{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-highlights-2023-accomplishments", "McClellan Highlights 2023 Accomplishments", "2023-12-29", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) released her 2023 Year in Review to highlight her legislative and constituent service accomplishments. McClellan won a special election and was sworn into Congress on March 7th, 2023.\n\n\u201cIt is the honor of my lifetime to serve Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District. As the first Black Congresswoman to represent Virginia, I work to bring my unique perspective and lived experiences to my work in Washington and the District,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cDespite Republicans\u2019 dysfunction, I am proud of the work I was able to accomplish for Virginians, and I look forward to continuing my efforts in service to our Commonwealth.\u201d\n\nTo read the report, click here or click below.\n\nImage\n\nSome of McClellan\u2019s major accomplishments in 2023 include:\n\nIntroduced 8 original pieces of legislation and cosponsored 230 additional bills.\n\nClosed 892 constituent cases and returned $1,000,000+ to residents of Virginia\u2019s Fourth.\n\nHer NATO Resolution to prohibit any President from withdrawing the United States from NATO without congressional approval was included in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 and signed into law.\n\nSuccessfully securedfour additional amendments in the NDAA to improve the quality of life of servicemembers and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6052", "Beyer, Eshoo Introduce Landmark AI Regulation Bill", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who serve as Vice Chair and Co-Chair, respectively, of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, today introduced the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act, ambitious legislation to promote transparency in artificial intelligence foundation models.\n\nFoundation models are AI models trained on broad data; they power the generative AI websites and chatbots that have drawn international focus over the past year. Information about the data these models are trained on generally is not available to the public, and AI models often produce inaccurate, imprecise, or biased responses due to limitations or biases in the model\u2019s training data or how the model was trained. This often results in racial or gendered bias, which can have serious real-world impacts in areas including health-related AI inferences, loan granting, housing approval, or predictive policing.\n\nThe AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to set standards for what information high-impact foundation models must provide to the FTC and what information they must make available to the public. Information identified for increased transparency would include training data used, how the model is trained, and whether user data is collected in inference.\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence foundation models commonly described as a \u2018black box\u2019 make it hard to explain why a model gives a particular response. Giving users more information about the model\u2014how it was built and what background information it bases its results on\u2014would greatly increase transparency,\u201d said Beyer. \u201cThis bill would help users determine if they should trust the model they are using for certain applications, and help identify limitations on data, potential biases, or misleading results. When a model\u2019s bias could lead to harmful results like rejections for housing or loan applications, or faulty medical decisions, the importance of this reform becomes clear and very significant.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI offers incredible possibilities for our country, but it also presents peril. Transparency into how AI models are trained and what data is used to train them is critical for consumers and policy makers,\u201d said Eshoo. \u201cThe AI Foundation Model Transparency Act directs the Federal Trade Commission and NIST to establish standards for data sharing by foundation model deployers. This critical legislation will provide necessary information and empower consumers to make well informed decisions when they interact with AI. It will also provide the FTC critical information for it to continue to protect consumers in an AI-enabled world.\u201d\n\nThe AI Foundation Model Transparency Act would:\n\nDirect the FTC, in consultation with NIST, the Copyright Office, and OSTP, to set transparency standards for foundation model deployers, by asking them to make certain information publicly available to consumers;\n\nDirect companies to provide consumers and the FTC with information on the model\u2019s training data, model training mechanisms, and whether user data is collected in inference; and\n\nProtect small deployers and researchers, while seeking responsible transparency practices from our highest-impact foundation models.\n\nThe bill would also help copyright owners protect their copyrights, addressing widespread concerns from businesses and individuals about AI, by giving users more information to help them begin to determine if their copyrights were included in an AI foundation model\u2019s training data.\n\nText of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act is available here, with a one-pager on the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6053", "Beyer Highlights Strong Economic Indicators Showing Solid Growth At The End Of 2023", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Senior House Democrat on Congress\u2019 Joint Economic Committee, today highlighted a raft of strongly positive economic indicators showing solid, sustained growth heading into the end of 2023.\n\nTwelve headlines show the breadth of America\u2019s economic strength heading into 2024:\n\nWall Street Journal: Prices Fell in November for the First Time Since 2020. Inflation Is Approaching Fed Target.\n\nBloomberg: US Consumer Confidence Surges Most Since 2021 in Broad Upturn\n\nReuters: Solid US Job Growth, Drop In Unemployment Rate Underscore Labor Market Resilience\n\nNew York Times: Gas Prices Are Falling Fast, Helping Tame Inflation\n\nYahoo Finance: Strong Wage Growth Gave Americans A $1,000 Spending Boost In 2023\n\nWashington Post: Dow Jones Hits An All-Time High As Investors Cheer Progress On Inflation\n\nForbes: This Key Inflation Metric Finally Hit Federal Reserve\u2019s Target\n\nABC: Federal Reserve Expects To Cut Interest Rates Next Year, Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says\n\nAssociated Press: US Economic Growth for Last Quarter Is Revised Up Ro A 5.2% Annual Rate\n\nCNN: 2022 Had The Lowest Total Unemployment Rate Ever\n\nMarketWatch: U.S. Housing Starts Surge To Highest Level Since May\n\nCNN: Recession Fears Are Starting To Fade For Americans", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wittman-kiggans-scott-mcclellan-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads", "Wittman, Kiggans, Scott, McClellan Urge DOD to Ensure Funding For Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was joined by Virginia delegation members Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) in urging Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track.\n\n\u201cStable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,\u201d said Congressman Wittman. \u201cAny delays in funding for the next Ford\u00ad\u00ad-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy\u2019s ability to project power and provide for our national security.\u201d\n\nThe Virginian delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base.\n\n\u201cAt a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,\u201d said Congresswoman Kiggans. \u201cOur aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads\u2019 shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,\u201d said Congressman Scott.\u201cUncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation\u2019s entire shipbuilding program.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter to Secretary Austin, click here or scroll below.\n\n___\n\nThe Honorable Lloyd Austin\n\nSecretary of Defense\n\n1000 Defense PentagonWashington, DC 20301-1000\n\nDear Secretary Austin:\n\nAs you continue preparation of the fiscal year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Defense, we are writing to express our support for the procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers on steady and predictable construction intervals.\n\nThe President\u2019s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2024 forecasts two years of advance procurement (AP) for CVN 82, the fifth ship in the Ford-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with incremental funding beginning in fiscal year 2028. This procurement timeline for CVN 82 is consistent with the Navy\u2019s most recent 30-year shipbuilding plan, which acknowledges the importance of stable, executable acquisition profiles to the development and retention of highly-skilled workforces and investment in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities.\n\nIt is disheartening, therefore, to see recent reports suggesting that the Department may be considering delays to CVN 82 in the fiscal year 2025 budget request \u2013 something that would be extremely disruptive to the shipbuilding industrial base and detrimental to national security.\n\nIn accordance with Section 132 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), the Secretary of the Navy recently submitted a report to the congressional defense committees highlighting the overwhelming benefits of a Ford-class acquisition strategy that leverages the block buy purchase of CVN 82 and CVN 83 with sufficient advance procurement funding on consistent and predictable 4-year construction intervals. Similar to previous multi-ship procurement strategies that have proven successful across numerous shipbuilding programs (to include CVN 80 and CVN 81), it is estimated that a block buy procurement of CVN 82 and CVN 83 in FY28 would save the nation more than $5 billion and inject much needed stability into an otherwise fragile shipbuilding industry.\n\nAs recent events have shown, our nation\u2019s aircraft carrier fleet remains in constant demand, with more than 1/3 (4 of 11) of the nation\u2019s aircraft carriers recently deployed worldwide to protect vital national interests. Foundational to this deterrent presence is our nation\u2019s aircraft carrier industrial base, which has been dramatically reduced to approximately 2,000 across the country. These remaining suppliers \u2013 many of which support both submarines and aircraft carriers as part of the nation\u2019s nuclear industrial base \u2013 rely on the Navy\u2019s commitment to steady, executable procurement timelines to avoid the \u201cboom and bust\u201d acquisition profiles and breaks in production lines referenced in the 2024 shipbuilding plan.\n\nAs such, we urge the Department to remain on course with the procurement of CVN 82 in 2028 and strongly encourage consideration of the optimum acquisition strategy for Ford-class aircraft carriers delineated in the Navy\u2019s report to the defense committees earlier this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-joins-wittman-kiggans-scott-urge-dod-ensure-funding-hampton-roads", "McClellan Joins Wittman, Kiggans, Scott to Urge DoD to Ensure Funding for Hampton Roads Shipbuilding Ecosystem", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) joined Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Virginia Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) to urge Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to ensure aircraft carrier procurement funding remains on track.\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, we must do everything to ensure a consistent shipbuilding schedule,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cHampton Roads plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. Navy and supporting America\u2019s national security priorities. I am glad to join my colleagues to urge the Defense Department to ensure the timely procurement of aircraft carriers and other military assets.\u201d\n\n\u201cStable and predictable shipbuilding timelines help to maintain a healthy industrial base ecosystem while providing economic benefits for thousands of Virginians in the greater Hampton Roads region,\u201d said Congressman Wittman. \u201cAny delays in funding for the next Ford\u00ad\u00ad-class carrier would be extremely disruptive to our Navy\u2019s ability to project power and provide for our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when our nation is facing threats from multiple fronts, it is critical to prioritize our shipbuilding schedule,\u201d said Congresswoman Kiggans. \u201cOur aircraft carriers are the best in the world and the cornerstone of our ability to project power around the globe. Additionally, the shipbuilding industry provides stable, good paying jobs for Hampton Roads and is a major contributor to our local economy and an economic driver for our Commonwealth. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to urge Secretary Austin to keep our shipbuilding plan on schedule. Any delay would directly impact our national security and that is unacceptable.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsistent Navy procurement schedules for shipbuilding are critical to ensuring that Hampton Roads\u2019 shipbuilders and our industrial base as a whole are supported,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cUncertainty in the production line leads to uncertainty in our national security capabilities, and I remain committed to ensuring reliable funding for the Ford-class and our nation\u2019s entire shipbuilding program.\u201d\n\nThe Virginia delegation members also touted the more than $5 billion in cost savings and stability that multi-ship buys would generate for the Navy and the shipbuilding industrial base.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-announce-3-million-federal-funding-regional-flood", "Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management in Hampton, VA", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region.\n\nAs part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today\u2019s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately.\n\n\u201cRising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,\u201d the members said. \u201cWe\u2019re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.\u201d\n\nThe Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region.\n\nSince 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine haverequestedfunding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-commends-biden-administration-protecting-access-affordable-health", "Scott Commends Biden Administration for Protecting Access to Affordable Health Care", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Biden Administration announced a proposed rule that would reverse a Trump-era rule that made it harder for workers and families to get affordable, high-quality health insurance.\n\n\u201cI applaud the Biden Administration for today\u2019s proposal to rescind the previous Administration\u2019s \u2018Association Health Plan\u2019 (AHP) rule and protect consumers from health benefit arrangements that seek to evade important requirements of federal and state law. Small businesses and self-employed people deserve access to affordable health care, which the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides.\n\n\u201cRegrettably, President Trump directed federal agencies to take steps to expand non-traditional forms of health coverage that do not comply with the core consumer protections of the ACA and other laws. One of their actions allowed a group or association of employers to sponsor a single health plan that does not have to provide essential health benefits under the ACA, like maternity care. This rule was blocked by a federal court, which described the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts as \u2018clearly an end-run around the ACA.\u2019\n\n\u201cAHPs undermine the core promise of the ACA\u2014access to affordable health care for all. AHPs may provide lower costs to some enrollees, but they do so by skimping on benefits and increasing costs for everybody else.\n\n\u201cSpecifically, the rescinded rule would have expanded enrollment in association plans that cherry-pick low-risk, young individuals for a pool separate from the ACA Marketplace. AHPs could also exclude certain categories of coverage, such as maternity care, mental health care, or substance use disorder treatment, to dissuade certain groups or individuals from enrolling. Association plans also evade essential health benefits and other consumer protections under state and federal law.\n\n\u201cIf healthy, low-risk individuals can leave the Affordable Care Act Marketplace risk pool, join a separate association, and pay lower rates, those who did not get into these plans will\u2014on average\u2014be forced to pay higher premiums.\n\n\u201cBy rescinding this rule, the Biden Administration\u2019s proposal will help resolve ambiguity and ensure consumers are protected from health plans that circumvent consumer protection laws.\u201d\n\nRanking Member Scott and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Mark DeSaulnier called on the Department of Labor to rescind the Trump-era rule in February of this year. Read the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1338", "RSC BUDGET AND SPENDING TASK FORCE CHAIR CLINE, RSC LEAD LETTER TO TREASURY ON RULE CHANGE THAT WOULD FUEL WASTE AND ABUSE OF UNSPENT COVID-19 FUNDS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Republican Study Committee\u2019s (RSC) Budget and Spending Task Force Chairman Ben Cline (R-VA) and RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen demanding that the Treasury Department roll back an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that would allow state and local governments to hoard tens of billions in unspent COVID funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP).\n\nUnder current law, state and local governments have until December 31, 2024, to \u201cobligate\u201d COVID funds. Instead of enforcing this statutory deadline, the Treasury Department\u2019s rule allows state and local governments to obligate funds past the statutory deadline by submitting a detailed memo on how they plan to spend the money by April 30, 2024. This blatantly fails to comply with congressional statutes and will further fuel the fire of inflationary, wasteful government spending.\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Jeff Duncan, Michael Cloud, Randy Weber, August Pfluger, Beth Van Duyne, Ralph Norman, Harriet Hageman, Lance Gooden, Scott Franklin, Doug LaMalfa, Scott Fitzgerald, James Baird, Ronny Jackson, Chuck Edwards, Austin Scott, Josh Brecheen, Rich McCormick, Joe Wilson, Barry Moore, Claudia Tenney, Glenn Grothman, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Alex Mooney, Eric Burlison, Pat Fallon, Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, Mike Collins, Rudy Yakym, Bob Good, Erin Houchin, Keith Self, and Troy Balderson.\n\nThe Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) also supports the letter.\n\n\u201cThe Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), which the Biden Administration has treated like a slush fund, is a quintessential example of government waste, and a critical opportunity for taxpayer savings. Even worse than the initial waste is Treasury\u2019s new Hoarding Rule, which allows states to stash this money for later unspecified uses. We are grateful to Congressmen Cline and Hern and their 34 Congressional colleagues who joined them in championing common sense and highlighting these abuses, including Treasury\u2019s overreach on the definition of an obligation.