin County's April 2025 municipal election, where 350 absentee ballots arrived too late to be counted\u2014some as late as August 20\u2014disenfranchising Missourians who relied on the USPS to uphold their Constitutional right to vote.\n\nIn response, Rep. Wagner led a bipartisan, bicameral letter, in September 2025 demanding a meeting with new Postmaster General Steiner to discuss action plans for OIG recommendations, delay resolutions, election integrity, community impacts, leadership reforms, transparency, and personnel accountability.\n\nMeeting Takeaways\n\nKey improvements discussed include:\n\nOctober metrics showing 86% of First-Class Mail being delivered on time.\n\nEnhanced customer service protocols.\n\nBest practices for absentee ballots to improve tracking and coordination.\n\nPersonnel and leadership changes, including new positions filled by proven managers from around the country.\n\nFull staffing at facilities with pending Inspector General verification.\n\nInfrastructure upgrades for two core facilities over 3-5 years and expanding another facility by 60% to handle 400,000 packages daily, as well as the installation of a new scanning machine to cut manual sorting in half.\n\nRelieving congestion in the St. Louis area by diverting cross-country mail from St. Louis to a new, larger Olathe, Kansas facility (near Kansas City) as of November 15, shifting mail to air transport, and redirecting major customers temporarily.\n\nThe Postmaster General reported that service metrics are improving, with a focus on making the system more resilient. And we secured a pledge from the Postmaster General to provide a written update after the holiday peak season, including an honest assessment of progress and remaining needs.\n\nCongresswoman Wagner\u2019s office will continue monitoring progress intently, especially during the holidays, and push for full accountability to prevent future disruptions. This includes regular follow-ups with the USPS, working closely with the Missouri delegation on oversight, and advocating for sustained implementation of the OIG recommendations. We will schedule additional meetings as needed and ensure transparency remains a priority to rebuild public trust.\n\nFor real-time updates on service performance, you can visit the USPS public-facing transparency portal, where you can check your mail metrics by ZIP code and mail type.\n\nConstituents experiencing issues should contact Rep. Wagner\u2019s Ballwin office at (636) 779-5449 or on her website Wagner.House.Gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-booker-johnson-introduce-bill-end-forced-arbitration-race-0", "Bell, Booker, Johnson Introduce Bill to End Forced Arbitration in Race Discrimination Cases", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) along with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J) introduced the Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act, legislation that gives workers and consumers the ability to take race discrimination claims to court rather than being pushed into private arbitration proceedings.\n\n\u201cPeople who face racial discrimination deserve their day in court. They shouldn\u2019t be pushed into a private process that was designed to protect corporations, not workers,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cIn St. Louis, we\u2019ve lived with the consequences of systems that keep people from speaking out and seeking fair treatment. This bill does something simple by restoring a basic right that should never have been taken away.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to Congressional Democrats and President Biden, victims of sexual assault and harassment now have the right to sue their employer in a court of law, rather than being forced into the secretive and pro-employer arbitration process,\u201d said Rep. Johnson. \u201cIt\u2019s high time for Congress to give that same protection to those alleging racial discrimination. Since 2007, I have worked to eliminate the use of unfair pre-dispute arbitration clauses that force consumers, workers, and small businesses into the secretive, for-profit, and pro-corporate arbitration process where the deck is stacked against the little guy. Because everyone deserves the right to choose between court and arbitration, I am pleased to join Senator Booker and Congressman Bell on the Ending Forced Arbitration for Race Discrimination Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation will put an end to forced arbitration clauses and allow people who have been harassed or mistreated because of their race to have their day in court,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cNo one who has faced discrimination because of their race should lose their right to seek justice simply because they were forced to sign an arbitration agreement. This is a long-overdue change in the law that will empower workers and others to fight back against mistreatment and achieve equality.\u201d\n\n\"Forced arbitration is a secretive and rigged system that too often allows race discrimination to continue relentlessly. This legislation would restore the rights of Americans to seek justice and public accountability when corporations and individuals engage in illegal discrimination. We thank Senator Cory Booker, Representative Hank Johnson, and Representative Wesley Bell for their steadfast leadership on this issue.\" said American Association for Justice CEO Linda Lipsen.\n\nThe Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act is supported by American Association for Justice, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc, Alliance for Justice, American Association for Justice, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Economic Justice, Center for Justice & Democracy, Consumer Action, Consumer Watchdog, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, DC Consumer Rights Coalition, Impact Fund, Long Term Care Community Coalition, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, National Consumer Law Center, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Institute for Workers' Rights, National Urban League, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Oregon Consumer Justice, Public Citizen, Public Justice, Rise Economy, Texas Watch, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Sikh Coalition, Tzedek DC, and Virginia Citizens Consumer Council.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-foster-youth-bill-rights", "Reps. Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Don Bacon (R-NE), members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, introduced a Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution to help ensure foster youth nationwide are informed about their rights while in foster care. While fifteen states and Puerto Rico have enacted their own Foster Youth Bill of Rights, foster youth rights vary from state to state, with most states providing no guaranteed foster rights at all. The bipartisan resolution is an effort to raise awareness for the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.\n\n\u201cEvery child in America deserves to feel safe and valued, and we can make no exceptions for the children in our foster care system,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cAs we work to provide a legal framework for guaranteed protections that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights with Congressman Bacon. Together, we will keep fighting to ensure these children receive the support and stability they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a foster to adopt parent I know foster youth are an at-risk population through no fault of their own, and it is our responsibility to not only protect them, but to help them get the best outcome possible,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cThe creation of a Foster Youth Bill of Rights will empower them to effectively advocate for themselves and provide another layer of protections.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Foster Youth Bill of Rights affirms what every young person in foster care deserves: safety, dignity, equitable access to resources and opportunities, and a fair chance to build a bright future,\u201d said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO, National Foster Youth Institute. \u201cAs an organization focused on young adults transitioning out of foster care, we believe this bill strengthens the foundation they need to secure safe housing, pursue their education and careers, and enter adulthood with hope and confidence rather than uncertainty. With this legislation, Congressman Cleaver has elevated both the legal protections and lived experiences of children and young adults in care, and we are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to foster youth.\u201d\n\nDue to America\u2019s deeply fragmented foster care system and underinvestment in foster youth, children in foster care are at a significant disadvantage, with one report finding that adults aged 22-44 who have ever been in foster care were twice as likely to lack either a high school diploma or GED compared to their peers who have never been in foster care. According to the Fist Star Institute, 11 states received a \u201cD\u201d or \u201cF\u201d grade on their legal rights for foster youth.\n\nThe Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution affirms the basic rights all foster children are entitled to, including the right:\n\nTo receive an education and remain in their original school, if desired;\n\nTo participate in extracurricular, cultural, and social activities appropriate to the youth\u2019s age and developmental needs;\n\nTo receive needed health services, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health services;\n\nTo freedom from abuse, neglect, or corporal punishment;\n\nTo be represented by, and speak to, a guardian or attorney ad litem;\n\nTo adequate and healthy food, adequate clothing, and a safe and comfortable living environment;\n\nTo freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability;\n\nTo have continued contact with siblings, if desired;\n\nTo regular or at least reasonable contact with their assigned caseworker or an employee of the agency responsible for their child welfare services; and\n\nTo be informed of their rights.\n\nThe Foster Youth Bill of Rights is endorsed by FosterClub, Child Welfare League of America, and National Foster Youth Institute.\n\nThe Foster Youth Bill of Rights is cosponsored by Reps. Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Dwight Evans (D-PA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI).\n\nOfficial text of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-introduces-house-companion-sen-cruzs-rotor-act", "Rep. Onder Introduces House Companion to Sen. Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) joins Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to introduce the House companion of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to strengthen aviation safety. Rep. Onder is a pilot serving on the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\nThe ROTOR Act eliminates a loophole that allowed most military aircraft to operate without Automatic Dependent Surveillance \u2013 Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transmitting \u2013 a technology that broadcasts an aircraft\u2019s precise location. It requires all aircraft operating in high-risk and high-volume airspace to use ADS-B In to enhance pilots' visualization. In addition, the bill requires safety reviews at all major and mid-sized airports, strengthens coordination and information sharing between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and calls for The Army Inspector General to audit Army aviation operations, particularly around the National Capital Region.\n\n\u201cThe collision that occurred in January over the skies of our nation's capital was a horrific tragedy. Sixty-seven lives were taken, with no survivors. My heart goes out to every family who lost a loved one, and to the first responders who confronted unimaginable devastation,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder\n\n\u201cThis tragedy made it clear that serious gaps exist in our aviation oversight - gaps that demand action. Senator Cruz\u2019s ROTOR Act takes a critical step forward by closing loopholes that allow government and military aircraft to operate without broadcasting their location, and by requiring modern, reliable tracking technology on all aircraft.\n\n\u201cThis is commonsense, responsible legislation, and it reflects our duty to protect the American people. The ROTOR Act is necessary, and I am proud to be leading this fight in the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Rep. Onder for working to make this bipartisan legislation also bicameral. ROTOR takes commonsense steps to implement lessons learned from this year\u2019s fatal DCA, protect innocent lives in American skies, and improve aviation safety,\u201d said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Transportation and Science \"As Pentagon data shows a dramatic increase in US military aviation mishaps, this legislation \u2013 which eliminates a loophole that allowed most military aircraft to operate without location broadcasting \u2013 is more urgent than ever. We must honor the victims of the DCA crash by taking steps to prevent future tragedies.\u201d\n\nTransport Workers Union of America International President John Samuelsen: \u201cWhat happened in DC is a terrible tragedy. Ending the loophole that enabled military aircraft to fly without having their location transmitted and requiring all aircraft to install location transmission technology by 2031 is a commonsense, bipartisan, bicameral solution.\"\n\nEric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association -\u201cThe Aerospace Industries Association applauds Representative Onder for taking decisive action to strengthen safety in America\u2019s skies by introducing the ROTOR Act in the House of Representatives. AIA supports the bill's objectives and looks forward to working with the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to further strengthen key provisions championed by Senators Cruz and Cantwell as the legislation advances. AIA remains committed to collaborating with Congress, the FAA, and industry partners to move reforms like these forward and deliver a safer airspace for all.\"\n\nAmerican Airlines - \u201cWe continue to mourn the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 5342 and we are grateful for Representatives Onder and Beyer, Senators Cruz and Cantwell, Secretary Duffy, Members of Congress, and everyone involved for their work to make aviation and our national airspace even safer. American Airlines stands in strong support of the bipartisan ROTOR Act.\"\n\nDr. Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation - \"The Foundation applauds your leadership on this issue and the bipartisan approach to this important aviation safety legislation. Aviation\u2019s safety record is remarkable, but as traffic grows and operations become more complex, we must continue reducing risk with proven technologies, rigorous oversight, and effective civil-military coordination. The ROTOR Act does exactly that. The Foundation also recognizes the families affected by the Flight 5342 tragedy near DCA and shares their resolve to learn every lesson that can be drawn from that accident and implement the fixes that prevent recurrence. As we mark our 80th year of advancing global aviation safety, Flight Safety Foundation stands ready to support Congress and all stakeholders to ensure that aviation remains the safest form of travel. Thank you for your leadership and for the opportunity to support this important legislation.\"\n\nThe Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is an official endorser of the ROTOR Act.\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full text of the bill: ONDER_023_xml.pdf\n\nBackground Information\n\nOn January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when air traffic controllers asked the pilots if they could redirect to land on a shorter runway. The pilots confirmed they could.\n\nNearby, an Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting its annual proficiency training. Less than 30 seconds before the two aircraft collided, a controller radioed the Black Hawk to ask whether it had the incoming flight in sight. Moments later, the collision occurred and there were no survivors.\n\nOne of the passengers on board was from the St. Louis region - a woman named Asra Hussain. The entire St. Louis community stands with her family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We mourn with them, and we honor Asra, a Missourian, a newlywed, a daughter, and a friend.\n\nAt a three-day hearing in July, the National Transportation Safety Board revealed a critical detail: the Army Black Hawk had not broadcast its location via ADS-B for 730 days prior to the crash. Without this tracking data, the helicopter was effectively invisible to other aircraft, leaving both flight crews without situational awareness.\n\nThe ADS-B system provides more accurate and continuous information than traditional radar, transmitting an aircraft\u2019s location, speed, altitude, and other critical data in real time.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-housing-insurance-subcommittee-leaders-highlight-proposed", "Bipartisan Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Leaders Highlight Proposed Major Reforms to Top Federal Housing Program", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and Mike Flood (NE-01), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, hosted a press conference to highlight historic reforms they have introduced in the HOME Reform Act of 2025. The legislation marks the first major reforms to the HOME program since it was first authorized in 1990, streamlining regulations to strengthen public-private partnerships to encourage the building of more housing and rental properties in efforts to bring down the cost of housing.\n\nThe bipartisan bill was introduced following a stakeholder input process conducted earlier this year. Details about the legislation are available here.\n\n\u201cFrom the heartland to the coasts, hardworking families continue to struggle with the high cost of housing\u2014and it is imperative that Congress take strong, comprehensive, and bipartisan action to boost the construction of affordable housing across the country,\u201d said Ranking Member Cleaver (D-MO). \u201cWith overwhelming support from housing stakeholders, our HOME Reform Act takes major steps toward cutting the unnecessary red tape and strengthening public-private partnerships that will incentivize the development of affordable housing in communities nationwide. I\u2019m proud to stand with Chairman Flood as we fight to lower housing costs, and I hope that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress will join us in this important effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is in the midst of a housing shortage as families struggle to live the American dream due to the lack of millions of homes,\u201d said Chairman Flood (R-NE). \u201cThe HOME program is a federal program that builds housing supply, but it has been weighed down by regulatory burdens that make it hard to build housing. The HOME Reform Act of 2025 will cut the red tape that has been holding this program back. Dozens of stakeholders are throwing their support behind these reforms, building momentum to tackle our nation\u2019s housing shortage. From Columbus, Nebraska to Columbus, Ohio and beyond, the HOME Reform Act of 2025 gives local communities an unprecedented opportunity to build affordable homes and directly address the housing crisis gripping our nation. Thanks to my colleague Rep. Cleaver, and I look forward to working to pass this legislation with broad bipartisan support.\"\n\nThe HOME Reform Act represents the first major reform to the program since its authorization in 1990 as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. The legislation provides greater flexibility for states and localities, cuts red tape, and supports the development and preservation of affordable housing.