{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"PA\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2320", "Toomey in Today's Morning Call: Even with Divided Congress, Opportunities Exist for Bipartisan Legislation", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Allentown, Pa. - In an op-ed published in today's Morning Call, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) details his legislative priorities for the coming legislative session and what he believes can be accomplished under divided government.\nTopics include, but are not limited to, making permanent the expiring provisions of tax reform, strengthening firearm background checks, expanding opportunities for international trade, and a federal infrastructure improvement measure.\nSenator Toomey's op-ed is provided below and available here.\nYour View: Even with divided Congress, opportunities exist for bipartisan legislationMorning Call  By Senator Pat Toomey   December 28, 2018\nIn January, Americans will send a divided government to Washington. As we consider our legislative agenda for the next Congress, our first rule should be: Do no harm.\nThe American economy is the strongest we've seen in decades. Economic growth has accelerated, unemployment is at 3.7 percent, middle-class wages are finally rising, and for the first time there are more job openings than there are people looking for a job.\nThis is largely due to historic tax reform and regulatory relief that has been enacted over the past two years. We should make the expiring provisions of tax reform permanent and continue the regulatory reforms that helped get us here.\nAnother important opportunity is meaningful entitlement reform. Our structural deficits and accumulating debt will, at some point, undermine economic growth and our standard of living if uncorrected. The three big entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - are the root cause of our fiscal problems.\nSuccessful reforms in the past were achieved when members of both parties were willing to take political risks together. I have no illusions that this will be easy - or likely. But Congress owes the American people a government that is fiscally stable.\nAreas where we have better odds of making real progress include keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the dangerously mentally ill; expanding opportunities for international trade; lowering the cost of health care; fighting opioid abuse; and modernizing the nation's aging infrastructure.\nLaw-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to own and use firearms. I'm a gun owner and take my son shooting. A brief background check to prevent the purchase of a gun by someone who has forfeited their right to own a gun, such as a convicted felon or dangerously mentally ill person, does not violate anyone's Second Amendment rights.\nA silver lining of Democratic control of the House is that they may pass background check legislation. This could boost momentum for Senate passage of my bill, which I wrote with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), to extend background checks to cover all commercial sales, including those made at gun shows and online. Congress should finally come together and enact our bill.\nOn trade, the president's policies have been mixed. He's been mistaken to propose restricting trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada - our largest trading partners - but right to point out the egregious theft of intellectual property by China.\nOn balance, international trade is very good for Pennsylvania. The livelihoods of 1.6 million Pennsylvanians depend on trade, and workers in export-based manufacturing jobs are paid, on average, 18 percent more than other workers. Congress should correct the president's misguided actions, and affirm his constructive trade policy.\nHealth care may seem like an unlikely area for cooperation with divided government, but the high cost of care for American families provides powerful motivation. We need legislation to improve cost and quality transparency for consumers, enhance choices, and lower prices across the entire sector.\nCongress should also be able to build on the recent bipartisan efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. For starters, we can do more to reduce the flow of lethal fentanyl into the United States from other countries and encourage further reductions in opioid prescriptions.\nLastly, there is bipartisan agreement that our infrastructure needs improvement. Updating our infrastructure is about more than fixing congested roads and aging bridges. It's also about our airports, locks, dams, dredging, access to broadband, and transporting the vast natural gas reserves that are transforming Pennsylvania into a leading energy producer and exporter. If crafted responsibly, an infrastructure bill can facilitate more, and sustained, economic growth.\nThe biggest political dynamic at play in 2019 is how willing the newly elected Democratic House majority and President Trump are to work together. The Senate will continue confirming the president's executive branch and judicial nominees.\nI stand ready to work with my House and Senate colleagues, regardless of party affiliation, to make progress on these and other important priorities for our commonwealth and nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-3074309-department-of-health-and-human-services-hhs", "Cartwright Announces $3,074,309 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant to Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern PA", "2018-12-27", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wilkes Barre, PA  Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency (HHS) has awarded a $3,074,309 grant to Rural Health Corporation of Northeastern PA in Wilkes-Barre.\nThis funding will continue to provide families and individuals with the preventive care and treatment they need to live healthy lives, said Rep. Cartwright a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Community health centers remain a crucial part of our system to provide everyone with access to affordable, quality care.\nThe Health Center Cluster Grants Program is awarded on a competitive basis to grantees that have demonstrated quality care to their communities and is overseen by HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration agency.\nCongressman Cartwright continues to be an advocate for community health centers and health equity in Northeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the country. He recognizes the important role local health centers play in providing care to underserved communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scanlon-introduces-inaugural-fund-integrity-act", "Congresswoman Scanlon Introduces Inaugural Fund Integrity Act", "2018-12-27", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-7) introduced her first piece of legislation, the Inaugural Fund Integrity Act (IFIA), which will establish limits on donations to inaugural committees, and require donations and disbursements to be disclosed.\nThe lack of oversight of inaugural committees has created serious questions about possible quid pro quo deals with the current administration, said Congresswoman Scanlon. We need to restore faith in our democratic institutions and write into law the ethical standards which the people have the right to expect. While our President refuses to do his job - pushing our government into a shutdown - we need to continue to do what the American people elected us to do. I believe the Inaugural Fund Integrity Act is a critical component in our path forward to a government that works for the people.\nThe Inaugural Fund Integrity Act (IFIA) will correct several loopholes in the current Inaugural Committee structure, which allows for abuse of funds. The IFIA will:\n \nProhibit donations to inaugural funds from foreign nationals or corporations. It also bans so called straw donors, in which donations are directed through shell entities to hide their true origin. IFIA further places a $50,000 cap on any donation to an inaugural committee.\n\t\nBanning Personal Use of Inaugural Funds. Under IFIA, inaugural funds can only be used for their legitimate government purpose: to plan and celebrate an inauguration.\n\t\nRequires disclosure of all donations and disbursements. IFIA forces an inaugural committee to file a report with the Federal Elections Committee disclosing information about all donations received and disbursements made.\n \nThe Trump Inaugural committee is now under criminal investigation for millions of dollars in mysterious and unexplained expenditures as well as possibly illegal donations from foreign sources, said Lisa Gilbert, Vice President of Legislative Affairs at Public Citizen, a public interest advocacy group. The absence of adequate regulation and disclosure of the financing of inaugural committees makes very clear the necessity for Congresswoman Scanlon's Inaugural Fund Integrity Act.\nCongresswoman Scanlon continued, We must rebalance the scales of power in favor of the people. The shutdown of a quarter of our federal government is a perfect example of what happens when the voice of the people goes ignored. Restoring our democratic institutions will get our government working again and prevent future harmful shutdowns like this one.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-fitzpatrick-spend-christmas-day-us-troops-middle-east", "Breaking: Fitzpatrick to spend Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in the Middle-East", "2018-12-24", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) will spend Christmas Day visiting with U.S. Troops deployed to the Middle-East, who's missions include military operations in Syria and Iraq.\nFitzpatrick will be in various undisclosed locations in the CENTCOM AOR in the Middle-East, serving Christmas dinner to troops, receiving classified briefings from military generals regarding ongoing military operations, and spending time with Pennsylvania-based troops serving in all branches of the U.S. Military who are deployed to various Middle-East locations.\nCongressman Fitzpatrick has made a commitment to spend every Christmas Day with our troops deployed oversees. Last year, Fitzpatrick spent Christmas Day with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan. In 2007-2008, while serving as an FBI Special Agent, Fitzpatrick was embedded with U.S. Special Forces in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-fitzpatrick-cyberstalking-bill", "Senate Passes Fitzpatrick Cyberstalking Bill", "2018-12-24", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) released a statement after the Senate passed on Saturday his Combat Online Predators Act [H.R. 4203], with an amendment:\nWe have no higher responsibility than to protect our kids. I'm pleased that the Senate has advanced the Combat Online Predators Act. We must do everything we can to forcefully respond to egregious instances of stalking and cyberstalking. This legislation, inspired by Erin and Madison Zezzo, ensures that, not only are we increasing penalties for cyberstalking crimes against minors, but we are also requiring federal law enforcement officials to evaluate and update practices to combat this dangerous harassment. I urge House leadership to immediately bring the Senate-passed bill up for a vote before the end of the Congress.\nThe Combat Online Predators Act provides enhanced criminal penalties for stalkers under Title 18 Section 2261 by up to five years if the victim is a minor. Furthermore, the legislation calls for the Attorney General and Department of Justice to produce an evaluation of Federal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking and identify and describe elements of these enforcement efforts that constitute best practices.\nIn April, the House overwhelming passed the bipartisan Combat Online Predators Act [H.R. 4203]. The Senate amended the bill to ensure that the enhanced penalties only apply to more serious cases of stalking.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-statement-trump-shutdown", "Congressman Boyle Statement on Trump Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Early this morning, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) issued the following statement in response to the federal government shut down after President Trump and congressional Republicans failed to advance a spending bill that included $5 billion for President Trump's expensive, ineffective, and unpopular proposed border wall:\n\n\"President Trump said he would be \u2018proud' to shut down the government, so right now he is probably beaming while thousands of government workers scramble to feed their families, buy holiday gifts and pay household bills without their hard earned paychecks. Never before has one party held the House, the Senate, and the White House yet been so stunningly unable to pass budgets that keep the government open. Again, our President who claims to \"make the best deals\" has failed miserably in his constitutional duty. This entire process has been shameful and irresponsible. Rather than cater to their base, it's past time President Trump and Republicans controlling Washington step up in good faith to reach consensus with Democrats for the benefit of the nation.\n\nCongressman Boyle is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Budget Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-government-shutdown-0", "Fitzpatrick Statement on Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) issued the following statement on the partial government shutdownincluding his intention to abide by his No Budget, No Pay proposal and reject a salary until a spending agreement is reached:\nGovernment shutdowns are not an effective way to govern. They're costly, unnecessary, and demonstrate a failure to lead from both parties. While I strongly believe that we must secure our border and fix our broken immigration system, Congress had plenty of opportunities to act and failed each time. Earlier this year, I voted for a compromise bill that would have secured our borders and protected DACA recipients. Unfortunately, that measure failed to make it out of the House.\nI have not, and will not, vote to shut down the government. It's the basic duty of Congress to fund the federal government. Shutdowns disrupt government services, compromise national security, and cause uncertainty for federal employees. Critical funding for programs like the Violence Against Women Act lapse. Congress should follow the way the American people run their businesses and manage their families: lead by example to build consensus and solve problems in a dignified, honorable manner.\nI will be leading by example. I will not accept any pay during any government shutdown. I am not delaying my pay; I am sending it back to the United States Treasury. And I am not only encouraging, but I am urging, all my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, to do the same. Let's send a message to the extreme partisans on both sides: do your job or don't get paid.\nAs we await action from the Senate, I remain willing to work with both sides to find solutions and keep the government open.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2319", "Toomey Statement on Government Funding Vote", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding the government funding vote:\n\"This is a disappointing situation for all parties involved, especially for affected federal employees. However, there is a deal to be made, but as today's vote showed, it requires the White House to negotiate with the Senate Minority Leader. This should not be an impossible feat, given that Democrats have voted in the past for a wall. In 2013, every Senate Democrat supported legislation to spend $46 billion on border security and a wall. Now, many of these same lawmakers are balking about a bill that puts $5 billion toward border security. For that reason, I am hopeful this impasse can be resolved in short order.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-statement-partial-government-shutdown", "Representative Susan Wild Statement on Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONFollowing the partial government shutdown starting at midnight last night, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-15) issued the following statement:\nWith hours still left to work last night, partisanship has run rampant in Washington to force a government shutdown over $5 billion for border wall funding. While the government remains closed, more than 800,000 federal employees12,643 workers in Pennsylvaniawill be forced to go without pay through the holiday season, including FBI agents, ATF agents, DEA agents, correctional officers, firefighters and border agents. This is not how government is supposed to work, and it is certainly not how we should treat civil servants who have worked hard to earn their paychecks. It's disappointing that while there is still a deal on the table that was able to pass through the Senate with bipartisan support, the White House is pushing to leave the government unfunded and threaten the paychecks of federal workers over the holiday over funding for an expensive and ineffective border wall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-secretary-mattis", "Fitzpatrick Statement on Secretary Mattis", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) issued the following statement on Secretary Mattis:\n      Secretary Mattis served our nation with distinction, honor, and integrity for nearly fifty years. His bravery and leadership have protected American safety at home and projected American stability abroad. For that, our nation owes him a sincere debt of gratitude.\nI share Secretary Mattis' clear understanding of America's allies and adversaries. We must pursue policies that strengthen NATO and our other global partnerships. We must recognize that Russia and other authoritarian regimes seek to undermine our stabilizing role in the world.\nWe must not allow a series of unforced policy errors to endanger our homeland, alienate our allies, and empower our foes. Congress must embrace its constitutional duty to hold the executive branch accountable in all matters of national security.\nI urge the President to select a new Secretary of Defense, who emulates Secretary Mattis' respect for long held global agreements and democratic ideals.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-sends-annual-christmas-message-constituents-0", "Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Kelly Sends Annual Christmas Message to Constituents                                           \n              Dec 21, 2018      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n        \n            \n        \n      \n    \n    \n    \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) released the enclosed video today as his annual Christmas greeting to the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Effective January 3, 2019, Rep. Kelly will represent Pennsylvania's 16th District.\nI just want to wish you all the merriest Christmas you can possibly have, a happy and healthy new year, and the best of everything that life has to offer!\n Rep. Kelly\nThe full video message can be viewed via YouTube here.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2318", "Toomey Statement on U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Syria", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding President Trump's intent to withdraw American forces from Syria:\n\"When President Obama prematurely evacuated American forces from Iraq we paid the price with the rise of ISIS. I am deeply concerned that President Trump is making the same mistake now in Syria and I urge him to reconsider. At a minimum, the president's national security team must come to Congress to explain the president's strategy before any troops are withdrawn.\n\"The American people deserve to understand, among other things, how the administration plans to prevent the return of ISIS, protect our Kurdish partners in Syria, and stop Iran from expanding its power in the region and further threatening the United States and our ally Israel.\"\nSenator Toomey is also supporting a bipartisan measure (S.Res.738) introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stating that the United States should continue its limited military activities within Syria, as the absence of American forces in the region will embolden ISIS, Bashar al-Assad, Iran, and Russia while putting our Kurdish allies in great jeopardy. The resolution calls on President Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw American forces from Syria.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-potential-government-shutdown", "Casey Statement on Potential Government Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following President Trump's desire to shut down the federal government:\r\n\"We're moving towards a Trump shutdown. The President said he would be proud' to shut down the government and now he's doing just that. Instead of creating chaos, President Trump should support the bipartisan funding bill that the U.S. Senatepassed unanimously. It provides over $1 billion for border security funding, but not a wall that security experts say won't work.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-president-trump-and-secretary-agriculture-sonny-perdue-withdraw", "Letter to President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue: Withdraw your SNAP cuts", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Dear President Trump and Secretary Purdue:\n\nOn May 23, 2017, President Trump's proposed FY18 budget was released. As you may know, this budget proposal would have cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $193 Billion.[1] This drastic 19 percent cut to SNAP would have resulted in 42 million people nationwide having no financial means to put healthy, nutritious food on the kitchen table.[2] The 115th Republican-led Congress rejected this and passed H.R. 2 after almost two years of deliberation, which retained the work requirements as they are. And President Trump, in August 2016 you had the nerve to ask Black Americans, \"What the hell do you have to lose?\" Well, you have made it abundantly clear by this greatly flawed SNAP proposal, and numerous other instances of deviant behavior, both before and since your ascension into office, that Blacks, and other Americans, have a lot to lose.\n\nBut now you have proposed to deliberately and imprudently undermine a Congressional bill by issuing a proposed rule which falsely characterizes and impugns the motives of millions of Americans who rely on SNAP. There stand you, two men who have benefited enormously from government largesse and funds throughout your entire lives, yet now deign to cast others in a negative light for doing the same thing. The hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness is galling to say the least.\n\nHunger is often associated with developing countries, when in fact, one in seven Americans are food insecure and one in five Philadelphians are food insecure. The USDA defines food insecurity as being: \"consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.\" [3] Many veterans, senior citizens, children, working families, and college students depend on SNAP for stability and utter survival.\n\nAlmost 2 million Pennsylvanians benefit from SNAP and with the majority of benefits going to those in need, it is critical that Title IV of the upcoming Farm Bill continue to keep these vulnerable populations in the forefront of discussions. Earlier this year I attended the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg and, among other activities, participated in a roundtable with our constituents to better understand what they are thinking.\n\nThe lessons we learned there are that agriculture remains the most important industry in our state, and that there is a direct connection between American agriculture and SNAP's role in being our last line of defense in preventing hunger. In spite of our best efforts, according to research from the Public Citizens for Children and Youth, 20 percent of Pennsylvania children suffer from food insecurity.\n\nSNAP provides needed benefits to children, the elderly and disabled, and disaster victims. It also reduces hunger, buttresses struggling families, and helps boost local economies because SNAP recipients tend to immediately spend their benefits, boosting consumer output.\n\nFrom Titusville to Philadelphia, many of our constituents are hard-working Americans, seeking to make a living, provide, and feed their families. SNAP benefits can often be the difference between making ends meet or ending up on the short-side of a tight budget, desperately looking to feed families. The 700,000 children in Pennsylvania who depend on SNAP are the future workforce of our great Commonwealth, and in the increased competition in the day and age of globalization, they deserve to have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.\n\nThe families of whom I write, work 40 plus hours a week but often still lack the means to support and provide healthy meals for their families.[4] Children who do not receive adequate nutrition are adversely affected physically, mentally, and emotionally, which can result in long-term, and debilitating deficiencies.\n\nWhen summer arrives and schools are closed it is often the case that, school lunch, a child's one and only meal option is eliminated. In fact, in an NPR article, a young boy missed his school bus and a school superintendent drove the child to a convenience store to get him a single serving of a chicken \u2018snack pack'. The superintendent assumed the young boy would be happy that he would have something to eat, but instead the young boy was concerned whether the chicken \u2018snack pack' would be enough to share with his sister.[5]\n\nUnfortunately, this story is not unique. There are thousands of stories where children rely on school lunches as their only meal of the day and worry whether there will be enough food to share with their siblings.\n\nYour proposal's cuts to SNAP are a disservice to our small businesses. According to Brian Lang of the nonprofit The Food Trust, \"implementing cuts to that extent are going to have stark consequences for retailers, especially in low-income communities.\" [6] 42 million Americans and small business owners will be incredibly vulnerable if your callous proposal is administered into law, which I remind you, intentionally subverts the will of the Farm Bill just passed in Congress.[7]\n\nWith so many Americans who lack consistent access to meals and quality food, how does the USDA plan to address food insecurity and protect SNAP? Additionally, how does the USDA seek to remedy the cuts to the school lunch program, a basic necessity in the lives of children across the country? I call on you to reconsider these harmful cuts, and work with my colleagues here in Congress to put veterans, children, and other vulnerable populations first.\n\nI assure you that the people of Pennsylvania, who control 20 crucial electoral votes, will not forget if these backdoor SNAP cuts are rammed into law\u2014in part because I will make it my business to remind them.\n\nAgain, it is clear that under your leadership, we have a lot to lose. I urge you to withdraw this harmful proposal.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDwight Evans\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-house-send-historic-criminal-justice-reform-president", "Fitzpatrick, House Send Historic Criminal Justice Reform to President", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) joined the U.S. House of Representatives and overwhelmingly passed the FIRST STEP Act [S. 756], prison reform that would lower recidivism and prison populations through rehabilitative programming.\nThe Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed, Safely Transitioning Every Person Act (FIRST STEP) aims to improve public safety while lowering recidivism and prison populations through rehabilitative programing, enabling newly-released individuals to more successfully re-enter society.\nI'm proud to cast my vote in support of the FIRST STEP Act with my fellow Problem Solvers Caucus members today, said Fitzpatrick. As a former FBI agent, I understand criminal justice reform is critically important to reducing crime and recidivism. Today's bipartisan measure demonstrates our investment and confidence in our fellow Americans. While there is still more work to accomplish, today's vote marks a generational shift towards a criminal justice system that establishes a more practical, efficient rehabilitative framework to keep communities safe. I appreciate the tireless work of bipartisan advocates, my colleagues, and members of the Administration who made today's positive outcome a reality.