\u201d\u2014 Brittany Madni, Executive Vice President, Economic Policy Innovation Center\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here. Excerpts from the letter below:\n\nCongress designed the SLFRF to \u201csupport [the state and local] response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency,\u201d but much of that funding is being used for projects that have little if anything to do with relieving or recovering from the pandemic.\n\nFor example, \u201cmore than $185 million has been approved for projects related to golf courses (such as updating irrigation systems or buying golf carts), more than $400 million has gone to improve swimming pools, almost $80 million has gone to sports stadiums, $34 million has gone to building tennis and pickleball courts, $10 million has gone to rodeos, and one town even got $15 million to install showers and a commercial kitchen at a site to host the circus and local flea market. $4 million even went to the Field of Dreams in Iowa where Major League Baseball hosts its annual late-summer game!\u201d1\n\nThe list of inappropriate uses of SLFRF funds goes on and on. What\u2019s more, those inappropriate uses and this unilateral extension of time to obligate funds conveniently coincide with this final year of the Biden Administration\u2019s first term in office, further raising the question of whether these funds are being properly deployed around the country. With approximately 44 percent, or $152 billion SLFRF dollars as yet unobligated, it is absolutely vital that Treasury exercise tremendous care in its management of the program, not engage in wanton, unilateral rulemakings that unlawfully expand the period for obligation of SLFRF funds.\n\nIt is abundantly clear that Treasury is attempting, through this immediately effective and final rulemaking, to wall off money from Congress as we seek offsets to new Federal expenditures.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe IFR\u2019s new April 30, 2024, reporting deadline unlawfully extends the statutory requirement to obligate funds beyond the established deadline of December 31, 2024, by two years. The IFR would enable funds to be obligated post-December 31, 2024, through December 31, 2026. Treasury has not articulated a statutory authority or justification for this change wrought by the IFR. It has not supplied Congress or the public with any reasons or rationale. It has unlawfully contravened the plain language of the statute. Consequently, the IFR should be withdrawn by the Department.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits Treasury from expending and obligating funds in a manner inconsistent with its direction Congress. For example, the ADA makes clear that Treasury may not \u201cmake or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation,\u201d and it may likewise not \u201cinvolve either government in a contract or obligation for the payment of money before an appropriation is made unless authorized by law.\u201d2\n\nHere, by changing the definition of \u201cobligation\u201d and adding a new definition for \u201creturn of funds\u201d to the SLFRF program, Treasury is potentially putting itself afoul of these and other ADA requirements. Treasury has provided no explanation or justification for how these purely discretionary policy choices comport with the ADA. It must immediately do so or withdraw these regulations.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWe, along with the Government Accountability Office, must increase oversight of the Executive Branch\u2019s use of emergency COVID-19 funding. A significant amount of activity on this front is underway, but more is required.3 The SLFRF fund is one program that requires additional oversight. As has been explored, it does not appear that President Biden and Treasury are properly managing the SLFRF program, and indeed are now seeking to unlawfully and unilaterally expand it for apparently political purposes. We cannot tolerate that.\u201d\n\n1 Paul Winfree and Brittany Madni, Econ. Pol. Innov. Ctr., \u201cThe Bidenomics Slush Fund: How $350 Billion is Being Misappropriated (Dec. 3, 2023),\u201d https://epicforamerica.org/publications/bidenomics-slush-fund/.\n\n2 31 U.S.C. \u00a7 1341(a)(1).\n\n[1] See generally Government Accountability Office, \u201cCoronavirus Oversight,\u201d https://www.gao.gov/coronavirus.\n\nFull letter here.\n\nRead more coverage on the letter from Semafor here.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1340", "REP. CLINE INTRODUCES BILL TO PREVENT UNIVERSITIES FROM USING TAXPAYER-FUNDED GRANTS FOR WOKE DEI PROGRAMS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Federal Grant Accountability Act. This legislation would ensure that higher education institutions are properly using taxpayer-funded federal grant money solely for conducting research projects, rather than for funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, by requiring reports on how indirect cost reimbursements are being allocated to schools to provide more transparency to the federal grant-making process. It would also prohibit federal agencies from distributing funds at an indirect rate that is higher than the lower rate offered to private organizations.\n\nThis comes following a shocking testimony from university presidents during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on the massive rise in antisemitism on college campuses.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cUniversities are raking in tens of billions of dollars from taxpayers for scientific research. While some are using their grant money appropriately, others are using it as a slush fund to promote woke, radical DEI activities. Congress must protect Americans\u2019 taxpayer dollars and ensure that the money received is being spent on legitimate, research-oriented purposes, not to push the Left\u2019s political agenda on college campuses.\u201d\n\nExecutive Vice President of Heritage Action, Ryan Walker, said, \u201cInstitutions of higher education should drive research and promote diversity of thought, not forced compliance with radical political agendas. DEI practices promote division in America, further exploited by university bureaucrats at the expense of taxpayers. The Federal Grant Accountability Act holds universities accountable by ensuring taxpayer funds are used for actual research and not as fuel for the Left\u2019s agenda.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1946, taxpayers began subsiding scientific research at higher education institutions.\n\nThe cost of all academic research projects is broken down into two types of costs: direct costs of the project and overhead expenses, also known as indirect costs.\n\nWhile direct costs are easy to quantify and itemize, indirect costs are not. Currently, universities can receive reimbursement from federal agencies based on an indirect cost rate, defined as a percentage of the direct costs of a research project. This is negotiated between the federal agency awarding the project and each university.\n\nIn some cases, that indirect cost a university is reimbursed for can be high as 60 percent, which means the university can receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements for indirect costs that can be used by the school for whatever purposes they choose. While some schools use those funds directly toward the research project, others are likely to use the money to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities on college campuses.\n\nRead more coverage from Washington Examiner here.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-19-million-workers-will-get-raise-under-raise-wage-act", "Scott: Up to 19 Million Workers will Get a Raise under Raise the Wage Act", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report on the effect of gradually raising the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2028.\n\n\u201cThe clear conclusion from the Congressional Budget Office\u2019s report is that the benefits of the Raise the Wage Act of 2023 for workers far outweigh the potential costs. According to CBO\u2019s estimates, the legislation would give up to 19 million workers a raise, lift 400,000 Americans out of poverty, and further bolster our economic growth by putting money back into the pockets of workers who will spend that money in their communities.\n\n\u201cNotably, the CBO\u2019s findings reinforce the evidence that gradually raising the federal minimum wage would boost wages most for workers in states with some of the weakest labor organizing protections, which have prevented workers from forming unions and negotiating for higher pay.\n\n\u201cIt has been more than a decade without an increase to the federal minimum wage\u2014the longest period in U.S. history. As the current minimum wage of $7.25 becomes even less of an adequate floor for workers\u2019 pay, we must pass the Raise the Wage Act of 2023 to strengthen the financial security of our nation\u2019s workers and their families.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-leads-15-lawmakers-call-fda-and-cdc-address-lead-contamination-foods", "McClellan Leads 15 Lawmakers to Call on FDA and CDC to Address Lead Contamination in Foods Consumed by Young Children", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) led fifteen House Democrats in a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The lawmakers expressed serious concerns about the increasing reports of children experiencing lead poisoning due to the consumption of lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce. They called on the FDA to expedite actions to strengthen food heavy metal contamination standards and urged the CDC to ensure families are informed and can access the necessary testing and care.\n\nThe Washington Postreported at least 118 suspected or confirmed cases of lead exposure, leading to high blood lead levels in children who had consumed applesauce products containing cinnamon. As of December 11, the FDA has received 65 reports of illness in 27 states linked to these now-recalled products. Children absorb significantly more ingested lead than adults, which can lead to severe adverse health impacts, including vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, seizures, hearing loss, learning difficulties, and developmental delays.\n\n\u201cFamilies and other consumers trust regulators to ensure that food products meet minimum safety standards. These reports are extremely troubling on their own \u2013 especially given the emerging possibility that the cinnamon may have been intentionally contaminated with lead,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cHowever, they also shed light on larger issues around the lack of federal standards for lead in most foods, including those consumed by babies and young children, and that product testing is not generally required.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers urged the FDA to take a series of actions to protect American consumers, including expediting its efforts on the Closer to Zero Action Plan, an initiative that seeks to reduce exposure to contaminants in foods. They also emphasized the need to consider the cumulative impacts of lead exposure suffered by historically marginalized communities and called on the CDC to ensure that disadvantaged families can access appropriate testing and treatment.\n\n\u201cWe also urge FDA to expand its current draft guidance on foods intended for babies and young children to ensure that the applesauce pouches implicated in this situation and other foods consumed by young children are covered,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cFinally, we ask FDA to release any testing results it has received for products implicated in the current applesauce recall\u2026 As more cases are being identified, we want to particularly uplift disadvantaged and vulnerable communities where children may be disproportionately affected. This may be the case as children suffer the cumulative effects of lead exposure from multiple sources such as housing and drinking water in addition to contaminated food products.\u201d\n\nThe letter was signed by Reps. Alma Adams, Nanette Barrag\u00e1n, Yadira Caraveo, Kathy Castor, Danny Davis, Don Davis, Derek Kilmer, Seth Magaziner, Betty McCollum, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Pappas, Katie Porter, Shri Thanedar, David Trone, and Jennifer Wexton.\n\nThe letter is endorsed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.\n\n\u201cThis latest outbreak has shown us that our food system is failing kids. We need to be able to trust that the products we pick up in the grocery store will not cause lead poisoning,\u201d said Sarah Sorscher, Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. \u201cFDA must move faster in setting limits for lead in foods marketed to children, and make sure that those standards cover the kinds of apple sauce products that caused this outbreak.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-foushee-manning-mcclellan-scott-send-second-letter-urging-ferc-deny-mvp", "Reps. Foushee, Manning, McClellan, Scott Send Second Letter Urging FERC to Deny MVP Southgate Pipeline Extension", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC (December 18, 2023) \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congresswoman Kathy Manning(NC-06), Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) sent a second letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Secretary Kimberly Bose, requesting that the Commission deny an extension of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Southgate project. The certificate is needed for construction of a 73-mile proposed extension of the MVP, which would span from southern Virginia into northwestern North Carolina. FERC plans to review the MVP Southgate extension request at their upcoming Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.\n\n\u201cMVP has demonstrated alarming disregard for community safety as it has proceeded with installation of the mainline project, and FERC should not grant another extension while the company has yet to prove whether it can comply with the consent agreement and safety measures,\u201d the Members said.\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress committed to addressing the climate crisis, we echo the requests of impacted community members and leaders,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cIf built, this pipeline would lock homes and businesses in the Southeast into the long-term use of natural gas during a critical moment in which we must transition away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.\u201d\n\nThe Mountain Valley Pipeline was issued the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in June of 2020 from FERC and in the years since, neighbors, residents and citizen groups have expressed significant concerns about environmental impacts, public safety, ecotourism, and nearby communities of color.\n\nThis letter is following up on a similar request the Members sent to FERC on August 15, 2023. Additionally, McClellan and Foushee and Manning led separate, successful efforts to extend the public comment period for the Southgate certificate extension. The Southgate project was not covered under the Fiscal Responsibility Act provisions for the automatic approval of the MVP mainline.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-ranking-members-lofgren-stevens-call-gao-report-assess-financial", "McClellan, Ranking Members Lofgren, Stevens Call for GAO Report to Assess Financial Instability in the Graduate and Postdoctoral STEM Workforce", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, House Science, Space and Technology (SST) Committee Member Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), SST Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Ranking Member of the SST Subcommittee on Research and Technology Haley Stevens (MI-11) sent a letter to the Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral STEM scholars.\n\nGraduate and postdoctoral students conduct work integral to the implementation of the bipartisan, bicameral CHIPS and Science Act. The legislation includes historic investments to surge production of American-made semiconductors, tackle supply chain vulnerabilities to make more goods in America, revitalize the nation\u2019s scientific research and technological leadership, and strengthen America\u2019s economic and national security at home and abroad.\n\n\u201cGraduate students and postdoctoral scholars play an important role in the United States science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research and development enterprise,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe recruitment, training, and retention of these early-career researchers are essential to fulfilling the potential of the CHIPS and Science Act and ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in science and technology. However, increases in costs and personal expenses needed to pursue a STEM career have led to unsustainable levels of financial instability for some researchers.\u201d\n\nGraduate and postdoctoral students often struggle with financial instability due to the rising costs of health care, housing, transportation, food, child care, and other expenses. Over 95 percent of graduate researchers recently surveyed reported worrying about increased costs of living. In another survey, almost 95 percent of postdoctoral researchers indicated that their professional and personal lives were most negatively affected by their salary.\n\n\u201cDue to the importance of STEM professionals to our nation's health, economy, and well-being, and due to the long and resource-intensive training period these researchers must undertake, it is vital for us to understand the factors that may affect entry into and completion of such training,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cTherefore, we ask the Government Accountability Office to study what is known about financial instability among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and assess the extent to which federal support for STEM research and training addresses financial instability.\u201d\n\nMcClellan, Lofgren, and Stevens are committed to growing and diversifying the STEM workforce and dismantling barriers to opportunities. Financial instability affects postsecondary attendance and persistence for students, particularly students with lower socioeconomic status. This GAO study will provide valuable information on financial insecurity and the extent to which underrepresented groups may be disproportionately impacted by the financial strain of seeking advanced STEM training, helping lawmakers take action on this issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6049", "Hickenlooper, Murkowski Legislation to Expand Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Programs Passes HELP Committee", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, a negotiated version of U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Lisa Murkowski\u2019s bipartisan Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee as a provision within the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act.\n\n\u201cColorado\u2019s on the frontline of the youth mental health crisis,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper. \u201cPeer-to-peer mental health programs help break the stigma around mental health care and connect students to the resources they need.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 original Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act would help school districts facilitate peer-to-peer mental health programs in middle and high schools. Provisions of the legislation passed as part of the reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act in today\u2019s HELP markup.