\n\nThe HOME Reform Act is the result of a bipartisan effort kickstarted by Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver earlier this year to develop meaningful solutions to the housing crisis in America. In April, Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Flood released a joint request for feedback on the HOME and CDBG programs. In July, the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, \u201cHOME 2.0: Modern Solutions to the Housing Shortage.\u201d\n\nWhat Stakeholders Are Saying:\n\n\u201cThe HOME Investment Partnerships Program is an important source of financing for affordable housing, often used in conjunction with the recently expanded Low-Income Housing Tax Credit,\u201d said Emily Cadik, Chief Executive Officer of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. \u201cWe applaud Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for working together on these commonsense, bipartisan proposals to make the HOME program more efficient and effective, at a time when there is such an urgent need to increase affordable housing supply.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe HOME Reform Act of 2025 strengthens a vital federal program that communities use to develop and preserve supportive housing. These improvements to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program will help ensure that people with disabilities and complex health needs have access to stable, affordable homes paired with the services that support housing success. We commend Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for their bipartisan leadership in advancing practical reforms that reduce development barriers, improve infrastructure, and expand housing options in communities across the country. CSH is proud to support this legislation and its commitment to building stronger housing systems,\u201d said Deb De Santis, President and CEO, Corporation for Supportive Housing.\n\n\u201cCOSCDA applauds Congressman Flood and Congressman Cleaver for the introduction of the HOME Reform Act of 2025, a bill that would modernize the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and spur the development of affordable housing supply. This bipartisan bill addresses many of the barriers identified by HOME stakeholders by streamlining over-burdensome requirements and making common-sense improvements. COSCDA\u2019s state HOME grantees urge Congress to pass this bill, marking the HOME program\u2019s first modernization since its passage in the 1990s,\u201d said Tess Hembree, Executive Director, Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).\n\n\u201cHUD\u2019s HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal housing block grant. It\u2019s time for Congress to modernize and streamline the program as our nation is facing a record shortage of starter homes pushing homeownership out of reach for millions of families and essential workers nationwide,\u201d said Chris Vincent, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity International. \u201cWe applaud Representatives Mike Flood and Emanuel Cleaver for leading this bipartisan effort to ease regulatory burdens and strengthen the programs use and effectiveness in building more affordable homes, especially for homeownership.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a Network of mission-driven housing developers and lenders that use the HOME program to reduce housing costs for households all across the country, HPN applauds and supports the introduction of the bipartisan HOME Reform Act. This is common sense legislation that reduces red tape, makes the HOME program easier to use and maintains a strong focus on people in need,\u201d said Robin Hughes, CEO, Housing Partnership Network.\n\n\"Lincoln Avenue Communities is pleased to support the HOME Reform Act of 2025. As the nation faces an unprecedented affordable housing crisis, this legislation proposes crucial changes to modernize the HOME Program and expand its impact. It creates new programmatic efficiencies that will empower local communities to help finance affordable housing where it is needed most. We urge Congress to enact this critical legislation as soon as possible,\u201d said Thom Amdur, Senior Vice President for Policy & Impact, Lincoln Avenue Communities.\n\n\u201cThe Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) applauds Representatives Cleaver and Flood for their leadership in introducing the HOME Reform Act of 2025. The HOME Program is our nation\u2019s only federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create and preserve affordable housing for low-income households. It\u2019s often utilized as critical gap financing for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments\u201d said Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy, LISC. \u201cThe HOME Reform Act will modernize the program, making it easier to utilize, which will ultimately decrease projects costs and increase affordable housing opportunities for families.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Mortgage Bankers Association commends Congressmen Mike Flood (R-NE) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) for proposing important reforms to the HOME Act that will bring more affordable housing supply to market,\u201d said Bill Killmer, senior vice president of legislative and political affairs at Mortgage Bankers Association. \u201cMBA supports policies that streamline development, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand access to sustainable housing options for consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe housing undersupply crisis impacts nearly every community across our country, and there\u2019s never been a more pressing need for decisive and bipartisan action from Congress,\u201d said National Apartment Association (NAA) President & CEO Bob Pinnegar. \u201cNAA applauds Reps. Mike Flood (R-Neb.-1) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.-5) for their steadfast leadership in introducing the HOME Reform Act. This legislation rightly places an important emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens and would ultimately help increase critically needed housing supply and ease longstanding affordability challenges for Americans nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cNAHB applauds Reps. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) for introducing bipartisan legislation that makes much needed reforms to the HOME program. The HOME Reform Act of 2025 will improve this critical block grant program designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. The legislation increases opportunities for homeownership by expanding HOME to include workforce housing and relieves regulatory burdens on home builders and housing providers to enable them to construct more attainable, affordable housing,\u201d said Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.\n\n\"NAR strongly supports the HOME Reform Act and thanks Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for their bipartisan leadership in modernizing a program that hasn't been updated in decades,\" said National Association of Realtors Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. \"By cutting red tape and giving communities more flexibility, these reforms will unlock housing production and open doors to homeownership for more first-time buyers.\"\n\n\"America\u2019s affordable housing crisis is made worse by federal rules that slow down construction and increase costs. The National Community Development Association supports the HOME Reform Act of 2025, which simplifies regulations and gives administrators more flexibility to deliver affordable housing faster,\u201d said Vicki Watson, Executive Director, National Community Development Association (NCDA).\n\n\u201cThe HOME program is critical to the production and preservation of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in rural, urban, and suburban communities. It also provides states and local participating jurisdictions with much-needed flexibility to meet their unique housing needs. Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver\u2019s HOME Reform Act makes meaningful reforms to the program that promote flexibility, streamline program requirements and regulations, and reduce barriers to entry. This proposal will reduce costs, promote affordable housing development and preservation, and support more homebuyers and renters. NHC looks forward to working with Congress to advance this legislation,\u201d said David M. Dworkin, President and CEO of the National Housing Conference.\n\n\u201cNMHC applauds the tremendous work that Chaiman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver have undertaken to streamline and strengthen the HOME program. Today\u2019s legislation will make this critical program more effective and efficient in addressing our nation's housing supply shortage and reducing the cost of housing. We look forward to working with Congress on enacting this and other legislation that will help realize our goal of ensuring that all Americans have a safe and decent place to call home at a price they can afford,\u201d said Sharon Wilson G\u00e9no, National Multifamily Housing Council President.\n\n\u201cThe National NeighborWorks Association applauds Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver for their thoughtful, bipartisan leadership on the HOME Reform Act of 2025,\u201d said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of National NeighborWorks Association. \u201cThis legislation will help unlock the full potential of the HOME program through much-needed streamlining and common-sense reforms. The 250 NeighborWorks-chartered organizations across the country are on the front lines of America\u2019s housing crisis, and these reforms will enable them to use HOME resources more effectively\u2014 building more affordable supply and helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s housing affordability crisis has reached a breaking point, and the HOME Reform Act of 2025 rises to meet it,\u201d said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth. \u201cThis bill will make it easier for public and private partners to work together to build more affordable homes and ensures program funds support the infrastructure that communities, especially those long overlooked, need to meet their housing needs. With the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver, Congress has a clear opportunity to help communities across the country deliver affordable homes, expand pathways to ownership, and open doors of opportunity for individuals and families nationwide.\u201d\n\nThe HOME Reform Act is endorsed by Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, American Planning Association (APA), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA), Community Opportunity Alliance, Enterprise Community Partners, Fahe, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Partnership Network (HPN), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Lincoln Avenue Communities, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), National Apartment Association (NAA), National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL), National Association of County Community and Economic Development (NACCED), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Community Development Association (NCDA), National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), National Housing Conference (NHC), National Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NH&RA), National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National NeighborWorks Association (NNA), Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF), Up for Growth and the US Conference of Mayors.\n\nOfficial text of the HOME Reform Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bob-onder-introduces-endorsement-transparency-act", "Congressman Bob Onder Introduces the Endorsement Transparency Act", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03) introduced the Endorsement Transparency Act, which bans labor unions from endorsing a presidential candidate unless the union polls its members. The Endorsement Transparency Act ensures that union leaders can\u2019t make unilateral endorsement decisions that counter the will of their members.\n\n\u201cThe Endorsement Transparency Act is an important first step towards restoring accountability amongst union leaders\u201d, said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cIn the 2024 presidential election, the Teamsters withheld an endorsement for either candidate after internal polling showed that 60 percent of their members supported President Trump over Vice President Harris. At the same time, the United Auto Workers endorsed Vice President Harris despite a significant portion of their rank-and-file backing President Trump.\n\n\u201cThis is unacceptable. Labor unions exist to serve their members, not to serve the political interests of their leadership.\n\n\u201cThis is part of a broader pattern within today\u2019s Democrat Party - leadership that is more focused on advancing political agendas and personal interest over the well-being of the people they claim to represent.\u201d\n\n-30-\n\nLink to the full text of the bill: Endorsement Transparency Act_ONDER.pdf\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe International Brotherhood of Teamsters has long been aligned with Democrat candidates, endorsing figures such as Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. Sean O\u2019Brien was elected General President of the 1.3-million-member union in November 2021, ushering in a new chapter of leadership marked by both internal debate and heightened national attention.\n\nIn the 2024 presidential cycle, the union broke from decades of precedent by declining to endorse either major party candidate. Internal polling released by the Teamsters showed overwhelming rank-and-file support for former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. An electronic survey recorded Trump leading 59.6% to 34%, while a phone poll showed a similar margin of 58% to 31%.\n\nO\u2019Brien characterized the union\u2019s endorsement review as \u201cthe most inclusive, democratic, and transparent Presidential endorsement process in the history of our 121-year-old organization,\u201d emphasizing that any decision would be guided by the membership. Ultimately, the union chose not to issue an endorsement, while openly acknowledging the strong pro-Trump sentiment among its members.\n\nDuring this same period, O\u2019Brien alleged that Vice President Harris personally pressured the union for an endorsement, recounting a tense meeting in which she urged the Teamsters to \u201cget on board.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-after-supporting-release-epstein-files", "Rep. Cleaver\u2019s Statement After Supporting Release of Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of releasing the Epstein Files. Despite the Speaker\u2019s months-long effort to block the bill from receiving a vote, the legislationmade it to the House Floor after every House Democrat and four House Republicans signed a discharge petition to force a vote.\n\n\u201cThe crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates were disgusting, deplorable, and devastatingly damaging to dozens, if not hundreds, of young and vulnerable girls across the country. While it is deeply disappointing that the president and the Speaker of the House fought to prevent this bill from ever coming to the House floor, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers came together to force a vote that will bring us another step closer toward providing justice to the victims and transparency to the American people.\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote for the bill and the disclosure of the Epstein Files in the hopes that it would provide closure to the survivors.\n\n\u201cHowever, this push for transparency does not end here. It is important that my colleagues in the Senate immediately pass this legislation to ensure it becomes law and the truth prevails.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-leads-regional-delegation-meeting-us-postmaster-general", "Wagner Leads Regional Delegation Meeting with U.S. Postmaster General", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she hosted U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner in Washington, D.C. to address the recent audit of St. Louis-area Postal Services facilities and get answers to the numerous severe breakdowns in the local mail system:\n\n\u201cMissouri has been plagued with missing mail, slow delivery, and an abject failure by the United States Postal Service to address the ongoing questions from my constituents about the Postal Service\u2019s incompetency. Families rely on efficient and effective mail service to access lifesaving medications, Social Security checks, election ballots, or even a letter from a loved one. The lack of answers over the years has been unacceptable, and that\u2019s why it was so important to have this conversation with Postmaster General Steiner today to understand his plan to address these challenges, fix the unprecedented mail delays, and help us build the public\u2019s trust in this essential service.\n\n\u201cI have to reiterate, the problems our community has had with the Postal Service are major, lifechanging issues. Seniors rely on the timely, consistent delivery of their medications, and voters deserve to have confidence their ballots won\u2019t get lost. Just this year in Franklin County, hundreds of ballots were delivered after the election due to the processing delays. This is beyond unacceptable and disenfranchises voters who are trying to make their voices heard.\n\n\u201cI worked with my colleagues over the past two years to engage with local officials and get to the root causes of these issues so we can get the USPS back on track and ensure Missouri families can trust their service. Throughout these efforts, I learned the Post Office had tried to avoid any accountability for their actions and blamed outside individuals for their own missteps, a complete dereliction of their duty to the public. Make no mistake, that stops now, and those responsible will be held accountable.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s my hope that today\u2019s meeting will be a critical milestone in our efforts and will represent a change for the better. The longstanding issues in the St. Louis area must finally be addressed, and transparency and accountability must be at the core of any future reforms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-release-epstein-files-support-victims-trafficking", "Wagner Votes to Release Epstein Files, Support Victims of Trafficking", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted to release files associated with Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s horrific crimes:\n\n\u201cJeffrey Epstein was an evil man, full stop, and I hope he is rotting in Hell for what he did to all those girls. I have said from day one I support releasing any files related to Jeffrey Epstein as part of our efforts to hold him and any his associates accountable for their horrific crimes, as long as the privacy of the victims is protected. Over the past several months, my colleagues on the Oversight Committee have carefully released tens of thousands of files, and today\u2019s vote will support those ongoing efforts to hold accountable the criminal associates of Jeffrey Epstein, bring light to the evil deeds of the powerful men and women involved, and help the innocent victims find the justice they deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-applauds-trump-administrations-action-provide-clarity-waters-united", "Graves Applauds Trump Administration\u2019s Action to Provide Clarity on Waters of the United States", "2025-11-17", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today commended the Trump Administration for its proposed rule to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) in a manner that will provide much needed clarity and regulatory certainty for farmers, businesses, infrastructure builders, and communities throughout the United States.