\nReducing Recidivism and Increasing Public Safety: The bill creates a risk and needs assessment system that will ensure each prisoner's risk of re-offending is assessed. The First Step Act also:\n Provides evidence-based recidivism reduction programming for federal prisoners;\n\tProvides incentives to federal prisoners for participating in First Step programming, including the earning of time credits towards a pre-release custody at a halfway house or home confinement; and\n\tExcludes violent and high risk criminals, including fentanyl traffickers, from using time credits.\n Reforming Select Sentencing Laws: Under the First Step Act, sentencing is made fairer through narrow reforms. Namely, the First Step Act:\n Clarifies that enhanced penalties for using a firearm during a crime of violence or drug crime should be reserved for repeat offenders of such crimes;\n  Reduces the three-strike penalty for non-violent drug offenses from life imprisonment to 25 years;\n\tBroadens mandatory penalties for serious violent offenders;\n\tExpands the existing federal safety valve to include more low-level, non-violent offenders and maintains safeguards to prohibit violent criminals from potentially benefitting from reduced sentences; and\n\tAllows for the retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 for drug offenders sentenced under the crack disparity who petition for a reconsideration of their sentence.\n Additional provisions of the bill would require that prisoners be placed in facilities located nearer their families, prohibit female inmates from being shackled during child birth and provide individuals leaving custody with identification documents that are often prerequisites for employment.\nIn May, the House passed the FIRST STEP Act with the support of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-syria-0", "Fitzpatrick Statement on Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Syria:\nI'm greatly concerned by reports that the President will immediately withdraw troops from Syria. By eliminating our military presence in Syria, America is effectively ceding leverage to Iran. This decision further undermines our nation's ability to apply maximum pressure against Iran and destabilizes our military partnership with Israel in the region. Our continued presence in Syria is critical to defeat ISIS, push back against Russian and Iranian influence, and put the Assad regime on notice. The previous administration demonstrated that allowing premature deadlines to dictate military posture are detrimental to our national security. I urge the President to reconsider withdrawing from Syria.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-kelly-legislation-increase-retirement-savings-americans", "House Passes Kelly Legislation to  Increase Retirement Savings for Americans", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Year-end tax relief package includes text of three retirement reform bills authored by Rep. Kelly \n A secure retirement for every American should not be a partisan issue \nWATCH HERE\nWASHINGTON  The U.S. House of Representatives this evening passed the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 and the Taxpayer First Act of 2018 (also known as the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 88). The package includes major parts of legislation previously introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)  founder and co-chairman of the House Retirement Security Caucus and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee  during the 115th Congress. These include the Family Savings Act of 2018 (H.R. 6757), the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2018 (H.R. 5282), and the Rightsizing Pension Premiums Act of 2017 (H.R. 3596).\nFloor statement by Rep. Kelly on H.R. 88 (as prepared for delivery):\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, for bringing this incredibly important legislation to the floor for consideration. I rise in strong support of H.R. 88, a comprehensive package that will, in many different ways, help millions of American families save more of their own money for their future.\nAmong H.R. 88's many features is a section that includes key elements of the three retirement reform bills that I have been proud to author, introduce, and champion over the last two years.\nOne of those bills  the Family Savings Act  stood as one of the three pillars of Tax Reform 2.0, which this House passed with bipartisan support in September. With the passage of H.R. 88, much of that bill  along with my bipartisan Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act and my bipartisan Rightsizing Pension Premiums Act  will be one giant step closer to becoming law.\nIn short, this package is a wonderful Christmas present for the American people that cannot come soon enough.\nAs we know, Americans should be able to rely on three main sources of income to ensure full financial security during their retirement years: #1. Social Security, #2. Personal savings, and #3. Employer-sponsored savings plans. When it comes to that third source, an alarming number of Americans do not have access to an employer-provided 401(k) plan. And among those who do, a recent study found that 42% of them have less than $10,000 in their plan. Combined with the fact that more than 60% of Americans don't have enough cash to cover a $1,000 emergency expense, the passage of today's package is especially critical.\nSpecifically, H.R. 88 will make it easier for small employers to pool together and offer retirement plans to their employees. This would help bridge the divide between the benefits that large employers might offer to their employees, and those that smaller employers only wish they could offer until now. Overall, this will help ensure that the next generation of Americans don't outlive their savings in retirement.\nOne of the things I remember so clearly from growing up is my parents saying to me and my siblings, We never want to be a burden to you kids.' And I thought as a young person that I could never think of my parents as a burden to menot after everything they did for me. But just think about that for a minute: That generation  the Greatest Generation'  was telling us they never wanted to be a burden to the next generation.\nWhat we're talking about today is relieving the burden on the next generation by making it easier for people to go into retirement feeling that they have enough income to enjoy their golden years. H.R. 88 will accomplish this goal by giving Americans the tools they need to help them save for the future and build a secure retirement.\nA secure retirement for every American should not be a partisan issue. So today, let us come together as a unified body and send this bill to the Senate for the sake of every American's peace of mind during this season of peace.\nBefore I conclude, I also want to highlight this bill's inclusion of two important tax credit provisions that will specifically help my constituents in Western Pennsylvania: H.R. 88 will make permanent the Railroad Track Maintenance Tax Credit for short-line railroads, and will extend the Biodiesel Tax Credit. Each of these actions will directly support local economic growth and job creation in rural communities across America, including our district.\nLast December, Congress came together to pass historic tax reform that put more money back in the American people's pockets. Twelve months later, let's pass another historic bill to help them save that money for the years when they need it most! Let's pass H.R. 88!\nGeneral Summary of Provisions:\n Helps businesses provide retirement plans to their workers and helps families to start saving earlier and more throughout their lives.Includes provision expanding use of 529 accounts\nModernizes the IRS and makestaxpayer service the focus of the agency by improving the ease and efficiency of thetaxpayer experience when filingtaxes, retrieving information, resolving issues, and making payments.\n  5-year delay of the Medical DeviceTax\n2-year delay of the Health InsuranceTax\n1-year delay of the excisetaxon high cost health plans (a.k.a. the Cadillac Tax)\nRepeal of the TanningTax\n  Repeal of the Church ParkingTax\n  Provision to allowtax-exempt charitable and educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to specifiedtax-exempt social clubs, such as fraternities and sororities, in order to fund college and university housing.\n  The Free Speech Fairness Act (repeal of the Johnson Amendment)\n  Tax provisions related to disaster relief:\n  Provides special rules allowing access to retirement funds, temporary suspension of limits on deductions for charitable contributions, allowance of deductions for personal casualty disaster losses, special rules for measurement of earned income for purposes of qualification for tax credits, and a special credit for employees to individuals and businesses affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoons Mangkhut and Yutu, California fires, Kilauea volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and severe storms in Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Texas.\n A section-by-section summary of H.R. 88 can be viewed here.\nOrganizations supporting H.R. 88:\n60 Plus Association\nAALU\nAIG\nAllianz Life Insurance Company of North America\nAmerican Association of Christian Schools\nAmerican Business Defense Council\nAmerican Commitment\nAmerican Council of Life Insurers\nAmerican Federation for Children\nAmerican Fraternal Alliance\nAmericans for Prosperity\nAmericans for Tax Reform\nAmeritas\nArchdiocese of New York\nArchdiocese of Washington, DC\nArizona School Choice Trust\nAssociation of Christian Schools International\nAssociation of Mature American Citizens\nAssurity Life Insurance Co.\nAXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.\nBoston Mutual Life Insurance Company\nBoy Scouts of America\nC.U.R.E.  Center for Urban Renewal & Education\nCalifornia Catholic Conference\nCampaign for Liberty\nCanada Life Reinsurance\nCAPE  Council for American Private Education\nCatholic Education Partners\nCenter for a Free Economy\nCenter for Individual Freedom\nCenter for Worker Freedom\nCetera Financial Group\nChildren's First Foundation\nChildren's Scholarship Fund\nChristian Schools International\nChurch Alliance\nCoalition for Jewish Values\nConcerned Women for America LAC\nConnecticut Catholic Conference\nCouncil for Citizens Against Government Waste\nDigital Liberty\nEdTaxCredit50\nEthics and Religious Liberty Commission\nFaith & Freedom Coalition\nFamily Business Coalition\nFamily PAC Federal\nFamily Research Council  Key Vote\nFidelity Security Life Insurance Company\nFlorida Faith & Freedom Coalition\nFreedomWorks\nGenworth Financial, Inc.\nGirl Scouts of the USA\nGleaner Life Insurance Society\nHannover Life Reassurance Company of America\nHawkeye Insurance Association\nHispanic Leadership Fund\nHome School Legal Defense Fund\nHSA Coalition\nIndependent Women's Forum\nIndependent Women's Voice\nInsured Retirement Institute\nInvest in Education Coalition\nJackson Holdings LLC\nJewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago\nJohn Hancock\nLincoln Financial Group\nLPL Financial\nMassachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company\nMedico Insurance Company\nMetLife\nNational Association for Fixed Annuities\nNational Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors\nNational Council of Farmer Cooperatives\nNational Life Group\nNational Rural Electric Cooperative Assoc.\nNational Taxpayers Union  Key Vote\nNationalwide Financial\nNCEA  National Catholic Education Association\nNew York Family Research Foundation\nNew York Life Insurance Company\nNTCAThe Rural Broadband Association\nOneAmerica\nOxford Life Insurance Company\nPacific Life\nPan American Life Insurance Group\nPenn Mutual\nPrincipal Financial Group\nProtective Life Insurance Company\nPrudential Financial\nReaching America\nRoyal Neighbors of America\nSammons Financial Group\nSecurian Financial Group\nSecurity Benefit Life Insurance Company\nSmall Business & Entrepreneurship Council\nSymetra Life Insurance Company and Affiliates\nTaxpayers Protection Alliance\nTexans for Education Opportunity\nTexas Public Policy Foundation\nThe Guardian Life Insurance Company of America\nThe Jewish Federations of North America\nThrivent\nTIAA\nTradition Family Property, Inc.\nTransamerica Corporation\nUJAFederation of New York, Inc.\nUnited Benefits Group\nUniversal Guaranty Life Insurance Company\nUS Council of Catholic Bishops\nUSA Workforce Coalition\nUSCCB  U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops\nVoya Financial\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marino-votes-fund-government-and-secure-our-borders", "Marino Votes to Fund the Government and Secure our Borders", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Marino voted to keep the government open, secure our borders, and provide disaster assistance to those affected by severe weather events across the country.\nThe continuing resolution passed today provides funding for the federal government until February 8, 2019 and provides $5.7 billion for construction of the border wall.\nCongressman Marino issued the following statement:\nToday's vote represents a commitment by House Republicans to fund the government and keep our promise to the American people to secure our nation's southern border by building the wall. Additionally, providing relief to those affected by natural disasters in the West and Southeast is imperative to ensure the indemnity and well-being of those communities.\nI urge my colleagues in the Senate to act swiftly in order to stop Democratic attempts to shut down our government over a $5 billion dollar investment in our national security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-american-people-deserve-feel-safe-border-security", "Rep. Smucker: \u2018The American People Deserve to Feel Safe\u2019 with Border Security", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, the U.S. House passed the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 695, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act of 2019, by a vote of 217-185. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) voted in favor of the measure.\n\n\"Our border needs to be secured. Putting off fully funding our border security will endanger the American people,\" Smucker said. \"I've made it clear Congress needs to support the wall \u2013 and that's why I voted for this package today.\"\n\nThe House amendment includes $5.7 billion for border security and $8 billion for disaster recovery efforts.\n\n\"The American people deserve to feel safe in our country and I'm glad the House agrees,\" Smucker said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2325", "Toomey-Led Measure to Protect Federal Correctional Officers Approved by Senate", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - This week, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, the First Step Act, with U.S. Senator Pat Toomey's (R-Pa.) support. The First Step Act contains a bill authored by Senator Toomey that will help protect federal correctional officers.\nSenator Toomey's bipartisan bill, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act, requires the federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) to provide a safe means for federal correctional officers to store their personal firearms while at work - either in a central storage area located at the prison or in a BoP-approved vehicle lockbox.\n\"Federal correctional officers place themselves in harm's way every day to protect the rest of us,\" said Senator Toomey. \"Given the dangers they face, correctional officers should have the ability to defend themselves while on and off duty. This legislation will directly benefit the officers who serve at Pennsylvania's seven federally-operated prison facilities. I am proud to have led the fight for this commonsense measure.\"\nThis legislation was inspired by the tragic case of Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, who was shot dead in 2013 while driving on the expressway after completing his shift as a federal correctional officer in Puerto Rico. Three inmates hired the shooter to murder Lt. Albarati. Due to Bureau of Prisons policy, Lt. Albarati was unarmed and unable to defend himself.\nSenator Toomey's bipartisan legislation was endorsed by:  \n \nAFGE Council of Prison Locals, AFL-CIO\nCorrections, USA\nFederal Law Enforcement Officers Association\nFraternal Order of Police\nNational Association of Police Organizations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-statement-passage-first-step-act", "Representative Susan Wild Statement on Passage of the FIRST STEP Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-15) released the following statement today after voting to support the bipartisan FIRST STEP Act (H.R. 5682):\nPassage of the FIRST STEP Act is an excellent first step in bringing about criminal justice reform and I commend my colleagues who worked in a bipartisan manner to get this done. This bill provides needed first steps in reforming our mandatory minimum sentencing laws and offers meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and re-entry. Criminal justice reform must offer a redemptive second chance and these reforms bring us closer to that ideal. As the first major federal criminal justice reform legislation passed in decades, this bill opens the door for continued progress on the issue under a new Democratic majority in the 116th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/the-tragic-passing-of-seven-year-old-jakelin-amei-rosmery-caal-maquin", "The Tragic Passing of seven-year-old Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Tragic Passing of seven-year-old Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin \n            We must come together as a Nation to mourn the loss of Jakelin, and put politics aside to fix our immigration system so that is consistent with our American values.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-doyle-cartwright-lamb-press-congressional-leadership-to-secure-pensions-and_black-lung-funds", "Casey, Doyle, Cartwright, Lamb Press Congressional Leadership To Secure Pensions &  Black Lung Funds", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  For decades, our nation's miners have endured back-breaking work to ensure that the lights keep running and our homes can be heated. And for many, their hard work has led to debilitating black lung. To ensure that our nation upholds its obligation to the men and women who've worked to literally power our country, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. RepresentativesMike Doyle (D-PA-14), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17), and Conor Lamb (D-PA-18) are calling on Congressional leaders to secure funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund and secure their promised pensions.\r\nOur nation's coal miners made a commitment to provide our nation with the energy we needed to power our nation to prosperity and they risked their health and lives to do so, wrote the members of Congress. Now is not the time to pull back on funding or abandon our miners in their hour of need. It is time for us to keep our full promise to them and ensure their benefits are not lost.\r\nU.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Doug Jones (D-AL) and U.S. Representatives Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11) , William Lacy Clay (D-MO-1) , Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2) and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14) joined Casey, Doyle, Cartwright, and Lamb in this effort.\r\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-announces-15-million-federal-grant-septa-s-30th-street", "Congressman Boyle Announces $15 Million Federal Grant For SEPTA\u2019s 30th Street Station Revitalization", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) announced that the Department of Transportation is awarding a $15 million grant to SEPTA to revitalize its 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, which he was proud to help secure. The funding comes from the Department's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, which aims to support major infrastructure improvements. Congressman Boyle released the following statement upon the receipt of the grant:\n\n\"I am very pleased that SEPTA will receive $15 million from the federal Department of Transportation to expand and revitalize 30th Street Station. 30th Street Station is a gem of our city: a window into our past and ambassador to those traveling through its halls. I believe we must protect its history while modernizing it to meet the needs of today. I know SEPTA shares these goals, so I was proud to help it secure this federal investment. These are exactly the kinds of infrastructure improvements this country needs to build a strong, durable economy that works for everyone. Philadelphia can lead by example.\"\n\nSEPTA's 30th Street station serves 25,000 riders every day. Because of its close proximity to Amtrak's 30th Street Station, it serves as a gateway for regional, national, and international travel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-praises-first-step-progress-criminal-justice-reform", "Evans Praises \u2018First Step\u2019 Progress on Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 19, 2018\n\nCongressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) praised last night's Senate passage of the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill he strongly supported in the House.\n\n\"As the bill's name says, it is a first step, but an important one. Despite deep divisions in Congress and in our country, as with the recently passed Farm Bill that I worked on, this criminal justice reform bill shows that we can still work together to make progress and make a real difference in people's lives,\" Evans said. \"I will continue pushing for broader criminal justice reform as part of the new Democratic majority in the House next year.\"\n\nThe First Step bill must return to the House since the Senate amended it. Evans expects the bill will pass the House by a wide bipartisan majority as it did in the Senate.\n\nThe bill would:\n\nPull back punitive mandatory minimum sentences \u2013 two examples of how this will work include letting judges give lower sentences in some circumstances and easing a \"three strikes\" law to give 25 years instead of life in prison;\n\nMake 2010 crack sentencing reforms retroactive, so that older crack sentences also will be eased to bring them more in line with powder cocaine penalties;\n\nExpand \"good time credits\" that well-behaved inmates can use to get out of prison a little earlier; and\n\nCreate \"earned time credits\" that encourage inmates to take part in rehabilitative programs for an earlier release.\n\nEvans, the co-chair of the Congressional Re-Entry Caucus and a Member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, has long been active on criminal justice reform, dating to his time in the state legislature. In February, Evans convened a roundtable on the issue in Philadelphia with Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., now the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and several key state and local law enforcement officials and leading local advocates. (The full list is available here.)\n\nIn addition, Evans is an original co-sponsor of the federal Clean Slate bill (H.R. 6677), which is modeled on new state laws in Pennsylvania which state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, was instrumental in passing. The federal Clean Slate legislation would:\n\nAutomatically seal a person's federal record if they have been convicted of a nonviolent offense under section 404 of the Controlled Substances Act \u2013 this would include misdemeanor drug crimes like simple possession \u2013 and any federal nonviolent offense involving marijuana;\n\nAllow individuals to petition the federal courts to seal records for nonviolent offenses that are not automatically sealed, excluding violent crime and sex offenses. Currently, there is no system in place to allow individuals to have their record sealed at the federal level unless there is intervention from the President of the United States;\n\nDirect the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to create a universal form, available over the internet and in paper form, that an individual could use to file a sealing petition; and\n\nCreate a two-year window for individuals to re-petition the court if an initial request was denied. There would be no limitation to how many times an individual could petition the courts.\n\nOther actions Evans has taken on criminal justice reform include:\n\nSigned on as an original co-sponsor of the Bail Fairness Act of 2018, which would require defendants charged with misdemeanors to be released. It is designed to encourage the states to replace unfair money-bail procedures with diversion programs in the case of first-time, nonviolent, low-level offenders.\n\nSigned a letter to fully fund the Federal Defender Services program which ensures access to counsel and other necessary defense services for those who are indigent.\n\nCo-sponsored the Fairness and Accuracy in Criminal Background Checks Act of 2018. This bill is necessary because the use of FBI background checks for employment is rapidly increasing, and an estimated 1.8 million workers per year are subject to FBI background checks that include faulty or incomplete information, according to the National Employment Law Project. The bill would address the serious problems with the FBI database by requiring that records be accurate before they are sent to the agencies and employers that rely on them to make hiring and licensing decisions. This would be similar to the quick clearing-up of faulty records that the FBI already does in connection with gun background checks.\n\nMedia Contact: Ben Turner, Ben.Turner@mail.house.gov\n\nIssues:Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2315", "Toomey Statement in Support of First Step Act", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding his vote in support of the First Step Act:\n\"The First Step Act is an important bipartisan measure. It will enhance the fairness of certain mandatory minimum sentences and increase public safety by reducing recidivism among offenders. I'm pleased that the First Step Act includes my legislation requiring the Bureau of Prisons to provide a safe means for federal correctional officers to store their personal firearms while at work so that they can protect themselves on their commutes. \"However, the fact that the First Step Act was not subject to a full and robust amendment process represents a missed opportunity. It's particularly disappointing that Senate Democrats blocked my amendment to help victims of crime. Nonetheless, the productive reforms contained within the First Step Act outweigh the measure's shortcomings, which is why I supported its passage.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2316", "Following Request by Sens. Toomey, Jones, and Carper, GAO to Review Commerce Department's 232 Exclusion Process", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Following a request from U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), and Tom Carper (D-Del.), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced it will review the steel and aluminum tariff exclusion process early next year.\nSenators Toomey, Jones, and Carper initially asked the GAO to review Commerce's tariff exclusion process in November 2018. You may read GAO's reply to Senators Toomey, Jones, and Carper here.\n\"These taxes on steel and aluminum imports - which were established under the false pretense of national security' - are hurting American workers and consumers,\" said Senator Toomey. \"Making matters worse is Commerce's broken exclusion process, which should be providing relief in applicable cases. I hope GAO's review produces recommendations for fixing this flawed process so more Americans are spared from these onerous taxes.\"\n\"This is great news for the tens of thousands of American job-creators who have been caught up in the Commerce Department's backlog while seeking exclusions from steel and aluminum tariffs,\" said Senator Jones. \"I look forward to seeing the results of the GAO's investigation and working toward a solution that can offer relief for businesses.\"\n\"As of this fall, the Department of Commerce had received nearly 50,000 exclusion petitions from American manufacturers seeking relief from these misguided tariffs. The Commerce Department has not only created a broken and convoluted exclusion process, but the agency has only managed to issue decisions in a third of these 50,000 pending cases,\" said Senator Carper. \"The fact that our government's independent watchdog will conduct a review will come as welcome news for the many workers and businesses, including many in Delaware, who have raised serious concerns about this process and are looking for increased transparency and certainty going forward.