\n\nThe SUPPORT Act, originally passed in 2018 to help combat the opioid crisis, funds prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness. These critical programs need to be reauthorized by Congress this year.\n\n\"The University of Colorado Boulder is grateful to Senator Hickenlooper for his leadership on the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act,\" said Professor Sona Dimidjian, Director of the Ren\u00e9e Crown Wellness Institute. \"There is an urgent need for mental health support for young people in Colorado and across the nation. Research shows peer-to-peer models can increase access, cultural responsiveness, and strengthen the skills needed to support mental health and wellness. The Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act is an important first step toward expanding the science of these models and increasing essential mental health support for young people.\"\n\n\u201cMental Health America applauds Senators Hickenlooper and Murkowski and the Senate HELP Committee for moving forward legislation to prioritize and fund youth peer support in schools,\u201d said Mary Giliberti, Chief Public Policy Officer. \u201cYoung people who receive peer support services report improvement in their sense of belonging, reduced isolation, and increased self-advocacy skills, which aid in their recovery from mental health and substance use conditions. As we continue to see the mental health crisis worsen in young people, efforts to grow activities in schools that prevent and intervene early are of utmost importance.\u201d\n\nThe program would be administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in consultation with the Department of Education.\n\nCongressman Don Beyer champions the legislation in the House of Representatives and plans to reintroduce a companion this Congress.\n\n\u201cThe suicide rate is at its highest level since 1941. Student-led peer-to-peer initiatives are a key tool that can help prevent needless death, and I\u2019m glad to see it advance on a bipartisan basis,\u201d said Congressman Beyer. \u201cCongress must do all it can to address suicide and mental illness. I thank Senators Hickenlooper and Murkowski for their leadership on this important bill, will continue working on that important effort with colleagues in both parties.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-ongoing-israel-hamas-war", "Scott Statement on Ongoing Israel-Hamas War", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cI was relieved to see the recent successful negotiation that allowed for a halt in fighting, the release of more than 100 Israeli hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Like many, I am very troubled by reports of heavy losses of Palestinian civilian lives in this war.\n\n\u201cTo ensure a lasting ceasefire and peace, negotiations must include further humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza and a release of all hostages. Israel has a right to defend itself but, as the Biden Administration has made clear, this must be in accordance with international law which includes minimizing civilian causalities to the greatest extent possible. This will be critical as we work towards a future where Hamas is defeated and can no longer terrorize Israelis and Gazans. It will also bolster our efforts to ensuring a lasting peace in the region, a two-state solution, and the safety and dignity of the Israeli and Palestinian people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-defense-bill-fy24", "Scott Votes for Defense Bill for FY24", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott issued the following statement after voting for theConference Report to Accompany H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\u201cThe FY24 NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise and support to servicemembers, guarantees the defense of the American people, and invests in our national security. As the representative of Hampton Roads and a member of the conference committee, I am proud that the final bill supports our region\u2019s shipbuilding industrial base with provisions that include one Columbia-class submarine and two Virginia-class submarines as well as authorizing a multi-year procurement for the Virginia-class submarine program and full funding for the Ford Class aircraft carrier program. The conference report also includes an authorization for the AUKUS agreement, allowing for a trilateral security partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia that will authorize the transfer and sale of up to three Virginia-class submarines to Australia. This will strengthen the naval presence of a key ally in the region and create jobs in Newport News. It additionally includes a deadline for a report I requested in last year\u2019s NDAA, focused on efforts made to prevent and respond to deaths by suicide in the Navy.\n\n\u201cAs the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am pleased the conference report also includes historic investments to strengthen research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions. This funding to support researchers and modernize research facilities at these institutions is critical to our national security and competitive edge in the global economy.\n\n\u201cI am thankful that many culture war provisions included in the original House-passed version of this year\u2019s NDAA were ultimately rejected, such as amendments to attack reproductive freedom for women in uniform. Divided government leads to some compromises that must be made. Ultimately, this was legislation that would support servicemembers and protect our national security and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-helps-pass-ndaa-fully-fund-military", "McClellan Helps Pass NDAA to Fully Fund the Military", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted in support of final passage of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. The legislation authorizes funding for the United States military and supports America\u2019s servicemembers.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud of the work we accomplished to pass this crucial piece of legislation. Our Commonwealth is home to over 130,000 active-duty servicemembers and over 700,000 veterans, who deserve the full support of the federal government,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA represents a bipartisan compromise that protects our national security priorities, advances military development and innovation, and supports our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Despite House Republicans\u2019 attempts to undermine Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives, attack our LGBTQ+ service members, and restrict reproductive health care, congressional Democrats were able to successfully remove their poison pill policies.\u201d\n\nMcClellan successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nTraction Alopecia Study: to direct the Department of Defense to conduct a study into the feasibility of implementing novel treatments for service members, particularly Black women, who suffer from traction alopecia and scalp damage caused by the military\u2019s strict grooming standards.\n\nExtension Deadline for U.S.S. George Washington: to provide the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Defense the necessary time to conclude its investigation into the contributing factors behind the suicides committed by Navy servicemembers aboard the U.S.S. George Washington in Newport News, Virginia.\n\nMental Health Awareness and Suicide Training Study: to direct the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study into mental health awareness and suicide prevention training in the military and to offer recommendations to close existing gaps.\n\nMilitaryOne Source Study: to direct the Department of Defense to conduct a study into the efficacy, utility, and accessibility of the One Source Program, which aims to connect servicemembers and their families with various services and resources.\n\nNATO Resolution: McClellan\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral legislation to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval. The Senate version is led by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).\n\n\u201cThroughout the NDAA process \u2013 from the 14 hour committee markup to the hours of floor debate opposing Republicans\u2019 extreme policies \u2013 I fought to ensure this legislation meets our national security priorities and supports our troops and their families. I successfully secured five major provisions to safeguard America\u2019s role in NATO and protect our alliance with leading democracies, improve our service members' quality of life, address the mental health crisis among our service members, and ensure they have the resources and support they deserve,\u201d continued Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cAs lawmakers, we have a responsibility to simultaneously ensure the security of the Nation and solve the challenges facing our military personnel as they make courageous sacrifices to defend our freedom and liberties. I look forward to President Biden signing this legislation into law.\u201d\n\nOther notable provisions in the bill include:\n\nPay Raise for Service Members: allocates necessary funding to support the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s proposed 5.2% pay raise for service members.\n\nExpanded Child Development and Education: includes $301 million in military construction for new child development centers, an additional $60 million for planning and design to accelerate future child development center replacements, and $70 million for educational agencies with military dependent students that serve children with severe disabilities.\n\nHistoric Investments in HBCUs: authorizes a record $150 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to invest in innovation, technology, and modernization initiatives, as well as historically underserved communities.\n\nImproved Health Care Resources: increases access to mental and physical health care under TRICARE, reduces out-of-pocket costs, and expands delivery of health care benefits. The final version of the bill also struck down the House-version that overturned the Department of Defense\u2019s travel rule for reproductive health care.\n\nBolstered Defense Coordination: authorizes key provisions of the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) security agreement that will increase defense cooperation between our nations and strengthen the industrial base so that we can produce necessary defense equipment in a more timely and cost effective manner. Also fully reauthorizes the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).\n\nReaffirmed Commitment to a Cleaner Environment: authorizes $650 million worth of investments in energy resilience and energy conservation projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-extreme-maga-republicans-wasting-time-partisan-baseless", "Scott: Extreme MAGA Republicans Wasting Time With Partisan, Baseless Impeachment Inquiry", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to authorize an impeachment inquiry against President Biden:\n\n\u201cThis past fall, House Republicans held a hearing on whether or not to impeach President Biden and their own witnesses said there was no evidence to support an impeachment. Despite that testimony, they remain intent on impeaching President Biden not only without evidence, but without even articulating any credible allegations. Since the beginning of this Congress, the extreme MAGA Republican majority in the House has not enacted any legislation focused on lowering costs or growing the middle class. Instead, they have focused on partisan political bills and resolutions that do nothing to improve the lives of working families. The American people deserve better.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-remarks-opposition-hres-927", "Scott Remarks in Opposition to H.Res. 927", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) delivered the following remarks during the debate of H. Res. 927, Condemning antisemitism on university campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.\n\n\u201cI condemn antisemitism in all forms. Moreover, calls for the genocide of Jewish people has no place in reasonable discourse, and I condemn them. I did not think such a statement should be necessary, but in today\u2019s context, it is necessary.\n\n\u201cThese sentiments were shared repeatedly by Claudine Gay of Harvard, Sally Kornbluth from M.I.T., and Elizabeth Magill from the University of Pennsylvania during their testimony last week.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, because of the five-minute exchange towards the end of the hearing that was clipped and shared online without full context during the hours-long hearing, these university presidents\u2019 commitment to fighting antisemitism has been called into question. This is because, during the clip, they answered the question asked. They made the mistake of believing the hearing was a serious attempt to ascertain what could be done to promote student safety on campus in light of the tensions between the First Amendment protections of freedom of speech on the one hand and the civil code, Title VI and campus code of conduct on the other.\n\n\u201cSome speech, such as threats, can be so severe as to be criminal. Other speech could establish a hostile environment on campus in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Universities can establish codes of conduct prohibiting some speech while respecting the First Amendment.\n\n\u201cBut any speech involved in the First Amendment analysis is likely to be reprehensible. The fact that it might be protected does not make the speech any less reprehensible and does not suggest that you even agree with it. A call for genocide of Jewish people is obviously reprehensible in all contexts \u2013 but whether or not it is constitutionally protected, depends on context.\n\n\u201cDon\u2019t take my word for it. Read the article published recently in the Harvard Crimson authored by Harvard Law Professor Charles Fried \u2013 former solicitor general during the Reagan Administration. In the article, Professor Fried states \u2013 and I quote \u2013\n\n\u2018When asked whether they would discipline students (or, I suppose, faculty) if they called for the genocide of Jews, each president responded that the answer depends on the context of the utterances.\n\n'I have taught at Harvard Law School since 1961 and began practicing before the Supreme Court in 1985 \u2014 for four years as Solicitor General of the United States \u2014 and I would have felt professionally obligated to answer as the presidents did. It does depend on the context.\n\n'In the 1969 case Brandenburg v. Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that \u2018constitutional guarantees of free speech and free press do not permit a State to forbid or prescribe advocacy of the use of force or of law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action.\u2019\u2026\n\n'Speech itself is, indeed, well-protected.\n\n'The three university presidents head private institutions that are not bound in every respect by federal constitutional constraints. But each institution, in various ways, has declared itself committed to protecting First Amendment values over the years. So, it is not surprising that their presidents would have answered that whether they would discipline or expel students for advocating genocide depends on the context.\n\n'If one seeks to follow constitutional principles, answering this question certainly does depend on the context.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s what Professor Fried said.\n\n\u201cThat is the kind of analysis applied to any freedom of speech question. It is even being applied to former President Trump today \u2013 was his speech on January 6, 2021, a crime of inciting violence, or was it protected speech?\n\n\u201cIncredibly, the university presidents were directed to give a one-word answer: yes or no. They responded as Professor Fried said he would have been professionally obligated to do.\n\n\u201cIt depends on context.\n\n\u2018Regrettably, they took the question as an opportunity to seriously discuss the Constitutional implications of a complex question\u2014 that was a big mistake.\n\n\u201cAnd for that mistake, we are considering a resolution to condemn them and ask them to resign.\n\n\u201cI also think it is important to put this resolution in context \u2013 Because in 2017, after white supremacists walked through the campus of the University of Virginia, shouting, 'Jews will not replace us!' Democrats on the Committee requested a hearing on that incident, and nothing happened. Meanwhile, the one who declared \u2018there were good people on both sides\u2019 has been enthusiastically endorsed.\n\n\u201cWe need to do everything the law allows to address antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination on college campuses. This resolution is not a serious effort to advance that cause. I, therefore, oppose this resolution and reserve the balance of my time.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-supreme-courts-decision-hear-mifepristone-case", "McClellan Statement on the Supreme Court\u2019s Decision to Hear Mifepristone Case", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to grant certiorari in the case Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA:\n\n\u201cToday, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA. While this is an important step in the continued fight for reproductive freedom, the future of mifepristone remains uncertain. The lower courts\u2019 rulings attempting to limit access to mifepristone are outrageous, undermine the FDA\u2019s authority, and jeopardize the health and well-being of millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cMifepristone is proven to be a safe, effective abortion medication and remains accessible to Americans for now. I signed onto an amicus brief with more than 200 of my congressional colleagues to urge the Court to preserve access to mifepristone. I will continue fighting to protect Americans\u2019 reproductive freedoms and empower them to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their providers. Politicians have no place in these deeply personal, medical choices. We have seen the impact of these attacks on abortion rights, causing horrific situations like Kate Cox\u2019s case in Texas or Brittany Watts in Ohio.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6048", "Bipartisan Delegation Secures Paid Leave For Veterans In Federal Workforce In NDAA Conference Report", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Nancy Mace (R-SC) today announced that the amendment they advanced with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to expand access to family and medical leave for veterans in the federal workforce was adopted in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2024 (Title XI, Sec. 1114, pg. 735). The amendment would factor in military service when determining eligibility for family and medical leave policies for federal workers.\n\n\u201cEvery American worker deserves access to family and medical leave, and the provision we secured in the NDAA will recognize time in military service like time in the federal civil service,\u201d said Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA). \u201cPassage of this measure will be a big win for my constituents, many of whom are federal workers. But federal employees work across the United States, and a huge number of them served their country in uniform, so the benefit of this much-needed change to law will be felt all over the country. I am grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for their support for this legislation, and in particular to Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, Don Bacon, Nancy Mace, and Chris Smith for their leadership.