\n\nThe Administration\u2019s WOTUS rule, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, aligns with the Supreme Court\u2019s 2023 Sackett decision, which appropriately recognized that there are reasonable limits to the federal government\u2019s regulatory authority under the CWA. Today\u2019s announcement follows previous efforts by the Biden Administration to dramatically expand federal regulatory power under the law, and it provides much-needed durability to defining what waters are and are not subject to federal regulation under the CWA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-14T05:46:13Z", "2026-04-14T05:48:07Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-matsui-lead-80-lawmakers-urging-president-trump-restore-funding", "Bell, Matsui Lead 80+ Lawmakers Urging President Trump to Restore Funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) led over 80 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Donald J. Trump calling on his Administration to restore funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) following its elimination in the Rescissions Act of 2025. The lawmakers warn that cutting CPB funding will weaken local journalism, jeopardize public safety, and destabilize the federal appropriations process.\n\nCPB remains one of the nation\u2019s most essential public services\u2014connecting over 99% of Americans to emergency alerts, educational content, local culture, and trusted news. For many rural and low-income communities, public broadcasting is often the only reliable source of information.\n\n\u201cBeyond its immediate harm to public broadcasting, the passage of this rescissions package sets a troubling precedent for the appropriations process,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\u201cRetroactively clawing back funds that were already approved by Congress to serve partisan political purposes undermines the integrity of the regular, bipartisan budgeting process. This kind of maneuver could destabilize agencies, institutions, and workers who rely on a transparent, structured funding process.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u200b\u200bProtecting CPB resources remains essential not only for preserving public media but also for safeguarding the principles of transparency and accountability. We respectfully call on the administration to work collaboratively to restore services offered under CPB and ensure that public broadcasting can continue fulfilling its indispensable mission for all communities across the country\u201d concluded the lawmakers.\n\nThe letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Herbert C. Conaway, Jr. (D-N.J.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Mo.), Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-N.Y.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), Shomari Figures (D-Ala.), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), Frank J. Mrvan (D-Ind.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.), Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.), Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-Calif.), Robert J. Menendez (D-N.J.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-Calif.), Marc A. Veasey (D-Texas), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Nellie Pou (D-N.J.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Gwen S. Moore (D-Wis.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Sharice L. Davids (D-Kan.), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Al Green (D-Texas), Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.), Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), John B. Larson (D-Conn.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.), George Whitesides (D-Calif.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-Ill.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Hillary J. Scholten (D-Mich.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-Ind.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Robin L. Kelly (D-Ill.), Haley M. Stevens (D-Mich.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), and Gabe Amo (D-R.I.).\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-urges-ncaa-approve-missouri-state-postseason-waiver-1", "Rep. Burlison Urges NCAA to Approve Missouri State Postseason Waiver", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Missouri State University\u2019s football program has already earned six wins in its first FBS season, meeting the standard for postseason eligibility. Rep. Eric Burlison is urging the NCAA to grant the Bears a waiver so these student-athletes can compete in a bowl game they have earned. Read the full letter below.\n\nNovember 14, 2025\n\nDear President Baker and Members of the NCAA Board of Governors,\n\nI write in strong support of Missouri State University\u2019s request for a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) postseason waiver.\n\nMissouri State University\u2019s football program has earned six wins in its first FBS season, fulfilled all academic and competition standards, and proven it belongs at the FBS level. Under standard NCAA rules, this record would secure postseason eligibility.\n\nThe only obstacle to Missouri State University\u2019s eligibility is a transition policy that no longer reflects the realities of modern college athletics. Today\u2019s landscape of widespread realignment and growing competition makes this restriction outdated. Missouri State University has already satisfied every core FBS requirement, including scheduling, scholarships, and facilities. Rapid program growth is evident: Football revenue has doubled, and game attendance has risen nearly 40 percent compared to last year.\n\nThe NCAA has a clear precedent of allowing transitioning teams to participate in bowls when there are open slots. With 82 postseason slots available this season, Missouri State University deserves equal consideration. These student-athletes have earned their opportunity on the field and should not be sidelined by an outdated rule alone.\n\nI respectfully urge the NCAA to approve Missouri State University\u2019s petition and allow these athletes to compete in the postseason they have rightfully earned.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nEric Burlison\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-bell-celebrates-iam-district-837-boeing-contract-agreement", "STATEMENT: Bell Celebrates IAM District 837, Boeing Contract Agreement", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) released the following statement after Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 837 voted to accept Boeing\u2019s latest offer:\n\n\"After 15 long weeks, I am glad to see IAM District 837 and Boeing reach a fair agreement that gets our highly skilled workers back on the job. I stood with these workers because the St. Louis region plays a pivotal role in our national security\u2014thanks in large part to the men and women at Boeing who build some of the most sophisticated, technologically advanced aircraft that keep our nation safe and our military strong.\n\nThese workers deserve wages and benefits that reflect the true value of their work, and this agreement is a major victory for them, their families, and the entire St. Louis region. Boeing has long been a cornerstone of our region\u2019s economic success, and that success has always depended on the talent and dedication of its workforce.\n\nNow, the work continues to further advance our shared commitment to growth, stability, and a stronger future for our region and our country.\"\n\nCongressman Wesley Bell previously urged Boeing to work with the IAM union to reach a resolution by co-leading a letter to Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg alongside a bipartisan group of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-statement-government-reopening", "Rep. Onder Statement on the Government Reopening", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Onder (MO-03) released the following statement after voting to pass the clean, Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government and end the longest government shutdown in American history.\n\n\"I'm Congressman Bob Onder, representing Missouri's Third Congressional District. The longest government shutdown in our nation's history has finally come to an end. Thanks to strong Republican leadership, the Senate voted to reopen the government and put America First.\n\nThe American people deserve accountability and leadership, and that takes decisive action to protect their livelihoods. 750,000 Americans went without paychecks. Our TSA agents worked without pay. Families faced uncertainty about their SNAP benefits. It was long past time to act, to pass this funding bill, and to end the shutdown.\n\nI'm grateful to be back in Washington, fighting for Missourians; to strengthen our economy, secure our nation's borders, protect women's sports, and honor our first responders.\n\nAs your Congressman, I voted to fund the government on September 19th, and I voted again tonight to do the same. I would have voted every single day since this shutdown began if given the opportunity, just as my Republican colleagues in the Senate did repeatedly. Today, I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues to put America First.\n\nAs Speaker Johnson stated, there will be \"long days and long nights\" ahead on Capitol Hill, and he's right. Thank you, and may God bless you, and may God bless the great state of Missouri.\"\n\nWatch Congressman Bob Onder's recorded statement below.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-bell-votes-no-senate-amendment-hr-5371", "STATEMENT: Bell Votes NO on Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) released the following statement following his NO vote on the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veteran Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026:\n\n\u201cI grew up seeing what it means when families in St. Louis can\u2019t afford to see a doctor,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cHealth care isn\u2019t something you can put off\u2014and neither is this fight. I couldn\u2019t support a deal that turns its back on working families and leaves millions facing higher costs. If Congress fails to act, premiums will rise astronomically, and families across St. Louis will be forced to go without coverage. Republicans now own those consequences, and the pain that comes with them.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-ending-schumers-shutdown", "Graves Statement on Ending Schumer's Shutdown", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) statement on the House\u2019s approval of legislation to end the federal government shutdown:", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-end-government-shutdown", "Wagner Statement on the End of the Government Shutdown", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the end of the government shutdown:\n\n\u201cI just voted to reopen the government, a vote that includes full-year funding for veteran\u2019s healthcare and the VA. It includes billions of dollars for SNAP, billions of dollars for food stamps and the National School Lunch Program, and billions of dollars for the Women, Infants, and Children program. It\u2019s sad that so many Democrats couldn\u2019t bring themselves to vote for such a good, simple bill that keeps families fed and safe.\n\n\u201cSenate Democrats never should have put the American people through this reckless government shutdown in the first place. This was all political. They wanted to use the suffering of the American people as leverage, but thank God it\u2019s now coming to an end so Missouri families and workers across the country can finally have certainty and stability in their lives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-senate-spending-bill", "Rep. Cleaver\u2019s Statement on the Senate Spending Bill", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the latest Senate spending proposal.\n\n\u201cFor months now, as Americans plead for reforms that will address our national cost-of-living crisis, Democrats have called on Republicans in control of the White House, House of Representatives, and Senate to work with Democrats in Congress to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower health care costs for working-class families. However, instead of working in a bipartisan fashion to avoid a shutdown and protect the health care of the American people, Republicans chose to slash taxes for the wealthy and well-connected while making the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs in history.\n\n\u201cFrom the very beginning of the Republican shutdown, I have said that I cannot support legislation that raises the health care costs of hardworking families across Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District. Unfortunately, the legislation proposed in the Senate will ensure that tens of thousands of my constituents see their health care premiums skyrocket, some by more than double what they are today. That is a heartless way to govern, particularly at a time when the president is giving $40 billion-dollar bailouts to Argentina and spending hundreds of millions to build a gilded ballroom at the White House.\n\n\u201cTherefore, I will not support the legislation if it comes to a vote in the House of Representatives.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/housing-insurance-ranking-member-cleaver-and-chairman-flood-introduce", "Housing & Insurance Ranking Member Cleaver and Chairman Flood Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Modernizing HOME Program", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Chairman Mike Flood (R-NE) introduced the HOME Reform Act of 2025, legislation that overhauls the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bipartisan legislation will streamline regulations to strengthen public-private partnerships in efforts to encourage the building of more housing and rental properties to bring down the cost of housing.\n\n\u201cAmericans in every community are struggling to stay afloat financially due to the high cost of housing, which is limiting opportunities for families to get ahead and weighing down local economies,\u201d said Ranking Member Cleaver. \u201cThis is a crisis that demands immediate bipartisan action to lower costs, and I\u2019m pleased to join Chairman Flood in the effort to provide relief nationwide. By revamping and revitalizing the HOME Program\u2014one of our greatest tools to expand the supply of affordable housing for working-class families\u2014we can ensure that affordable housing and the American Dream of homeownership are once again attainable from the heartland to the coasts. After months of meetings and hearings with local leaders, housing stakeholders, and American families from across the country, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Home Reform Act with Chairman Flood to lower housing costs in Missouri and beyond.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is in the midst of a housing crisis as families struggle to live the American dream due to the of a shortage of millions of homes,\u201d said Chairman Flood. \u201cThe HOME program is a federal program that builds housing supply, but it has previously been weighed down by regulatory burdens that make it hard to build housing. Thanks to the insights of those who work directly with HOME, and the invaluable teamwork of my colleague Ranking Member Cleaver, I believe the HOME Reform Act of 2025 will cut the red tape that has been holding this program back. The reforms in this legislation will result in more homebuilding across the country as we work to tackle our nation\u2019s housing shortage. From Columbus, Nebraska to Columbus, Ohio and beyond, local communities will have an unprecedented opportunity to build affordable homes and directly address the housing crisis gripping our nation. I look forward to working to pass this legislation with broad bipartisan support.\"\n\nThe HOME Reform Act represents the first major reform to the program since its authorization in 1990 as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. The legislation provides greater flexibility for states and localities, cuts red tape, and supports the development and preservation of affordable housing.\n\nThe HOME Reform Act is the result of a bipartisan effort kickstarted by Chairman Flood and Ranking Member Cleaver earlier this year to develop meaningful solutions to the housing crisis in America. In April, Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Flood released a joint request for feedback on the HOME and CDBG programs. In July, the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee held a hearing entitled, \u201cHOME 2.0: Modern Solutions to the Housing Shortage.\u201d\n\nThe HOME Reform Act is endorsed by Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, American Planning Association (APA), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA), Community Opportunity Alliance, Enterprise Community Partners, Fahe, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Partnership Network (HPN), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Lincoln Avenue Communities, Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), National Apartment Association (NAA), National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL), National Association of County Community and Economic Development (NACCED), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Community Development Association (NCDA), National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), National Housing Conference (NHC), National Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NH&RA), National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National NeighborWorks Association (NNA), Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF), Up for Growth and the US Conference of Mayors.\n\nOfficial text of the HOME Reform Act is available here.\n\nA detailed section-by-section of the HOME Reform Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-pressley-warren-warnock-introduce-innovation-fund-act-bring", "Cleaver, Pressley, Warren, Warnock Introduce Innovation Fund Act to Bring Down Housing Costs by Incentivizing Communities to Build Housing", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), introduced the Innovation Fund Act to establish a program to reward communities that are taking innovative steps to increase housing supply. The bill creates a competitive pot of highly flexible funding for communities that are building more housing, which can be used to improve community infrastructure, build housing, and supplement water and sewer grants. The bill is included in the landmark bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which recently passed the Senate in the FY2026 NDAA.\n\nThe Innovation Fund Act:\n\nWill award competitive grants to cities, counties, other units of local government or Indian tribes that have demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply.\n\nRequires applicants to describe how they are currently facilitating the expansion of their housing supply.\n\nWill prioritize eligible entities that demonstrate the use of innovative policies, interventions, or programs to increase housing supply.\n\nAllows eligible entities to use the funds to carry out CDBG eligible activities, as matching funds for water and sewer grants, and for initiatives that facilitate the expansion of the supply of attainable housing and supplement initiatives the eligible entity has carried out.\n\nOfficial bill text is available here.