\"\nThe Commerce Department exclusion process for the Trump administration's tariffs on steel and aluminum has generated a large backlog of petitions and has placed significant burdens on American businesses. The 25-percent tariffs on steel and 10-percent tariffs on aluminum were the result of a Trade Act of 1962 section 232 investigation that examined whether these imports threatened U.S. national security. By the end of October, Commerce had received 49,301 exclusion petitions (including resubmissions) and had issued decisions for just 16,567 (34 percent) of them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-prioritizes-workforce-development-15th-district", "Representative Susan Wild Prioritizes Workforce Development for the 15th District", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. With only five weeks to represent the 15th District, Representative Susan Wild (PA-15) has prioritized workforce development and raising workers' wages. Last week, she signed on as a co-sponsor to a legislative package introduced by Rep. Anthony Brown (MD-4) which would invest in career and technical training programs for high school students (H.R. 6685), incentivize employers to invest in training programs for their employees (H.R. 6694) and encourage federal agencies to hire contractors that participate in high-impact apprenticeship programs (H.R. 6693). In addition, today,Representative Wild signed on to the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 1869) to push her colleagues to support equal pay for equal work. All of these initiatives will provide important job opportunities and improve labor conditions to help working families in Pennsylvania's 15th district.\nPolicies that support and invest in our working families are policies that are good for Pennsylvania's 15th District, said Representative Susan Wild. We must prioritize investment in tomorrow's workforce by building out strong, high-impact apprenticeship programs and ensuring that every young person can access affordable higher education that fits their needs. A four-year college education should no longer be the default. Access to apprenticeships and career and technical training programs are essential to ensure our young people can get well-paying jobs in our district. These bills put the needs of working people front and center which will always be central to my legislative agenda.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-trump-syria-policy", "Casey Statement on Trump Syria Policy", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey released a statement following President Trump's announcement of a change in policy in Syria:\r\n\"This decision only underscores that the Administration has no plan for Syria other than allowing Vladimir Putin to dictate U.S. policy. President Trump's Russia-first policy in the Middle East is harming U.S. national security.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-reminds-government-agencies-organizations-applications-due-jan-2", "Evans Reminds Government Agencies, Organizations: Applications Due Jan. 2 for Summer EBT Projects to Keep Kids Fed", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-02) is reminding government agencies and organizations that Jan. 2 is the deadline to apply for Summer EBT projects to test innovative strategies for keeping children from going hungry during the summer.\n\n\"Grants ranging from $500,000 to $5 million will be available on a competitive basis. If your government agency or organization is interested in applying, now is the time to act,\" said Evans, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee and fought to protect anti-hunger programs in the new 5-year federal farm bill.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to work with grant recipients to evaluate how Summer EBT can best be deployed as a complement of existing nutrition assistance options, and to test innovative strategies for building and operating Summer EBT projects efficiently, effectively, and with integrity.\n\nEvans said more information about the grant program is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=310059.\n\nUSDA's published Summer EBT studies are posted online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/summer-electronic-benefit-transfer-children-sebtc. One key finding was that Summer EBT reduced the most severe category of food insecurity among children during the summer by one-third.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-and-staats-seek-new-location-quakertown-compressor-station", "Fitzpatrick and Staats Seek New Location for Quakertown Compressor Station", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Quakertown, PACongressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Pennsylvania State Representative Craig Staats urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to find an alternative location for the Quakertown Compressor Station.\nThe location of the Quakertown Compressor Station is unacceptable because of its proximity to a residential area. This station will negatively impact our constituents' property values, as well as their quality of life, wrote Fitzpatrick and Staats. It is our hope that FERC and Adelphia Gateway will find a new, appropriate, and safe location for the Quakertown Compressor Station.\nThe Adelphia Gateway Pipeline project is currently converting an oil pipeline to a pipeline carrying domestically extracted natural gas. As the pipeline is retrofitted to safely carry natural gas, compressor stations are being built at points along the existing line. Generally, these stations have been built on large parcels of land to ensure they do not impact surrounding residents. However, one proposed station, known as the Quakertown Compressor Station, has raised concerns due to its close proximity to a residential neighborhood.\nFitzpatrick and Staats share their constituents concerns regarding the impacts of the proposed station on the surrounding area. Compressor stations are known to emit constant low hum that travels over long distance. Additionally, they have expressed their concerns regarding potentially health and safety risks resulting from the stations close proximity to residential homes.\nRead the full letter to FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee HERE.\n###\nRep. Craig Staats represents the 145th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives covering East Rockhill, Milford, Richland, Springfield and West Rockhill, Perkasie, Quakertown, Richlandtown, Sellersville and Trumbauersville.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/media/press-releases/scanlon-wild-dean-and-houlahan-join-house-gun-violence-prevention-task-force", "Scanlon, Wild, Dean, and Houlahan Join House Gun Violence  Prevention Task Force", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Representatives-elect Madeleine Dean (PA-04 in 116th Congress) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06 in 116th Congress) and current Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-07) and Susan Wild (PA-15) announced that they have joined the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for the 116th Congress. \n\nVoters across our region called for a commitment from us to do what previous Congresses have failed to do: confront America's epidemic of gun violence, said the group. This is a problem that has left our communities exposed to incredible heartache and tragedy and continues to take tens of thousands of American lives every year. We are committed to leading the charge on major gun violence prevention legislation to keep our communities safe. The House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force has real plans underway for how to do just that. \n\nThe four representatives were endorsed ahead of the 2018 election by Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and others. They have all called for major legislative advances including universal background checks, federally funded research into gun violence prevention, and limits on large-capacity magazines, among others. \n\nToday marks the 6th anniversary of the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut that took the lives of 20 children between the age of six and seven, as well as six adult staff members. \n\nOn average, 96 Americans die from gun violence each day; seven of them are children or teens. Gun-related deaths are now the third leading cause of death for American children: more than 2,700 children and teens are shot and killed every year, nearly 1,000 as a result of suicide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2313", "Toomey Issues Statement Following Procedural Vote on First Step Act", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding his procedural vote to oppose ending debate on the First Step Act:\n\"The First Step Act contains worthwhile provisions that seek to improve the criminal justice system and reduce offender recidivism, which is why I am seriously considering supporting it. However, today's procedural vote was designed to preclude amendments, including one I intended to offer to support victims of crime. The First Step Act should have been subject to a full and robust amendment process.\"\nSenator Toomey filed the following three amendments to the First Step Act. Unfortunately, today's procedural vote will likely prevent consideration of these and other amendments by the Senate.\nFairness for Crime Victims Act  The amendment mirrors Senator Toomey's Fairness for Crime Victims Act (S. 3746). A similar version of this measure passed the Senate Budget Committee unanimously last session.\nThe Fairness for Crime Victims amendment would ensure that crime victims and groups that support them receive a steady stream of funds from the Crime Victims Fund each year. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) was created in 1984, based on the principle that the money the federal government collects from those who are convicted of crimes should be used to help those victimized by crime. Funded entirely by criminal fines and penalties collected by the federal government, the CVF is used to compensate victims directly and to support victims' service groups, such as child advocacy centers, rape crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters. Read more here.\nThe amendment is cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), and James Lankford (R-OK).\nCombat Online Predators Act   The Combat Online Predators Act increases the maximum prison sentence that a criminal can receive for stalking or cyberstalking a child.\nThe Combat Online Predators Act was inspired by the story of the Zezzo family of Bucks County, PA whose teenage daughter was cyberstalked by a friend's father on social media.\nThin Blue Line Act  Anyone who murders or targets a public safety officer should be prepared to pay the ultimate price.\nWhen a jury in a federal case considers whether to impose the death penalty, the jury must consider certain \"aggravating\" factors. Current law states that if the murder victim is a federal law enforcement officer or federal prosecutor, this fact shall weigh as an aggravating factor in favor of the death penalty. The Thin Blue Line Act provides the same level of justice to local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and first responders. It also enhances the penalty when a defendant targets a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, or first responder solely because that individual has chosen to protect and serve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2314", "Toomey Issues Statement Following Procedural Vote on First Step Act", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding his procedural vote to oppose ending debate on the First Step Act:\n\"The First Step Act contains worthwhile provisions that seek to improve the criminal justice system and reduce offender recidivism, which is why I am seriously considering supporting it. However, today's procedural vote was designed to preclude amendments, including one I intended to offer to support victims of crime. The First Step Act should have been subject to a full and robust amendment process.\"\nSenator Toomey filed the following three amendments to the First Step Act. Unfortunately, today's procedural vote will likely prevent consideration of these and other amendments by the Senate.\nFairness for Crime Victims Act  The amendment mirrors Senator Toomey's Fairness for Crime Victims Act (S. 3746), which passed the Senate Budget Committee unanimously last session.\nThe Fairness for Crime Victims amendment would ensure that crime victims and groups that support them receive a steady stream of funds from the Crime Victims Fund each year. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) was created in 1984, based on the principle that the money the federal government collects from those who are convicted of crimes should be used to help those victimized by crime. Funded entirely by criminal fines and penalties collected by the federal government, the CVF is used to compensate victims directly and to support victims' service groups, such as child advocacy centers, rape crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters. Read more here.\nThe amendment is cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), and James Lankford (R-OK).\nCombat Online Predators Act   The Combat Online Predators Act increases the maximum prison sentence that a criminal can receive for stalking or cyberstalking a child.\nThe Combat Online Predators Act was inspired by the story of the Zezzo family of Bucks County, PA whose teenage daughter was cyberstalked by a friend's father on social media.\nThin Blue Line Act  Anyone who murders or targets a public safety officer should be prepared to pay the ultimate price.\nWhen a jury in a federal case considers whether to impose the death penalty, the jury must consider certain \"aggravating\" factors. Current law states that if the murder victim is a federal law enforcement officer or federal prosecutor, this fact shall weigh as an aggravating factor in favor of the death penalty. The Thin Blue Line Act provides the same level of justice to local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and first responders. It also enhances the penalty when a defendant targets a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, or first responder solely because that individual has chosen to protect and serve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-statement-on-passage-of-farm-bill", "Cartwright Statement on Passage of Farm Bill", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DCAfter successful passage of H.R. 2, The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, (commonly known as the Farm Bill) Congressman Matt Cartwright highlighted the gains achieved, especially for those in Northeast Pennsylvania.\nWednesday the combined conference report passed the House with a vote of 369-47. It weds the needs of both rural and urban communities to ensure the bill reflects the breadth of America.\nThe Farm Bill upholds congressional obligations to the nearly 39 million Americans who are food-insecure.It preserves current benefits for millions of children, seniors and students, 1.5 million veterans, 23,000 servicemembers, individuals with disabilities and hard-working families who rely on this lifeline.\nIt also provides certainty to the 16 million men and women who work in agriculture amid a trade war and a lagging farm economy. This Farm Bill makes investments in rural communities by increasing funding for agriculture research, organic and specialty crops, broadband, and energy initiatives, while protecting vulnerable ecosystems.\nThis bill will provide stability to our dairy farmers during what have become uncertain times, said Rep. Cartwright. Additionally, it helps small Pennsylvania dairy farmers by making it less expensive to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage, providing more flexible coverage at a lower cost.\nThe Farm Bill also allows for the full cultivation and transport of hemp under the Controlled Substances Act, which will help build upon the growing industrial hemp industry in Pennsylvania. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/updated-farm-bill-protects-snap-benefits-passes-house-fitzpatrick", "Updated Farm Bill Protects SNAP Benefits, Passes House with Fitzpatrick Support", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCWith the support of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, also known as the Farm Bill.\nWhile Rep. Fitzpatrick broke with his party and voted against earlier versions of the Farm Bill, he supported this measure as updated provisions in the bill protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the Pennsylvania 8th Congressional district alone, over 16,000 households rely on this program, according to the USDA.\nI was proud to support the updated Farm Bill, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program serves as our nation's most effective anti-hunger program. The updated measure ensures that the thousands of families, including our community's children, seniors, and veterans, maintain the support they need to raise themselves out of poverty, said Fitzpatrick. In addition, this bill reauthorizes much-needed assistance programs for our local farmers and producers.\nThe approved a 5-year Farm Bill agreement protects thousands of families in our community and charts a better path for America's farmers and ranchers, rural communities, small businesses, and consumers across the country.\nCongressman Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-05), who is Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said Agriculture is Pennsylvania's No. 1 industry, and thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick's vote in favor of this 5-year Farm Bill we can continue to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a national leader. He has been a strong advocate for this important legislation that impacts the lives of everyone in the country.\nThe 2018 Farm Bill:\n Protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program\n\tStrengthens the farm safety net and provides certainty and flexibility to America's farmers and ranchers, notably for dairy farmers.\n\tProtects crop insurance and helps combat predatory practices of foreign countries.\n\tMaintains and preserves conservation funding to improve our soil, water, and other natural resources, and also improves our response to natural disasters.\n\tEncourages active forest management and new markets for American forest products.\n\tSupports beginning farmers and ranchers through a variety of programs encouraging future generations of agriculture.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-marino-and-sen-ron-johnson-request-gao-report-bureau-prison-s", "Rep. Marino and Sen. Ron Johnson Request GAO Report on Bureau of Prisons Staffing Procedures Effects on Safety", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Tom Marino and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman, Ron Johnson (WI), requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of the Federal Bureau of Prison's (BOP) staffing procedures and practices to assess how staffing levels contribute to safety conditions at BOP facilities.\nExisting GAO work product has shown that BOP has a shortage of correctional officers, stressing the existing BOP workforce and potentially creating safety concerns. To address the shortage of correctional officers, BOP relies on a practice known as augmentation, in which administrative employees serve temporarily as correctional officers.\nAlthough a 2012 GAO review noted concerns with unfilled positions and increased inmate-to-staff ratios, the review did not assess the BOP-wide use of augmentation. With the safety concerns related to BOP staffing procedures and practices, we believe the federal government would benefit from an up-to-date review of these procedures and practices. Given the GAO's expertise on oversight and use of federal resources, reports such as this often have a large impact on shaping public policy. Congressman Marino and Senator Johnson asked for this review in order to gather more information on this pressing issue.\nCongressman Marino has been a leader on issues related to BOP staffing procedures and their effects on safety. Marino has sent numerous letters to the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prison leadership focused on staffing ratios, staffing cuts, and transfers of specially trained staff and other resources away from needed locations.\nCongressman Marino issued the following statement:\nThe Bureau of Prisons can and must do more to ensure that correctional officers in our federal prisons are operating in a safe work environment. These dangerous staffing levels that contribute to incidents of violence are unacceptable.The Bureau needs to take a comprehensive look at these policies and make sure they are doing everything possible to maintain safety and order in their prisons.\nI hope that this report, when completed, will bring more attention, perspective, and information to these staffing policies and procedures so that we do not jeopardize the safety and security of correctional officers, inmates, and the general public.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-observers-sandy-hook-anniversary-on-senate-floor", "Casey Observers Sandy Hook Anniversary on Senate Floor", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey Observers Sandy Hook Anniversary on Senate Floor \n            U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) spike on he Senate floor to observe the anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \nCopy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-barletta-hosts-shine-book-signing-with-state-senator", "Congressman Barletta Hosts SHINE Book Signing with State Senator Yudichak and Caroline Jones", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WILKES BARRE Today, Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11), State Senator John Yudicak (D-Luzerne/Carbon), and Caroline Jones hosted a book signing for the release of their children's book,We Saved the Bees and the Butterflies. They were joined by Schools and Homes in Education (SHINE) Program students from the Heights Murrary SHINE Center. SHINE is a successful, nationally recognized afterschool program in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties geared towards grades K-8with afocuson a project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum. For years, I have watched SHINE change the lives of children across Northeast Pennsylvania, said Barletta. SHINE is a perfect example of what successful afterschool programming can do for children in the Commonwealthand across the country, and it was a pleasure to work with both Senator Yudichak and Caroline Jonesto promote the program and help students achieve their dreams. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Congressman Barletta and Caroline Jones in writing a book that promotes STEAM based educational principles and benefits the SHINE afterschool program which has succeeded in bringing quality afterschool programming to Northeastern Pennsylvania, said Senator John Yudichak. We Saved the Bees and the Butterfliesis based on two young SHINE students who are curious about the decline in bee and butterfly populations. The students embark on a quest to save the bees and butterflies while learning about theSTEAMcurriculum. All proceeds of the book go directly to the SHINE program, which Barletta and Yudichak have been longtime supporters of.The two began promoting the program four years ago after the success of the original SHINE Program in Carbon County,andtheyhave been instrumental in its expansion in Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties. Barletta hasconsistentlyfought for programs that support afterschool education. In April, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos met with Barletta in his Washington, DC office to discuss the importance of afterschool programs, touting the success of SHINE. In 2015, Barletta saved federal funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, which is the only federal funding source for afterschool programs, when it was set to be eliminated. Earlier this year, Barletta helped secure a $20 million increase in funding for the program, bringing total funding for it up to $1.2 billion. He was previously named an Afterschool Hero by the Afterschool Alliance, dubbed an Afterschool Champion by the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network, and was the only House member to receive the Congressional Voice for Children Award from the National Parent Teacher Association in 2016 due to his leadership in saving federal funding for afterschool programs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-leads-bipartisan-letter-secretary-veterans-affairs-demanding", "Boyle Leads Bipartisan Letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Demanding Expanded Coverage for Agent Orange-Related Ailments", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) and Ryan Costello (R-PA-6) urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to add bladder cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and Parkinson-like conditions to its list of compensable conditions without further delay, enabling veterans battling these ailments because of their exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War to receive the VA care they deserve and need. Former VA Secretary David Shulkin recommended this course of action to White House budget officials last year.\n\n\"This long-awaited administrative step would help tens of thousands of veterans get access to the care they need and deserve,\" said Congressman Boyle. \"We made a promise to our veterans: they served this country, and in return, we'd always have their backs. The Trump administration should make good on that promise by ensuring all service members exposed to these herbicides and chemicals as a part of their military service get the health care they need. Not one more service member should be forced to suffer in this way without the best care our federal government has to offer.\"\n\nThe bipartisan letter to the Department of Veteran Affairs co-led by Reps. Costello and Boyle was signed by a total of 27 House Members representing 13 states (PA, FL, OR, MI, HI, NY, OH, MA, ME, IL, TX, VT, AR), along with the District of Columbia and Guam.\n\nA copy of the letter sent to the VA Secretary can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-warrens-accountable-capitalism-act-moves-forward-representatives", "Senator Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act Moves Forward As Representatives Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Lynch, Boyle, and Schakowsky Introduce House Companion", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Senate Bill Text | Bill Summary | Op-Ed | Letter of Support\n\nWashington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) applauded U.S. Representative Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), incoming Assistant Democratic Leader; Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), incoming co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.); Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.); and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), for introducing companion legislation to Senator Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act.\n\nSenator Warren introduced the bill in August to help eliminate skewed market incentives so that American corporations and American workers can do well together. The legislation empowers American workers and aims to reverse the harmful corporate trend over the last thirty years that have produced record corporate profits for American companies but stagnant wages for American workers.\n\n\"I'm proud to partner with Representatives Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Lynch, Boyle, and Schakowsky on this bill to empower American workers,\" said Senator Warren. \"With the support of this powerful group of House leaders, we're one big step closer to helping American workers get the higher wages they deserve.\"\n\n\"Throughout our country's history, the well-being of our workers has been directly linked to the prosperity we have achieved as a nation,\" said Representative Luj\u00e1n. \"Yet today, working families in my district and across the country face rising costs of living and stagnant wages. Elevating the voices of workers in our corporate boardrooms will help restore balance in our economy. The Accountable Capitalism Act is an innovative and commonsense approach to level the playing field. I thank Senator Warren for her partnership on this effort.\"\n\n\"Today, it's more important than ever that we give American workers the opportunity to have a seat at the table to make critical decisions on their rights and their future. Unfortunately, runaway corporate power is causing more benefits to flow to shareholders and CEOs, while families are struggling to make ends meet,\" said Representative Pocan. \"I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the House companion bill to Sen. Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act to take a strong step forward leveling the playing field for America's middle class. Together, we will empower American workers and build an economy that works for everyone.\"\n\n\"I am proud to join my colleagues Representatives Luj\u00e1n, Pocan, Boyle and Schakowsky to introduce the House companion Bill to Senator Warren's legislation,\" said Representative Lynch. \"Hopefully this Bill will help to rebalance the relationship for workers and give employees a stronger voice in the workplace.\"\n\n\"American workers feel the system is rigged against them - and they're right,\" said Congressman Boyle. \"Washington has only exacerbated this trend. Look no further than the Republican tax scam and the record profits, stock buybacks, and stagnant wages we've seen since. Clearly we can no longer afford to sit back and hope corporations act in the best interests of their employees. The Accountable Capitalism Act represents a great step toward making that a reality.\"\n\n\"For the past 40 years, economic growth has gone to the top one percent, and workers have seen their wages stagnate and their jobs shipped overseas,\" said Representative Schakowsky. \"Even with high profile examples like General Motors announcing its intent to perversely kill roughly 15,000 American jobs leading to its stock price increasing by five percent, the Republican majority over the last eight years has done nothing to right this wrong. In fact, Republicans have made things much worse by crafting that misguided tax bill. That is why I have chosen to be an original cosponsor of the Accountable Capitalism Act, a bill that will ensure the American economy gets back on track and works for everyone, not just the wealthy.\"\n\nSince the passage of the Republican tax bill earlier this year, American companies have done more than $800 billion in stock buybacks, while real wages for workers remain stagnant. There is an urgent need to end the grip of shareholder value maximization and return to the era when American corporations produced broad-based growth that helped workers and shareholders alike. The Accountable Capitalism Act:\n\nCompels company directors to consider the interests of all corporate stakeholders - including employees, customers, shareholders, and communities in which the company operates - by requiring American corporations with $1 billion or more in annual revenue to obtain a federal charter as a \"United States corporation.\" This approach is derived from the thriving benefit corporation model that 33 states and the District of Columbia have adopted and that companies like Patagonia, Danone North America, and Kickstarter have embraced with strong results.\n\nEmpowers workers at United States corporations to elect at least 40% of Board members: Borrowing from the successful approach in Germany and other developed economies, a United States corporation must ensure that no fewer than 40% of its directors are selected by the corporation's employees.\n\nRestricts the sales of company shares by the directors and officers of United States corporations: Top corporate executives are now compensated mostly in company equity, which gives them huge financial incentives to focus exclusively on shareholder returns. To ensure that they are focused on the long-term interests of all corporate stakeholders, the bill prohibits directors and officers of United States corporations from selling company shares within five years of receiving them or within three years of a company stock buyback.\n\nProhibits United States corporations from making any political expenditures without the approval of 75% of its directors and shareholders: Drawing on a proposal from John Bogle, the founder of the investment company Vanguard, United States corporations must receive the approval of at least 75% of their shareholders and 75% of their directors before engaging in political expenditures. This ensures any political expenditures benefit all corporate stakeholders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-celebrates-policy-victories-rural-america", "Rep. Kelly Celebrates Policy Victories for Rural America", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Agriculture Department announces new program to build broadband infrastructure in rural communities \n House & Senate pass bipartisan Farm Bill, send to White House \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)  a member of the House Ways and Means Committee  issued the following statement today regarding the federal advancement of two major priorities for the nation's rural areas that occurred over the last two days: between Tuesday and Wednesday, both houses of Congress passed the final version of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2, also known as the Farm Bill); earlier this afternoon, the Office of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the ReConnect Program to expand e-connectivity to rural communities in need.\nRural families in Western Pennsylvania and across our country received a tractor-load of good news from Washington this week. By an overwhelming bipartisan margin, Congress passed a powerful farm bill that will protect our natural resources, develop new trade opportunities, level the playing field for producers, and help millions of Americans access the nutritious foods they need to keep their families healthy. We'll accomplish these goals while also rolling back regulations, streamlining services, eliminating unnecessary programs, and increasing efficiency in the programs that work best and serve the most. I'm also excited by the USDA's brand-new pilot program to bring high-speed internet to these same hardworking American households. These are not red or blue issuesthey're red, white, and blue issues.\nCourtesy of the House Agriculture Committee:\nThe Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 achieves the following:\n Streamlines government. Streamlines government programs, eliminates redundancy and rolls back heavy-handed federal regulations on our nation's farmers, ranchers and foresters.\n  Ensures Fiscal Responsibility. Improves existing programs to maximize efficiency, reduces waste and maintains fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n  Improves Anti-Hunger Programs. Includes improvements to the nation's largest anti-hunger program (SNAP) to help lift families out of poverty and into good-paying jobs.\n  Secures Rural America. Better targets resources to maintain our commitment to rural development while addressing threats to plant and animal health.\n  Preserves our Farms & Forests. Keeps our land and resources sustainable for our children and grandchildren by encouraging voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices that protect our farms and forests alike.\n  Strengthens the Farm Safety Net. Provides stability for America's farmers and ranchers through improvements to the farm safety net and ensures we have defensible programs that meet the needs of all producers.\n  Facilitates Agricultural Trade Exports. Supports the development of new international markets for agricultural exports, helping grow the economy and create jobs.\n Courtesy of the USDA:\nAgriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA's new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Answering the Administration's call to action for rural prosperity, Congress appropriated funds in the fiscal year 2018 budget for this broadband pilot program. USDA Rural Development is the primary agency delivering the program, with assistance from other federal partners. \nHigh-speed internet e-Connectivity is a necessity, not an amenity, vital for quality of life and economic opportunity, so we hope that today rural communities kick off their rural broadband project planning, Secretary Perdue said. Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA has worked to understand the true needs of rural communities facing this challenge so we can be strong partners to create high-speed, reliable broadband e-Connectivity. \nUSDA will make available approximately $200 million for grants (applications due to USDA by April 29), as well as $200 million for loan and grant combinations (applications due May 29), and $200 million for low-interest loans (applications due by June 28).  \nProjects funded through this initiative must serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people with no broadband service or where service is slower than 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload. \nApproved projects must create access speeds of at least 25 mbps upload and 3 mbps download. Priority will be awarded for projects that propose to deliver higher-capacity connections to rural homes, businesses and farms. USDA seeks to stretch these funds as far as possible by leveraging existing networks and systems without overbuilding existing services greater than 10/1 mpbs. \nEvaluation criteria include connecting agricultural production and marketing, e-Commerce, health care and education facilities. Previous research by USDA has demonstrated that high capacity broadband is critical to all aspects of rural prosperity, including the ability to grow and attract businesses, retain and develop talent, and maintain rural quality of life.\nTo help customers with the application process, USDA is holding a series of online webinars and regional in-person workshops. The full list of upcoming public webinars and workshops can be found at the ReConnect Program's resource portal at reconnect.usda.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-celebrates-policy-victories-rural-america-0", "Rep. Kelly Celebrates Policy Victories for Rural America", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Agriculture Department announces new program to build broadband infrastructure in rural communities \n House & Senate pass bipartisan Farm Bill, send to White House \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)  a member of the House Ways and Means Committee  issued the following statement today regarding the federal advancement of two major priorities for the nation's rural areas that occurred over the last two days: between Tuesday and Wednesday, both houses of Congress passed the final version of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2, also known as the Farm Bill); earlier this afternoon, the Office of Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the ReConnect Program to expand e-connectivity to rural communities in need.\nRural families in Western Pennsylvania and across our country received a tractor-load of good news from Washington this week. By an overwhelming bipartisan margin, Congress passed a powerful farm bill that will protect our natural resources, develop new trade opportunities, level the playing field for producers, and help millions of Americans access the nutritious foods they need to keep their families healthy. We'll accomplish these goals while also rolling back regulations, streamlining services, eliminating unnecessary programs, and increasing efficiency in the programs that work best and serve the most. I'm also excited by the USDA's brand-new pilot program to bring high-speed internet to these same hardworking American households. These are not red or blue issuesthey're red, white, and blue issues.\nCourtesy of the House Agriculture Committee:\nThe Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 achieves the following:\n Streamlines government. Streamlines government programs, eliminates redundancy and rolls back heavy-handed federal regulations on our nation's farmers, ranchers and foresters.\n  Ensures Fiscal Responsibility. Improves existing programs to maximize efficiency, reduces waste and maintains fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\n  Improves Anti-Hunger Programs. Includes improvements to the nation's largest anti-hunger program (SNAP) to help lift families out of poverty and into good-paying jobs.\n  Secures Rural America. Better targets resources to maintain our commitment to rural development while addressing threats to plant and animal health.\n  Preserves our Farms & Forests. Keeps our land and resources sustainable for our children and grandchildren by encouraging voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices that protect our farms and forests alike.\n  Strengthens the Farm Safety Net. Provides stability for America's farmers and ranchers through improvements to the farm safety net and ensures we have defensible programs that meet the needs of all producers.\n  Facilitates Agricultural Trade Exports. Supports the development of new international markets for agricultural exports, helping grow the economy and create jobs.\n Courtesy of the USDA:\nAgriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA's new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Answering the Administration's call to action for rural prosperity, Congress appropriated funds in the fiscal year 2018 budget for this broadband pilot program. USDA Rural Development is the primary agency delivering the program, with assistance from other federal partners. \nHigh-speed internet e-Connectivity is a necessity, not an amenity, vital for quality of life and economic opportunity, so we hope that today rural communities kick off their rural broadband project planning, Secretary Perdue said. Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA has worked to understand the true needs of rural communities facing this challenge so we can be strong partners to create high-speed, reliable broadband e-Connectivity. \nUSDA will make available approximately $200 million for grants (applications due to USDA by April 29), as well as $200 million for loan and grant combinations (applications due May 29), and $200 million for low-interest loans (applications due by June 28).  \nProjects funded through this initiative must serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people with no broadband service or where service is slower than 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload. \nApproved projects must create access speeds of at least 25 mbps upload and 3 mbps download. Priority will be awarded for projects that propose to deliver higher-capacity connections to rural homes, businesses and farms. USDA seeks to stretch these funds as far as possible by leveraging existing networks and systems without overbuilding existing services greater than 10/1 mpbs. \nEvaluation criteria include connecting agricultural production and marketing, e-Commerce, health care and education facilities. Previous research by USDA has demonstrated that high capacity broadband is critical to all aspects of rural prosperity, including the ability to grow and attract businesses, retain and develop talent, and maintain rural quality of life.\nTo help customers with the application process, USDA is holding a series of online webinars and regional in-person workshops. The full list of upcoming public webinars and workshops can be found at the ReConnect Program's resource portal at reconnect.usda.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2311", "Toomey Supports Resolution Condemning Murder of Jamal Khashoggi", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) in offering a joint resolution holding Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a former Saudi journalist and columnist for the Washington Post. The resolution is expected to be considered by the full Senate.  In addition to Senators Toomey and Corker, this resolution is also supported by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). Text of the resolution is below and available online here.  Supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Whereas the ongoing civil war in Yemen has exacerbated that country's humanitarian crisis, in which nearly 12,000,000 people are suffering from \"severe hunger,\" according to the United Nations' World Food Programme;\nWhereas there is no military solution to the conflict;\nWhereas the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship is important to United States national security and economic interests;\nWhereas the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has, in recent years, engaged in concerning behavior, including its conduct in the civil war in Yemen, apparent detention of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, undermining the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council, expulsion of the Canadian ambassador, suppression of dissent within the Kingdom, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi;\nWhereas misleading statements by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi have undermined trust and confidence in the longstanding friendship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and\nWhereas such erratic actions place unnecessary strain on the United States-Saudi Arabia relationship, which is an essential element of regional stability: Now, therefore, be it\nResolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Senate-\n(1) believes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi;\n(2) acknowledges the United States Government has sanctioned 17 Saudi individuals under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114-328; 22 U.S.C. 2656 note) for their roles in the murder;\n(3) calls for the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure appropriate accountability for all those responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder;\n(4) calls on the Government of Saudi Arabia to release Raif Badawi, Samar Badawi, and the Saudi women's rights activists who were arrested as political prisoners in 2018;\n(5) encourages the Government of Saudi Arabia to redouble its efforts to enact economic and social reforms;\n(6) calls on the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to respect the rights of its citizens and moderate its increasingly erratic foreign policy;\n(7) warns that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's increasing purchases of military equipment from, and cooperation with, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, challenges the strength and integrity of the long-standing military-to-military relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and may introduce significant national security and economic risks to both parties;\n(8) demands that all parties seek an immediate cease-fire and negotiated political solution to the Yemen conflict and increased humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflict; (9) condemns the Government of Iran's provision of advanced lethal weapons to Houthi rebels, which have perpetuated the conflict and have been used indiscriminately against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bab al Mandeb waterway;\n(10) condemns Houthi rebels for egregious human rights abuses, including torture, use of human shields, and interference with, and diversion of, humanitarian aid shipments; (11) demands that the Saudi-led coalition and all parties to the Yemen conflict seek to minimize civilian casualties at all times; (12) supports the peace negotiations currently being managed by United Nations Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and encourages the United States Government to provide all possible support to these diplomatic efforts; (13) declares that there is no statutory authorization for United States involvement in hostilities in the Yemen civil war; and\n(14) supports the end of air-to-air refueling of Saudi-led coalition aircraft operating in Yemen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-casey-and-congressman-boyle-introduce-bill-combat-pennsylvania", "Senator Casey and Congressman Boyle Introduce Bill To Combat Pennsylvania Disability Benefit Backlog", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) introduced legislation to prevent the Social Security Administration (SSA) from imposing an additional administrative hurdle in 10 states, called reconsideration, onto the already onerous process of determining Social Security disability benefit eligibility. Reconsideration would harm many applicants stuck in the unacceptable backlog of pending claims awaiting adjudication in Pennsylvania. According to SSA's own estimates adding this step would add an average of 100 days to thousands of applicants' wait times.\n\nUpon introduction of the bill, the Senator and Congressman released the following statements:\n\n\"The Social Security Administration's wait times are unacceptably high and harm individuals with disabilities nationwide. These wait times place incredible financial strain on people with disabilities who cannot work, and thousands die each year while waiting to get a final decision on disability benefits,\" said Sen. Casey. \"SSA shouldn't impose an additional step that adds another 100 days of wait time to the disability benefits application process for tens of thousands of applicants. The Social Security Disability Protection Act (S. 3741) would stop SSA from taking this unnecessary and harmful step. People with disabilities nationwide and in Pennsylvania rely on Social Security, and we must stand up for them to ensure they can access these benefits when they need them.\"\n\n\"It is unconscionable that Pennsylvanians with disabilities face years-long delays just to have their cases heard,\" said Congressman Boyle. \"This bureaucratic nightmare is taking away their livelihood, threatening their health, and even putting some of their lives in jeopardy. I refuse to allow the Social Security Administration to erect additional barriers that have not been found to assist claimants, especially as SSA is still working to address current backlogs \u2013 and Philadelphia's remains among the worst in the nation. We have a legal and moral obligation to allow our neighbors to receive the life-saving assistance they are owed by law.\"\n\nThe bill is expected to be referred to the Finance Committee in the Senate (S. 3741) and the Ways and Means Committee in the House (H.R. 7276). Casey and Boyle have been pushing SSA to reduce current backlogs and provide an explanation for its decision to impose reconsideration on Social Security disability program applicants in the ten states, including Pennsylvania, that were exempted from reconsideration in 1999.\n\nUnder SSA's plan,\u2013 in the 10 states, more than 105,000 people with disabilities would have to wait longer for a decision on their eligibility for benefits in the first year. They would need to go through the reconsideration step before receiving a hearing, adding over an average of over three months to already excessive wait times. More than 35,000 people with disabilities will drop out of the application process altogether because of the addition of another lengthy step.\n\nThe following organizations have endorsed the bill: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, The Arc of the United States, the Center for Legal Services (Philadelphia) and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-speaks-support-farm-bill-house-passage", "Evans speaks in support of Farm Bill before House passage", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-2nd) delivered the following remarks in the House of Representatives chamber today in support of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2), which the House then passed:\n\n\"Thank you, Mr. Speaker.\n\n\"I chose to be a member of the Agriculture Committee because this committee has jurisdiction over some of the most crucial issues facing our communities, and that is food and nutrition.\n\n\"Even back in Pennsylvania, one issue that has been central to my work is ensuring that people in every neighborhood in Philadelphia, between West, North, and South Philadelphia, had access to safe, healthy, and reasonably priced food.\n\n\"In Philadelphia, 20 percent of our population is food insecure, meaning one in five Philadelphians often don't know where their next meal will come from.\n\n\"I am pleased to see that the bill maintains SNAP* and does not weigh down poor and hungry Pennsylvanians with onerous work requirements. But let me be clear that this is just the beginning.\n\n\"No child should have to go to bed hungry, and no parent should have to make the choice between putting food on the table or keeping the lights on.\n\n\"In times of peace and in times of war our soldiers must always have a food source in order to provide the necessary safety and security our democracies depend on for survival.\n\n\"This version of the Farm Bill is a step in the right direction by allowing millions of struggling families and individuals on SNAP to continue relying on the program to help them put food on the table while they continue to work, take care of families, and build towards a better future.\n\n\"As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I've had the opportunity to meet with members of the agriculture community at all levels \u2013 from farmer to consumer.\n\n\"I have come to better understand the needs of Pennsylvania's hard-working farmers and others in the broad agriculture community through events like the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and Ag Progress Days at Penn State University and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania \u2013 and over time through meetings with advocates and activists from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, The Food Trust, National Young Farmers Coalition, Philabundance, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and National Farmers Union.\n\n\"We are all partners in our quest to ensure that no American goes hungry and has access to safe, healthy, and reasonably priced food, and allowing our farmers to trade with other nations like Canada, Mexico, the E.U., Japan, China, and South Africa.\n\n\"I am happy to say that this bill does a lot to work for them.\n\n\"In addition to SNAP, this bill addresses hunger by increasing funding for TEFAP and FDPIR, and reauthorizes the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, HFFI, and CSFP. **\n\n\"The bill also provides greater flexibility in coverage and tools for Pennsylvania dairy farmers, invests in rural infrastructure, supports research at 1890 land-grant universities, and maintains fundamental conservation programs.\n\n\"Also, we must remember that food policy is foreign policy. Even now with dubious tariffs, large amounts of surplus agriculture are going to feed the hungry in foreign lands\u2014food that was grown in America by our hard-working farmers in places like Southeastern Pennsylvania.\n\n\"Food unites us. Food is medicine. Food is sustenance.\n\n\"As I said before \u2013 this bill is a starting point. We still have work to do, and I look forward to working to build an even stronger and more robust food policy that strengthens the neighborhoods in our nation and around our globe.\n\n\"Thank you, and I yield back.\"\n\n* SNAP: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program\n\n** TEFAP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program; FDPIR: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; HFFI: Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the national version of a Pennsylvania program Congressman Evans created as a state legislator; CSFP: Commodity Supplemental Food Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-small-business-association-grants-disaster-declaration-request", "U.S. Small Business Administration Grants Disaster Declaration Request for Counties Affected by August Flooding", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC-TheU.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Governor Tom Wolf's request to declare a disaster in Bradford, Columbia, Delaware, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Susquehanna counties after significant flood damage to homes and businesses was sustained from severe storms between Aug. 10  15, 2018.\nHomeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the storms in Bradford, Columbia, Delaware, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Susquehanna, as well as neighboring counties Berks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Montour, Perry, Philadelphia, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, Union, Wayne and Wyoming may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.\nLow-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial qualifications.\nThe SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) to assist anyone who wishes to apply for a loan. Applicants from any eligible county may report to any DLOC location in order to get help. The DLOCs will be open at the following locations and times:\nBradford County:  \n\tFairfield Inn By Marriott  \n\t1248 Gold Mile Road  \n\tTowanda, PA 18848\nColumbia County:  \n\tBenton Borough Building  \n\t590 Everett Street  \n\tBenton, PA 17814\nDelaware County:  \n\tDelaware County Emergency Services Building  \n\t360 North Middletown Road  \n\tMedia, PA 19063\nNorthumberland County:  \n\tWarrior Run Area Fire Department Headquarters  \n\t1125 Main Street  \n\tWatsontown, PA 17777\nSchuylkill County:  \n\tPort Carbon Borough Municipal Building  \n\t301 First Street P.O. Box 71  \n\tPort Carbon, PA 17965\nSusquehanna County:  \n\tSusquehanna County Department of Public Safety County Office Building  \n\t81 Public Avenue  \n\tMontrose, PA 18801\nOpening: Thursday, December 13: 11 a.m.  \n\tDays: Friday, Monday  Wednesday: 9 a.m.  6 p.m.  \n\tSaturday, December 15: 10 a.m.  2 p.m.  \n\tClosed: Sunday, December 16  \n\tClosing: Thursday, December 20: 4 p.m.\nSBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals to complete their applications.\nIndividuals and businesses unable to visit the centers in person may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.\nLoan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA's secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the local DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.\nThe filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 11, 2019. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Sept. 11, 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-votes-against-farm-bill", "Rothfus Votes Against Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement after voting against the House-passedAgricultural Improvement Act,H.R. 2:\nIn an era of a nearly $22 trillion nation debt, Congress must carefully examine all programs across the federal government, said Congressman Rothfus. This bill was a missed opportunity for serious reforms of agricultural subsidy programs that have inflated the prices of farmland and made it more difficult for the next generation of farmers. It was also a missed opportunity to strengthen food assistance programs in a manner that helps able-bodied adults without dependents find work. We must reform our agricultural programs in a manner that improves the status quo and limits exposure to the forgotten men and women in our country: the hardworking taxpayer.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scanlon-joins-lgbt-equality-caucus-and-cosponsors-anti", "Congresswoman Scanlon Joins LGBT Equality Caucus and Cosponsors Anti-Discrimination Legislation", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon announced she has joined the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and signed on as a cosponsor of the Equality Act, legislation that will bring full, legal civil rights protections to the LGBTQ community.\nMembers of the LGBTQ community deserve the same rights, protections, and opportunities as any other American, said Congresswoman Scanlon. While the fight for equality has seen rapid progress in the past decade, we are still a long way from full legal and social equality for LGBTQ people. From ensuring equal access to health care and employment to fighting direct attacks by the Trump Administration on the few existing federal nondiscrimination protections that exist, now more than ever allies must stand strong with the community. I am proud to join the Equality Caucus and pledge to fight for the passage of the Equality Act.\nThe Equality Act would amend existing civil rights laws to protect Americans from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.\nWe are thrilled to welcome Congresswoman Scanlon to the LGBT Equality Caucus, said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01). Throughout her long legal career, Congresswoman Scanlon has used her position and skills to fight for the civil rights of LGBT people in Pennsylvania and across the country. For us to bring full, legal equality to America, we will need tireless allies like Congresswoman Scanlon to fight alongside the LGBTQ community.\"\nToday, Congresswoman Scanlon also announced she also has joined the Transgender Equality Task Force of the Equality Caucus.\nFrom her representation of transgender litigants seeking access to name changes to her work counseling athletic organizations on inclusive policies for transgender athletes, Congresswoman Scanlon has long been on the front lines of the fight for transgender equality, said Transgender Equality Task Force Chair Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04). As we reject the Trump Administration's bigotry towards the trans community, we need relentless advocates like Mary Gay not just in the fight but leading it. In the months ahead, this Task Force will continue to dismantle barriers to opportunity and equality for transgender Americans, and we will be counting on Mary Gay's leadership as we stand by their side.\nTransgender people face increased levels of discrimination, Congresswoman Scanlon said. I have been proud to represent transgender litigants fighting for civil rights, and I will continue this fight in Congress. To my transgender constituents, I want you to know: we see you, we value you, and we will fight for your rights in Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-farm-bill-win-pennsylvania-farmers", "Rep. Smucker: Farm Bill a Win for Pennsylvania Farmers", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill). U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) voted in favor of the measure, which was approved by a 369-47 vote.\n\n\"This bill provides much-needed relief for our hardworking farmers to help them get through tough times,\" Smucker said. \"Under this legislation, these hard workers who feed America will be better able to put food on their own tables, provide for their families and keep their farms up and running \u2013 and that's good for our economy and our country.\"\n\nAgriculture is critical to Pennsylvania's 16th District, which leads the commonwealth in agriculture production. The agriculture industry supports more than 93,000 jobs in the district and contributes $16 billion to Pennsylvania's economy.\n\nSmucker pushed for several priorities which were included in the final bill.\n\nThe legislation benefits dairy farmers by increasing the coverage level for the Margin Protection Program (MPP), which provides payments when the margin between the price of milk and the cost of feed fall below a certain level. The MPP also reduces premiums on each farmer's first five million pounds of milk, which covers nearly all dairy producers in Pennsylvania.\n\nSmucker's request of $75 million per year to combat the spotted lanternfly \u2013 an invasive species threatening the local economy \u2013 was also included in the final measure.\n\n\"Agriculture is Pennsylvania's No. 1 industry and thanks to Congressman Smucker's vote in favor of this 5-year Farm Bill we can continue to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a national leader,\" said House Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Rep. Glenn \"GT\" Thompson (R-Pa.). \"He has been a strong advocate for this important legislation that impacts the lives of everyone in the country.\"\n\nCrop insurance programs will be protected and preserved under the conference report. The 2018 Farm Bill directs more funding towards education and training programs to put Americans back to work. Reforms to eliminate fraud and abuse of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were also included in the measure.\n\nThe conference report does not include reforms to broaden work requirements for SNAP recipients, a proposal Smucker has vocally supported in the House.\n\n\"Unfortunately, the bill which came back from the Senate eliminated key reforms to our SNAP programs,\" Smucker said. \"I hope we will reconsider these ideas. Those are reforms to improve people's lives and help connect them to good-paying jobs \u2013 and those are reforms which will still be needed in the future.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-5-year-farm-bill", "House Approves 5-Year Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The House of Representatives today approved a 5-year Farm Bill agreement that charts a better path for America's farmers and ranchers, rural communities, small businesses, and consumers across the country.\n\nU.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT' Thompson, who is Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said the Farm Bill provides the foundation to help farmers and ranchers survive a nearly 50-percent decrease in net farm income over the past five years, which is the largest drop since the Great Depression.\n\nThe 2018 Farm Bill:\n\nStrengthens the farm safety net and provides certainty and flexibility to America's farmers and ranchers, notably for dairy farmers.\n\nProtects crop insurance and helps combat predatory tradition practices of foreign countries.\n\nMaintains and preserves conservation funding to improve our soil, water, and other natural resources, and also improves our response to natural disasters.\n\nEncourages active forest management and new markets for American forest products.\n\nSupports beginning farmers and ranchers through a variety of programs encouraging future generations of agriculture.\n\nIncludes Thompson-sponsored language providing priority status for research of Chronic Wasting Disease.\n\nImproves the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integrity and incentivizes work for able-bodied adults without dependents.\n\n\"A lot of work went into building and negotiating a great bill for American farm families and everyday consumers,\" Vice Chairman Thompson said. \"I was proud to serve as Chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee where we were able to improve the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While this Conference Report is a compromise, it does include significant incremental victories that will make SNAP more effective for those who truly need it.\n\n\"I am pleased that we were able to make significant reforms to our dairy program. Our dairy farmers have continued to face difficult times over the past decade, and I am hopeful that the 2018 Farm Bill will help to provide some stability in this sector.\n\nOverall, this bill is a huge win and I am proud the House approved this tremendously important legislation.\"\n\n\"House Republicans refused to stop fighting for rural America and we've reached a deal that sets us on a better path \u2013 for producers, for rural communities and for American consumers,\" House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway said. \"GT has been a strong advocate and critical voice for production agriculture in this farm bill conference process and I'm thankful for his leadership, which helped get this across the finish line.\"\n\nSince the bill has been passed by both the House and Senate, it now will be sent to President Donald J. Trump to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-statement-passage-2018-farm-bill", "Representative Susan Wild Statement on Passage of 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.Representative Susan Wild (PA-15) issued the following statement after voting for the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018: \nThis bill will provide needed support for Pennsylvania farmers and working families. It maintains critical funding for SNAP and other nutritional programs vital to many families in our district. In addition, it provides increased certainty for farmers who have experienced tumultuous trade conditions under this administration. It was also passed through bipartisan compromise, which I hope can be a model for how we do business in the next Congress.\nThe package that passed today includes funding for critical nutrition assistance programs that many in our district rely on. It also provides protections for farmland, and protection to help offset some of the financial risks farmers face. In addition, we were able to secure authorized funds to combat the opioid epidemic, provide support for struggling rural hospitals, and for new broadband infrastructure, all of which will greatly benefit the 15th district.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-measures-to-reform-juvenile-justice-system-headed-to-presidents-desk-to-become-law", "Casey Measures To Reform Juvenile Justice System Headed To President\u2019s Desk To Become Law", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Today, Congress passed the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, a major package reauthorizing many of our Nation's federal juvenile justice programs. The bill included two key provisions based on legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).\r\nThe legislation authorizes Youth Promise Grants, a core piece of the Youth Promise Act introduced by Senator Casey. Youth Promise Grants will help local communities implement evidence-based prevention and intervention programssuch as tutoring, youth mentoring and physical and mental health programsspecifically designed to reduce juvenile delinquency and contact with the juvenile justice system.\r\nThe bill also requires the Department of Justice to develop, disseminate and provide technical assistance for implementing best practices for the treatment of status offenders and for limiting the use of valid court orders to place them in secure detention. Every year, thousands of kids are incarcerated for status offensesacts that would not be considered crimes if they were committed by an adult, like truancy, breaking curfew or running away from home. While current law generally does not allow for the incarceration of status offenders, a loophole allows these youth to be placed in a detention facility if they have violated a valid court order. Senator Casey has introduced the Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act, bipartisan legislation to close the valid court order loophole, three times since 2014. The best practices requirements passed by the Senate today are a meaningful step towards closing this loophole entirely.\r\nIn passing this authorization, Congress has taken a strong step forward for our Nation's at-risk youth,said Senator Casey.By working to improve guidelines and resources for proven delinquency prevention programs, and by working to limit incarceration of youth status offenders, we can change the trajectories of young lives, create safer communities and generate enormous savings for our economy in the areas of safety, child welfare and education. I urge the President to swiftly sign this legislation.\r\nTheJuvenile Justice Reform Actreauthorizes the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974, which was last reauthorized by Congress in 2002. The bill is centered on three core principles: education, safety and prevention. It works to ensure the continuity of incarcerated youths' education, provide better guidance on racial and ethnic disparities in juvenile incarceration and promotes the accountability of federal resources devoted to juvenile justice initiatives.\r\nMore on Casey'sYouth Promise Act:\r\nThe Juvenile Justice Reform Act authorizes Youth Promise Grants to enable local communities to address unmet needs of at-risk or delinquent youth through local programming for juveniles who have had contact, or are likely to have contact, with the juvenile justice system. These federal grants will be awarded to local grantees by the States, ensuring that States and localities have flexible resources to implement programs that work for their communities. By focusing on evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, Youth Promise Grants will help break the cycle of contact with the justice system and help put at-risk youth on the path to success.\r\nMore on Casey'sProhibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act:\r\nThe Juvenile Justice Reform Act requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop best practices, based on research and State practices, regarding the treatment of status offenders and the limited usage of valid court orders to place them in secure detention. It requires DOJ to disseminate these best practices to States and provide technical assistance for implementing them. The development and implementation of best practices is a key step towards closing the valid court order loophole entirely, as would be required by the Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brady.house.gov/press-release/farewell", "A message from Bob Brady", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A message from Bob Brady                                           \n              Dec 11, 2018      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Dear friends,\nAfter two decades representing Philadelphia and Delaware County, my time in Congress is coming to an end. My offices in Washington, DC and Chester are now permanently closed, while my offices on S. Broad St., E. Clearfield St., and Memphis St. will remain open until Tuesday, December 18th. However, we will no longer be able to accommodate any new tour requests, casework, or flag requests. \nThank you for the opportunity to represent you in Washington. Serving the people of Pennsylvania's First District has been the honor of a lifetime.\nSincerely,\nRobert A. Brady", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://doyle.house.gov/press-release/doyle-statement-ray-baums-act-hearing", "Doyle Statement at Ray Baum's Act Hearing", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Representative MIke Doyle gave the following opening statement at the hearing on Ray Baum's Act that was held today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.\n\"Thank you to the witnesses for coming before us today, and thank you to Chairman, soon to be Senator, Blackburn for holding this hearing. Congratulations.\n\n\"The Ray Baum's Act was the result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and good faith efforts by both sides. I'm glad that many Democratic priorities were included in this legislation, including Ranking Member Pallone's Viewer Protection Act and Sandy Act, as well as bills led by Reps McNerney, Loebsack, Eshoo, Engel, Ruiz, Lujan, and Matsui.\n\n\"However, much work remains to be done to ensure that this legislation is carried out as Congress intended.\n\n\"For instance, while I'm glad that we were able to come together and ensure that broadcasters would have the resources they need to complete the Incentive Auction Repack, I'm disappointed that the FCC still has not started up the consumer education program that was authorized and funded by this legislation.\n\n\"As Mr. Zachary points out, consumers are in desperate need of education about how the repack impacts them. While I understand that broadcasters have an incentive to inform their viewers, Mr. Zachary's testimony shows that consumers often must be guided through the process of rescanning their local stations. These are problems viewers are facing now, the FCC needs to get it into gear.\n\n\"Ray Baum's Act also consolidated a number of reports at the FCC into the Consolidated Communications Marketplace Report, and the Commission is planning to vote on this report at their open meeting tomorrow.  \n\t\n\"The draft report says that nearly one hundred percent of our country is served by one or more LTE wireless providers, which is a joke. Madam Chairman, I'd like to add this draft report to the record, so that our colleagues can see what the FCC thinks about wireless coverage in their districts.\n\n\"With data like this, it's no surprise the Commission put its Mobility Fund Two auction on hold. The Commission needs better data in order to proceed with this auction. They can't put the onus on rural bidders to verify or dispute another carrier's claims of coverage in any given area.\n\n\"So, while I am pleased the FCC has delayed this auction, I am sorely disappointed they took so long to do it. This auction will fund wireless rural broadband deployment for the next 10 years. We need to get it right.\n\n\"Another aspect of the Ray Baum's Act that I think requires more oversight is the C-Band report that the FCC and NTIA are required to submit to Congress by September of 2019. This report will examine the feasibility of allowing licensed, unlicensed, and shared use of this band. Currently, cable operators, broadcasters, and public radio use this band to distribute programing using satellite downlinks. The satellite providers have proposed a private market transaction that would sell off two hundred megahertz of spectrum to wireless companies and consolidate satellite operations into the upper three hundred megahertz of the band.\n\n\"Finding creative solutions to meet our spectrum needs is crucial, and I think there is merit to this plan. However, I am very concerned about the specifics, or lack thereof, as they have been proposed so far. This band is among those that has been identified as key to deploying 5-G service. Allowing a small group of foreign companies to hand-pick which wireless carriers get access to this critical spectrum raises incredible questions about competition, rural deployment, transparency, and the public interest. Our nation cannot afford to have the FCC sit on the sidelines while our nation's 5-G future is being decided.\n\n\"Finally, my community in Pittsburgh was impacted by a terrible tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. It was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in US history. Our community is deeply grateful for the efforts of the first responders who stopped the attack, including the 911 call center operators who received calls from the people inside. They helped dispatch the first units that responded to the scene. The Ray Baum's Act authorized important changes to the way 911 systems work in hotels and large buildings, and Representative Eshoo and Shimkus's leadership on this issue has been critical. We need to do more, particularly as we look at next generation systems and the funding challenges we face in deploying this technology nationwide.\n\n\"Thank you again madam chair for convening this hearing, and I look forward to the testimony of our witnesses.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-urges-gov-wolf-suspend-redevelopment-rockhill-quarry", "Fitzpatrick Urges Gov. Wolf to Suspend Redevelopment of Rockhill Quarry", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCCongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) today sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf requesting that any further redevelopment of the Rockhill Quarry be suspended until a more thorough environmental review can be conducted after asbestos was found on site.\nWhile I appreciate the immediate moratorium of all mining, rock crushing and sizing, and all other activities related to the quarry, the seriousness of this test result cannot be overstated, wrote Fitzpatrick. As such, I request that any redevelopment of Rockhill Quarry be suspended until a more thorough environmental review of the site can be conducted, and the concerns of my constituents are properly addressed.\nOn December 7, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received notice from the proprietor of Rockhill Quarry regarding a positive test result for fibrous asbestos at the site. Subsequently, the DEP ordered all mining activities at the quarry to cease until DEP rescinds the order.\nRead Fitzpatrick's entire letter to Gov. Wolf HERE.\nLast month, Fitzpatrick wrote to PA DEP Secretary McDonnell regarding various concerns of residents in proximity to Rockhill Quarry.\nI am extremely concerned that the operation of this quarry under the requested permit would create an unnecessary health and safety risk to my constituents, wrote Fitzpatrick in his Nov. 5th letter. \nFitzpatrick's letter to PA DEP Secretary McDonnell can be found HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2308", "Toomey Measure Providing Justice for Child Pornography Victims Signed Into Law", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement after the bipartisan Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act was signed into law by President Trump: \"Sexual abuse and exploitation of children are indefensible and heinous crimes. This will guarantee access to fair restitution for child pornography victims while holding accountable those who produce, distribute, and possess this exploitative filth,\" said Senator Toomey. \"I am glad Republicans and Democrats came together to pass this bill and got it to the president for his signature.\" Senator Toomey has been fighting for restitution for victims of child pornography since 2014, when a Supreme Court decision sharply limited the remedies available to victims under federal law. The case involved a Pennsylvania resident, \"Amy,\" whose childhood was shattered when, at ages eight and nine, her uncle raped her and traded the images over the internet. The Supreme Court ruled that Amy would have to find and individually sue each of the tens of thousands of criminals who viewed the images in order to obtain full restitution for damages-something the Supreme Court acknowledged was not feasible. The Supreme Court called on Congress to fix the law. After years of efforts, the passage of the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act will allow victims to seek appropriate compensation from any criminal who has possessed or distributed their images, and restitution up to the full amount of the victim's losses from any criminal who produced the images. The act also offers victims a monetary assistance alternative from the Crime Victims Fund-thereby mitigating possible collections issues-and allows victims access to the images depicting them, which child pornography defendants already have access to. Amy said in a statement: \"When I wrote a letter over three and a half years ago supporting the Amy and Vicky Act, I thought the law would be enacted in a heartbeat. That was in 2014 right after the Supreme Court decided my case in Paroline v. United States. Now, over four years later, Congress has finally passed, and President Trump has signed, the AVAA!!! I can't thank you enough for fighting for us, for being our voice, for standing up for us.  \"We were silenced for so long and it just feels amazing to be heard and to actually create change for others in the future. Thank you for making it easier for us to rebuild our lives. You do not know how much this means to all the victims and survivors out there and we are forever grateful. This kind of trauma just doesn't go away but now you have given hope to current victims and future survivors. Thank you!\" Amy's lawyer, Judge Paul Cassell, lauded Senator Toomey's efforts: \"Thanks to Senator Toomey's early leadership on this issue, this bipartisan bill will significantly improve the ability of victims of child pornography and online exploitation to obtain meaningful restitution from the criminals who abuse them.\" The bipartisan Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act was introduced by Senators Toomey, Hatch (R-Utah), Feinstein (D-Calif.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cornyn (R-Texas), and Grassley (R-Iowa).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2309", "Senator Toomey Statement on Farm Bill", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement after the Senate approved the Farm Bill:\n\"This Farm Bill is a wasted opportunity to rein in excessive spending and end corporate welfare. It makes no attempt to curb taxpayer-funded handouts or reform the broken sugar program that forces American consumers to pay twice as much for sugar as the rest of the world. Further, efforts to establish a reasonable work requirement for adult, able-bodied food stamp recipients with no dependents, were abandoned. American farmers, consumers, and taxpayers deserved better.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2310", "Senator Toomey Statement on Mark Calabria", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement on President Trump's intent to nominate Mark Calabria to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency:\n\"Mark Calabria is a well-respected economist who has been a trusted voice on housing markets for Congress, the Executive Branch, and academia. He is an excellent choice to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and I look forward to working together to pursue market-driven reforms that protect taxpayers from future bailouts and lead to a healthier housing market.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-signs-net-neutrality-discharge-petition", "Representative Susan Wild Signs on to Net Neutrality Discharge Petition", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.This week, Representative Susan Wild signed on to the discharge position introduced by Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14) to force a vote in the House on H.J.Res.129, legislation that would overrule the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) action to overturn the open internet order. Upon signing the petition, Representative Susan Wild (PA-15) emphasized the importance of Net Neutrality and the educational and economic opportunities provided with open internet access:\nThe internet is an essential tool for education, business and innovation, said Representative Susan Wild. Free and open internet access helps close the achievement gap for students and ensures that everyone has an equal chance to get ahead. We must restore Net Neutrality rules to ensure an equal playing field through free and open internet. I urge my colleagues who have not yet signed onto the discharge petition to do so and push this bill to the floor.