\u201d\n\n\"I can\u2019t underscore enough how far federal paid family leave has come in the past few years,\u201d said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). \u201cIn FY20, I secured 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers; in FY23, I also secured 12 weeks for our service members. But even as we saw historic progress, a gap remained for our service members transitioning to a job in the federal government. By crediting time in uniform towards paid parental leave for the federal government, we will help retain the best and brightest America has to offer. I am grateful for the steadfast partnership of Rep. Beyer as we strengthen our workforce and, in turn, our national security. I look forward to seeing this policy signed into law in the coming weeks.\"\n\n\u201cProviding family medical leave benefits to federal employees is one of Congress\u2019 more significant legislative accomplishments over the past several years,\u201d said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to work with Congressman Beyer supporting veterans who choose to enter the federal work force by crediting their past military service toward their family and medical leave eligibility requirements. I\u2019m pleased this provision was included in the final conference agreement and look forward to it becoming law before the end of the year.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany Servicemembers transition from military service to federal service but their military time does not count towards the Family and Medical Leave Act. This provision which was included in the FY 2024 NDAA will allow veterans who are continuing civil service as a federal employee to count their military service towards the one year required to earn Family and Medical Leave,\u201d said Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1335", "HOUSE PASSES REP. CLINE\u2019S BIPARTISAN BILL TO REIN IN UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Ben Cline\u2019s (VA-06) Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act (H.R. 357), cosponsored by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will provide greater accountability to taxpayers in the regulatory process by requiring all rules, except in limited circumstances, to be signed and issued by an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cFor too long, costly regulatory burdens have been imposed by unelected career bureaucrats, rather than an individual confirmed by the Senate. That is unacceptable. Passage of this legislation on the House Floor is a step in the right direction to help rein in Washington bureaucrats\u2019 overreach of power and ensure a government that is accountable to the American people.\u201d\n\nRep. Jared Golden said, \u201cIt\u2019s simple: federal regulations should be made by officials who are accountable to the American people. House passage of this common-sense, bipartisan bill brings us one step closer to a more responsible and responsive government.\u201d\n\nRead more about Congressman Cline\u2019s bill exclusively on Fox News.\n\nThe Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act is Rep. Cline\u2019s first legislation to pass the House floor in the 118th Congress. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\nCosponsors: Jared Golden (ME-02), Scott Perry (PA-10), Mary Miller (IL-15), Mark Green (TN-07), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Michael Guest (MS-03), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Harriet Hageman (WY), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Russell Fry (SC-07), Lance Gooden (TX-05), and Mark Alford (MS-04)\n\nBackground\n\nAccording to a 2019 study by the Pacific Legal Foundation, 98% of all rules that came out of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2001 and 2017 were issued \u201cillegally\u201d by non-Senate confirmed officials and that other agencies had similar problems.\n\nThe study found that 25 of those rules had an economic impact of more than $100 million and that the FDA\u2019s high incidence of rules issued by minor officials meant that more than 70% of all HHS rules were \u201cunconstitutional.\u201d\n\nIn 2021, Congress passed 143 laws while federal agencies issued 3,257 rules. Such agency rules have an estimated cost of $1.927 trillion annually, which is the equivalent of $14,684 per U.S. household each year.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mcclellan-scott-announce-two-500k-dot-grant-awards", "McClellan, Scott Announce Two $500K DOT Grant Awards", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03)applauded two separate $500,000 grant awards to strengthen Virginia\u2019s passenger rail network. The U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (USDOT) Federal Rail Administration\u2019s Corridor Identification and Development Program awarded grants to support construction of the Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor and the east-west Commonwealth Corridor.\n\nImprovements to the North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor will dramatically expand passenger rail service and reliability in the growing Southeast Corridor, which is expected to reach a population of more than 25 million by 2040. The Commonwealth Corridor will provide much needed east-to-west passenger rail service and connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville, and the New River Valley in Virginia.\n\n\u201cThis announcement is incredibly welcomed news that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginians,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Virginia. This federal funding will support the development of a vital component of the national rail passenger transportation system and better connect Virginia with the rest of the nation. As we work to implement additional provisions from the bill, I will continue advocating for localities in Virginia\u2019s Fourth and across the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\"These announcements from the DOT are great news for the Commonwealth. These funds will expand passenger rail service for Virginians and provide a boost for our local economies,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a once in a generation investment in rail, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, broadband and more. The law has already delivered big wins for Virginia and these grants are another example. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we take full advantage of further opportunities and resources made available from this law.\"\n\nMcClellan and Scott fought to secure this federal funding for the Commonwealth. In March 2023, McClellan and Scott sent a letter to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging the selection of the N.C. to D.C. Corridor and the Commonwealth Corridor. While in the Virginia General Assembly, McClellan carried legislation to direct the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to conduct a feasibility study of the Commonwealth Corridor.\n\nRead the full DOT announcement here. Read the grant support letter here. Read the Commonwealth Corridor feasibility study here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-scott-announce-two-500k-dot-grant-awards", "McClellan, Scott Announce Two $500K DOT Grant Awards", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) applauded two separate $500,000 grant awards to strengthen Virginia\u2019s passenger rail network. The U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (USDOT) Federal Rail Administration\u2019s Corridor Identification and Development Program awarded grants to support construction of the Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor and the east-west Commonwealth Corridor.\n\nImprovements to the North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Corridor will dramatically expand passenger rail service and reliability in the growing Southeast Corridor, which is expected to reach a population of more than 25 million by 2040. The Commonwealth Corridor will provide much needed east-to-west passenger rail service and connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville, and the New River Valley in Virginia.\n\n\u201cThis announcement is incredibly welcomed news that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Virginians,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Virginia. This federal funding will support the development of a vital component of the national rail passenger transportation system and better connect Virginia with the rest of the nation. As we work to implement additional provisions from the bill, I will continue advocating for localities in Virginia\u2019s Fourth and across the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\"These announcements from the DOT are great news for the Commonwealth. These funds will expand passenger rail service for Virginians and provide a boost for our local economies,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a once in a generation investment in rail, roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, broadband and more. The law has already delivered big wins for Virginia and these grants are another example. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we take full advantage of further opportunities and resources made available from this law.\"\n\nMcClellan and Scott fought to secure this federal funding for the Commonwealth. In March 2023, McClellan and Scott sent a letter to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging the selection of the N.C. to D.C. Corridor and the Commonwealth Corridor. While in the Virginia General Assembly, McClellan carried legislation to direct the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to conduct a feasibility study of the Commonwealth Corridor.\n\nRead the full DOT announcement here. Read the grant support letter here. Read the Commonwealth Corridor feasibility study here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/sens-warner-kaine-rep-mcclellan-call-answers-mail-delivery-issues-richmond", "Sens. Warner & Kaine, Rep. McClellan Call for Answers to Mail Delivery Issues in the Richmond Area", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) sent a letter to the Virginia District Manager of the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting answers and improved transparency regarding the recent mail delivery issues in the Richmond area. In their letter, the lawmakers urge Virginia District Manager Gerald Roane to address these issues and communicate directly with impacted residents.\n\n\u201cWe write to advocate on behalf of our constituents, who have continued to share countless stories of mail delays and mail security concerns throughout Virginia and the Fourth Congressional District. While we appreciate your outreach with our offices, we feel our constituents would greatly benefit from direct communications from you or an appropriate United States Postal Service (USPS) representative,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cTherefore, we request your office to facilitate a town hall for concerned residents regarding their postal service concerns no later than January 19, 2024.\u201d\n\nOver the past few months, the lawmakers received hundreds of reports of mail delivery issues, including late and missing deliveries, sudden stops in service, and mail theft. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight various cases currently under investigation, including a local small business owner in the Bellevue neighborhood and a constituent in the Fan neighborhood.\n\n\u201cOne notable case involves a 38-year resident of the Bellevue neighborhood and small business owner who has been grappling with mail delivery issues for over four months. Weekly missed deliveries since September have resulted in the non-receipt of crucial items such as paychecks, credit card bills, and insurance policies. This has, in turn, led to the imposition of late fees and, in some instances, the cancellation of essential services,\u201d they continued. \u201cSimilarly, a constituent in the Fan neighborhood of Richmond reported a mail hiatus lasting up to eight days. Despite reporting the issue to their local post office, USPS made no efforts to follow up or notify the family about the status of their case. Ultimately, an automated message from the postal service declared the matter resolved without any prior communication.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continue to open constituent cases to advocate on their behalf and resolve these issues. Read their full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-november-jobs-report-5", "Scott Statement on November Jobs Report", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 199,000 jobs in November as the unemployment rate ticked down from 3.9 percent to 3.7 percent. Under President Biden\u2019s leadership, the economy has added 14.1 million jobs. This is more jobs in 34 months than any President has created in an entire 4-year term.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s jobs report further demonstrates that the investments made by President Biden and Congressional Democrats continue to deliver for the American people. These investments have accelerated our economic growth and lowered costs for working families by securing higher wages for workers, creating new job opportunities, and stabilizing inflation.\n\n\u201cAs our job market expands, we must ensure that students and workers can enter or transition into sustainable careers and employers can hire well-trained workers. That is why, this week, I helped lead the effort to introduce two bipartisan bills\u2014the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act and A Stronger Workforce for America Act\u2014that would help Americans get the skills and support they need to benefit from our economic growth. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term training programs, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Actwould allow more adults to attend and complete courses that will help them compete in the modern economy. Moreover, A Stronger Workforce for America Act would make critical updates to our workforce development system to better connect workers with good-paying job opportunities and help employers access a pipeline of talented workers.\n\n\u201cWhile the Republican Majority in Congress has been marked by dysfunction and political brinksmanship, I remain committed to working with all my colleagues to pass evidence-based legislation that invests in America\u2019s skills development and empowers working families to thrive in good-paying jobs.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6044", "Virginia Delegation Secures $729 Million for Transforming Rail In Virginia Phase 2 Projects", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "PHOTOS AND B-ROLL ARE AVAILABLE HERE\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) held an event in Arlington to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding they secured for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects. The funding will support the completion of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River to connect D.C. and Virginia, make improvements to L\u2019Enfant Station, and lay a third track along key sections of the corridor in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties. This will help alleviate current bottlenecks, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. The TRV projects will help expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail services between D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to additional service to current destinations, these projects are also a necessary intermediate step for future passenger rail service for the New River Valley and Bristol. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, and Spanberger helped pass in 2021.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled we secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River and expand rail capacity and reliability in Virginia,\u201d said Senators Warner and Kaine. \u201cThis is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the Commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast. I appreciate the collaboration between our senators, our congressional delegation, and our Secretary of Transportation to finalize the funding for this critical project this year and get this accomplished expeditiously. This project\u2019s impact on the Commonwealth cannot be overstated \u2014 it will ease congestion, make our supply chain more resilient, improve freight movement in and out of our world-class port, and boost local economies,\u201d said Governor Youngkin.\n\n\"The funding we announced today is a huge deal for Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region. This grant will support the completion of a new Long Bridge to connect Virginia and Washington, D.C., doubling capacity at a bottleneck for much of the freight rail traffic in the mid-Atlantic and bringing billions of dollars in projected economic benefits,\u201d said Representative Beyer. \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I was proud to help pass, this historic infrastructure investment will benefit Virginians by expanding rail capacity, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic growth. This project is a fantastic example of the good we can do with smart investment and forward-thinking public policy.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, we celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in action,\u201d said Representative Connolly. \u201cThis is an historic investment in our future and a transformative project for all Virginians that will reduce rail and road congestion, improve commutes, and increase our regional transportation capacity. I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding and I can\u2019t wait to see these federal dollars at work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis federal investment is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law is continuing to deliver for Virginia\u2019s communities,\u201d said Representative Spanberger. \u201cIn Congress, I\u2019ve had the honor of representing Virginians up and down the I-95 corridor. And for years, they have been calling for stronger investments in reliable passenger rail. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Virginians I serve, I look forward to seeing these major and historic improvements in action.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to improve our Commonwealth\u2019s public transportation infrastructure and strengthen the capacity and resiliency of our passenger and freight rail network,\u201d said Representative McClellan. \u201cVirginia Democrats called on the Department of Transportation to support the Long Bridge Project. Today, we celebrate this robust federal funding, which will have profoundly beneficial impacts in Virginia.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant is great news for Virginians,\u201d said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. \u201cThe full funding of our Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase II projects, in particular, Long Bridge will result in a transformative increase in rail travel in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast. VPRA is grateful for the immense support we have received from our Virginia senators and Congressional delegation for this initiative. Their support has been immeasurable.