\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/10/29/smith-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-plan-to-expand-argentine-beef-imports/", "Smith Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Plan to Expand Argentine Beef Imports", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17) and other Republican Members of the Committee in writing to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer expressing concern over a recently announced plan to expand imports of Argentine beef into the United States.\n\nCongressman Smith stated, \u201cWhile I agree with the president that, despite lower inflation, the cost of food is still too high for many working families, I strongly disagree with the idea that purchasing beef from Argentina will have a meaningful impact on prices at the store. In recent days, I have heard from countless cattle farmers in Missouri who have expressed concerns that they are being unfairly blamed for the high cost of beef when the Biden administration\u2019s disastrous economic policies are still having huge impacts on their operations. I completely agree with them. I commend the Trump Administration for its work to open new markets for American cattle farmers. Just this weekend President Trump announced deals with several critical trading partners in Southeast Asia. These countries have historically maintained high tariffs on U.S. beef and thanks to President Trump\u2019s efforts, US ranchers now have access to their markets. These deals only reenforce my opposition to any plans to purchase beef from foreign countries tariff free \u2013 particularly when those same nations do not give our own farmers equal access. America First means American Beef.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, Congressman Smith and the lawmakers write, \u201cWhile we share the Administration\u2019s goal of lowering costs for consumers, we are concerned that granting additional market access to Argentina \u2013 already one of our largest beef suppliers \u2013 will undermine American cattle producers, weaken our position in ongoing trade negotiations, and reintroduce avoidable animal-health risks. On average, Argentina exports over $200 million of beef annually to the U.S. while purchasing less than $2 million of U.S. beef in return. This persistent imbalance, combined with Argentina\u2019s continued tariffs on U.S. beef and its documented history of foot-and-mouth disease, raises serious questions about reciprocity, safety, and long-term fairness.\u201d\n\nWhile acknowledging concern with the importation of Argentine beef, the letter also highlights the Trump Administration\u2019s continued leadership in supporting America\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, stating, \u201cThe Administration\u2019s efforts to expand small and medium size processing capacity, open additional grazing lands, enforce country of origin rules for usage of \u2018Product of USA\u2019 labels, and strengthen the USDA\u2019s remote grading program represent meaningful progress toward ensuring that the United States remains the world\u2019s leading supplier of safe, high-quality beef. These actions have reinforced confidence in rural America and underscored the Trump Administration\u2019s commitment to revitalizing domestic agriculture.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:14Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-illegally-terminates-renewable-energy-initiative", "As President Trump Illegally Terminates Renewable Energy Initiative, Including $156 Million Investment in Missouri, Reps. Cleaver and Fletcher Lead Effort Demanding Administration Reverse Decision", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) led 100 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the Trump administration to restore the Inflation Reduction Act\u2019s (IRA) Solar for All program. The Solar for All program is a $7 billion investment to help working families lower their electricity bills, strengthen local economies, and build a more resilient future.\n\nMissouri was designated to receive $156 million in federal funding to deliver solar and battery storage to thousands of low-income and working-class households across the Show Me State, saving families hundreds of dollars in energy costs annually.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our strong opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) termination of the Solar for All program and rescission of lawfully obligated funding,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThis action is a clear violation of the law and must be rectified immediately.\n\n\u201cStates and nonprofit grant recipients have already spent years applying for these grants and developing solar programs in alignment with the goals and guidelines set forth by the program,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cGrant recipients have already invested millions of dollars in workforce development and community partnerships. EPA\u2019s illegal termination of these grants is fostering economic uncertainty and sending a signal that the Federal government is an unreliable partner as we work to deliver real results for the American people.\n\n\"The American people will bear the brunt of EPA\u2019s actions,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \"Claims about saving taxpayer dollars ring false for the working families dealing with skyrocketing energy costs. Recission of these grants will rob families of energy savings, will result in job losses, and will halt the expected economic benefits communities were counting on. These reckless actions will weaken our electric grid at a time when reliability and resilience are more critical than ever.\u201d\n\nOn August 7, the Trump administration announced it would terminate the Solar for All program and take back federal funds that had already been awarded to grant recipients, including Missouri. The letter comes after several lawsuits were filed by states, non-profits, and local governments against the EPA over the cancellation of the Solar for All program.\n\nThe official letter from lawmakers is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-establish-national-day-deployed", "Bell, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Establish a National Day of the Deployed", "2025-10-27", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October 26 as a day of recognition honoring all U.S. service members currently deployed overseas and the families who support them at home.\n\nThe observance would formally recognize the sacrifices made by deployed servicemembers who serve far from home, often in harm\u2019s way, as well as their loved ones who shoulder the burden of separation and uncertainty in their absence.\n\n\u201cBehind every service-member serving abroad is a family that serves alongside them,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cEveryday, our men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend our freedoms and democracy. A national day of recognition for their service and for their families is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you\u2014to acknowledge their courage, commitment, and sacrifice, and to remind the country that freedom requires service, both seen and unseen.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American men and women who are deployed around the globe to protect and defend our national interests are the front lines of defense for our democracy,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cI gladly served and deployed for my country. The all-volunteer force underpins everything we hold sacred as a nation, and the fact that they and their families sacrifice so much for our freedoms is a testament to their dedication. This recognition of the \u2018Day of the Deployed\u2019 is the least we can do for them.\u201d\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-calls-department-energy-reinstate-furloughed-nuclear", "Rep. Cleaver Calls on Department of Energy to Reinstate Furloughed Nuclear Employees", "2025-10-27", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that he joined 26 House Democrats in condemning the Department of Energy\u2019s decision to furlough nearly 80% of the National Nuclear Security Administration federal workforce, which has never happened before despite multiple government shutdowns throughout the agency\u2019s 25-year history. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the lawmakers demanded information on the national security implications of the decision and called on the Secretary to immediately rescind the furloughs.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our deep concern about the furlough of nearly 80% of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) federal workforce,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cFurloughing the vast majority of the agency\u2019s personnel is not only an unprecedented step, it is deeply harmful to U.S. national security. While the Republicans\u2019 government shutdown continues, we are also troubled that this announcement appears to be politically motivated rather than the result of careful deliberations amidst a funding shortfall.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom maintaining and modernizing our nuclear weapons stockpile, to overseeing the Navy\u2019s nuclear propulsion, and managing nuclear nonproliferation programs, the United States is safer because of the dedicated public servants at NNSA, who have already been under attack by this Administration,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cThese federal employees play a critical oversight role in ensuring that the work required to maintain nuclear security is carried out in accordance with longstanding policy and the law. Undermining the agency\u2019s workforce at such a challenging time for U.S. global leadership diminishes our credible deterrence, emboldens our international adversaries, and makes the world a more dangerous place.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Republicans have failed to use their governing mandate to keep the government open, we implore you to ensure that national security is not sacrificed as a consequence of their inaction. We urgently demand that you rescind this furlough notice and return NNSA employees to the important job of ensuring our nuclear stockpile is safe, secure, and reliable,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nOn October 20, Secretary Wright held a press conference announcing that the Department of Energy would be furloughing 1,400 direct-hire federal employees, leaving only 375 on the job nationwide. NNSA oversees sixteen facilities throughout the United States, including the Kansas City National Security Campus in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, the impact of these furloughs are rippling, with reports that roughly 1,600 additional union workers could be soon furloughed at the Kansas City campus as well.\n\nSince the United States no longer conducts full-scale nuclear tests, stockpile scientists at the NNSS obtain data from breakthrough experiments, engineering audits and analysis, high-tech computer simulations, and world-class diagnostic measurement systems to keep warheads reliable, safe, and secure. As the nuclear arsenal is now more than 50 years old, such experiments are imperative to understand and predict how these aging devices will perform if deployed. Secretary Wright\u2019s announcement on October 20 calls into question the safety and security of the sensitive material at the Kansas City National Security Campus, other NNSA facilities, and the reliability of our nuclear arsenal.\n\nThe official letter from lawmakers is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-joins-house-democrats-urging-usda-take-immediate-action", "Rep. Cleaver Joins House Democrats in Urging USDA to Take Immediate Action to Fund SNAP", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and 212 other House Democrats in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging the agency to use contingency reserve dollars to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. With no resolution to a bipartisan path forward to reopen the government, SNAP funding is set to lapse on November 1st, putting 42 million children and families at risk of experiencing hunger, including more than 655,000 in Missouri.\n\nThere is enough in the SNAP contingency reserve to cover nearly two-thirds of the amount needed for a full month of benefits. As such, the Members also advocate for the agency to use statutory transfer authority or any other legal means to supplement shortfalls the contingency reserve cannot cover.\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, millions of families across the country depend upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet. For far too many veterans, seniors, and children, SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cNow, due to the government shutdown, they are facing crippling levels of uncertainty about whether they will be able to afford food next month. A potential lapse in benefits would be felt by Americans of all ages and affect every corner and congressional district in the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, while the contingency reserve will not cover November benefits in full, we urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority at its disposal to supplement these dollars and fully fund November benefits. There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November. Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nIn July, Rep. Cleaver voted against the president\u2019s Big Ugly Bill, which made the largest cut to SNAP in American history. This week, Congressman Cleaver also co-sponsored the Feed Our Families Act, which would provide appropriations for carrying out federal food assistance programs like SNAP during the first 90 days of a federal shutdown.\n\nThe official letter from lawmakers is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-tokuda-horsford-lead-colleagues-urging-pentagon-reverse-discriminatory", "Bell, Tokuda, Horsford Lead Colleagues in Urging Pentagon to Reverse Discriminatory Shaving Waiver Policy", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) led 39 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth condemning the Department of Defense\u2019s decision to administratively separate service members with long-term medical shaving waivers. The lawmakers warned that the policy will disproportionately harm Black service members, undermine troop morale, and needlessly reduce military readiness.\n\nMedical shaving waivers are granted to protect service members with conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)\u2014a chronic skin condition that disproportionately affects Black men\u2014from physical harm caused by shaving. Studies show that between 45 and 83 percent of Black service members experience PFB, compared to much lower rates among other populations.\n\n\"We write to you regarding your recent announcement that service members with medical shaving waivers lasting longer than one year will be processed for administrative separation and may be involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces. This decision is unjust, discriminatory in impact, and corrosive to both the readiness and morale of our Armed Forces,\" wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\"Unfortunately, this policy does not increase troop readiness or make our Armed Forces a more effective, leaner, and more lethal military. In fact, forcing high-performing members with PFB to separate will decrease troop morale and will result in the loss of experienced members of our Armed Forces, including those in critical skill fields who are impossible to replace in the near term, which, unlike shaving waivers, would decrease the capacity of the military to meet its missions. This is a significant loss of talent, training, and taxpayer investment. Worse, it sends the damaging message that troops are disposable when their medical needs do not conform to your narrow and rigid rules,\" continued the lawmakers.\n\n\"We urge you to immediately suspend implementation of this policy and develop a fairer, more just standard that effectively supports members with chronic medical conditions and religious exemptions while maintaining unit readiness,\" concluded the lawmakers.\n\nSigners of the letter include Donald Beyer (D-Va.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-Ind.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gilbert Cisneros (D-Calif.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Christopher Deluzio (D-Pa.), Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Dave Min (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Emily Randall (D-Wash.), Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-N.Y.), Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.).\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-blasts-schumer-using-air-traffic-controllers-political-pawns-government", "Graves Blasts Schumer for Using Air Traffic Controllers as Political Pawns in Government Shutdown", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nOctober 23, 2025\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) joined Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy today at a press conference to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown on our aviation system and the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay.\n\nImage\n\nChairman Graves took the opportunity to praise air traffic controllers for continuing to do their job despite the uncertainty surrounding their next paycheck: \u201cThey\u2019re showing up for work, they\u2019re doing the job, and they\u2019re making sure that our skies stay safe.\u201d Speaking about the shutdown and Senator Chuck Schumer, Graves said, \u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate that he\u2019s weaponizing the air traffic controllers,\u201d and stressed that neither controllers nor their families should be used as political bargaining chips.\n\nChairman Graves\u2019 full remarks from today\u2019s press conference are available here.\n\nImage\n\nSpeaker Mike Johnson addressed reports that air traffic controllers are taking on second jobs to make ends meet during the government shutdown: \u201cAir traffic controllers, some people call the policemen of our skies, they have been showing up at work without pay. And, news reports have suggested that these men and women are seeking outside employment just to keep their families afloat.\u201d\n\nSecretary Duffy assured the public that it is still safe to fly and that the Administration\u2019s efforts to modernize the air traffic control system, for which the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee provided a down payment of $12.5 billion in H.R. 1, is still progressing during the shutdown. However, he noted that the shutdown has the potential to negatively impact the recruitment of new air traffic controllers, as recruits are witnessing controllers go without pay. Hiring new air traffic controllers has been a priority for the Trump Administration as they work to address the current controller shortage. Secretary Duffy spoke about effects of the shutdown on new recruits saying, \u201cThey\u2019re thinking about leaving the [FAA] Academy, smart young men and women, because they don\u2019t want to work for a system that won\u2019t pay them.\u201d\n\nChairman Graves joined Secretary Duffy and House Republican Leadership in urging liberals in the Senate to pass a clear continuing resolution \u2013 which the House did weeks ago \u2013 and vote to reopen the government.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-introduces-fema-operations-continuity-act-protect-disaster-relief-during", "Bell Introduces FEMA Operations Continuity Act to Protect Disaster Relief During Government Shutdowns", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the FEMA Operations Continuity Act of 2025 to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue delivering disaster relief, recovery, and mitigation assistance during a lapse in government funding.