\nA study by the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that access to internet is particularly disparate in the Lehigh Valley. Nearly 1 in 4 Allentown households have no internet subscription, and about 1 in 5 households in Bethlehem do not. In Portland borough, 35 percent of households have no internet subscription. Poverty is a key factor in households not being able to pay for an internet subscription as well. In Easton, only 44 percent of households with an income less than $20,000 have a broadband subscription.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/with-farm-bill-soon-to-be-law-casey-secures-key-wins-for-pa-farmers", "With Farm Bill Soon To Be Law: Casey Secures Key Wins for PA Farmers", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Following Senate passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, is announcing a number of critical wins for Pennsylvania farmers, families and rural communities. Among other legislative provisions authored or pioneered by Casey, the law will include measures that address senior nutrition needs, improve conservation efforts and work to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and across the Commonwealth.\r\nI have worked for years to ensure that Pennsylvania farmers, families and rural communities receive the support they need,said Senator Casey.I'm pleased that the 2018 Farm Bill includes measures that I have pioneered that work to improve our conservation efforts and also to make sure our seniors are taken care of. This is a strong bipartisan effort and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this legislation.\r\nSpecifically, the 2018 Farm Bill includes provisions from:\r\nthe Organic Agriculture Research Act of 2018 (S.2404)\r\nCasey, along with Senator Susan Collins of Maine, introduced this legislation to increase funding for USDA's organic research program to $50 million annually. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes the Casey/Collins provision and establishes permanent funding for this initiative, which will help Pennsylvania's growing organic sector.\r\nthe Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act of 2018 (S.2978), the Give Our Resources the Opportunity to Grow Act (S. 2557) & the Chesapeake Bay Enhancements Act of 2017 (S.2139)\r\nCasey's bill codifies the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program so that we can better address water quality and other environmental concerns, and boost wildlife habitats throughout the Commonwealth. Casey's GROW Act, introduced with Senators Brown, Ernst and Grassley, authorizes the Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) program which prioritizes conservation practices that prevent agricultural runoff and helps beginning farmers pay for conservation practices. Alongside his Chesapeake Bay Delegation colleagues, Casey introduced the Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Act of 2017, which increases funding and reforms the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.\r\nthe Nourishing Our Golden Years Act (S.2085)\r\nCasey's bill streamlines the application process of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Supplemental Food Program, also known as the senior food box program. The senior food box program improves the health of low-income Americans, ages 60 and up, by providing non-perishable food items once a month. By extending how often participants must recertify, from a minimum of six months to a once a year, the Nourishing Our Golden Years Act would minimize the burden for both participants and states.\r\nthe Farm to Food Bank Act of 2018 (S.2824)\r\nCasey's billestablishes food recovery networks to incentivize farmers to donate their product directly to food banks to be distributed to those in need. The bill would assist farmers and ranchers by reimbursing them for the costs to produce, harvest, pack, process, store or transport to foodbanks food that is safe for consumption but does not have access to a retail market or supply chain.\r\nOther provisions supported by Senator Casey include:\r\n \r\npermanent, baseline funding for programs that help small, diversified farms common throughout Pennsylvania, including farmers' market promotion, local and regional food systems promotion and value-added producer grants\r\nSignificant improvements to the dairy safety net across the board and important changes for small and medium sized producers\r\nLegalization of hemp as an industrial commodity\r\nExpanded crop insurance options for specialty crop growers\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-announces-federal-funding-delaware-river-deepening", "Congressman Boyle Announces Federal Funding for Delaware River Deepening", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) released the following statement announcing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' $29.2 million dollar funding for the deepening of the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. The deepening will allow larger ships to come to and from the Delaware River ports, providing safer and more efficient transportation of goods, supporting local jobs, and adding more than $13 million to the U.S. economy.\n\n\"I was proud to help bring this critical federal investment to finalize the deepening of the Delaware River near Philadelphia over the finish line. Rebuilding and improving our infrastructure is vitally important for the growth of our economy, especially in the Northeast and Philadelphia in particular. To this end, deepening the river is essential, and it will pay dividends for years to come. Plain and simple, we need more investments like this, and I won't stop fighting for them.\"\n\nPorts along the Delaware River already handle 100 million tons of cargo annually and support 135,000 local jobs. By allowing larger cargo ships to dock in and around Philadelphia, the project will boost these numbers even higher, generating more than $1 billion in port infrastructure investment projects, strengthening our local economy, and creating or sustaining good jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians. The Southport marine terminal complex alone could see 4,000 new jobs. Some estimates suggest the upgrades could generate more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.\n\nCongressman Boyle, a member of the House Budget Committee, led numerous requests to the Trump Administration and Appropriations Committees urging this investment. He is entering his third term in office.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/marino-lauds-more-choices-school-milk", "Marino Lauds More Choices for School Milk", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Marino issued the following statement after the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a finalized rule that would allow schools to offer flavored milk.\nThe rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements, provides the option to offer flavored, low-fat milk to children participating in school meal programs, and to participants ages 6 and older in the Special Milk Program for Children and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.\nMilk consumption in schools has declined exponentially since the passing of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Because of this law's decrease in choice and milk consumption, Congressman Marino introduced H.R. 5640, WHOLE MILK Act. The WHOLE MILK Act would allow local school nutrition specialists the option of offering whole milk to students if they determine it is best for the health of the children in their schools.\nCongressman Marino issued the following statement:\nUSDA's finalization of this rule is the first commonsense step we've seen in school nutrition over the last 8 years; I applaud Secretary Purdue for his leadership. This rule will facilitate the consumption of nutritious varieties of milk by providing more choice for our students. This action is a big step forward but there is still much to do.\nOver the last few years, certain members of Congress have been playing politics with our children's nutrition and the livelihoods of our dairy farmers to protect legacy legislation that has failed to do what it promised. The latest peer-reviewed science corroborates the need for higher fat content in our children's diets and there is no better way to consume that fat than through the consumption of whole milk.\nAs we move forward with the upcoming review of nutrition standards and our dietary guidelines, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we put politics aside and use the best-available science in decisions regarding childhood nutrition and allow whole milk back into our schools.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wild.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-susan-wild-co-sponsors-h-res-1031-defend-pre-existing-conditions", "Representative Susan Wild Co-Sponsors H. Res 1031 to Defend Pre-Existing Conditions", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Susan Wild", "W000826", "wild.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Wild, today, signed on as a co-sponsor to H. Res. 1031 which authorizes the House to defend the Affordable Care Act's pre-existing conditions protections in federal court.\nProtections for pre-existing conditions are essential to ensuring that everyone can access affordable, high-quality medical care, said Congresswoman Wild (PA-15), We cannot return to a time when insurance companies could discriminate against people for everything from battling cancer to becoming pregnant. I believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and we must make improving our health care system a priority in the 116th Congress.\nH. Res 1031 was introduced by Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV 3rd District) and comes on the heels of a Texas court challenge this fall, in which 20 Republican Attorneys General aimed to explicitly undo protections for people with pre-existing conditions by suing to strike down the entire law. This attempt adds to recent actions by the Republican-led Congress to sabotage the Affordable Care Act; voting last year to repeal the individual mandate and proposing changes to the healthcare law that would slap an age tax on elderly Americans and raise premiums. H. Res 1031 was introduced in hopes to curb attacks of this nature and ensure that key protections of the Affordable Care Act are kept in place.\nProtections for pre-existing conditions and affordable health care were chief priorities of Wild in her campaign for Congress, and she is committed to contributing to major healthcare initiatives proposed in the 116th Congress next year.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-announces-20-million-grant-route-228-butler-county", "Rep. Kelly Announces $20 Million Grant for Route 228 in Butler County", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) hosted a joint press conference yesterday afternoon at the Butler County Government Center to formally announce the awarding of $20,000,000 to Butler County from the BUILD (Better Utilization Investments to Leverage Development) Transportation Discretionary Grant Program for Gateway 228 capacity and safety improvementsButler's County's most critical transportation initiativeas confirmed yesterday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.\nWPXI-TV News:\nOfficials are celebrating a huge federal grant that will benefit Butler County's most critical transportation initiative  the Route 228 corridor.\nOn Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $20 million grant to make capacity and safety improvements on the \"Gateway 228\"project focused on upgrading the state road that runs from Ambridge in Beaver County to Buffalo Township in southwestern Butler County.\nThe Butler Eagle:\nIt was a triumphant gathering of partners Thursday afternoon, as the county commissioners announced that they received the large federal transportation infrastructure grant they applied for in July.\nThe commissioners, who produced the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application in collaboration with a number of other entities, requested $24.3 million to realign and expand Route 228 in Middlesex Township between Route 8 and Quality Gardens.\n\nThe mood at the county government center was jubilant Thursday as U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-3rd, joined the three commissioners; Mark Gordon, county director of economic development; Dick Hadley, Cranberry Township supervisor; and representatives from the SPC, PennDOT, and state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's office, and others clapped one another on the back in light of their achievement.\nA beaming Kelly extolled the collaboration of the entities involved in the grant application and the dogged determination of the commissioners in seeing the project through.\nThis is an example of the way we are supposed to function, Kelly said. Local, state and federal people coming together for something that just makes sense.\nKelly said Route 228 has a crash rate three times the state average, at 232 crashes and one fatality between 2013 and 2017.\nHe said 6,000 students from eight schools are transported on the highway each school day.\nWe put our most precious commodity on a road that will be safer now, Kelly said.\nThe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:\nAfter working for nearly 30 years, Butler County officials celebrated Thursday when they received news that the county has been approved for a $20 million federal grant for the last pieces of the Gateway 228 road improvement project.\nThe federal Department of Transportation announced the first round of grants under the Trump administration's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program. The program is designed to help fund transportation projects that have an economic importance in rural areas.\nButlerRadio.com:\nThis is the way we are supposed to function local, state and federal people coming together for something that just makes sense, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly said during a news conference Thursday.\nAccording to Kelly, Route 228 has a crash rate three times the state average, and 6,000 students from eight schools are transported on the highway each school day.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-statement-november-jobs-report", "Thompson Statement on November Jobs Report", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT' Thompson issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Labor's November 2018 jobs report, which showed the economy added 155,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent:\n\n\"Today's report shows that 2018 has been a tremendous year of growth for the country. Wages are rising and Main Street is thriving.\n\n\"With rapid job growth, we must ensure our workforce is prepared to meet industry demands. I proudly led the effort to make theStrengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act the law of the land so we can educate more American workers and close the skills gap.\n\n\"As we welcome the holiday season, let us all be thankful for historic tax reform that has helped our national economy to unleash its full potential. May we uphold our commitment in 2019 to supporting pro-growth policies that will bring even more prosperity to every community in the country.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2307", "Senator Toomey Statement on William Barr", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Allentown, Pa. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) released the following statement regarding President Trump's decision to nominate William Barr to again serve as United States Attorney General:\n\"President Trump has made an excellent choice in selecting Bill Barr to lead the Department of Justice. He is a widely respected and experienced attorney with deep knowledge of the department. During his prior service as Attorney General under President George H.W. Bush, Mr. Barr served with distinction, helping to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe. I look forward to meeting with Mr. Barr to discuss his plans for the Department of Justice moving forward.\"\nWilliam Barr previously served as United States Attorney General under President George H.W. Bush from 1991 to 1993. His nomination was approved by voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-over-11-million-in-hhs-funds-for-the-wright-center", "Cartwright announces over $11 million in HHS Funds for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA  Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded three grants totaling $11,930,201 to The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (WCGME). \nThe Wright Center provides medical residency training for primary care physicians in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country through the Health Resources and Services Administration's Teaching Health Center (THC) initiative. The THC initiative focuses on providing primary care in community-based settings located in economically disadvantaged areas. This improves access to health care for underserved populations and communities. \nThese grants will help the Wright Center get well-trained doctors into medically underserved areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania, said Rep. Cartwright. Health care is a basic need that we must meet, and I will continue to be an advocate for federal grants that help improve our health system's capacity to meet those important needs at the community level.\nThe Wright Center is a non-profit organization recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as the largest Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education consortium in the country. Physicians trained in THCs are twice as likely to practice in underserved areas, as compared to those not trained in THCs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-hosts-joint-press-conference-announce-20-million-federal-grant-route-228", "Rep. Kelly Hosts Joint Press Conference to Announce $20 Million Federal Grant  for Route 228 Expansion", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, Butler County Commissioners, Cranberry Township Supervisors to celebrate news received today from U.S. Transportation Dept. \nBUTLER  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) will be hosting a joint press conference this afternoon to formally announce the awarding of $20,000,000 to Butler County from the BUILD (Better Utilization Investments to Leverage Development) Transportation Discretionary Grant Program for Gateway 228 capacity and safety improvementsButler's County's most critical transportation initiativeas confirmed earlier today by the U.S. Department of Transportation.\nWHO: U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)\nMembers of the Butler County Board of Commissioners:\n- Chairwoman Leslie Osche\n- Commissioner Kim Geyer\n- Commissioner Kevin Boozel\nChairman Dick Hadley, Cranberry Township Board of Supervisors\nWHEN: TODAY, December 6, 2018, at 4:15 PM\nWHERE: Butler County Government Center\nMeeting Room, First Floor\n124 West Diamond Street\nP.O. Box 1208\nButler, PA 16003\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-announces-new-washington-dc-office-location", "Rep. Smucker Announces New Washington, D.C. Office Location", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) has relocated his Washington, D.C. office to 127 Cannon House Office Building.\n\n\"Although we are still unpacking boxes, I welcome all of my constituents to stop by and say hello,\" Smucker said.\n\nSmucker's Lancaster office address and all office contact numbers will remain unchanged.\n\n\"I look forward to seeing familiar faces from our district as I continue to fight for the people of Pennsylvania in Congress,\" Smucker said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-smucker-pays-respects-former-president-george-hw-bush", "Rep. Smucker Pays Respects to Former President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) honored the life of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush at a memorial service held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.\n\n\"Cindy and I were honored to join the ceremony to celebrate the life of one of our country's servant leaders, George H.W. Bush,\" Smucker. \"Bush was a great man. He was a veteran, a Vice President, a President, a loving father and a caring friend. He was both a leader and a hero. In all of these roles, he was an example to all of us. Thank you for sharing your life with us, President Bush. May you rest in peace.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-applauds-usda-rule-school-milk", "Thompson Applauds USDA Rule for School Milk", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "BELLEFONTE, Pa. \u2013 U.S. Representative Glenn \u2018GT' Thompson today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing a rule to provide schools more flexibility in implementing federal nutrition standards.\n\n\"This commonsense rule will allow schools more options while providing nutritious varieties of milk,\" said Rep. Thompson, Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee. \"If schools have more options, students are going to drink more milk, which was once a staple in the diet of our student populations. I applaud Agriculture Secretary Purdue for taking this important action to ensure students are receiving meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.\"\n\nOver the past eight years, milk consumption in schools has dramatically decreased as a direct result of the so-called Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. In response, Rep. Thompson and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) authored H.R. 4101, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017, which permits schools to serve 1-percent fat, both flavored and non-flavored varieties.\n\nThe actions taken today by USDA will benefit nearly 99,000 schools and institutions that feed 30 million children annually through USDA's school meal programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2304", "Toomey Announces $20 Million Federal Grant for Butler County to Improve Route 228", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $20 million grant to Butler County to improve Route 228. In July, 2018, Senator Toomey sent a letter to DOT in support of Butler County's application.\n\"Improving Route 228 in Butler County is vital to expanding commerce and alleviating commuter traffic,\" said Senator Toomey. \"I am proud to support Butler County's grant application to help with this project. I appreciate the support of Secretary Elaine Chao and the Department of Transportation.\"\nSouthern Butler County, the fastest growing community in Pennsylvania, has experienced immense growth, particularly along Route 228. This 26-mile economic thread is the County's primary link between southern Butler County, and Shell Chemical's $6 billion ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. Currently, there are several transportation challenges along Route 228, such as inadequate capacity, an excessive number of accidents, and lack of access to key employment centers, schools, and residential neighborhoods.\nThe awarded funds will be used to realign and widen the Balls Bend and Haines School-Commonwealth sections of Route 228 to 4 lanes, including adding turn lanes, medians, connecting access roads, and pedestrian/bicycle facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2305", "Toomey, Casey Announce $15M Grant for Philadelphia's 30th Street Station", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has funded a TIGER Grant to expand Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. Senators Toomey and Casey sent letters of support for SEPTA's application for the $15 million grant.\n\"Congratulations to SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia on this substantial grant award,\" said Senator Toomey. \"This grant will finance improvements that makes travel in the city easier for millions of commuters and visitors, and help to accommodate increased traffic from the Schuylkill Yards project. I was glad to support SEPTA's application for this grant and thank Secretary Chao and the Department of Transportation for their support.\"\n\"I've long supported efforts like this to strengthen the region's infrastructure,\" said Senator Casey. \" I was proud to appeal directly to Secretary Chao in support of this grant and look forward to seeing the benefits of DoT's investment in SEPTA. I will continue to look for ways to help grow Pennsylvania's transportation networks and boost the local economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address-unexpected-child-infant-deaths", "Casey, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill Address Unexpected Child, Infant Deaths \n            U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), alongside U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) introduced the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act, critical bipartisan and bicameral legislation to combat Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398699", "Perry: Keaton Zang Declared Winner of Annual Congressional App Challenge", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Scott Perry", "P000605", "perry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Perry (PA-04) is excited to announce Keaton Zang, a senior at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, is the winner of the 4th Congressional District\u2019s annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC was created to highlight the importance of STEM and computer-based skills.\n\nZang\u2019s app \u201cSpacemate,\" is designed to encourage an understanding of astronomy while making space education fun. Spacemate uses data and other statistical information about asteroids, planets and other celestial bodies to simulate objects in the universe. The Spacemate app demonstration can be found at https://youtu.be/y1X1Qwx9AH4. His app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building, on House.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.\n\nApp Challenge Winners from Congressional Districts around the Country come to Washington annually for the #HouseofCode Demo Day, which gives them a chance to put their skills on display and meet other coders.\n\nFour submissions were part of this year\u2019s challenge, which was open to all high school students who reside in the 4th District. \u201cI really appreciate the time, talent and effort demonstrated by each applicant; each app was a job well done. I\u2019m also wishing special congratulations to Keaton on his recent success.\u201d\n\nBy some estimates, the United States may need more than a million programmers by 2020; to maintain American competitiveness, we must encourage our youth to pursue and acquire these valuable skills. The Internet Education Foundation serves as the operational sponsor of the CAC. For more information about the CAC, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.\n\n\u201cWe want to inspire 4th District students to explore potential STEM careers. The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for students to showcase existing skills, learn something new, and begin a lifetime of technical achievement,\u201d Perry concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-relocates-washington-dc-office", "Smucker Relocates Washington, D.C. Office", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.On Tuesday,Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) has relocated hisWashington, D.C. office to127 Cannon House Office Building.\nAlthoughwe are still unpacking boxes, I welcome all of my constituents to stop by and say hello, Smucker said.\nSmucker's Lancaster office address and all office contact numbers will remain unchanged.\nI look forward to seeing familiar faces from our district as I continue to fight for the people of Pennsylvania in Congress, Smucker said.\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2303", "Senator Toomey Statement on Fentanyl Crack Down Commitment from China", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement after President Trump secured an initial commitment from Chinese President Xi Jinping to further assist in the fight against illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-like drugs:\n\"Far too many Americans are dying from heroin that has been laced with Chinese fentanyl. I applaud the president for securing an initial commitment from China to crack down on the production of all fentanyl-like drugs. Congress should strengthen the administration's hand in this effort by passing my bipartisan Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act, which punishes countries that fail to implement and enforce internal controls on fentanyl production.