\u201d\n\nThe existing Long Bridge is the most significant choke point along the East Coast. It\u2019s the only rail bridge connecting Virginia to D.C. and serves as the main rail connection between the Southeast and Northeast for passenger and freight rail. The Long Bridge expansion is estimated to contribute $1.1 billion annually to the national economy and support 17,750 jobs.\n\nSpecifically, the funding will be used for:\n\nLong Bridge Project: Design and construct a new Long Bridge between Arlington and D.C., including five rail bridges and two pedestrian/bicycle bridges. Once completed, the four-track corridor will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail.\n\nL\u2019Enfant Fourth Track and Station Improvements: Construct approximately one mile of mainline track through and around L\u2019Enfant Plaza in D.C., VRE\u2019s busiest station, and make improvements to the existing station platform.\n\nNeabsco Creek to Woodbridge Third Track: Design and construct three miles of a third track in Prince William County.\n\nAquia Creek Third Track South: Design and construct approximately two miles of a third track in Stafford County.\n\nCrossroads Third Track: Design and construct approximately four miles of a third track in Spotsylvania County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/committee-leaders-introduce-bipartisan-bill-strengthen-americas", "Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen America\u2019s Workforce", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA) and Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced A Stronger Workforce for America Act. The bipartisan bill makes critical improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that will expand the skills development provided under the law, strengthen the relationship between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on the pathway to successful careers.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, we have left our workforce development system without the resources and tools it needs to connect workers with good-paying job opportunities and help employers access a pipeline of talented workers,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott. \u201cA Stronger Workforce for America Act delivers a long overdue update to the backbone of our workforce development system and will help ensure every American can benefit from our economic growth. The bill makes an array of key improvements to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs, such as expanding and improving the quality of skills development, strengthening services for disconnected youth, and codifying grants to help individuals released from incarceration transition back to employment and sustainable careers. In short, this legislation is the next step we must take to build our economy from the bottom up and the middle out.\u201d\n\n\u201cAn effective workforce development system is critical to ensuring a strong economy and a skilled workforce. This bipartisan bill provides crucial updates to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that will help employees compete in today\u2019s workforce, close the skills gap, provide accountability, and most importantly, facilitate the success of American workers,\u201d said Chairwoman Foxx.\n\nA Stronger Workforce for America Act:\n\nUpgrades the skills of American workers.\n\nDedicates 50 percent of the adult and dislocated worker funding toward upskilling workers through \u201cindividual training accounts\u201d (ITAs) and on-the-job learning while redirecting an existing funding stream toward ITAs for displaced workers.\n\nPrioritizes employer-led initiatives that equip workers with the skill sets to fill jobs in critical industries and help the currently employed workforce upskill to avoid displacement and advance their careers.\n\nDelivers greater efficiency and accountability to WIOA programs.\n\nStreamlines the \u201celigible training provider list\u201d to focus on outcomes and ensure eligible programs are aligned with the skill and hiring demands of employers.\n\nStrengthens and fully implements the performance accountability system in the law to hold states and local workforce boards accountable for achieving positive labor market outcomes for program participants.\n\nStrengthens pathways to economic opportunity.\n\nPlaces a greater emphasis on work-based learning for youth, codifies and strengthens a program to help individuals released from incarceration transition back to employment and access career pathways, and strengthens workforce education programs at community colleges that align with in-demand jobs.\n\nFuels innovation for a skills-based economy.\n\nEstablishes a demonstration authority to provide several states and local workforce boards the flexibility to reimagine their workforce system and innovate in pursuit of better outcomes.\n\nFacilitates skills-based hiring by validating workers\u2019 competencies gained through prior experience and authorizing state and local boards to provide technical assistance to employers on implementing skills-based hiring practices.\n\nClick here for a fact sheet.\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nClick here for a bill summary.\n\nClick here for a section by section summary.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-opposes-harmful-vehicle-emissions-bill", "McClellan Opposes Harmful Vehicle Emissions Bill", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted against H.R. 4468, the so-called \u201cChoice in Automobile Retail Sales Act\u201d The Republican bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing its proposal to strengthen emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. Further, it would block EPA from ever finalizing any vehicle emissions standards that might \u201cresult in limited availability of new motor vehicles\u201d based on engine type.\n\n\u201cThe party that is actively trying to strip away Americans\u2019 personal freedoms and rights is disguising this anti-science, anti-climate legislation as protecting choice and personal freedom. That\u2019s rich,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cOnce again, House Republicans are putting polluters over people and prioritizing special interests over the health and well-being of Americans. This deeply harmful and irresponsible bill would undermine the EPA\u2019s ability to finalize proposed emissions standards and prevent the agency from taking future action to protect the public from dangerous air pollution.\u201d\n\nH.R. 4468 would:\n\nProhibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator from finalizing the proposed rule on Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards beginning in Model Year 2027;\n\nBlock EPA from ever finalizing vehicle emissions standards that mandate the use of a specific technology or might \u201cresult in limited availability of new motor vehicles\u201d based on the type of engine; and\n\nDirect EPA to revise all past regulations to conform with the act.\n\nH.R. 4468 passed the House on a vote of 221 - 197. You can read the full bill text here.\n\nCongresswoman McClellan spoke in opposition to this bill on the House floor. Recently, Rep. McClellan applauded the EPA for its work to limit exposure to PFAS chemicals or \u201cforever chemicals.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6045", "DelBene, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) introduced legislation to make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and address major sources of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by creating a carbon border adjustment. The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Ami Bera (CA-06) and Senators Brian Schatz (HI) and Martin Heinrich (NM).\n\nAmerican manufacturers are less carbon-intensive than most foreign competitors. The U.S. economy is almost 50 percent less carbon intensive than the global average. The Chinese economy is over three times as carbon-intensive as the U.S., and India is nearly four times as carbon-intensive.\n\nThe Clean Competition Act would impose a carbon border adjustment on energy-intensive imports, while incentivizing decarbonization of domestic manufacturing. Starting in 2025, the adjustment would apply to energy intensive industries, including fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen, adipic acid, cement, iron and steel, aluminum, glass, pulp and paper, and ethanol. In 2027, it would be expanded to include imported finished goods that meet certain weight or value thresholds, such as cars.\n\nThe fee would be based on the weight of a particular good, beginning at $55 per ton, and increase over time. 75 percent of revenues raised would fund grants to help domestic industries invest in the new technologies necessary to reduce their carbon footprints. The remaining 25 percent would be used by the State Department to help developing countries decarbonize.\n\n\u201cFor too long, American industries producing goods in a less carbon-intensive way have been undercut by foreign competitors with dirtier production processes. Washington saw this firsthand with the closure of the Intalco aluminum smelter due to Chinese overproduction, which resulted in the loss of over 700 good-paying union jobs. To address the climate crisis while defending American industries, the Clean Competition Act would level the playing field by imposing a fee on imports from high-carbon producers,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cA carbon fee would incentivize industries from around the world to prioritize decarbonization and create a level playing field for American workers in these sectors.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican manufacturers doing the right thing on climate are often at a disadvantage compared to high-polluting foreign competitors,\u201d said Whitehouse. \u201cOur Clean Competition Act would give domestic companies a step up in the global marketplace while lowering carbon emissions at home and abroad, and ultimately steering the planet toward climate safety. There is bipartisan momentum for a carbon border adjustment in the Senate \u2013 this a solution endorsed by industry and experts across the political spectrum.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Clean Competition Act is a smart use of trade policy that would advance both our climate and economic agenda by incentivizing domestic energy-intensive industries to become more efficient and pushing for manufacturers overseas to do the same,\u201d said Beyer. \u201cI greatly appreciate the work of Rep. DelBene and Sen. Whitehouse on this important bill and look forward to advancing it through the legislative process.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we work to reduce climate pollution and boost American jobs, we need a renewed focus on leveling the playing field for American goods and products that compete against products from countries that pollute and use unfair advantages. The Clean Competition Act is an important complement to the new wave of American manufacturing jobs boosted by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. American industries are leveraging a wide range of technologies to drive down industrial air pollution and achieve greater sustainability,\u201d said Castor. \u201cOur Clean Competition Act will help reward these innovations, strengthen America\u2019s industrial base, and protect us from unfair competition in the global marketplace while ensuring that China and other nations are doing their part to reduce pollution and environmental impacts.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican manufacturers often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to prioritizing environmentally responsible practices in comparison to competitors in other countries with less environmentally friendly approaches,\u201d said Bera. \u201cThe Clean Competition Act will help level the playing field for American companies with our trading partners while addressing the urgent threat of climate change. By introducing a carbon border adjustment that targets imports from the world\u2019s dirtiest polluters, we are incentivizing the transition of heavy industry towards the adoption of cleaner and more energy efficient practices and helping re-invest in American clean manufacturing here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cManufacturing accounts for nearly one-quarter of U.S. climate pollution and is a rapidly growing sector globally. Reducing climate pollution is vital for a stable climate and healthy, thriving communities. The Clean Competition Act can create a race to the top among global competitors as part of a larger effort to move toward a low-carbon economy, while opening a dialogue about additional efforts needed to address local pollution impacts on frontline communities,\u201d said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-opposition-extreme-gop-bill-jeopardizes-global-research", "Scott Leads Opposition to Extreme GOP Bill that Jeopardizes Global Research Partnerships", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby Scott\u201d delivered the following remarks during today\u2019s House floor debate on House Republicans\u2019 DETERRENT Act (H.R. 5933).\n\n\u201cHistorically, collaborations with global partners\u2014and careful federal investments in research\u2014have enabled our colleges and universities to make bold, forward-thinking strides in health, science, and technology for people around the world.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, institutions have collaborated with the U.S. government to enhance our research by attracting and retaining researchers and scholars from across the world.\n\n\u201cThese partnerships help drive intellectual and campus diversity, strengthen the inner workings of our economy, and give us an undeniable competitive edge.\n\n\u201cInstitutions, however, must be transparent about resources they receive from foreign entities, particularly as the federal government invests nearly $30 billion annually in our higher education research and development efforts. And some colleges and universities, unfortunately, have not complied with all their responsibilities in those disclosures. Regrettably, H.R. 5933 does nothing to meaningfully protect research security at colleges and universities.\n\n\u201cFor example, colleges must report any gift from a representative of a \u201ccountry of concern\u201d no matter the value\u2014even a cup of coffee. The faculty\u2019s information is then shared in a publicly searchable database, regardless of whether the action was nefarious or not.\n\n\u201cThis is so excessive and burdensome\u2014to say nothing about the potential discriminatory effect\u2014that it would disincentivize universities from conducting critical research using collaborative partners from around the world.\n\n\u201cIt would force them to deviate from established compliance and reporting guidelines under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.\n\n\u201cSchools are already grappling with recruiting and retaining students and scholars. And, if passed, H.R. 5933 would stall decades of innovative progress and jeopardize global research initiatives.\n\n\u201cStudents and faculties are already calling on Congress to improve our higher education system and address discrimination on campus. However, certain provisions in this bill would only exacerbate the ongoing culture wars that have consumed my colleagues in Congress.\n\n\u201cFor example, the legislation singles out partnerships with certain countries, targeting researchers based solely on their nationality.\n\n\u201cAnd as I\u2019ve said before, we can achieve accountability and compliance without contributing to anti-Asian, antisemitic, or Islamophobic animosity.\n\n\u201cI have offered a thoughtful alternative to improve Section 117 compliance and support institutions as they evaluate and implement their research integrity and foreign influence policies. And that alternative will be offered during the amendment process.\n\n\u201cThis amendment builds on the CHIPS and Science Act and the Presidential Memorandum on Government-Supported Research and Development National Security Policy guidelines. And specifically, it aligns reporting requirements with those of federal agencies and requires the Secretary of Education to go through negotiated rulemaking to address key implementation aspects of Section 117.\n\n\u201cWe must take targeted and thoughtful steps to protect our research and development initiatives without jeopardizing our global partnerships that will benefit us all.\u201d\n\nView Ranking Member Scott\u2019s floor remarks on YouTube.\n\nRead a fact sheet on H.R. 5933 here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6039", "Beyer Statement On Historic International Engagement Plan for Fusion Energy at COP28", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, today hailed Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry\u2019s announcement of a U.S. international engagement plan for fusion energy at COP28.\n\nBeyer said:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled that the U.S. delegation brought fusion to the global stage at COP28. This strategic plan would accelerate progress in fusion science and engineering by expanding access to experimental and test facilities, strategically foster cooperation and competition through robust intellectual property protections, adopt appropriate protections and incentives to safeguard against predatory economic practices, and strengthen a diverse and global workforce pipeline. I look forward to the expansion of international collaborative efforts in infrastructure and information-sharing that will address critical scientific and technological gaps, putting us on track toward a future where fusion provides power to the grid.\n\n\u201cBetween the Lawrence Livermore National Lab\u2019s success in achieving fusion ignition last December and again this summer, and our historic investments toward commercializing fusion energy through the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program and the CHIPS & Science Act, there is no doubt that the U.S. has been the global leader in fusion energy. Fusion energy has the potential to be a transformational source of clean energy, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to support the administration\u2019s fusion development efforts, help sustain the progress we\u2019ve already made, and work toward fulfilling the incredible promise which fusion energy offers.\u201d\n\nBeyer is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus. He was a leading governmental voice in celebrating the historic announcement of a net energy gain from a human-controlled fusion energy reaction late last year. He has continuously advocated for fusion energy research and funding as a long time member of the House Science Committee, with hiscolleagues in Congress, at the White House, in the pages of Scientific American, and elsewhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6046", "Bipartisan Fusion Caucus Leaders Applaud House Energy and Commerce Committee Passage of Landmark Fusion Energy Bill", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus Co-Chairs Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) issued the following statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed their bipartisan Fusion Energy Act:\n\n\u201cFusion energy has the tremendous potential to significantly lower energy costs for families, improve our electric grid, and strengthen our national security all while reducing our carbon footprint. American researchers and fusion energy companies need regulatory certainty to invest in and win the race to unlock commercial fusion energy. Passage of our bipartisan Fusion Energy Act today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee moves us one step closer to achieving that reality, and we look forward to working with our colleagues to pass this legislation on the House floor, advance it through the Senate, and see it signed into law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-scott-foxx-desaulnier-legislation-tackles-workforce-gaps", "Stefanik, Scott, Foxx, DeSaulnier Legislation Tackles Workforce Gaps", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA), Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) introduced H.R. 6585, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act. The legislation provides opportunities for students and workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields by allowing Pell Grants to support students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce programs that will lead to career advancement.