\n\nThis bill would authorize FEMA to maintain essential operations funded through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF)\u2014including individual and public assistance programs\u2014so families and communities impacted by natural disasters are not left behind during a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cThis spring, the St. Louis region was hit by devastating tornadoes, and we couldn\u2019t have afforded to wait for assistance any longer than we did. Families rebuilding their lives after a disaster should never have to wait for Congress to get its act together before receiving life-saving help,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cThis bill guarantees that FEMA\u2019s essential work continues uninterrupted during a government shutdown\u2014because protecting human life and property should never be subject to drama in Washington.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would further prohibit the diversion or withholding of DRF funds during a lapse in appropriations and explicitly classifies FEMA\u2019s disaster response activities as essential functions under the Anti-Deficiency Act, exempting them from shutdown restrictions.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-36-house-democrats-urge-administration-end-tariff-fueled", "Cleaver, 36 House Democrats Urge Administration to End Tariff-Fueled Economic Assault on Soybean Farmers", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sean Casten, along with 35 other House Democrats, called on the president to end the reckless tariff policies that are devastating American soybean farmers across the country. In a letter to the president, the lawmakers highlighted the significant negative economic impact of his tariffs on soybean farmers and urged the president to immediately terminate them before more harm is done.\n\nSoybeans are Missouri\u2019s largest commodity crop, with over five million acres dedicated to soybeans each year, providing $2.5 billion in economic value. In addition to levying harmful tariffs, the administration also shut down a major soybean research project earlier this year.\n\n\u201cSoybeans are the backbone of American agriculture, contributing over $31 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 crop year. In 2024, China purchased more than half of all U.S. soybean exports, amounting to $12.6 billion,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cHowever, in response to the tariffs you imposed earlier this year, China levied retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports and has halted all U.S. soybean purchases since May. As a result, American farmers are at risk of becoming collateral damage in your trade war.\u201d\n\nThe United States\u2019 largest soybean trading partner has not purchased soybeans since May due to President Trump\u2019s tariffs and has instead chosen to buy soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. At the same time, President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently announced that the Administration would provide $20 billion in taxpayer money to bail out Argentina, which further endangers the U.S. soybean industry by providing financial support to a leading American competitor.\n\nThese actions threaten the long-term access to foreign markets for U.S. producers. The value of U.S. soybean exports to China never fully recovered after the U.S. tariff war with China in President Trump\u2019s first term, when the value of U.S. soybean exports to China plunged from $14 billion in 2016 to $3.1 billion in 2018. At the same time the soybean markets are under threat, farmers are being hit with higher input costs from Trump\u2019s tariff war.\n\nIn addition to Reps. Cleaver and Casten, the letter was signed by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Jim Clyburn (D-SC), Angie Craig (D-MN), Danny Davis (D-IL), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Bill Foster (D-TN), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Jonathan Jackson (D-NC), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Sarah McBride (D-DE), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Eric Swalwell (D-MA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Marc Veasey (D-TX).\n\nThe official letter from lawmakers is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-administration-renew-grant-funding-head-start", "Congressman Cleaver Calls on Administration to Renew Grant Funding for Head Start Programs in Western Missouri", "2025-10-16", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on the administration to immediately renew grant funding obligated for Head Start programs in Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in western Missouri. While Head Start programs have operated as normal during the federal shutdown, the grant recipient, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), has not yet received the necessary Notice of Award to continue grant funding after October 31. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS), which oversees Head Start, has also experienced numerous staffing cuts since the start of the year, as well as a recent effort to fire almost 1,000 employees at HHS, including almost 50 at the Administration of Children and Families.\n\n\u201cI am writing today regarding the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), a current grant recipient and administrator of funds for the Head Start program in the 5th Congressional District. I have serious and urgent concern regarding the lapse in the Notification of Award for the upcoming program period,\u201d Congressman Cleaver wrote. \u201cWithout this notice, MARC cannot incur any expenses for Head Start after October 31, unless there is certainty of reimbursement.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis means that over 2300 children enrolled in Head Start programs in the three-county area will be without funding and services on November 1. It also jeopardizes staff retention, family engagement and the developmental support that is provided to children enrolled in Head Start programs,\u201d Congressman Cleaver continued.\n\n\u201cI am respectfully requesting clarification on the status of Notification of Award and any available guidance for MARC regarding next steps in the grant award notification process. I greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and your continued support of early childhood programs that serve some of the 5th Congressional District\u2019s most vulnerable residents,\u201d Congressman Cleaver concluded.\n\nIn Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, Head Start serves more than 2,300 children and employs 500 people. The program also enables the employment of parents by providing free/low-cost childcare, prenatal care for expecting mothers, and in-home services. Among Kansas City\u2019s Head Start parents, 1,351 are employed, 169 are in training programs, and 168 are enrolled in school.\n\nEarlier this year, Congressman Cleaver condemned the proposed cuts to the Head Start program and called on the administration to protect Head Start funding, which has served nearly 40 million children since its start in 1965.\n\nThe official letter from Congressman Cleaver is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-joins-bipartisan-call-urging-trump-administration-follow", "Rep. Cleaver Joins Bipartisan Call Urging Trump Administration to Follow Law on Back Pay for Furloughed Federal Workers", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and 163 other lawmakers, in urging Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to follow the law\u2014which president Trump signed in 2019\u2014that requires furloughed federal employees to receive back pay during a government shutdown. Despite this explicit law, President Trump and Director Vought have continued to bully and target our dedicated federal workforce, including by threatening to illegally withhold back pay after the shutdown ends. In a bipartisan letter to Director Vought, the lawmakers underscore that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which was passed and signed into law during the last shutdown under President Trump, is clear that all federal employees, whether they are excepted or furloughed, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends. There are more than 30,000 federal workers that reside in Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District.\n\n\u201cDuring the 2018-2019 shutdown, we worked with President Trump to enact the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019, the intent of which is clear \u2013 federal employees are entitled to retroactive pay in the event of a government shutdown. We applauded President Trump for signing this bipartisan bill into law,\u201d the members wrote.\n\n\u201cThe law is clear: all impacted government employees, regardless of excepted or furloughed status, are entitled to back pay after a government shutdown ends, which is consistent with the guidance currently provided by federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),\u201d the members wrote. \u201cOPM\u2019s shutdown guidance from September 2025 still states that furloughed federal workers will be provided back pay once the government reopens.\u201d\n\nThe members continued, \u201cThe decision by OMB to remove critical guidance on federal employee back pay is causing unnecessary stress for the federal workforce comprised of nearly 2.2 million employees.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe request you immediately clarify and update the Frequently Asked Questions During a Lapse in Appropriations Document and other relevant materials to affirm that furloughed employees will receive back pay, as is required by law,\u201d the members concluded.\n\nIn addition to Cleaver, Kaine, Murkowski, Beyer, and Hoyer, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). It is also cosigned by U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN-07), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Pablo Hern\u00e1ndez (D-PR-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), Val Hoyle (D-OR-4), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Bill Keating (D-MA-09), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James McGovern (D-MA-02), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-08), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Frank Mrvan (D-IN-01), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY-07), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).\n\nThe official letter from lawmakers is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-hostage-release", "Wagner Statement on Hostage Release", "2025-10-13", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the release of hostages from Gaza:\n\n\u201cIt has been two long years since these hostages were ripped away from their families in the midst of the brutal Hamas terror attack. That\u2019s two years of not knowing when, or if, they would ever see their loved ones again. I am so incredibly grateful to see these innocents going home today, and my heart goes out to the families of the hostages who were killed in captivity in the furtherance of Hamas\u2019s depraved anti-Semitic ideology.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m hopeful today marks a turning point towards a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Middle East. Thank you to President Trump and his Administration for their strength and unparalleled diplomacy that made this miraculous day a reality.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-senate-passage-bipartisan-road-housing-act", "Rep. Cleaver\u2019s Statement on Senate Passage of bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes legislation sponsored by Rep. Cleaver.\n\n\u201cAmerican families are struggling with the rising cost of housing, healthcare, groceries, utilities, education, and other everyday expenses. However, rent and mortgage costs remain the largest single expense for American households, and a growing number of Americans are burdened by unsustainably high housing costs, with far too many sacrificing necessities, accepting affordable but substandard housing, or entering homelessness.\n\n\u201cI applaud Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, Chairman Tim Scott, and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, for working with the Senate to pass the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which will improve housing affordability and boost housing supply. The package includes several bills I have co-written with my Senate colleagues, including key legislation to improve USDA rural housing programs, revitalize HUD housing programs, and incentivize state and local zoning reforms \u2013 all of which are necessary to lower housing costs for Missouri families.\n\n\u201cAmericans want a Congress that cooperates, solves problems, and improves their lives. That means fighting when we must but also working together where we can. Housing is not a Democratic or Republican issue, or a rural or urban issue, as all Americans need a home. Young Americans still long for the American Dream of upward mobility through homeownership. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I will work with my colleagues to ensure much needed and long overdue housing legislation is passed into law during this Congress.\u201d\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-historic-middle-east-peace-deal", "Wagner Applauds Historic Middle East Peace Deal", "2025-10-08", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Co-Chair of the House Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas:\n\n\u201cThank you to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for this incredible achievement that is the first step towards peace in the Middle East! This is a huge victory that will pave the way towards lasting stability and prosperity in the region. After months of hard work and tough diplomacy, innocent hostages will at last return to their families and countless lives will be saved.\n\n\u201cThe past two years of war were a direct result of Hamas\u2019s unprovoked, brutal attack on Israel. The Hamas terrorist network has been utterly eviscerated, a necessary action that has opened the door to lasting peace. A deradicalized Gaza is necessary for this war to end, and I am ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Abraham Accords Caucus to help lay the groundwork and fully implement the President\u2019s peace plan so that Israel can look forward to a future of sustained peace, prosperity, and friendship with its Arab neighbors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-shares-resources-federal-workers-faqs-missourians", "Congressman Cleaver Shares Resources for Federal Workers, FAQs for Missourians Harmed by Latest Republican Shutdown", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Kansas City, MO) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) shared a webpage with resources to assist federal workers and contractors impacted by the latest Republican shutdown, including the more than 30,000 that reside in Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District. The shutdown comes following President Trump and Republicans\u2019 failure to negotiate a bipartisan funding bill that would keep the government running and prevent Missourians from seeing their health care premiums skyrocket. The webpage also includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for constituents inquiring about how the federal shutdown will impact the services they rely on.\n\n\u201cIt is deeply frustrating that President Trump and Republicans in control of the House and Senate have once again failed to keep the government open and running for the American people, which not only harms the federal workers who are being furloughed in Missouri and all over the country, but also undermines essential services that seniors and families depend on,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cEven worse, as Americans face the consequences of the latest Republican shutdown dragging into its second week, the president has been on the golf course and House Republicans are spending another week on vacation instead of in Washington.\n\n\u201cAs I continue working to pass a bipartisan budget bill that resumes government operations, returns public servants to work, and prevents a massive rise in healthcare costs for Missourians in my congressional district, I wanted to provide my constituents with some resources that can be of assistance to them in this difficult time.\u201d\n\nThe Federal Shutdown Resource Page is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-offices-remain-open-serve-constituents-during-government-shutdown", "Rep. Burlison: Offices Remain Open to Serve Constituents During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following the shutdown of the federal government due to Senate Democrats\u2019 refusal to negotiate responsibly, Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) reminded constituents that his offices will remain fully operational to provide assistance.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans passed a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cDemocrats refused to negotiate in good faith and demanded $1.4 trillion in spending that includes benefits for illegal aliens, subsidies for abortion, and rolling back the taxpayer savings from rescissions we achieved this year. Their actions put partisan politics above our troops and everyday Americans, and they\u2019re deliberately trying to undo the conservative wins we\u2019ve fought for under President Trump.\u201d\n\nDespite the shutdown, many essential services continue, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Impacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website for the most up-to-date information.\n\n\u201cMy offices in Washington, Springfield, and Joplin will remain open to help constituents with any federal services or questions during this period,\u201d Burlison said.\n\nConstituent Office Locations:\n\nWashington, D.C. Office\n\n1108 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nPhone: (202) 225-6536\n\nSpringfield District Office\n\n3232 E. Ridgeview St.\n\nSpringfield, MO 65804\n\nPhone: (417) 889-1800\n\nJoplin District Office\n\n2727 E. 32nd Street, Suite 2\n\nJoplin, MO 64804\n\nPhone: (417) 781-1041\n\nConstituents are encouraged to contact any of these offices directly for assistance during the government shutdown.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-latest-republican-shutdown", "Rep. Cleaver\u2019s Statement on Latest Republican Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the federal government officially shut down for the first time since the last Trump administration.\n\n\u201cWith Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House, I am deeply disappointed that my colleagues across the aisle have failed to do their job of keeping the government open and services running for hardworking families.\n\n\u201cIf Congress does not extend Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits now, hundreds of thousands of people will lose their health care and millions more will see their costs skyrocket. Despite weeks of calls for a bipartisan compromise that would prevent a harmful shutdown and address the looming healthcare crisis, my Republican colleagues refused to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill to fund the federal government and ensure health care premiums do not more than double for millions of Americans. Instead, they attempted to jam a partisan spending bill through Congress and then went on vacation as federal appropriations ran out.\n\n\u201cI have always said that democracy demands compromise. It is time for my friends across the aisle to come back to Washington, negotiate in good faith, and find a bipartisan solution that will end this unnecessary and harmful shutdown before more damage is done.