\"\nYou can read more about Senator Toomey's bipartisan Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-honors-fallen-western-pennsylvania-heroes", "Rothfus Honors Fallen Western Pennsylvania Heroes", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ROSS TOWNSHIP, PaCongressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) released the following statement honoring fallen Western Pennsylvania heroes, Army Sergeant Jason McClary of Export and Air Force Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin of Hookstown:\nIn less than a week, Western Pennsylvania has lost two American heroes, said Congressman Rothfus. Army Sergeant Jason McClary of Export and Air Force Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin of Hookstown served our nation with honor and courage. As we mourn the deaths of these patriots, may they rest in the peace of God and may their families know of His tender mercies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2302", "Senator Toomey Issues Statement on Fallen Pennsylvania Soldier", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding the death of United States Army Sergeant Jason M. McClary of Export, Westmorland County: \"Army Sergeant Jason McClary was a patriot who gave his life serving our country in Afghanistan. Sergeant McClary's death serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifice members of our armed services and their families make every day to keep us safe here at home. Kris and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Jason's wife, sons, and all those who loved him.\" Sergeant McClary died December 2, 2018 from injuries sustained on November 27th when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.  You can read more about Sergeant McClary here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush", "Fitzpatrick Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Langhorne, PACongressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) released a statement today on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:\nAmerica mourns as we lose a true American hero and true statesman, George Herbert Walker Bush.\nAs one of the youngest Navy pilots during WWII, George H.W. Bush demonstrated remarkable patriotism and selfless humility. Through his steadfast leadership, President Bush guided our nation to the peaceful end of the Cold War, underscored with the demise of the Berlin Wall. May his profound legacy of public service serve as a reminder to all Americans, We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world. \nNow he is reunited with Barbara, his beloved wife. I send my sincerest condolences to the Bush Family, who selflessly shared President Bush's life with our nation for over seven decades. Rest in peace, Mr. President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/he-prepares-leave-congress-rothfus-says-he-s-proud-work-we-did", "As he prepares to leave Congress, Rothfus says hes proud of the work that we did", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus' time representing Beaver and southern Lawrence County residents is coming to a close after six years, but he's leaving Congress with few regrets and plenty of good memories.\nEverything that I've done over the last six years is consistent with what I campaigned on, Rothfus, R-12, Sewickley, said in an interview on Nov. 21. I'm proud of the work that we did over the last six years.\nFor Rothfus, 56, simply going to his office in Washington, D.C., was inspiring and made him wonder what his Irish-Catholic grandmother, who immigrated to America via Scotland, would think.\nEvery day walking into the Capitol is a highlight, he said. It never gets old.\nOn Nov. 6, Rothfus lost 56 percent to 44 percent to U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-18, Mount Lebanon, for the new 17th Congressional District seat that includes Beaver County, part of Cranberry Township in Butler County and a large portion of Allegheny County.\nRothfus said the circumstances that created the only House race in the country pitting two incumbents against each other constituted a perfect storm he could not overcome.\nSpecifically, he said the state Supreme Court-ordered new congressional districts map that moved him from the more GOP-friendly 12th Congressional District, and the conservative-leaning areas in Somerset and Cambria counties, to the more moderate Pittsburgh suburbs sealed his fate.\nI would've been re-elected under the old district, Rothfus said.\nRothfus still seemed stung by the court's determination that a new map was needed to replace one it said unfairly favored Republicans. He said the court usurped the state Legislature's authority embedded in the state constitution and set a precedent for other courts to do the same.\nBesides a different district, Rothfus was hampered, according to polls, by many new voters seeking to send a message to President Donald Trump and who do not like the Republican tax cuts, and he faced an opponent in Lamb with no voting record to attack, but who brought national name recognition and momentum into the campaign from his 18th Congressional District special election victory in March.\nLamb, Rothfus said, also had tremendous resources from national fundraising that benefited other Democratic candidates such as Beto O'Rourke in Texas, who ultimately lost to GOP U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. With Republicans clamoring to hold their House majority, tough spending decisions had to be made and Rothfus, who consistently trailed Lamb in polling, was abandoned by the party.\nIt was a full-court press. We were pretty much on our own, Rothfus said, lamenting that some groups that initially promised support never provided it. I still think we had a good record to run on, he said.\nOver coffee at a bagel shop in Sewickley, Rothfus said some other highlights of his tenure included talking to western Pennsylvania troops in the Iraqi desert, helping constituents solve problems and calling military academy hopefuls to let them know they were accepted.\nI'm incredibly privileged to have done this, Rothfus said.\nOn the legislative side, Rothfus pointed to successes such as his recent opioid package that was included in legislation signed by Trump, a bill to provide regulatory relief to community banks and credit unions, and a change to allow Medicare Advantage users to switch plans early next year.\nRothfus still believes that the tax cuts will generate enough economic growth and accompanying revenue to offset the initial revenue decrease, but said more needs to be done to curtail government spending.\nPeople complain about the lack of bipartisanship in Washington, D.C., he said. There's a lot of bipartisanship when it comes to spending other people's money.\nUsing a homeowner's predicament as an example, Rothfus said you wouldn't spend money on sealing your driveway if you suddenly had a leak in the bathroom.\nIt's that prioritization that's missing down there, he said.\nRothfus said there is a lack of urgency on many issues, such as the national debt and far too much crisis management going on in Washington rather than sound public policy.\nIn Beaver County, Rothfus said he would have liked to have seen a resolution to help coal and nuclear energy plants survive, not only for the jobs, but the reliability they provide the nation's energy grid.\nI'm a little frustrated, frankly, that we don't have a solution, he said.\nOther accomplishments Rothfus pointed to included his successful effort to triple funding for a Department of Justice effort that funds the county's drug diversion program. He said having the region designated a high-intensity drug trafficking area would also help law enforcement crack down on drug dealers.\nAs the year and his tenure come to a close, Rothfus said he expects a fight over border funding, which he says is necessary to stem the flow of heroin and fentanyl into the country, but he deferred on making a prediction about a government shutdown.\nUnder a Democratic-controlled House, Rothfus said there will be investigations and attempts to pass infrastructure bills.\nAnd, I see a lot of posturing going into 2020, he said.\nRothfus, a business attorney before entering politics, said he does not know what will come next for him, but he'd like to work on policies to address problems facing the country. He also encouraged constituents to use their House members as resources, regardless of party affiliation.\nPeople are good people. Most people are not partisan, Rothfus said. There's a lot of good people in western Pa. that are very approachable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-george-hw-bush", "Casey Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:\r\n\"Today, our nation mourns the loss of President George H.W. Bush and reflects on his lifetime of service.From his time in uniform to his days in Congress and ultimately in the White House,President Bush served our country honorably and with distinction for over 40 years. As President, he promoted democracy in the former Soviet Union and worked to expand the rights of individuals with disabilities. My prayers are with him and the Bush family at this time.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/media/press-releases/remarks-congresswoman-mary-gay-scanlon-hr-1", "Remarks: Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon on H.R. 1", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon joined Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi, Congressman John Sarbanes, Chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force, and Freshman Members-elect for a press conference on H.R. 1, a bold reform package to restore the promise of our democracy  a government of, by and for the people.\nThank you toRepresentative-elect Escobar, to Speaker-Designate Pelosi, Representative Sarbanes and my colleagues in the Democracy Reform Task Force for your commitment to protecting and restoring faith in our democratic institutions, and for your work on H.R.1.\nOur elections are the bedrock of our democracy. During this election cycle, the American people charged us, the new Congress, to make sure our government works for them.They've put their trust in the members of our incoming Congressional delegationto champion our uniquely American creed - a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.\nH.R.1 is our commitment to that trust. This reform package will address many of the barriers to democracy that prevent too many eligible voters from having their voices heard, including our seniors, communities of color, service members, college students, and low-income families,but it is up to us to see it through.\nMy home state of Pennsylvania has been a prime example of the rise of modern-day voter suppression tactics, such as extreme gerrymandering, strict voter ID laws and restrictive absentee voting deadlines.\nI want to thank Leader Pelosi, Representative Sarbanes, and so many others for making access to the vote the top priority for the 116thCongress.\nAs one of the first members of the incoming Congress to be sworn-in,I am proud to stand with both my current and future colleagues today in support of H.R.1.\nTo the American people:wehear you. Our caucus is eagerto restore the promises of our democracy and give you the government you deserve.And that work starts right now.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barletta.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barletta-applauds-presidential-major-disaster-declaration-for", "Barletta Applauds Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lou Barletta", "B001269", "barletta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This week, Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) applauded President Donald J. Trump's approval of Pennsylvania's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to recover from severe storms and flooding that occurred from August 10 to August 15, 2018. This designation provides additional federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in damaged areas. The counties in Pennsylvania's 11th District covered by this declaration are: Columbia, Montour, and Wyoming.\nThis year's summer storms caused flooding in countless counties across Pennsylvania, devastating lives and businesses, Barletta said. Since August, I have been working with local, state, and federal officials to ensure that all those impacted by these storms have the resources they need to get back on their feet. The funds provided by this declaration will help affected communities begin to recover, and I thank President Trump for helping the people of Pennsylvania.\nOnce a Major Disaster Declaration is made by the president, entities can apply for funds. Eligible applicants for these Public Assistance funds include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit organizations. To learn more about how to apply for these funds, please click here or visit FEMA's Public Assistance webpage. The application can be found here. Currently, Pennsylvania's Individual Assistance request is pending, and an announcement on its status should be announced in the near future.\nBarletta has long been an advocate of pre-disaster mitigation, which can prevent or lessen the devastation brought on by flooding and other disasters, and includes a wide variety of activities, such as proactive preparation and planning, elevating or moving structures prone to flooding, and hardening structures to mitigate effects of hurricanes or earthquakes.Such actions are the key focus of Barletta'sDisaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), which was signed into law by President Trump on October 5, 2018. DRRAimplements broad reforms at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including increasing the federal emphasis on pre-disaster planning and mitigation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-makes-sure-champion-monarchs-youth-football-team-will-get-florida", "Congressman Brady makes sure that the champion Monarchs youth football team will get to Florida to play in a national tournament", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brady makes sure that the champion Monarchs youth football team will get to Florida to play in a national tournament                                           \n              Nov 29, 2018      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Philadelphia - -- The Overbrook Monarchs football team is on its way to Florida, thanks to a $10,000 check from Congressman Bob Brady.\nIn a brief ceremony today at the Granahan Playground Congressman Brady presented a check to Monarchs Founder and President Robert Ford to ensure that the team will be able to compete next month in the National Championship Tournament hosted by the United Youth Football League (UYFL) in Plant, Florida.\nThe team was fundraising to pay for the trip but Ford said it was a struggle. \"Once again Congressman Brady has come through for us. He has been with us from the very beginning.\"\nBrady said, \"The Monarchs are much more than a football team. This is a year-long athletic program that helps young people avoid negative influences.\"\nFord, who played football at Clarion University of Pennsylvania said, \"Our team coaches are mostly professionals who live in the community and are dedicated to not only the team but to their families as well. And, thankfully Bob Brady has our back. He is our number one supporter.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-elected-to-house-leadership-position", "Cartwright Elected to House Leadership Position", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-17) released the following statement after being elected Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) by his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives:\nI am humbled and honored by being elected Co-Chair for the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee for the 116th Congress. I intend to use this leadership position to help my party and the House of Representatives do more for the 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania.\nNortheastern Pennsylvania reflects the make-up and spirit of much of the country. My colleagues recognized how crucial it is that the DPCC leadership include a member who knows about the struggles of working-class families and the economic challenges they face. I understand both the hardships and the hopes that many rural and small-town Americans have. In my leadership role, I intend to help craft policies to address those concerns and aspirations.\nThe DPCC is tasked with developing solutions and messages that forcefully communicate where House Democrats stand, that resonate with working Americans, and that present a sharp contrast to the narrow agendas of Wall Street, large corporations, and other special interests.\nCongressman Cartwright currently represents the 17th congressional district and will represent the newly-created Pennsylvania 8th district starting January 3, 2019.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fitzpatrick-demands-bipartisan-action-save-lwcf", "Fitzpatrick Demands Bipartisan Action to Save LWCF", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) joined Land and Water Conservation Fund champions in the House and Senate today in a rally on the steps of the U.S. Capitol with conservation leaders and outdoor recreation advocates to demand Congress reauthorize and fully fund America's most important conservation and recreation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), before the end of the year.\nSince its establishment over 50 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has promoted recreational activity and contributed to our nation's robust economy, along with conserving our national parks, forests, and critical wildlife areas, said Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Today, we are demanding that Congressional leadership permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The time is now to act.\nWatch as Rep. Fitzpatrick joins the call for the permanent reauthorization and funding of LWCF before the end of the year HERE. \n\"Two months ago, America lost one of its best conservation tools, said Lynn Scarlett, Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Interior and head of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy. The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps protect national parks, expand outdoor recreation opportunities and bolster local economies, all at no cost to the American taxpayer. It's too important to continue leaving its future in doubt. Now more than ever, we have the bipartisan momentum to get LWCF the permanent reauthorization and full funding it deserves. For the protection of our lands, waters and the benefits their conservation bring to communities and our economy, now is the time to save LWCF.\nSince it was enacted 54 years ago, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect many of the nation's most popular national parks, forests, and public lands. It has provided millions of Americans the opportunity to hunt, fish, hike, vacation and enjoy the beauty of nature and our great American landscapes,said Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA).It has pumped billions of dollars into the outdoor economy and provided millions of good jobs.\"\nProtecting our public lands is good for the environment, it's good for the economy and it's good for the health and welfare of our people. Money made available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund is money well spent,Senator Cantwell added.\nThe Land and Water Conservation Fund remains the single most successful conservation program in American history, said Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Nearly every congressional district in the country benefits from its funding  at no cost to the taxpayer  and millions enjoy the parks, ballfields, and landscapes it maintains every day. My colleagues and I will continue to push for a permanent reauthorization of this important program.\nColorado's beautiful public lands rely on the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Congress needs to ensure it remains in place for years to come, said Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO). I'll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we do what is right and permanently reauthorize and fully fund this vital outdoors conservation program.\nLWCF is the best tool we have to increase public access to our public lands and power our outdoor economy, said Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). It's long past time to permanently reauthorize and fully fund this successful initiative so that we can create more jobs, protect our streams and landscapes, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.\nAs a fifth generation Montanan, and as someone who has raised four kids in the state, I cherish all of our time spent hiking, fishing, and hunting on our public lands, said Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). We must always protect and expand access to those public lands, and that's why I will continue to fight until we get permanent reauthorization and full funding forLWCFsigned into law.\nThe Land and Water Conservation Fund is America's most successful conservation program. LWCF expands opportunities for outdoor traditions like hunting, camping, and fishing that are among the pillars of Western culture, said Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM). In New Mexico, LWCF has helped preserve many treasured placesincluding the Valles Caldera, Ute Mountain, and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refugethat power our thriving outdoor recreation economy. It also protects our drinking water, provides public land access, and ensures there are neighborhood parks, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds for our children. I will continue to do everything in my power to permanently and fully fund LWCF to ensure that the outdoor places we all treasure will be protected for future generations to enjoy.\nLWCF is our country's most important and successful conservation and outdoor recreation program, said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). This program has created outdoor recreation opportunities in every county across the country. Over the last five decades, nearly $188 million in LWCF funding has been provided to Maine to preserve public spaces from Acadia National Park to local parks. It is critical that we reauthorize LWCF, as it ensures both current and future generations can enjoy the beauty of our natural resources.\nIn my district alone, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided funding for over 65 parks, supporting public access, fishing, hunting, recreation and our environment without taking a dime of taxpayer money, said Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY). On Long Island, our coastal economy is a vital component of our overall economy, and clean water, land and air are essential priorities all protected by the LWCF. I've been proud to lead the fight to permanently reauthorize this important fund in the House, and I will continue to do so on behalf of my district and communities across our country.\nThe expiration of a widely popular program like LWCF demonstrates just how broken Washington is. If we don't want to find ourselves in this exact position again down the road, we must permanently reauthorize LWCF. And if we want to grow our outdoor recreation economy and protect treasured landscapes, we must fully fund it. I'll keep working across the aisle to find a solution that gives this conservation tool the longevity and funding it deserves, said Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).\nNot only has the LWCF been used to protect iconic landscapes across the nation, it also helps to build playgrounds and swimming pools in urban districts like my own. In the House Natural Resources Committee, I was proud to be part of a bipartisan compromise to move this issue forward. With support from both chambers and on both sides of the aisle, permanent reauthorization of the LWCF should be a no-brainer, said Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).\nWe all know that the protection of our nation's public lands, the health of our local communities and the continued growth of the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy are uniquely intertwined and bolstered by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, said Amy Roberts, Executive Director of the Outdoor Industry Association. Given all this, the fact we have a motivated and bipartisan group of lawmakers here today  it is well past time for Congress to reaffirm its commitment to our public lands, community health, and the surging outdoor recreation economy by permanently reauthorizing LWCF before Congress adjourns in December.\nAbout the Land and Water Conservation Fund \nThe Land and Water Conservation Fund is America's most important conservation program, responsible for protecting parks, trails, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at the federal, state and local level. For more than 50 years, it has provided critical funding for land and water conservation projects, access to recreation including hunting and fishing, and the continued historic preservation of our nation's iconic landmarks from coast-to-coast.\nLWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars  it is funded using a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments. Outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation activities contribute more than $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting 7.6 million jobs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-fitzpatrick-government-reform-bill", "House Passes Bipartisan Fitzpatrick Government Reform Bill", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Brian Fitzpatrick", "F000466", "fitzpatrick.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Bipartisan government reform legislation sponsored by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) unanimously passed the U.S House of Representatives Thursday evening. This legislation aims to improve the efficiency and favorability of government services.\nThe American people deserve a Federal Government that provides efficient, effective, and high-quality service. Unfortunately, the Federal Government ranks among the bottom of all U.S.-industries when it comes to customer satisfaction, said Fitzpatrick. The Federal Agency Customer Experience Act ensures that federal agencies collect voluntary feedback from individuals about their interactions with the government. By gathering user comments, agencies will be able to gauge customer service concerns and publicly report the feedback they receive. The result is a win-win. The American public receives better services and customer care, while agencies achieve greater impact and ability to fulfill their missions.\nThe Federal Agency Customer Experience (FACE) Act [H.R. 2846], cosponsored by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) mandates select federal agencies to collect voluntary customer service feedback. This legislation makes it easier for agencies to gather voluntary customer feedback in order to improve services for the American people. Additionally, it requires the summary results of the feedback to be made publicly available.\n\"Voluntary feedback\" is defined as any submission of information, opinion, or concern that is: (1) voluntarily made by a specific individual or entity relating to a service or transaction with an agency, and (2) specifically solicited by that agency.\nEach agency that solicits voluntary feedback shall ensure that:\n responses to the solicitations remain anonymous,\n\tindividuals who decline to participate shall not be treated differently by the agency for purposes of providing services or information,\n\tthe voluntary nature of the solicitation is clear, and\n\tthe proposed solicitation of voluntary feedback will contribute to improved customer service.\n The legislation requires that each agency shall collect voluntary feedback with respect to its services and transactions and annually publish such feedback on its website and provide a report on such feedback to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).\nThe OMB will develop a set of standardized questions for use by agencies in collecting feedback on service satisfaction, timeliness, and professionalism. The Government Accountability Office shall make the feedback publicly available and submit to Congress a scorecard report assessing the quality of services provided to the public by each agency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marino.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-marino-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-help", "Congressman Marino, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Small Businesses Restructure Debt", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Tom Marino", "M001179", "marino.