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act to expand learning opportunities for the development of a skilled workforce. This bill will allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality short-term programs that equip students to join our workforce immediately,\u201d said Congresswoman Stefanik. \u201cUnlocking skills and development opportunities will help connect workers with high-demand career fields in Upstate New York and the North Country.\u201d\n\n\u201cCurrently, you cannot use a Pell Grant for short-term training programs, like IT or welding courses. As a result, many adults cannot afford to attend or complete courses that will help them get good-paying jobs and compete in the modern economy. This is a disservice to our students, workers, and employers. The Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act will expand Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term training programs. By providing adults more opportunities to participate in quality training programs, Congress will ensure that more Americans have a pathway to the middle class, and businesses can hire the well-trained workers they need,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott.\n\n\u201cAmerica has always been a skills-based economy, so it\u2019s critical that we retool the Pell Grant to match the education needs of both students and employers,\u201d said Chairwoman Foxx. \u201cThe Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act achieves this goal by elevating skills-based programs, investing in upskilling, and promoting an education model tailored to workforce needs. This bill is a major win for students and workers, as well as employers who are desperately looking to fill in-demand jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy making high-quality, short-term training programs Pell Grant eligible, we can connect low-income Americans with good-paying jobs and connect employers with the trained workforce they need,\u201d said Congressman DeSaulnier. \u201cThis legislation will give students and workers a chance to advance their careers and provide them the skills they need to succeed. I\u2019ve long supported policies to make programs that combine education and workforce training more accessible and I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to establish Workforce Pell.\u201d\n\nThe Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act:\n\nHelps low-income students participate in short-term programs to move into a job quickly.\n\nCreates a quality assurance system for Workforce Pell Grant programs\u2014allowing any institution of higher education to participate as long as they meet all the requirements.\n\nGuarantees that program prices are aligned with economic value, so students and taxpayers receive a positive return on investment.\n\nEnsures programs provide students with relevant education and competencies necessary for employment in in-demand industries.\n\nOutlines a process for recognized accreditors to oversee Workforce Pell programs at the institutions they accredit and supports the on-ramp of new expert accreditors to oversee Workforce Pell programs, minimizing the time it will take to implement Workforce Pell fully.\n\nClick here for a fact sheet.\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nClick here for a bill summary.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-applauds-passage-tranq-research-act", "McClellan Applauds Passage of TRANQ Research Act", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the House considered and passed H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, as amended by the Senate. This bill was introduced by Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA) and Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-CO). Earlier this year, Rep. McClellan was an original cosponsor of H.R. 1734 when it passed unanimously in the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The bill now goes to President Biden's desk for signature.\n\nThe TRANQ Research Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to deepen its partnerships and strategically focus on the science needed to detect, identify, and better understand synthetic opioids. The usage of one particularly dangerous fentanyl analogue known as \u201ctranq\u201d is skyrocketing across the country and contributing to an ever-growing number of drug overdoses. Also known as the \u201cZombie Drug\u201d, tranq contains xylazine\u2014a veterinary tranquilizer\u2014 and has gruesome side effects, causing large wounds that won\u2019t heal, and is resistant to standard opioid overdose treatments.\n\n\u201cWith the growing concern surrounding fentanyl usage and a staggering rise in drug overdoses, it is crucial we continue to rally bipartisan support to address these issues. This epidemic cannot continue to be ignored,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThe TRANQ Research Act helps develop our understanding of synthetic opioids and other harmful drugs by raising awareness of this ongoing issue and instructing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to strengthen its research initiatives and partnerships. Addiction does not discriminate, so we must continue to provide support and resources for those who are struggling.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6038", "In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push For Pause On FBI Relocation", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process.\n\nThe OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety \u2013 a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself.\n\n\u201cIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\u201d\n\nThe effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is the best home for the FBI in part because of its diverse and developed workforce, proximity to critical national security facilities, and easy access to transit. Last month, after a flawed selection process that included last-minute changes to the selection criteria and allegations of political interference, a political appointee overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel of career experts and selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the site for the new FBI headquarters.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and text is below.\n\nDear Director Young,\n\nWe write regarding the site selection process for a new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, led by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). On November 30, GSA\u2019s Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that they were initiating an evaluation of the site selection to \u201cassess [GSA]\u2019s process and procedures for the site selection to relocate the FBI Headquarters.\u201d This review follows a November 15 letter[1] that we sent to OIG outlining our significant concerns with the site selection process, including credible allegations of impropriety and politicization.\n\nThe FBI Director, Christopher Wray, has raised strenuous objections to both the process and outcome of the GSA-administered site selection process. These concerns were brought directly and repeatedly to GSA throughout the agencies\u2019 deliberations. As Director Wray noted in a message to FBI personnel on November 9, following GSA\u2019s announced selection, \u201cour concerns about the process remain unresolved.\u201d[2] The nature of these concerns draws into question the integrity of a site selection process that demanded fairness and transparency, and they warrant thorough review.\n\nIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion. We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\n\nFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6041", "Updated Beyer Statement On Negotiations For Ceasefire And Release Of Hostages", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following updated statement on a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians:\n\n\u201cI previously called for a ceasefire and strongly supported the recent agreement that allowed for a halt in fighting in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. I am deeply concerned and disappointed by the renewed outbreak of conflict, and urge an immediate return to negotiations.\n\n\"While those negotiations must necessarily focus on further hostage exchanges and the provision of humanitarian assistance, I believe they can and should be used to build a more durable ceasefire to secure the release of all hostages, a halt to attacks on Israel, the protection of civilian lives in Gaza, and an end to the appalling loss of life from this conflict.\n\n\"Ultimately, a ceasefire should pave the way for negotiations on a new political and security architecture for Gaza that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security, and dignity. That is the objective American foreign policy should pursue.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-group-house-members-introduces-bill-protect-older-workers", "Bipartisan Group of House Members Introduces Bill to Protect Older Workers from Age Discrimination", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Representative Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Workforce Protections Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma Adams (NC-12), and Representative Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA), a bipartisan proposal to strengthen anti-discrimination protections for older workers.\n\nIn 2009, the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. weakened protections against age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Under Gross, plaintiffs seeking to prove age discrimination in employment are required to demonstrate that age was the decisive motivating factor for the employer\u2019s adverse action.\n\nPOWADA returns the legal standard for age discrimination claims to the pre-2009 evidentiary threshold,aligning the burden of proof with the same standards for proving discrimination based on based on race and national origin.\n\n\u201cEveryone\u2014regardless of their age\u2014should be able to go to work every day knowing that they are protected from discrimination. Unfortunately, age discrimination in the workplace is depriving older workers of opportunities and exposing them to long-term unemployment and severe financial hardship. More than a decade ago, the Supreme Court undermined protections for older workers by setting an unreasonable burden of proof for age discrimination claims. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a bipartisan bill that would finally restore the legal rights of older workers by ensuring that the burdens of proof in age discrimination claims are treated in the same manner as other discrimination claims,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott (VA-03).\n\n\u201cIn my mind, the one form of discrimination that is so widespread is age discrimination against older workers. This affects a whole generation of Americans. Countless people aged 50 and up get laid off at a time when they still have mortgages to pay and children to support, and they find it very difficult to find a job. Employers also let go of older individuals as companies look to avoid higher insurance costs. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is a crucial bipartisan initiative that aims to restore legal safeguards for older workers by ensuring that age discrimination claims receive just as much credibility as other claims of workplace discrimination,\u201d said Grothman (WI-06).\n\n\u201cDiscrimination should never be tolerated in the workplace. Yet too often, older workers encounter discrimination on the job or when seeking employment. And when they do, they face barriers to proving their case because workers who experience age discrimination have to meet a higher burden of proof than people claiming discrimination based on race, national origin, or religion. That\u2019s wrong, and it\u2019s time for a remedy. I\u2019m co-leading the bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act to restore protections for older workers and give them the ability to hold employers accountable for age discrimination,\u201d said Ranking Member Bonamici (OR-01).\n\n\u201cAll Americans, regardless of age, should be protected from discrimination in the workplace,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). \u201cOur bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act will ensure that age discrimination claims are subject to an appropriate burden of proof, and I am proud to join my colleagues on this legislation to protect workers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must stand strongly against all forms of discrimination, which includes discrimination against older Americans. Labor law must protect the dignity of all workers and recognize that discrimination against older Americans is discrimination all the same. The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (POWADA) will ensure that older workers will be fairly treated in the job market, returning the legal standard for proving discrimination back to its original intent. Discrimination based on age has no place in our workforce,\u201d said Ranking Member Alma Adams (NC-12).\n\n\u201cIn America, we uphold the principle of individuals being judged on their abilities, free from discrimination. Everyone, regardless of their age, deserves that same freedom,\u201d said Congressman Van Drew (NJ-02). \u201cFor far too long, older workers have faced barriers to employment. This has not only kept capable individuals out of the workforce but has also forced many into unemployment and hardship. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act to ensure that individuals in South Jersey, and nationwide, have equal opportunities to challenge discrimination, just as younger people do.\u201d\n\nPOWADA amends four laws\u2014the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. A similar version of the bill was passed in the House with bipartisan support during the 117th Congress.\n\nRead the fact sheet for the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.\n\nRead the section-by-section summary of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/light-inspector-general-probe-virginia-leaders-push-pause-fbi", "In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push for Pause on FBI Relocation", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process.\n\nThe OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety \u2013 a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself.\n\n\u201cIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\u201d\n\nThe effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is the best home for the FBI in part because of itsdiverse and developed workforce, proximity to critical national security facilities, and easy access to transit. Last month, after a flawed selection process that included last-minute changes to the selection criteria and allegations of political interference, a political appointee overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel of career experts and selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the site for the new FBI headquarters.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and text is below.\n\nDear Director Young,\n\nWe write regarding the site selection process for a new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, led by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). On November 30, GSA\u2019s Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that they were initiating an evaluation of the site selection to \u201cassess [GSA]\u2019s process and procedures for the site selection to relocate the FBI Headquarters.\u201d This review follows a November 15 letter[1] that we sent to OIG outlining our significant concerns with the site selection process, including credible allegations of impropriety and politicization.\n\nThe FBI Director, Christopher Wray, has raised strenuous objections to both the process and outcome of the GSA-administered site selection process. These concerns were brought directly and repeatedly to GSA throughout the agencies\u2019 deliberations. As Director Wray noted in a message to FBI personnel on November 9, following GSA\u2019s announced selection, \u201cour concerns about the process remain unresolved.\u201d[2] The nature of these concerns draws into question the integrity of a site selection process that demanded fairness and transparency, and they warrant thorough review.\n\nIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion. We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\n\nFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-santos-expulsion-vote", "Scott Statement on Santos Expulsion Vote", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe findings of the Investigative Subcommittee\u2019s (ISC) report on Representative Santos highlights behavior that violates the public trust and demonstrates myriad ways he has disgraced himself and his office. He should have had the common decency to resign.\n\n\u201cIn a previous vote to expel Mr. Santos, I made it clear that despite his disgraceful behavior, he had a right to due process. The Ethics Committee\u2019s report to the full House concedes that it was not following the full process required by Committee and House Rules, which requires (1) the ISC to gather facts and bring formal charges through a Statement of Alleged Violations, (2) the Committee hold a fact-finding process, and (3) hold a sanctions hearing.\n\n\u201cThe ISC presented substantial evidence of wrongdoing. The Committee then decided to waive the fact-finding process, because it would conflict with the Department of Justice\u2019s criminal prosecution, and because Mr. Santos had not denied any of the allegations, despite being given ample opportunity to do so. The ISC did, however, make a recommendation for a sanction \u2013 a public condemnation. The full Committee then urged Members to read the report and \u2018take any action they deemed appropriate and necessary,\u2019 without indicating any reason to deviate from the ISC recommendation of a public condemnation.\n\n\u201cThe final vote on the Floor was complicated by Mr. Santos\u2019 totally incompetent response to the proceedings. According to the report, he failed to provide a meaningful response to the allegations, he publicly lied about his cooperation, and demonstrated ongoing disdain for his responsibility to comply with campaign and financial disclosure laws. There is also nothing in the record to suggest that he offered an alternative sanction, such as censure, instead of expulsion. Furthermore, the proceedings were complicated by the subjective reality that an overwhelming portion of the House, and in fact most of the public, just wanted him to leave, and only expulsion, rather than reprimand and censure, could achieve that objective. In the final analysis, we have to recognize that expelling a Member is one of the most serious and solemn actions Members can take and we have to recognize that precedent will be set. Unlike both prior cases of expulsion since the Civil War, Mr. Santos has not been convicted of a crime, and few of the allegations involve conduct that occurred during his service as a Member of Congress. And unlike the other cases, after the Committee reviewed and considered the evidence, it did not make a recommendation to expel him. For these reasons, I voted no.