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-condemns-schumers-government-shutdown", "Graves Condemns Schumer\u2019s Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIt\u2019s critical we keep the government open and continue paying our troops, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, and other essential government employees who work to keep us safe every day,\u201c said Graves. \u201cChuck Schumer and his pals need to stop playing games and start doing what\u2019s right for the American people. I can\u2019t believe they can sit there with a straight face and demand things like \u2018free\u2019 healthcare for illegal immigrants\u2014paid for with your hard-earned tax dollars\u2014in exchange for keeping the government open. This needs to end today.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-slams-democrats-shutting-down-government", "Wagner Slams Democrats for Shutting Down Government", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after Democrats shut down the U.S. Government:\n\n\u201cA government shutdown is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars, it is bad governance, and it hurts our economy and workers. Yet Democrats just voted to block a clean government funding bill because they want to spend $1.5 trillion more of your money. This is a shocking dereliction of duty by the Democrats, who supported thirteen clean temporary funding bills under the previous Administration.\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans did our job and passed a clean bill that pays our troops, Border Patrol, Air Traffic Controllers, and so many more federal workers, with absolutely zero partisan policies attached. We voted to continue food inspections, continue processing new applications for Social Security and Medicare, and other critical services, but Democrats are holding the federal government hostage for their radically liberal pet projects.\n\n\u201cThe American people do not support shutting down the government for $1.5 trillion of out-of-touch liberal policies like free healthcare for illegal immigrants. Senator Chuck Schumer needs to stop trying to appease his far-left, radical base, support the clean bill, and reopen the government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-statement-indictment-former-fbi-director-james-comey", "Burlison Statement on Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts: making false statements within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch and obstruction of a congressional proceeding.\n\nThe indictment alleges that Comey obstructed a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1505. It further alleges that Comey made a false statement when he testified that he did not authorize someone at the FBI to serve as an anonymous source\u2014an assertion the indictment states was untrue.\n\nComey is expected to surrender on Friday, September 26, with an arraignment scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 9 in Courtroom 600 of the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, before Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-carbajal-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-baltic-security-assessment-act", "Bell, Carbajal, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Baltic Security Assessment Act to Strengthen National Security and Support NATO Allies", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from hostile actors, including Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea.\n\nUnder the legislation, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, will be required to deliver a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations. The report will also identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.\u2013Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization\u2019s (NATO) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region.\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s unprovoked war on Ukraine is a stark reminder that our Baltic allies are on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cThe Baltic Security Assessment Act will give the United States a clear picture of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and strengthen our ability to support them. This bipartisan bill reinforces NATO\u2019s collective defense and ensures we stand united against those who seek to undermine freedom.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Baltic nations have witnessed firsthand the reality of Soviet oppression and today stand as beacons of democracy in the face of increasing threats from Russia and its allies. I'm grateful to co-lead the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, which strengthens our commitment to our steadfast allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania,\u201d said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will improve our understanding of emerging military, cyber, and hybrid threats to the Baltic states through a comprehensive assessment, while reaffirming America's unwavering support for these vital NATO partners.\u201d\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s unprovoked war in Ukraine has underscored the urgent need to stand firmly with our Baltic allies,\u201d said Rep. Carbajal, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. \u201cThe Baltic Security Assessment Act reinforces our Baltic alliances, bolsters regional stability, and advances our shared security goals.\u201d\n\n\"The Baltic states continue to lead by example through committing over 5% of GDP toward defense, hosting U.S. forces, and deepening integration with NATO allies. The Baltic Security Assessment Act is timely legislation that will strengthen the U.S.-Baltic security relationship and promote a shared understanding of regional capability goals. The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) strongly encourages Members of Congress to co-sponsor this important legislation,\" said the Joint Baltic American National Committee.\n\nLast week, three Russian military jets violated Estonia's airspace for 12 minutes, the latest in a series of military actions by Russia that have provoked NATO members. This follows the 20 Russian drones fired into Poland\u2019s airspace during the evening of September 9.\n\nEstonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have been NATO members since 2004 and have played an active role in the alliance\u2019s collective defense. The Baltic nations have been on the frontlines of countering Russian aggression, particularly since Moscow\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The bill underscores the United States\u2019 commitment to ensuring these allies have the resources, intelligence, and cooperation needed to defend themselves and the transatlantic alliance.\n\nRep. Bell is a member of the bipartisan House Baltic Caucus. Reps. Carbajal and Bacon serve as Caucus\u2019 co-chairs.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-quality-care", "Graves, Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cFor the 20 percent of Americans \u2013 60 million in total \u2013 that live in rural communities, insufficient access to health care is a daily crisis and contributes to worse health outcomes. These patients are often forced to drive an hour or more for basic medical services and face critical barriers when trying to receive specialized services such as oncology or maternity and obstetric care. The inability to directly and efficiently access care is devastating to rural communities across the country. It is unsurprising that rural patient cancer mortality is 13 percent higher than that of urban patients; that rural maternal mortality is twice as high as urban maternal mortality; and that rural mortality overall is 43 percent higher than urban mortality across natural causes. Access challenges are worsened when rural communities lose these critical service lines, or worse, their entire hospital facilities. Missouri has had 12 rural hospitals close in the past decade, reducing access to care for thousands of Missourians. Nationwide, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed in that timeframe, while more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped providing maternity services in just the last five years. Nearly 400 rural hospitals have stopped providing chemotherapy services since 2014. We are committed to identifying the root causes of rural America\u2019s health care access problem and engaging in meaningful solutions, such as the RHTP, to improve health care for the 60 million American families that need it most.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-quality-care", "Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Congresswoman Ann Wagner and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cThe [OBBB\u2019s Rural Health Transformation Program] RHTP makes a critical, timely investment in America\u2019s rural communities, like those in Missouri. Under this program, rural health providers will see $50 billion in investments over the next five years, with half of this funding allotted to states directly and half to be awarded to states that submit a comprehensive application to make improvements in rural health through meaningful investments such as: promoting sustainable access to high quality rural health care services, recruiting and retaining rural clinical workforce, and rightsizing health care delivery systems to meet the needs of each community. Congress intentionally drafted this program to provide a federal-state partnership that ensures every dollar benefits the rural communities that need it most. Accordingly, we are sharing the following principles that will best improve access to rural health care in rural Missouri and demonstrate responsiveness to CMS\u2019 Notice of Funding Opportunity, and we request you to incorporate them in your forthcoming RHTP application. We stand ready to work with you on the application process to guarantee the most success, support, and resources for Missourians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2025/09/23/missouri-lawmakers-champion-rural-health-unlocking-access-to-quality-care-for-rural-communities/", "Missouri Lawmakers Champion Rural Health, Unlocking Access to Quality Care for Rural Communities", "2025-09-23", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressional Republicans and President Trump recently delivered critical resources to rural communities in Missouri and across the United States that have long struggled to establish access to basic health care services. Under the new tax cuts for working families law, a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created to help expand access to care in rural communities. States can apply for funding to help improve and sustain access to quality health care services and care delivery systems for such communities while recruiting and retaining a rural clinical workforce.\n\nIn a letter sent to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Social Services Director Jessica Bax, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Sarah Willson highlighting the RHTP program as a critical lifeline for rural Missouri and calling on officials to incorporate key policies in their application for RHTP resources, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and members of the Missouri congressional delegation detail the immense health care challenges facing such communities:\n\n\u201cFor the 20 percent of Americans \u2013 60 million in total \u2013 that live in rural communities, insufficient access to health care is a daily crisis and contributes to worse health outcomes. These patients are often forced to drive an hour or more for basic medical services and face critical barriers when trying to receive specialized services such as oncology or maternity and obstetric care. The inability to directly and efficiently access care is devastating to rural communities across the country. It is unsurprising that rural patient cancer mortality is 13 percent higher than that of urban patients; that rural maternal mortality is twice as high as urban maternal mortality; and that rural mortality overall is 43 percent higher than urban mortality across natural causes. Access challenges are worsened when rural communities lose these critical service lines, or worse, their entire hospital facilities. Missouri has had 12 rural hospitals close in the past decade, reducing access to care for thousands of Missourians. Nationwide, nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed in that timeframe, while more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped providing maternity services in just the last five years. Nearly 400 rural hospitals have stopped providing chemotherapy services since 2014. We are committed to identifying the root causes of rural America\u2019s health care access problem and engaging in meaningful solutions, such as the RHTP, to improve health care for the 60 million American families that need it most.\u201d\n\nThe letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation follows a letter sent by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Smith to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz calling on the Trump Administration to ensure that RHTP funding goes toward truly rural communities and to monitor the use of these critical resources to serve the needs of those populations most deserving and most in need of support.\n\nRead the full letter from members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation here.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:31:09Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-senator-durbin-introduce-spur-housing-act-increase-housing", "Rep. Cleaver, Senator Durbin Introduce the SPUR Housing Act to Increase Housing Supply and Economic Development", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) jointly announced the introduction of the Sparking Production of Urban and Rural (SPUR) Housing Act. The SPUR Housing Act establishes a fund to increase the capacity of emerging developers \u2013 those with limited development experience and limited resources \u2013 who are undertaking affordable housing and community development projects. The funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the form of competitive grants for nonprofit housing organizations and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) providing financing, capacity-building training, and technical assistance to eligible emerging developers.\n\n\u201cThe road to lowering housing costs for the American people begins with the increase in construction of affordable housing,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cEmerging developers, including many minority developers who have faced historical barriers to entry, need access to the tools and resources necessary to build affordable housing in their communities. By providing these developers with the support to pursue projects in rural and urban communities alike, we can create good-paying jobs, increase our national housing supply, and drive down prices for hardworking families. I\u2019m proud to introduce the SPUR Housing Act with Senator Durbin as we fight to lower housing costs for communities in the heartland and all across this great nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite there being more than 112,000 real estate development companies in the United States, only one percent are owned by Black and Latino developers. This great divide is spurred by unequal access to capital for minority developers, who often are competing against generational wealth. Many of these developers are subjected to onerous equity and experience requirements that make it nearly impossible for them to secure financial backing for their projects. The SPUR Housing Act levels the development playing field and gives Black and Latino developers the resources and experience they need to build and grow their own companies,\u201d said Senator Durbin.\n\n\"The communities we serve at Cinnaire \u2014 rural and urban alike \u2014 share an urgent need for increased affordable housing options,\" said Chris Neary, Senior Vice President for Policy, Research and Advocacy at Cinnaire. \"The Sparking Production of Urban and Rural (SPUR) Housing Act would tap into the unlocked potential of these communities to create the affordable homeownership and rental opportunities they need to thrive. We applaud Congressman Cleaver for introducing this legislation to address the housing crisis.\"\n\n\u201cThe Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) applauds Representative Cleaver for introducing the Sparking Production of Urban and Rural (SPUR) Housing Act. Our experience has shown us that emerging real estate developers need more access to training, technical assistance, and flexible financial capital to scale their affordable housing and real estate development work, especially in underserved communities,\u201d said Geoff Jolley, Executive Director at LISC Greater Kansas City. \u201cThe SPUR Housing Act will provide the resources necessary to build their capacity, which will create desperately needed housing, spurring jobs, economic development, and broader neighborhood revitalization.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a nationally recognized leader bridging commercial real estate, community and civic partnerships, I commend Congressman Cleaver\u2019s leadership on the SPUR Housing Act,\u201d said Kimberly Brown, Managing Partner at Housing Impact Partners. \u201cMy work has shown that when emerging developers have access to capital and supportive policy, they create housing and economic opportunities that organically strengthen our historically underestimated communities.\u201d\n\nThe SPUR Housing Act would establish an emerging developer fund to:\n\nExpand Financing Tools for Affordable Housing and Community Development Projects \u2013 Through predevelopment loans, loan loss reserves, grants, risk sharing, credit enhancements, and capitalized loan funds, SPUR Housing Act funds expand access to capital.\n\nIncrease Access to Capacity-Building Training and Technical Assistance \u2013 Nonprofit housing organizations and CDFIs can use SPUR Housing Act funds to provide real estate development capacity building and ongoing technical assistance.\n\nEmerging developers face a range of barriers to entry and growth including limited access to financing, challenges navigating regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of experience. The SPUR Housing Act aims to address these concerns by helping newer developers access the important financial and technical resources needed to catalyze revitalization and economic growth. Importantly, this legislation builds upon state and local models proven successful in supporting emerging developers addressing the housing and economic development needs of their communities.\n\nOfficial text of the SPUR Housing Act is available here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-votes-against-partisan-budget-bill-continues-republican", "Rep. Cleaver Votes Against Partisan Budget Bill that Continues Republican Assault on Americans\u2019 Healthcare and Includes Cuts to Previously Agreed Upon Programs", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the partisan Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues the Republican assault on Americans\u2019 healthcare and includes cuts to the previously negotiated bipartisan budget.\n\n\u201cRepublicans in the House of Representatives are following the orders of President Trump and refusing to negotiate a bipartisan budget with Democrats, choosing instead to jam a partisan CR through Congress that will continue their decimation of Americans\u2019 healthcare, as well as cuts to important programs that were previously negotiated on a bipartisan basis.\n\n\u201cThe number one thing I hear from families in Missouri is the rising cost of healthcare and housing. I cannot in good conscience support a partisan budget bill that will cause my constituents in Missouri to see their healthcare costs skyrocket\u2014which is precisely what this legislation would do. Moreover, as the administration continues to cut programs that were funded on a bipartisan basis, any budget bill must include safeguards that prevent more partisan cuts after a deal is struck.