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Tom Marino along with Representatives Doug Collins (R-GA), and David Cicilline (D-RI) introduced, H.R. 7190, the Small Business Reorganization Act (SBRA). Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The bill will streamline existing bankruptcy procedures and provide new tools to increase a small business' ability to achieve a successful restructuring.\nChapter 11 in the bankruptcy code was designed for administering complex business reorganizations involving multi-million dollar companies. Though several provisions specifically focus on small business debtors, a significant amount of research shows that Chapter 11 may still create difficulties for small businesses, including high costs, deficits, and procedural roadblocks. The SBRA will address these issues by adding a new subchapter V to Chapter 11. By reducing liquidations and increasing recoveries to creditors, the bill will lead to more successful restructurings.\nSpecifically, key provisions of the Small Business Reorganization Act will increase debtors' ability to negotiate a successful reorganization and retain control of the business, reduce unnecessary procedural burdens and costs, and increases oversight and ensures quick reorganization.\nCongressman Marino issued the following statement:\nThe Small Business Reorganization Act is a tremendous step forward in streamlining bankruptcy procedures. By reducing unnecessary procedural burdens, enhancing oversight, and increasing the debtors' ability to negotiate; we will ensure quick and successful reorganization and provide small business' the ability to restructure in a way that meets their needs. I thank my colleagues for their work on the introduction of this bill and urge for its timely consideration in both the House and Senate.\nRepresentative Collins:\nSmall businesses are some of the best innovators in our local economies, and this bill would bring much-needed improvements to the bankruptcy code so that owner-operated businesses can recover from financial hardship and continue creating jobs.\nRepresentative Cicilline:\nOur economy depends on locally owned businesses to create good jobs, invest in our communities, and help hardworking Americans get ahead. The Small Business Reorganization Act is an important step to ensuring that our bankruptcy system works for everyone by giving financially distressed small businesses the tools they need for a fresh start.\nSenate Judiciary Chairman Grassley:\nWe've worked with the National Bankruptcy Conference, American Bankruptcy Institute and National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges to develop this legislation and have incorporated feedback from numerous stakeholders, ranging from commercial lenders to the U.S. Trustee. A well-functioning bankruptcy system, specifically for small businesses, allows businesses to reorganize, preserve jobs, maximize the value of assets and ensure the proper allocation of resources. To that end, I've been working to improve the bankruptcy code for decades and will continue that effort.\nSenator Whitehouse:\nSmall businesses form the backbone of the American economy. When these businesses are struggling, the bankruptcy process should give them a chance to reorganize to preserve jobs and boost local communities. I look forward to working with Chairman Grassley to pass this common-sense measure.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rothfus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/citing-cartel-carnage-rothfus-calls-securing-border", "Citing Cartel Carnage, Rothfus Calls for Securing Border", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Keith Rothfus", "R000598", "rothfus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) spoke on the House floor, calling for Congress to secure the border and keep America safe:\n\n  Congressman Rothfus took to the House floor, urging his colleagues to secure the border. To view Congressman Rothfus' full floor speech, click here.The transcript of his floor remarks is provided below.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker,   In the coming days, this House will debate the importance of securing our border with Mexico. \nThis should not be a controversial debate. \nEvery nation has the right to secure its borders. \nThere are, indeed, differences among nations, from the type of government to the freedoms and liberties a country's people enjoy, and borders define where these begin. \nBorders also allow countries to determine who, and as important, what, is allowed to enter their respective nations. \nIt is this latter point, Mr. Speaker, given the current historical context in which the United States and Mexico find themselves, that impels not only the United States but also Mexico to ensure we have a secure border. \nThere are certain products, namely dangerous narcotics, being made in, and shipped through, Mexico that we do not want in the United States. And there are items, illicit cash from drug sales, that Mexico does not want imported from the United States.\nYes, we are concerned about knowing the identity of individuals coming into our country, and we need to be vetting each individual seeking admission to the United States. \nBut it is the illicit drug trade, which is responsible for taking tens of thousands of lives on both sides of the border, that makes beyond urgent the securing of the US-Mexico border.\nNinety percent of the heroin used in our country comes from Mexico. \nFentanyl, Methamphetamines, cocaine and marijuana also flow across the border in staggering amounts. \nThese poisons destroy lives and result in billions of dollars of illicit cash flowing to transnational criminal organizations on the Mexican side of the border. These organizations are described best in one word: evil.\nOver the last decade, Mexican drug cartels have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Mexicans and their exports have killed thousands of Americans. \nMexico prosecutes relatively few of the murders that occur on its soil. \nThe cartels kill with impunity. They kill Catholic priests. They kill journalists. They kill students. They kill politicians. They've killed US agents. They kill each other. \nThe rule of law has been replaced in many Mexican states with the law of violence, revenge and brutal force. Headlines over the past two years tell the story:\nNational Catholic Register, May 22, 2018: Why is Mexico the Deadliest Place to be a Priest?\nNew York Times, December 21, 2017: Most Lethal to Journalists: 1. War Zones. 2. Mexico\nCNN, July 2, 2018: Mexico goes to the polls  132 politicians have been killed since campaigning began\nWall Street Journal, November 14, 2018: It's a Crisis of Civilization in Mexico: 250,000 dead, 37,400 Missing\nProgress against the cartels has been too slow, but there have been some encouraging developments. The trial of the alleged head of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, is underway in New York. Within the last month, the Department of Justice indicted individuals affiliated with the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel, but those individuals remain at large. \nThe U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration also recently announced it was joining with state and local officials in Chicago specifically to go after Mexican cartels, which have played in role in the violence that plagues that community, a community that is 1,500 miles from the border. In announcing the action, the DEA said:\n'There is no single entity or solution that can stop the flow of dangerous illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl into Chicago or to keep them from harming the citizens of this great city.  [t]o be clear  these drugs are being produced, manufactured and trafficked by various Mexican Cartels to numerous parts of the United States and elsewhere in the world.'\nYes, Mr. Speaker, the border issue does not just affect California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It affects the entire nation, including my district in Western Pennsylvania. \nOur two countries have not done enough to combat this epidemic of drugs and violence, and it is an epidemic that has left mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters on both sides of the border, steeped in grief. \nThere is no single solution to this evil. But one tool is available, and that's the force of our will -- and it is an act of the will -- to stop the transfer of drugs northbound into the United States and the transfer of illicit cash southbound into Mexico. A secure border is a necessary prerequisite to this end. That secure border requires not only, where appropriate, physical barriers, it also requires significantly increased capacity for inspecting vehicles traveling between the United States and Mexico at our ports of entry. \nMore inspection lanes, more equipment, more personnel. All of this was prescribed in the Securing America's Future Act. If we are serious about securing the border, that bill should accompany any appropriations language we pass this month.\nAs the 115th Congress draws to a close, let us take one more vital step to ending the drug crisis and bring peace to Mexico and communities across the United States. \nMr. Speaker, let's secure our border.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/as-the-world-grapples-with-khashoggi-slaying-casey-rubio-wyden-press-freedom-resolution-passes-senate-unanimously", "As the World Grapples with Khashoggi Slaying: Casey, Rubio, Wyden Press Freedom Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced the unanimous passage of a resolution recognizing the pervasive threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world.\r\nWith passage of this resolution, the Senate has made clear that persistent attacks on the media and minimization of journalism as fake news' are unacceptable, said Senator Casey. Journalists take incredible risks to tell the truth about major events in the world, and face intimidation and violence for shining light on corruption and exposing abuse. This resolution recognizes the importance of press freedom for both strong and nascent democracies, and affirms that it should be a central pillar of U.S. policy at home and abroad.\r\nPress freedom and freedom of expression are under assault globally, said Senator Rubio. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights around the world, and I commend the Senate for reinforcing the vital role a free press plays in any healthy democracy.\r\nMy father was a journalist, and he always told me he wasn't doing his job unless he was asking tough questions every single day, Senator Wyden Said. I'm proud to call on this administration to support reporters and journalists working to shed light on repression and to hold the powerful accountable. No journalist in America or around the world should face jail, harassment or threats to his or her life just for asking tough questions.\r\nMore on the resolution:\r\nAs the global community continues to grapple with the recent slaying of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the 2017 death of journalist Chris Allen of Pennsylvania in South Sudan, the bipartisan resolution reaffirms freedom of the press as a priority in the efforts of the U.S. to promote good governance. It also calls on governments to investigate and resolve cases of violence against journalists and calls on the President and Secretary of State to commit to making freedom of the press a central pillar of U.S. democracy promotion.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-pelosi-nomination-speaker-democratic-house-can-move-forward", "Evans: With Pelosi Nomination for Speaker, Democratic House Can Move Forward to Deliver on Health Care, Jobs, Infrastructure, Schools", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-2nd) said today's overwhelming vote to nominate Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House means House Democrats can move forward to deliver on key priorities in the new Congress that begins Jan. 3.\n\n\"My constituents in Philadelphia \u2013 and a majority of Americans \u2013 sent us here to do the people's business. They want action on things that matter to them like health care, jobs, infrastructure and schools. It's time to put intrigue and inside baseball aside and move on so we can deliver for the people.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:10:16Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-secures-sand-replenishment-presque-isle", "Rep. Kelly Secures Sand Replenishment for Presque Isle", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to personal appeal by Rep. Kelly,  \n President Trump promised federal support for beach nourishment at rally in Erie last month \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued the following statement today in response to news that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has allotted $1.5 million in federal funding for sand replenishment for Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania.\nChristmas has surely come early for Erie and for our entire region. Last month, President Trump made a public commitment to me and to our district that Presque Isle's beaches would get fully replenishedand now that promise has been kept! Earlier than usual, federal action has been confirmed and sand replenishment for Presque Isle will officially begin next May, ahead of the busy summer tourist season. I couldn't be prouder to see this natural and economic treasure be maintained for the countless families who enjoy it.\nWatch President Trump's live pledge to answer Rep. Kelly's call to replenish Presque Isle while speaking at the Erie Insurance Arena.\nRead Rep. Kelly's follow-up letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.\nSee an overview of Rep. Kelly's past efforts to support Lake Erie.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamb.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-lamb-statement-democratic-vote-speaker", "REPRESENTATIVE LAMB STATEMENT ON  DEMOCRATIC VOTE FOR SPEAKER", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Conor Lamb", "L000588", "lamb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC) Representative Conor Lamb (PA-18) issued the following statement after the House Democratic Caucus vote to elect the next Speaker of the House:\n\"Today, I voted not to elect Leader Pelosi as the next Speaker of the House. Over the past year, I've found that people in western Pennsylvania want new leadership in Congress on both sides. I agree. I believe we need new leadership to put the partisan gridlock behind us, and I promised my constituents I would vote for new leadership. That's what I did today, and what I'll do on the floor.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scanlon.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-scanlon-announces-her-support-minority-leader-pelosi-speaker", "Congresswoman Scanlon Announces Her Support For Minority Leader Pelosi For Speaker", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mary Scanlon", "S001205", "scanlon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon releases the following statement on her support of Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's bid for Speaker of the House.\nI chose to run for Congress to restore faith in our government and democratic institutions. Pennsylvanians know first-hand the impact of modern-day voter suppression, such as extreme gerrymandering and strict voter ID laws. Voters nationwide have seen the impact of dark money in our politics and the erosion of the norms of government ethics. We know that we need substantial government reform to protect the sanctity of our elections and the balance of our democracy.\nVoters sent a very clear message in this election cycle  our government needs to work for the people it represents. One way to ensure that that happens is by electing proven legislators to leadership positions. With over 90 new members joining us in the 116th Congress, I believe that Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will provide the leadership we need to guide us as we work together to get our government back on track.\nI pledged to make my first order of business in the new Congress reducing the role of money in our politics, restoring ethics and integrity to our government, and strengthening our voting laws. H.R.1, a comprehensive government reform bill, being drafted by Rep. John Sarbanes and the Democratic Reform Task Force, and strongly supported by Minority Leader Pelosi, addresses these issues. H.R. 1 aims to restore the Voting Rights Act, remove redistricting power from state legislatures and gives it to independent commissions. It expands the anti-bribery law and requires presidential candidates to make their tax returns public, addresses government ethics, and champions other important measures essential to safeguarding our democracy.\nThis bill will be a direct reflection of the voices of the American people being heard loud and clear by the House of Representatives, and by Minority Leader Pelosi. She has proven to be not only an effective legislator, but an effective leader in tough times. The Affordable Care Act was passed in large part because of her leadership and extended healthcare coverage to over 80,000 people in our district. Her experience and willingness to support the next wave of lawmakers will be essential in this new chapter of our politics.\nI look forward to working with Speaker Pelosi, and the members of the 116th Congress, on critical legislation that will make life better for my constituents and all Americans.\n[This statementwas released on November 27, 2018]", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2298", "Senator Toomey Calls on Russia to Release Ukrainian Crew and Reaffirms American Commitment to People of Ukraine", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is backing a bipartisan measure demanding the release of all Ukrainian sailors unlawfully attacked and taken prisoner by Russia near the Kerch Strait in the Sea of Azov on Sunday. During the confrontation, one Ukrainian ship was damaged, two were captured, and numerous Ukrainian sailors were injured.\n\"Vladimir Putin is a lawless autocrat who has no respect for the rights of his own people, let alone international laws and standards,\" said Senator Toomey. \"The overt aggression against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov is the latest in a long series of attacks that have violated the sovereignty of Ukraine. I stand ready to work with my colleagues and the President to assist our Ukrainian allies and punish Russian aggression.\" Senator Toomey has strongly condemned Russian aggression and supported Ukrainian sovereignty dating back to the Russian Aggression Prevention Act of 2014, which was introduced shortly after Russia illegally invaded Crimea. Since then, he has also backed efforts to provide arms to Ukraine while supporting sanctions against Russia.\nS.Res.709 is led by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and is supported by Senators John Barrasso (D-Wyo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here and below.\nWhereas, on November 24, 2018, Ukraine commemorated the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, in which millions of Ukrainians perished under Soviet policies designed to break Ukrainian resistance to Soviet communist rule and forced collectivization;\nWhereas, on November 25, 2018, Russian Federation military forces fired on three Ukrainian Navy vessels attempting to transit the Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov;\nWhereas the three Ukrainian ships were seized by Russian Federation forces, and Ukrainian government officials stated that at least six of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors were wounded in the incident;\nWhereas the Russian Federation's seizure of the Ukrainian vessels is a blatant violation of its commitments under international law and a 2003 Agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the sea of Azov and the strait of Kerch;;\nWhereas, on May 15, 2018, the Government of the Russian Federation completed construction of a road and rail bridge over the Kerch Strait, connecting Russia with Crimea in Ukraine, and has systematically harassed Ukrainian and international shipping transiting between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov;\nWhereas, in March 2014, Russian Federation forces invaded and occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, in full contravention of the Russian Federation's commitments under the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act condemning the threat or use of force as means of altering international borders;\nWhereas the Government of the Russian Federation has increased considerably its military presence in occupied Crimea since 2014, including increasing military personnel to an estimated 28,000-29,000, adding six new submarines and three frigates to the Black Seas Fleet, and deploying S-400 long-range air defense battalions;\nWhereas the Government of the Russian Federation continues its efforts to destabilize eastern Ukraine, bears responsibility for the ongoing conflict that has cost the lives of over 10,000 Ukrainians, and recently orchestrated illegitimate leadership elections in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions; \nWhereas Section 1234 of Public Law 115-91 authorizes the Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Secretary of State to provide appropriate security assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces; and \nWhereas, on July 25, 2018, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo issued the Crimea Declaration, cementing United States nonrecognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and calling upon Russia to uphold its commitments under international law regarding the territorial integrity of other states: Now, therefore, be itResolved, That the Senate-\n(1) strongly condemns the provocative actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in the Kerch Strait against the Ukrainian navy;\n(2) calls upon the Government of Russia to immediately release all Ukrainian crew members and vessels and to cease its harassment of Ukrainian and international shipping transiting the Kerch Strait;\n(3) stresses that the behavior of the Government of the Russian Federation is destabilizing for the entire region and invites further escalations;\n(4) urges members of the international community to unite in opposition to the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in the Kerch Strait, as they infringe upon fundamental principles of international law affecting all nations;\n(5) welcomes and affirms Secretary of State Pompeo's Crimea Declaration announcing United States policy to never recognize Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea; and\n(6) reaffirms the unwavering support of the people and the Government of the United States for the people of Ukraine and Ukraine's territorial integrity.\n7) calls upon the President and the entire Administration to implement an all of government approach to forcefully express opposition to the Russian Federation's November 25, 2018 attack on Ukrainian forces at every opportunity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2299", "Senator Toomey Issues Statement on Fallen Pennsylvania Airman", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding the death of United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Dylan J. Elchin of Hookstown, Beaver County:\n\"It is with heavy hearts we learned today that Air Force Staff Sergeant Dylan Elchin was killed while serving our country in Afghanistan. Those who served alongside Dylan recall his leadership in combat and dedication to the mission. He was a decorated airman having received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and was a Distinguished Graduate of Airman Leadership School. Simply put, Dylan is a Pennsylvania hero. Kris and I mourn his loss, and are praying for his family in this difficult time. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.\"\nStaff Sergeant Elchin died November 27, 2018 from injuries sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. He was a Special Tactics combat controller with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, and was deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.\nHis awards and decorations include:\n \nBronze Star\nPurple Heart\nArmy Commendation Medal with Valor\nAir Force Commendation Medal\nAir Force Combat Action Medal\nAir Force Good Conduct Medal\nNational Defense Service Medal\nAfghan Campaign Medal\nGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal\nAir Force Longevity Service Award\nAir Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon\nAir Force Training Ribbon\nNATO Medal\n \nYou can read more about Staff Sergeant Elchin here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://toomey.senate.gov?p=news&id=2300", "Toomey Statement on Vote to Discharge Yemen War Powers Resolution from Senate Foreign Relations Committee", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Patrick Toomey", "T000461", "toomey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement regarding his vote to discharge the Yemen War Powers Resolution from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today: \"As a great nation, we are challenged to maintain both our security and our values. Sometimes, our national security interests require us to work with regimes, like that of Saudi Arabia, that do not share our values and our views on human rights. This does not mean we can ignore atrocities committed by the governments of our allies. Today's procedural vote will rightfully prompt further conversation on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and our relationship with Saudi Arabia. However, it also affords the Senate an opportunity to have a broader debate concerning the appropriate balance between our values and maintaining our national security based relationships.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/one-month-after-tree-of-life-shooting-casey-continues-fight-to-protect-worship-centers", "One Month After Tree Of Life Shooting, Casey Continues Fight To Protect Worship Centers", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  As our nation continues to grieve the deadliest attack on the American Jewish community in our country's history, U.S Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has led a bipartisan group of his colleagues in pressing for robust community safety funding in any FY19 appropriations package. Specifically, the Senators have called for adequate allocations to the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program which helps nonprofit organizations like religious institutions, schools, and community centers make security improvements.\r\nWe regret that nonprofit organizations  especially religious institutions, schools, and community centers  have become targets for violent attacks and believe we have a responsibility to address the motivating factors behind these threats, wrote the Senators. But as long as the threat remains, we must take steps to ensure these facilities have the necessary resources to improve their security if they wish to do so. While we recognize much more remains to be done beyond investing in security, we urge your strong support for robust funding of the Nonprofit Security Grant program in the FY19 appropriations cycle and stand ready to work with you on this issue.\r\nU.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Tom Carper (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rob Portman (R-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Rounds (D-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN) joined Casey in this effort.\r\nA full copy of the letter can be found here and more on the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant program is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1500, "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": "PA", "p2": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1061, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 439, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1500, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 1500, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1500, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-11-28,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecasey~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Freleases~2Fone-month-after-tree-of-life-shooting-casey-continues-fight-to-protect-worship-centers", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=PA&year=2018&_next=2018-11-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecasey~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Freleases~2Fone-month-after-tree-of-life-shooting-casey-continues-fight-to-protect-worship-centers&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 693.8886300195009, "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"}