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-applauds-epas-actions-limit-pfas-exposure-resulting-plastics", "McClellan Applauds EPA\u2019s Actions to Limit PFAS Exposure Resulting from Plastics Fluorination", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) announcement of orders to direct Inhance Technologies LLC not to produce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that are created in the production of its plastic containers.\n\nIn July, McClellan led eleven of her House colleagues in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, expressing concerns about the Inhance process and urging the EPA to comprehensively address PFAS created by the fluorination of plastics.\n\nIn December 2022, Inhance submitted significant new use notices (SNUNs) for nine long-chain PFAS. In today\u2019s announcement, EPA prohibited the manufacture of three of these PFAS \u2013 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) \u2013 which are highly toxic and present unreasonable risks. EPA also determined that the other six PFAS produced by Inhance\u2019s process \u2013 PFuDA, PFDoA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA, PFHxDA, and PFODA \u2013 may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Under EPA\u2019s new orders, Inhance\u2019s fluorination process must be changed or discontinued by February 2024, because it concurrently produces all nine PFAS.\n\n\u201cI commend Administrator Michael Regan and the EPA for issuing these orders to protect American consumers from exposure to dangerous PFAS chemicals in plastic containers that people use every day,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cExposure to PFAS can lead to severe, adverse health outcomes and disproportionately impacts low-income communities, communities of color, and other vulnerable populations. Today\u2019s actions are an important step in advancing environmental justice for historically marginalized communities. I will continue looking for opportunities to reduce the risks of PFAS exposure and protect the health of Americans across the country.\u201d\n\nFluorination is a process that involves treating plastic containers with fluorine gas in order to make them impermeable. Hundreds of millions of fluorinated plastic containers are manufactured and used across the country, increasing the risk of PFAS exposure to factory workers and communities in proximity to landfills and plastic recycling facilities. Recent studies have also shown that PFAS formed as a result of fluorination can migrate to the container contents, increasing the risk of direct human consumption.\n\nMcClellan\u2019s July PFAS letter was cosigned by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Robert Garc\u00eda (CA-42), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (AZ-07), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and Melanie Stansbury (NM-01).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-expulsion-george-santos", "McClellan Statement on Expulsion of George Santos", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted in support of H.Res. 878 to expel George Santos from Congress:\n\n\u201cToday, the House expelled Congressman George Santos following the release of a deeply troubling bipartisan Ethics Committee report. The report contained serious allegations of campaign finance violations that are part of a larger pattern of deceit. Santos lied his way to Congress with extraordinary fabrications of his background, upbringing, and professional and academic accomplishments.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-celebrates-104m-boost-resilience-norfolk", "Scott Celebrates $10.4M to Boost Resilience in Norfolk", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) celebrated Norfolk and Old Dominion University being awarded over $10 million in federal funding to boost resilience and combat sea level rise. The funding was awarded through the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Defense and other entities.\n\n\u201cIncreasing the resilience of Norfolk and Hampton Roads has been a key priority of mine in Congress,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cThis funding will ensure our community has the resources we need to protect our homes and businesses from the threats associated with sea level rise and extreme weather events.\u201d\n\nThe projects:\n\n$10,000,000 for the City of Norfolk to construct a stormwater wetland to improve flood management and water quality at St. Paul\u2019s Blue-Greenway.\n\n$493,702.82 for the Old Dominion Research Foundation to collect data related to flooding, engage the community, and provide training and employment opportunities to address flooding and sea level rise in Southside Norfolk.\n\nFunding for all of this year\u2019s grants includes $144 million for 109 projects provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Congressional appropriations and private partnerships. These grants are in addition to the 27 projects totaling $44.7 million announced in October funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Congressman Scott voted for both the BIL and the IRA and has long championed resilience efforts in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/virginia-leaders-welcome-ig-investigation-fbi-site-selection-process", "Virginia Leaders Welcome IG Investigation Into FBI Site Selection Process", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today welcomed the news that the Inspector General (IG) of the General Services Administration (GSA) will initiate an investigation into the site selection to relocate the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, issuing the following statement:\n\n\u201cGiven the overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by politics, we agree that an inspector general investigation is the appropriate next step. We applaud the inspector general for moving quickly and encourage him to move forward to complete a careful and thorough review. In the meantime, the GSA must pause all activities related to the relocation until the IG\u2019s investigation is complete.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-opposes-extreme-maga-republicans-harmful-anti-migrant-bill", "McClellan Opposes Extreme MAGA Republicans\u2019 Harmful Anti-Migrant Bill", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted against House Republicans\u2019 extreme border bill to protect migrants and oppose harmful anti-immigrant policies.\n\nH.R. 5283 would prohibit the use of federal funds to provide temporary or permanent housing on public lands managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service. This bill would also hamper the Department of the Interior\u2019s and the Department of Agriculture\u2019s ability to make important decisions on land and resource use, even in emergency situations.\n\n\u201cThis harmful bill would only spread anti-migrant rhetoric and repeat dangerous \u2018invasion theory\u2019 talking points that are directly linked to acts of political violence,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThis piece of legislation is not a legitimate policy solution, just another desperate attempt by extreme MAGA Republicans to demonize migrants. It\u2019s clear Congress must do more to advance comprehensive immigration reform, but House Republicans aren\u2019t interested in that. I voted no on this partisan bill, because this legislation fails to offer real solutions. House Democrats are ready and willing to meaningfully engage on this issue, and I urge Republicans to stop the political games and join us.\u201d\n\nIn September, the National Park Service signed a lease agreement with New York City to use Floyd Bennett Field as emergency housing for some of the city\u2019s 100,000+ asylum seekers. Republicans oppose the lease, in which the city agreed to invest millions in deferred maintenance and infrastructure improvements. Floyd Bennett Field was previously used for similar purposes, including after Hurricane Sandy, without any Republican opposition.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6037", "Congressmen Cohen and Beyer Reintroduce the Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Don Beyer (VA-8) today reintroduced the Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act with 60 of their Congressional colleagues. The measure would prevent the wealthiest Americans from escaping federal income taxes or paying lower tax rates than ordinary Americans. President Biden proposed it in this year\u2019s budget and called for Congress to act in this year\u2019s State of the Union address.\n\nToday\u2019s reintroduction is identical to the version introduced last Congress except for a handful of technical revisions and an increase from a 20 percent minimum to a 25 percent minimum, to match President Biden\u2019s FY24 proposal. The bill was drafted in coordination with the White House and U.S. Treasury Department to introduce the President\u2019s plan as legislation. The bill would require households worth over $100 million to pay an annual minimum 25 percent tax rate on their full income, including regular income along with realized and unrealized gains.\n\nCongressman Cohen made the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Billionaire Minimum Income Tax will ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay at least a base level of taxes every year, just like other Americans. The minimum tax would apply only to the extremely few households with a net worth over $100 million. The full 25 percent rate would only apply to those with net worth over $200 million. The bill would not raise taxes on ultra-wealthy households that already pay at least 25 percent on their full income, nor would it affect 99.99 percent of households with a net worth below $100 million. Our goal is tax fairness and it is immensely popular with the American public.\u201d\n\nCongressman Beyer made the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Billionaire Minimum Income Tax Act is a simple policy that would prevent billionaires from paying a lower tax rate than working families \u2013 a crucial and necessary step toward rectifying the shortcomings of the failed trickle-down economics approach. Republicans cut taxes for the richest among us while proposing higher taxes for working people. Our bill instead champions a fair tax policy that not only places our nation on a more robust fiscal foundation but also promotes equity in the tax code by requiring the super-rich to pay their fair share, reducing inequality, and funding services the American people depend on.\u201d\n\n\u201cKudos to Reps. Cohen, Beyer and all their co-sponsors for introducing President Biden\u2019s Billionaire Minimum Income Tax (BMIT). The BMIT will finally end the scandal of the ultra-rich\u2014billionaire households and those worth at least $100 million (centi-millionaires)\u2014paying little or no federal income tax despite their staggering fortunes. Recent research by Americans for Tax Fairness estimates that this tiny handful of the super-wealthy holds a breathtaking $8.5 trillion in unrealized capital gains that without the BMIT or similar legislation might never be taxed.\u201d -- David Kass, executive director, Americans for Tax Fairness\n\n\u201cOur tax code enables the ultra-rich to dodge taxes on both realized and unrealized gains, which means that people who work for a living pay higher effective tax rates than billionaires. This is completely unacceptable. The Billionaire Minimum Income Tax will compel billionaires to contribute taxes to the nation that made them so wealthy in the first place. Congress made this mess by rigging the tax code against working people; now it's time for Congress to fix it. They should start by passing the Billionaire Minimum Income Tax.\u201d -- Morris Pearl, Chair of Patriotic Millionaires and former managing director at BlackRock Inc.\n\n\u201cAs an investor, I believe ensuring more of the country\u2019s most financially fortunate citizens pay their share of taxes is productive and patriotic. The Billionaire Minimum Income Tax closes big loopholes in the tax system. Allowing the ultra-wealthy to pay lower tax rates than middle-class families undermines innovation, capitalism, and democracy in America. This proposal asks billionaires and ultra-millionaires to pull more of their weight for America\u2019s future rather than burdening wage earners, small-business owners and future generations. I applaud President Biden, Congressmen Beyer and Cohen, and the many other co-sponsors for introducing this historic proposal.\u201d -- Ian Simmons, Cofounder and Principal of Blue Haven Initiative, a family office\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the bill include: Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Rashida Tlaib, Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda, Robin Kelly, James P. McGovern, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Danny K. Davis, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rosa L. DeLauro, Cori Bush, Jill Tokuda, Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n, Brendan F. Boyle, Betty McCollum, Jamie Raskin, Jimmy Gomez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jerrold Nadler, Katie Porter, Judy Chu, Mark Pocan, Bill Pascrell Jr., Susan Wild, John Garamendi, Adam B. Schiff, Bill Foster, Nikki Budzinski, Madeleine Dean, Mark DeSaulnier, Kevin Mullin, Greg Casar, Dan Goldman, Ilhan Omar, Greg Landsman, Seth Moulton, Mary Gay Scanlon, Grace F. Napolitano, Sheila Jackson Lee, Yvette D. Clarke, John B. Larson, Nikema Williams, Jared Huffman, Val Hoyle, Donald Norcross, Emanuel Cleaver II, Linda T. Sanchez, Maxine Waters, Andre Carson, Mark Takano, Dwight Evans, Troy A. Carter, Raul Grijalva, Lori Trahan, David Trone, Marcy Kaptur, Barbara Lee, Ted Lieu, Dina Titus, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, and William R. Keating.\n\nGroups and organizations endorsing the measure in the 118th Congress include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-helps-advance-quantum-package-out-committee", "McClellan Helps Advance Quantum Package Out of Committee", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted to advance H.R. 6212, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act out of the the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. H.R. 6212 included her bipartisan Expand QISET Act as an amendment.\n\nEarlier this month, Reps. Jennifer McClellan and Tom Kean, Jr. introduced the Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science, Engineering, and Technology Act, or the Expand QISET Act, to increase research capacity, education, infrastructure capacity, and broaden participation in quantum information science, engineering, and technology and related disciplines. McClellan and Kean offered the Expand QISET Act as an amendment to the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.\n\n\u201cIn order to broaden participation in STEM, it is especially important that we enable students at HBCUs, MSIs, and emerging research institutions to have access to experiential learning opportunities in tomorrow\u2019s technologies,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cAs a member of the House Science Committee, I am committed to ensuring our federal agencies have the necessary resources to support the advancement of this field, further develop our STEM workforce, and create more opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. I am thrilled that my Expand QISET Act was included in the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, and I look forward to supporting this legislation on the floor.\u201d\n\nThe Expand QISET Act would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make awards to expand research, education and infrastructure capacity, and broaden participation by:\n\nSupporting curriculum development.\n\nFunding grants for Quantum Education pilot programs.\n\nLeveraging local community readiness to secure a talent pipeline to meet the workforce needs of industry, government, and academia.\n\nRepresentatives McClellan and Kean serve on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.\n\nRead the full text of H.R. 6212 here. Read the text of the Expand QISET Act here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6036", "ESA Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution Commemorating 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the Co-Chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva (D-AZ), and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act. The resolution emphasizes the need to prioritize conservation efforts to address the biodiversity crisis impacting plants and wildlife worldwide and is endorsed by numerous organizations including the Endangered Species Coalition, World Wildlife Fund, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Animal Welfare Institute, Earthjustice, and Oceana.\n\nThe Endangered Species Act passed by a vote of 355-4 in the House of Representatives and 92-0 in the Senate and was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973. Since its enactment, the law has played a strong role in helping protect and recover thousands of species of plants and animals that are threatened or endangered.\n\n\u201cAs our planet continues to experience a biodiversity crisis of epic proportions, The Endangered Species Act and its success in protecting species from disappearing forever has never been more important,\u201d said Rep. Don Beyer. \u201cThrough five decades, this vital legislation\u2019s enduring impact can be measured through countless stories of renewal and resurgence \u2013 including that of our country\u2019s symbol, the bald eagle, which continues to fly in the sky today. As we reflect on this 50-year milestone, I remain committed to championing policies that sustain and strengthen the ESA and ensure that the next 50 years bring even greater successes in the protection of our planet's diverse wildlife.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Endangered Species Act is more important now than ever, especially as we face the dual threats of a worsening climate crisis and mass extinction. From protecting critical habitats to creating recovery plans, the landmark law has facilitated the recovery of species like the humpback whale and bald eagle, while also protecting iconic species like grizzly bears, sea turtles and jaguars.,\u201d said Rep. Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva. \u201cThe ESA\u2019s 50th year is a significant milestone to celebrate, but it is also a time to reinvigorate our defense of ESA protections against polluter profit-driven threats. We stand ready to continue the fight for species and their habitats over the next 50 years and beyond.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Endangered Species Act has been our most successful tool to protect America\u2019s imperiled wildlife, preventing the extinction of 99 percent of the species it covers, including beloved animals like the bald eagle, grizzly bear, and Florida manatee,\u201d said Rep. Debbie Dingell. \u201cBut 50 years later, there are people who want to undermine these cornerstone protections and return us to the times when we were destroying our natural treasures. We must always remain vigilant to defend and expand the protections of the Endangered Species Act, and we can never take our environmental safeguards for granted.