\n\n\u201cDemocracy demands compromise. If Republicans in Congress want the votes of Democratic lawmakers, they cannot cut us out of the process completely. Before they force another harmful shutdown, my colleagues across the aisle must come back to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan budget bill that addresses the unsustainable rise in healthcare costs and the needs of our communities.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-charlie-kirk-resolution", "Rep. Cleaver\u2019s Statement on Charlie Kirk Resolution", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the Charlie Kirk Resolution.\n\n\u201cAs John Donne said in his famous poem, \u2018any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.\u2019\n\n\u201cI reject and resent the savagery of the man who killed Charlie Kirk. When we resort to violence as a means of expressing opposition to another\u2019s politics, we are actually downgrading our own. I condemn political violence in all forms and from all perpetrators, including the heinous murder of Mr. Kirk.\n\n\u201cMr. Kirk\u2019s statements about African American women and other Black people demands me to reject his racial insensitivity. Therefore, because I fundamentally disagreed with many of Mr. Kirk\u2019s views, I voted against today\u2019s resolution on the grounds that it lionized a legacy I cannot support.\u201d\n\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-graves-welcomes-kcpd-chief-graves-t-i-roundtable-improving-safety-us", "Chairman Graves Welcomes KCPD Chief Graves to T & I Roundtable on Improving Safety on U.S. Transit Systems", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Republican Conference, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) joined in calling for improving the safety of America\u2019s public transportation systems, following a roundtable meeting on the issue today held by T&I\u2019s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.\n\nGraves invited Kansas City Chief of Police Stacey Graves to participate in today\u2019s bipartisan closed-door roundtable discussion with transit and law enforcement officials and stakeholders.\n\nGraves continued, \u201cThe next surface transportation reauthorization bill that our committee is currently developing will seek to make federal transit programs work for the traveling public, transit system workers, and taxpayers who expect their tax dollars to be spent wisely for the public good. Fortunately, the Trump Administration, Secretary Duffy, and FTA Administrator Molinaro are also making safety on our transit systems a top priority of the Federal Transit Administration\u2019s. I look forward to working with them, my committee colleagues, the stakeholders at today\u2019s roundtable, and others to bolster the safety of our publicly funded transit systems. I also want to thank Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves for participating in today\u2019s roundtable and providing the Committee with an invaluable law enforcement perspective on this important public safety issue.\u201d\n\nCongressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led the discussion on the need to identify actionable solutions to improve safety on publicly funded transportation systems and restore the public\u2019s trust in transit.\n\n\u201cThe recent deadly stabbing of Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte\u2019s light rail is a stark reminder safety must be at the center of our national transit conversation,\u201d said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC). \u201cWhile law enforcement and the justice system have their obligations to keep the public safe and ensure that justice prevails, Congress has an obligation to address any shortcomings that threaten public safety and implement appropriate measures of deterrence and prevention. This roundtable was an essential step in ensuring every rider can feel safe when they step onto public transit. By bringing together transit leaders and law enforcement, we\u2019re focused on real, actionable solutions to protect riders, strengthen community confidence, and uphold the fundamental promise of safe, accessible public transportation systems for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt was impossible not to think of the safety of my own daughter when watching the video of Iryna Zarutka\u2019s brutal murder,\u201d said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI). \u201cNo parent should have to fear for their child\u2019s safety on a city bus or train. I stand with Chairman Graves, Chairman Rouzer, and the Trump Administration as they move fast to crack down on crime, secure our transit systems, and restore law and order so American families can travel without fear.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs President Trump and Secretary Duffy have made clear, the safety of American families, including those relying on our transit systems to provide for their families, pursue an education, and make those important medical appointments, is a top priority for this Administration. FTA will continue to hold our transit partners and their leaders accountable until we see significant progress in the experience our commuters and transit workers are living through in our major cities. We\u2019ve been given a mandate to clean up our buses and subways and we will deliver for the moms, dads, and children relying on these public services,\u201d said Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Marcus Molinaro, who participated in today\u2019s roundtable.\n\nAccording to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), crime on public transportation systems has been generally worse since the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the five years prior to the pandemic, the average number of homicides on transit systems more than doubled in the five-year period between 2020 and 2024. Over the same period, assaults on transit systems increased by 80 percent. Recently, on August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska was murdered on the light rail system in Charlotte.\n\nThe T&I Committee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee are in the ongoing process of developing a major bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill for this Congress; this bill will provide funding authorizations and policy changes for federal highways, transit, and other surface transportation programs. The current surface transportation authorization expires on September 30, 2026. One of the chairmen\u2019s goals for the transit portion of the reauthorization bill will be to make transit work for communities of all sizes by ensuring that transit services are safe and reliable. Criminal activity on transit systems can undermine public confidence, decrease ridership, and damage the effectiveness and sustainability of those systems.\n\nTransit and law enforcement officials and stakeholders who participated in today\u2019s roundtable:\n\nFederal Transit Administration Administrator Marcus Molinaro\n\nAmerican Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and Chief Executive Officer Paul P. Skoutelas\n\nWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke\n\nKansas City, Missouri Police Chief Stacey Graves\n\nTransportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Greg Regan", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-calls-new-postage-stamp-honor-late-congressman-william-lacy-clay-sr", "Bell Calls for New Postage Stamp to Honor the Late Congressman William Lacy Clay Sr.", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) introduced the William Lacy Clay Sr. Memorial Stamp Act to create a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the late William Lacy Clay Sr.\n\n\u201cWilliam Lacy Clay Sr. was a giant\u2014not just for St. Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entire country,\u201d said Congressman Bell. \u201cHe spent more than three decades in Congress fighting for civil rights, for working people, and for those too often left out or unheard. His legacy lives on in the movement he helped build, the Black lawmakers he helped lift up, and the community he never stopped serving. A commemorative stamp is a small but lasting way to honor his enormous impact\u2014and to remind future generations of the values he stood for.\u201d\n\nWilliam Lacy \u201cBill\u201d Clay Sr., the first African-American elected to Congress from Missouri, represented St. Louis in the U.S. House for more than three decades. A former civil rights activist and union organizer, he championed the rights of poor and working-class Americans, fought discrimination, and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus. Known for his unwavering commitment to principle, Clay left an indelible mark on labor rights, education, and civil rights legislation. He retired in 2001 and was succeeded by his son, Congressman William Lacy Clay Jr., continuing a family legacy of public service.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/hearing-wrap-expanded-school-choice-boosts-american-students-academic-0", "Hearing Wrap Up: Expanded School Choice Boosts American Students\u2019 Academic Performance", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs held a hearing on \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d During the hearing, members examined the benefits of expanded school choice programs and students\u2019 academic performances. Members also assessed the current state of post-secondary education institutions that fail to produce college graduates who are prepared to meet the U.S. economy\u2019s needs.\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\nAmerican K-12 education had been declining for decades before the expansion of school choice programs among U.S. states, which have improved student academic performance and lifetime outcomes, all while lowering costs for taxpayers.\n\nShaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, testified that \u201c[The] evidence is clear school choice improves outcomes for students who participate and for those who remain in traditional public schools. In fact, 27 out of 30 studies have shown positive or neutral effects on the achievement of students who stay in their local public schools. Perhaps the most striking data comes from Ohio\u2019s Ed Choice program. Students in that program were not just more likely to graduate high school, they were 32 percent more likely to enroll in college and 60 percent more likely to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree than their peers. For the lowest income students, the effect was even greater. They were 175 percent more likely to graduate from college. These aren\u2019t incremental gains. These are life changing outcomes. And behind every statistic is a student.\u201d\n\nRachel Greszler, Fellow at the Economic Policy Innovation Center at The Heritage Foundation, testified that \u201cFlorida and Arizona have led the way in demonstrating school choice success. And now, as more states are following suit. We\u2019re seeing increasing numbers: Half of U.S. students are eligible for some form of private choice program. Also, over just the past two years, a majority of states have passed laws limiting cell phone use in schools. When students aren\u2019t glued to screens, they learn better, they feel safer, and they can become more conscientious. In Alabama, the West Alabama Partnership brings schools and employers together. Ninth graders are required to attend a Worlds of Work career expo, and seniors can attend these expos and leave with a guaranteed job after graduation.\u201d\n\nPost-secondary education institutions are failing to produce college graduates who meet the U.S. economy\u2019s needs, instead creating millions of young Americans with decades of student debt many of whom are in jobs which do not require a bachelor\u2019s degree. Alternative secondary and higher education programs provide early career learning, income, and futures absent of student debt. The employment needs of the dynamic U.S. economy are simply not being met by mass adherence to four-year degrees.\n\nDr. Cody Hirschi, Superintendent of the Reeds Spring School District, testified that \u201c[In the Reeds Spring School District], students build homes, repair cars, and serve in nursing homes and on ambulances, among several other real world learning opportunities. Each program is guided by an advisory team of experts working in our community in those related fields. Not only do our students gain incredible experience, but they are also earning industry recognized credentials, growing from 28 earned when I arrived to 226 earned last year, 88 percent of our students who attend table rock career center and are in an internship have a positive placement in a career path in the related field or post-secondary institution offered to them through our portrait of a graduate framework. We emphasize durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, integrity, perseverance, and emotional resilience. We are implementing student pathways, strength-based assessments, and competency-based learning, giving students voice and agency in their education.\u201d\n\nTodd Dillender, Chief Operating Officer of Caliber Collision, testified that \u201cTech Forest estimates we need nearly 100,000 new technicians between 2024 and 2028. And the reality is, our traditional pipelines, high school and trade school graduates simply aren\u2019t producing enough people to keep up. This shortage ripples across the economy. When repairs are delayed, costs rise. Insurers feel it, consumers feel it, and road safety is at risk. And the challenge is only growing. Vehicles are more complex than ever, with advanced safety systems that must be calibrated and tested before they go back on the road.\u201d\n\nMs. Greszler testified that \u201cWashington has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into federal higher education subsidies. They\u2019ve created a near monopoly on student lending. But instead of better outcomes for students, they face higher tuition, ballooning debt, and too many degrees that don\u2019t pay off. More than a third of undergraduate programs today have a negative return on investment, and only 60 percent of students who enter a college graduate with a degree within six years. Meanwhile, red tape is holding back proven alternatives like apprenticeships. A Harvard study found that we could be using apprenticeships to fill three times as many occupations, and eight times as many job openings.\u201d\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill creates new investment in students across the U.S. and boosts academic opportunities for students across economic backgrounds.\n\nMs. Greszler testified that \u201cWe need more of these bridges from education to work. Congress has already taken significant steps in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expanding 529 accounts, creating workforce Pell grants, limiting federal subsidies for low value degrees, and imposing work requirements in SNAP and Medicaid. But more can be done. Policymakers should expand apprenticeships, phase down federal subsidies that fuel higher tuition, replace failed federal job training programs with employer led initiatives, and make welfare more work oriented.\u201d\n\nMember Highlights:\n\nSubcommittee Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) asked about students\u2019 lack of preparedness for careers post-college.\n\nSubcommittee Chairman Burlison: \u201cThe research that was quoted earlier suggests that one out of every two college graduates in the United States is working, is employed, in a job that does not require a degree. With that, is it fair to say that the post-education, you know, post-secondary education system is not meeting students\u2019 needs?\u201d\n\nMs. Greszler: \u201cI think in many instances it is not. And that\u2019s due to this massive amount of subsidies that are pushing too many people into college, four-year degrees, and also graduate degrees, but also a lack of awareness about what is the outcome of those degrees. And that\u2019s why I think it\u2019s been a good thing that congress has instituted those restrictions, so that funding [is] not going to go to programs that don\u2019t produce an outcome of earnings that are higher than a high school graduate. And that\u2019s exactly what we need more of, is more of these market-based solutions. But we\u2019re lacking that with the enormous amount of federal money that is in higher education.\u201d\n\nRep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) inquired about the success rates of students if the U.S. increased options for alternative pathways in education and careers.\n\nRep. Higgins: \u201cWe got so wise at the federal level and so unionized throughout our education system that we decided \u2018that\u2019s it, you have to have a four-year degree.\u2019 It\u2019s going to cost more and more and more. Now we\u2019re crippling young Americans with debt for degrees that they don\u2019t use. And in many cases, when they do get their degree, they come out of school after interviewing for a job with somebody that never went to college because that\u2019s going to be their supervisor. So, we have to address this. We have to train our young people. Mr. Mitchell, if we shifted back to the way we did things before, what would happen for young Americans in our country?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cThank you, Congressman, for the question and for, you know, the information about what our education system used to set our children up for. And I think you are right to acknowledge that we have become too fixated on four-year college degrees today. One of the things that I believe school choice actually helps with, is showing families that there\u2019s a menu of options for their students, because what we know, and I know this as a parent of three girls, there is range diversity. Even among the daughters in my own household, they have different have different affinities and talents and skills. It would be crazy to think that the exact same path is going to work for each one of them. So we\u2019ve got to have an environment where we are allowing families to access a pathway that best meets the needs of their unique children. For some kids, that\u2019s going to be college. For some, it can be career. Maybe getting into the trades of some of the other witnesses up here have discussed graduating high school with, um, certifications that allow you to get right into the workforce is a tremendous thing, and [it] means that you don\u2019t have to go into debt pursuing a degree that you may not be interested in in the first place. And choice really opens up the aperture widens the aperture so that families have options.\u201d\n\nRep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) asked if graduates of four-year college programs are more focused on pushing political agendas than they are developing real world skills.\n\nRep. Boebert: \u201cMr. Mitchell, would you say that today\u2019s four-year colleges are more focused on, pushing political agendas than preparing our students for real world, marketable skills?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cI think, unfortunately, what you see across the educational spectrum is that much of education, whether or not that\u2019s K-12 or even at the higher [education] level, it\u2019s not yielding the results for students that they need to be productive citizens, right? So, the [National Assessment of Education Progress] scores that were just released show that our graduating seniors are performing academically at the lowest levels in history. Now, many of those are matriculating still into colleges. And we\u2019ve got to ask the question, \u2018where did all of that money get used?\u2019 Because the dollars have been, you know, have increased over time. The academic results are decreasing over time. And as we\u2019ve heard from other members of this panel today, kids are leaving with more debt than they are opportunity. And so, we\u2019ve got to ask some really hard questions, I think, about the entire education system and how we give families and kids more options.\u201d\n\nRep. Boebert: \u201cYes. And would you say that many of today\u2019s college graduates are more ideologically rigid than they are job ready after leaving?\u201d\n\nMr. Mitchell: \u201cYeah. One of the things that is really interesting, some research [that] comes out of the University of Arkansas shows that students who participate in choice programs when they are in K-12 are actually more civically engaged, right? They have greater exposure to civil discourse, for instance, which we are in dire need of, especially on campus. And so, I\u2019m hopeful that as we increase choice among K-12 students, that those young adults will be more prepared to engage with the world, to engage even with others who have different views from themselves in a civil manner.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-host-manufacturing-tour-joplin", "Rep. Eric Burlison to Host Manufacturing Tour\u00a0in Joplin", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JOPLIN, MO \u2013 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) will host a Manufacturing Tour and Debriefing on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Missouri Southern State University\u2019s Ron Richard Athletic Center (Building 42). Members of the media are invited to attend a lunch and debriefing session, followed by media availability for interviews.\n\nThe event will highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote pro-growth policies, and gather insights from industry leaders and stakeholders across Missouri\u2019s 7th Congressional District.\n\nMEDIA DETAILS\n\nDate: Friday, September 26, 2025\n\nLocation: Ron Richard Athletic Center (Building 42), Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801 (Located directly north of Fred G. Hughes Stadium at the intersection of Newman & Duquesne Roads)\n\nSCHEDULE\n\n12:00 \u2013 12:45 PM | Lunch & Debriefing\n\n12:45 \u2013 1:15 PM | Rep. Burlison Media Availability\n\nMEDIA CONTACT\n\nNate Lucas (nate.lucas@mail.house.gov)\n\nNoah Snelson (noah.snelson@mail.house.gov)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bob-onder-introduced-chloe-cole-act-which-was-transmitted-congress", "Congressman Bob Onder introduced the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice.", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSeptember 18, 2025\n\nContact: Tom Mitchell\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Congressman Bob Onder introduced the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice. Congressman Onder will serve as the House sponsor of this legislation, which was commissioned by President Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14187.\n\nTennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn will serve as the sponsor in the United States Senate.\n\n\"As a member of Congress, a doctor, a parent, and an American, I am committed to protecting our nation\u2019s children. That\u2019s why I am proud to introduce the Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a permanent stop to one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical procedures in modern history,\" said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Justice has heard from far too many families who have been devastated by mutilative medical procedures that fly in the face of basic biology,\u201d said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. \u201cWhile we continue our ongoing legal battle to protect children, we appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Bob Onder who are working diligently alongside us to end these abusive procedures once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cPuberty blockers, cross sex hormones, and surgical procedures left me with lasting damage when I was still a child. The damage done to my body is in many ways irreparable, and seeking restoration has been nearly impossible. Physicians who engage in chemical or surgical mutilation of children must face consequences. I\u2019m proud to lend my name to this bill and help others whose lives have been forever altered due to these barbaric treatments,\u201d said Chloe Cole.\n\n\u201cNo child should be pushed into irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of so-called \u2018gender-affirming care,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Chloe Cole Act would put a stop to this barbaric abuse of children and give those who have suffered the consequences of these harmful procedures the chance to fight back.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American College of Pediatricians has been sounding the alarm on the harms of puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries for minors who have gender dysphoria. We applaud the Chloe Cole Act and are pleased to see legislation that will prevent this irreversible damage. This Act will protect American youth from being gaslit into a lifetime of chronic illness and painful regret. Children deserve the best evidence-based medical care, not interventions driven by ideology,\u201d said Dr. Jill Simons, Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians.\n\nThe practice of medicine shouldn\u2019t be politicized. Providing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and sex-trait surgeries to children on a mass scale is a practice that is not rooted in science or supported by peer-reviewed research. That is why European countries \u2013 including Sweden, Finland, and England \u2013 banned this practice as soon as it was discovered that it was causing more harm than good.\n\nThe claim that these procedures decrease suicidality or gender dysphoria is based on one faulty study that has never been able to be replicated. To achieve the desired outcome, the study dropped subjects who experienced unsuccessful results, including one that passed away. A 2022 follow up study of the participants found that 44% of females and 35% of males regretted losing their fertility, and 20% reported a change in their gender identity over time.\n\nWhen used long term in healthy children, puberty blockers can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When cross-sex hormones follow puberty blockers, the child can be left permanently infertile and can be more likely to experience cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. We know that these procedures cause serious, permanent damage and provide little psychological benefit.\n\nPolitical pressures have infiltrated medical society leadership, who have chosen to disregard evidence-based medicine and stifle concerns from physician members. Both the Endocrine Society and American Academy of Pediatrics adopted so-called \u201cGender Affirming Care\u201d without allowing debate or a vote by their membership. In fact, physician members of both organizations have petitioned their leadership for the opportunity to discuss their concerns, but both have refused to allow such debate.\n\nWhistleblower doctors and nurses have shared that parents and children are usually uninformed of the long-term health risks, and that many gender clinics intentionally refuse to track negative outcomes or provide support to children who are unhappy with the outcomes of their hormone intervention.\n\nAcross the country, radical ideologies have crept into our healthcare system, preying on vulnerable children and pressuring families into life-altering, irreversible procedures that mutilate healthy bodies under the false banner of \"gender-affirming care.\" These practices aren\u2019t medicine, they\u2019re exploitation. They are rooted in political ideology, not science.\n\nThey are driven by profit and the bottom line of the transgender industrial complex, not compassion.\n\nThis legislation was inspired by courageous young women like Chloe Cole, who underwent a double mastectomy at just 15 years old \u2014 only to regret it deeply by 16. Chloe is one of thousands of children misled by dangerous medical experimentation disguised as care. These children are sterilized, scarred, and left to carry the emotional and physical burden for a lifetime, while activists and practitioners get rich.\n\nBetween 2019 and 2023 alone, over 14,000 children were prescribed puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones\u2014and more than 5,700 were subjected to surgical procedures like mastectomies or genital reassignment. This is state-sanctioned child abuse, and it must end now.\n\nIn January, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14187, directing our government to stand up for these victims and to give them legal recourse.\n\nThis bill would:\n\nProhibit physicians, clinics, and hospitals from participating in chemical or surgical mutilation of minors;\n\nDefine sex as a biological reality, not a political label;\n\nEstablish a private right of action, allowing victims and their families to seek civil damages against those who harmed them;\n\nAnd extend the statute of limitations to ensure that survivors have ample time to pursue justice, even decades later.\n\nNo parent should be told they must choose between \u201caffirming\u201d dangerous treatments or losing custody. And no doctor should escape accountability for permanently mutilating a healthy child.\n\nThis bill is simple: protect children, punish abusers, and ensure that victims can seek justice.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act will end these horrific experiments on children and hold those profiting from the transgender industrial complex accountable. I call on my colleagues in Congress, regardless of party, to stand with our children and with the truth. Let\u2019s put an end to this nightmare and restore sanity and safety to American healthcare.\n\nOriginal House co-sponsors include:\n\nRepresentatives Buddy Carter (GA-01), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Randy Weber (TX-14), Barry Moore (AL-01), Jim Baird (IN-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), John Rose (TN-06), Riley Moore (WV-02), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Andy Harris (MD-01), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Mike Collins (GA-10)", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-opens-hearing-school-choice-expansion", "Rep. Burlison Opens Hearing on School Choice Expansion", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s hearing on \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison noted the decline in American education prior to the expansion of school choice programs and the failure of post-secondary education institutions to prepare college graduates for meeting the needs of the U.S. economy. Subcommittee Chairman Burlison also highlighted the benefits of school choice programs on academic success and how school choice provided through the One Big Beautiful Bill saves American taxpayers money.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Burlison's Opening Remarks\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison\u2019s prepared remarks:\n\nPlato once said, \u201cThe direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.\u201d\n\nThat is a truth that echoes across the millennia for men and women today: education is the foundation of a flourishing society and individual. And yet, in America today, our educational foundation has seen cracks and has been crumbling for years.\n\nThat jeopardizes American prosperity.\n\nFor 25 years, reading and math proficiency have flatlined. Our children are not flourishing\u2014they are falling behind.\n\nMeanwhile, the bureaucratic behemoth of traditional K-12 education has only grown larger, measuring its success less by learning outcomes and overall flourishment and more by one narrow metric: college admissions.\n\nFor many decades, college has been thought of as the key to success in America\u2014college degrees guaranteed high paying, comfortable jobs.\n\nBut the promise of college as a guaranteed path to prosperity is now waning. Half of the undergraduate class of 2023 now works in jobs that don\u2019t even require a degree.\n\nEntry-level white-collar positions are disappearing as our economy changes and the use of artificial intelligence rises. The U.S. faces an unprecedented surplus of college graduates\u2014many buried in debt for decades, many holding degrees of little value in the marketplace.\n\nAt the same time, our economy is starved for what higher education refuses to supply: manufacturing technicians, skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen, engineers, and workers who can build and maintain the backbone of America.\n\nIt\u2019s time we reevaluate our education system.\n\nFortunately, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made considerable efforts to challenge the traditional model.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law earlier this year incentivizes the funding of scholarships and offers an opportunity for parents to send their children to the best schools.\n\nSchool choice is not a theory. It is freedom. It is competition. It is accountability. It is vital to the economic future of our country. It should be as American as apple pie and baseball.\n\nAnd alternative choices are not just needed at the K-12 level. They are also needed at the post-secondary level.\n\nRecent reporting from the Department of Labor highlights that, in the trades, the average salary after completion of an apprenticeship is $11,000 more than that of recent college graduates.\n\nCareers in the trades, as we will hear from our witnesses today, are vital, offer high paying jobs, and provide ample opportunities across our nation.\n\nEducation and training programs are vital to prepare young people to take advantage of these opportunities. They pass on critical learning that upholds and strengthens businesses and local economies.\n\nAmerica needs more post-secondary educational alternatives to prepare young people for these rewarding careers\u2014alternatives that offer clear-cut and viable opportunities compared to underperforming 4-year college programs.\n\nAmerica\u2019s youth and families deserve\u2014and America\u2019s economy demands\u2014educational and career training choices that better fit students\u2019, families\u2019 and communities\u2019 needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-protect-seniors-financial-exploitation-unanimously", "Wagner Legislation to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation Unanimously Approved by House Financial Services Committee", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after her Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was unanimously approved by the Financial Services Committee:\n\n\u201cWe are facing a growing crisis that is often hidden in plain sight: the financial exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens. This issue affects millions, robbing them of their life savings and sense of security. For too long, the financial industry has been limited in its ability to combat this insidious crime. My Financial Exploitation Prevention Act empowers the people who are in the best position to intervene and stop financial abuse before it\u2019s too late. Crucially, it allows financial institutions to temporarily delay a transaction if they have a reasonable belief that it is the result of financial exploitation. Tools like this will help better protect those who are 65 or older, as well as those with mental or physical impairments who are unable to protect their own interests. I am grateful the full Committee passed this legislation today, and I look forward to the House as a whole taking this up.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Financial Exploitation Prevention Act would give the financial industry better tools to address suspected financial exploitation and abuse of seniors and those with mental and physical disabilities. First, the bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to report to Congress on recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes on how to combat financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults. Second, the bill permits a registered open-end investment company or transfer agent for that company, including mutual funds, to better protect seniors by delaying the redemption period of any redeemable security if it was reasonably believed that such redemption was requested through the financial exploitation of a security holder who is a senior or an individual unable to protect their own interests.\n\nSeniors aged 65 and over will make up 18% of the U.S. population by 2030. As more investors age into retirement, their risk of exploitation increases. According to a 2023 AARP report, Americans age 60 and older lose an estimated $28.3 billion annually due to financial exploitation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-announces-hearing-reversing-decline-american-education-system", "Rep. Burlison Announces Hearing on Reversing the Decline of the American Education System", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013\u2013Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) today announced a hearing titled \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees.\u201d American K-12 education had been declining for decades before the expansion of school choice programs that increased students\u2019 performance and outcomes and lowered costs for taxpayers. During the hearing, members will examine the benefits of expanded school choice programs and assess the current state of post-secondary education institutions that fail to produce college graduates prepared to fill the United States economy\u2019s needs. Members will also examine new educational opportunities created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\u201cK-12 school choice programs have yielded significant improvements to students\u2019 quality of life, academic performance, and life outcomes when compared to traditional educational model counterparts. The expansion of school choice programs through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement have given American students more opportunities to pursue alternative track programs that can help meet employment deficits in the economy. I look forward to hearing from experts on how Congress can facilitate the expansion of school choice programs that provide alternatives to failing post-secondary education institutions and have been saving American taxpayers money,\u201d said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.\n\nWHAT: Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs hearing titled \u201cOpening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice and Alternatives to Four-Year College Degrees\u201d\n\nDATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025\n\nTIME: 10:00 a.m. ET\n\nLOCATION: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nRachel Greszler, Economic Policy Innovation Center, The Heritage Foundation\n\nRebecca Friedrichs, founder, For Kids & Country\n\nNicole (Nicky) Neily, Parents Defending Education\n\nDr. Cody Hirschi, Superintendent, Reeds Spring School District", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 353, "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": "MO", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 186, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 167, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 353, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 353, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 353, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-09-12,https~3A~2F~2Fburlison~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-burlison-announces-hearing-reversing-decline-american-education-system", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=MO&year=2025&_next=2025-09-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fburlison~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-burlison-announces-hearing-reversing-decline-american-education-system&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 185.23428309708834, "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"}