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you, Representatives Beyer, Grijalva, and Dingell for introducing the resolution to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and for your continued leadership in protecting endangered species. For 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been one of our most beloved and popular environmental laws, with support from 4 out of 5 Americans. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, humpback whales swim along our coasts, wolves once again howl in Yellowstone National Park, and bald eagles soar over the Potomac River,\u201d said Susan Holmes, Executive Director at the Endangered Species Coalition. \u201cAs we confront today\u2019s biodiversity crisis, it is critical that we renew our commitment to this landmark law and keep it strong and fully funded to protect and recover wildlife for the next fifty years.\u201d\n\n\"As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we are reminded of the vital role this legislation plays in conservation, both in the U.S. and around the world,\u201d said Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President of Wildlife Conservation at World Wildlife Fund. \u201cThis Act is not just a policy; it is a promise \u2013 a promise to future generations that the biodiversity and ecological richness of our planet will be preserved. It has been our nation's most effective law to protect at-risk wildlife from extinction. WWF looks forward to working with Members of Congress to build upon the ESA\u2019s success, so that we can continue protecting endangered and threatened species for decades more to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Endangered Species Act remains the gold standard for wildlife conservation around the world, and it has saved from extinction 99% of the species in its care,\u201d said Brett Hartl, Government Affairs Director at the Center for Biological Diversity. \u201cRepresentatives Beyer, Grijalva, and Dingell\u2019s resolution recognizes the historic importance of this law, and we hope it passes with the same nearly unanimous support as the Act did in 1973 when it was signed into law by President Nixon.\u201d\n\n\u201cConceived in bipartisanship, and with the unwavering support of the American public for the last 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has saved hundreds of species from being lost forever and kept ecosystems whole and functioning for the benefit of us all,\u201d said Jamie Rappaport Clark, President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife. \u201cAs we look to the next 50 years, and the added pressures the combined biodiversity and climate crises will wreak on our nation\u2019s wildlife, the time to recommit to upholding the Act and to ensuring its life-saving mission is fully funded is now. Nature needs us and we must respond.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time of unprecedented biodiversity loss and habitat destruction, the Endangered Species Act is more vital than ever to protect vulnerable species from extinction,\u201d said Susan Millward, Executive Director and CEO of the Animal Welfare Institute. \u201cThe 50th anniversary of the ESA is an important moment to reflect on the species that have been saved thanks to this law, and to ensure that it remains strongly enforced for many years to come. Thank you to Representatives Beyer, Grijalva, and Dingell for introducing a resolution to mark this significant milestone.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe text of this resolution says it all: Today's biodiversity crisis means nearly half of all U.S. ecosystems are at risk of range-wide collapse, while a million plant and animal species worldwide face extinction in coming decades,\u201d said Addie Haughey, Legislative Director at Earthjustice. \u201cThe Endangered Species Act is the single most effective tool this nation has for protecting the imperiled web of life that sustains us all, and we are pleased to join in commemorating the 50th anniversary of this critical environmental law that has already saved so many species.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor fifty years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has provided a safety net to help species survive and recover,\u201d said Oceana Senior Director of Federal Policy Lara Levison. \u201cWith climate change and habitat loss, we are facing an extinction crisis both on land and in the oceans, and we need the ESA now more than ever. In particular, the North Atlantic right whale, with only about 356 individuals left, is on the brink of extinction. The protections of a bedrock conservation law like the ESA are essential to the survival of this whale and the rest of the endangered and threatened species on land and in the oceans. We thank Representatives Beyer, Grijalva, and Dingell for this resolution celebrating and defending the ESA in its 50th year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-celebrates-74-million-federal-funds-chesapeake-bay-conservation", "Scott Celebrates $7.4 Million In Federal Funds for Chesapeake Bay Conservation Efforts", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "NEWPORT NEWS \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, celebrated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announcing $7.4 million for projects supporting conservation efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The funding, which includes more than $4 million for projects in Virginia, was made possible by the Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (WILD) Act which Congressman Scott introduced in 2019 and was signed into law in 2020.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of America's greatest treasures and restoring the watershed is vitally important,\u201d said Congressman Scott. \u201cI was proud to see the Chesapeake WILD Act signed into law to fund projects, like these, that will reduce pollution, improve water quality, boost recreation opportunities and improve the long-term health of the Bay.\u201d\n\nThe list of funded projects in Virginia includes:\n\nFriends of the Rappahannock (Rappahannock River Watershed): Building Collaborative Capacity for Conservation and Public Access in the Rappahannock River - $60,996\n\nRappahannock Tribe of Virginia (Richmond County): Reacquiring Ancestral Lands on the Rappahannock River to Restore Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitats - $750,000\n\nValley Conservation Council, Inc (Shenandoah Valley): Permanently Protecting Wildlife Corridors in the Shenandoah Valley - $749,544\n\nJames River Association (James River Watershed): Restoring Freshwater Mussel Communities and Riparian Buffers to Enhance the James River Watershed - $748,519\n\nRappahannock Tribe of Virginia (State-Wide): Establishing an Indigenous Conservation Council for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed - $183,000\n\nThe Elizabeth River Project (Elizabeth River Watershed): Creating a Model for Urban Habitat Restoration within the Elizabeth River Watershed (VA) - $650,000\n\nFriends of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Suffolk, VA): Collaborating with Partners to Conserve and Improve Public Access to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge - $582,239\n\nFour Mile Run Conservatory Foundation (Arlington and Alexandria, VA): Improving Aquatic Recreation Access and Opportunities at Four Mile Run Park - $75,000\n\nNorthern Virginia Regional Commission (Prince William County): Introducing a Companion Mussel Species to Serve as a Biomarker for Future Brook Floater Survivability - $75,000\n\nCriminal Injustice Reform Network (Hampton and Newport News, VA): Piloting an Engagement-Based Approach in Underserved Communities to Protect and Restore Tidal Marshes and Blue Crab Populations - $74,991\n\nSmithsonian Institution (Fauquier County): Developing Best Management Practices for Enhanced Landowner Participation in Eastern Box Turtle Conservation - $74,997", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-celebrate-appointment-interagency-regional", "Warner, Kaine, Scott Celebrate Appointment of Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Department of Defense announced the selection of the Hampton Roads region as the first defense community in the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience Pilot Program, which aims to increase federal support for collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to enhance climate resilience in defense communities. U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA) and Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03) have long advocated for additional federal support for climate adaptation in the region, including the creation of a coordinator position in Hampton Roads.\n\n\u201cThe Hampton Roads region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which puts crucial military instillations at risk,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cThe Interagency Regional Coordinators for Resilience will help ensure that our military readiness is maintained by enacting effective climate adaptation strategies that build on the work of local governments and existing regional efforts. We will keep working together to help make sure Hampton Roads continues to serve as a model for other communities working to build resilience.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, the lawmakers secured passage of language to establish the pilot program in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act as an amendment, which Rep. Scott introduced with the support of Senators Warner and Kaine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6034", "Beyer, Norton, Wexton Urge Interior Department Reform And Review On Sixth Anniversary Of Ghaisar Shooting", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today urged Secretary Deb Haaland to implement reform at the Department of the Interior (DOI) to improve transparency in its law enforcement agencies. Their letter, sent on the sixth anniversary of the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Northern Virginian Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police, also requested a wholistic internal review of the Ghaisar case by DOI.\n\nThey wrote:\n\n\u201cWe are writing to ask that you revisit a MOU between the Park Police and FBI for officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths. The process that followed the 2017 shooting death by Park Police of Bijan Ghaisar revealed a failure by the two departments to demonstrate a level of transparency and management of the incident that reinforced public trust. The Park Police\u2019s response to the case was the antithesis of a commitment to transparency and clarity. Revisiting how communications and incidents are shared and handled between these two agencies is imperative.\n\n\u201cSecondly, now that the Department of Justice review of the Bijan Ghaisar shooting and the civil case related to the shooting has concluded, we wanted to follow up on a request made by Congressman Beyer and agreed to by then-Park Police Chief MacLean on February 26, 2018, as well as formally requested in a congressional letter on the second anniversary of Bijan\u2019s death, for an internal, wholistic review of the case by DOI.\u201d\n\nA signed copy of the letter is available here, and the text follows below.\n\n***\n\nDear Secretary Haaland:\n\nSix years ago today, on November 17, 2017, two U.S. Park Police officers shot and killed 25-year-old Bijan Ghaisar.\n\nAs you know, the Department of Interior\u2019s (DOI) Federal Law Enforcement Task Force recently released a report as part of its responsibilities to review DOI\u2019s federal law enforcement and assist in strengthening trust, accountability, and collaboration through community-focused law enforcement. The report lists actions that the Law Enforcement Task Force has already taken across DOI and its Bureaus to improve the daily operations of all DOI law enforcement programs. It mentions that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was updated to provide effective law enforcement services on Tribal lands, and to establish jurisdictional guidelines and protocols for officer involved shootings and in-custody deaths.\n\nWe are writing to ask that you revisit a MOU between the Park Police and FBI for officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths. The process that followed the 2017 shooting death by Park Police of Bijan Ghaisar revealed a failure by the two departments to demonstrate a level of transparency and management of the incident that reinforced public trust.[i] The Park Police\u2019s response to the case was the antithesis of a commitment to transparency and clarity. Revisiting how communications and incidents are shared and handled between these two agencies is imperative.\n\nSecondly, now that the Department of Justice review of the Bijan Ghaisar shooting and the civil case related to the shooting has concluded, we wanted to follow up on a request made by Congressman Beyer and agreed to by then-Park Police Chief MacLean on February 26, 2018, as well as formally requested in a congressional letter on the second anniversary of Bijan\u2019s death, for an internal, wholistic review of the case by DOI. This should be separate from the Law Enforcement Task Force\u2019s efforts.\n\nThank you for your attention to these efforts, and we request a response in writing.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-kiggans-eshoo-and-kelly-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-designate", "McClellan, Kiggans, Eshoo, and Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November as Prematurity Awareness Month", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced H.Res. 874, a bipartisan resolution to designate November as Prematurity Awareness Month.\n\nThe U.S. has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates out of any high-income nation. According to the recently released 2023 March Of Dimes Report Card: The State of Maternal And Infant Health for American Families, the U.S. had only a modest 1% improvement in the preterm birth rate. The U.S. maintains a D+ grade for a second consecutive year, with data showing persistent and compounding gaps in health equity that put moms and babies at risk.\n\n\u201cThe United States has an infant and maternal health crisis, and we know communities of color face greater health disparities and alarmingly higher rates of preterm birth,\u201d said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. \u201cI almost died while giving birth to my daughter, Samantha, who was born nine weeks prematurely and spent six weeks in the NICU. We must continue fighting to improve health outcomes and close longstanding disparities. Our children\u2019s lives depend on it. While in the Virginia General Assembly, I led the charge to designate November as Prematurity Awareness Month in Virginia. I am happy to continue those efforts at the federal level, and I am grateful to this bipartisan group of women lawmakers for their efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a primary care provider, I\u2019m thankful for the positive strides that have been made in recent years to understand and prevent premature births, but there\u2019s still a lot of work to be done,\u201d said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. \u201cIn 2021, one in ten babies in the U.S. was born prematurely. I\u2019m proud to join Congresswoman McClellan in introducing this resolution to bring awareness to this important issue, support expectant mothers, and ensure every child has a healthy start to life.\u201d\n\n\"While the United States has made some miraculous medical advancements, the number of mothers and babies who die or suffer severe complications is still increasing. This crisis disproportionately impacts Black mothers and babies. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to recognize Prematurity Awareness Month to bring attention to the urgent need for improved maternal and infant health care in our nation. Congress must commit to ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a strong and healthy start in life,\u201d said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust.\n\n\u201cEvery baby deserves the best possible start in life, but for too many in the U.S. that isn\u2019t the case. Our 2023 Report Card shows that the U.S. preterm birth rate stands at 10.4%, a meager improvement from last year\u2019s historic high of 10.5%. It\u2019s unacceptable that more than 380,000 babies are still born too sick and too soon each year,\u201d said Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, President and CEO at March of Dimes. \u201cWe commend Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and co-lead sponsors Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Robin Kelly (D-IL) for introducing the House Prematurity Awareness Month resolution shining the spotlight on this devastating public health care issue. Their leadership will go a long way in helping us increase our investment in research and community support to help families affected by an early birth.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6030", "Beyer Statement On Negotiations For Ceasefire And Release Of Hostages", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on reported negotiations in Qatar coordinated by American officials for an agreement that would see a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians:\n\n\u201cI support negotiations seeking a deal on a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.\n\n\u201cWhile the immediate goal of these negotiations is to secure the release of hostages and provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance, I believe the next step should be using an initial truce to build a more durable ceasefire to secure the release of all hostages, an end to attacks on Israel, the protection of civilian lives in Gaza, and an end to the appalling loss of life from this conflict.\n\n\u201cUltimately, a ceasefire should be used to pave the way for negotiations on a new political and security architecture for Gaza that allows Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace, security, and dignity. That is the objective American foreign policy should pursue.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6032", "Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, members of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).\n\n\u201cWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cThere is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThen GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cWe request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Erickson,\n\nWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\n\nThroughout the site selection deliberations, GSA suppressed, dismissed, and overrode the judgement and recommendations of career officials from GSA and the FBI. This has led the Director of the FBI to take the extraordinary step of calling into question the \u201cfairness and transparency in the process and GSA\u2019s failure to adhere to its own site selection plan.\u201d\n\nIn July 2023, the agency executed a series of changes to significantly alter long-established site selection criteria and scoring rules. The changes made to the criteria were almost exclusively responsive to perceived concerns and direct requests from representatives of the Greenbelt site, meant to tilt the selection process in favor of Greenbelt. GSA made these changes over the objections of the FBI, which wrote to GSA in a June 26, 2023 memo that the original scoring criteria \u201cbest balanced the many wide-ranging elements considered for optimal site selection.\u201d\n\nThat same month, the agency finalized a plan to unilaterally remove a career official from the position of Site Selection Authority, the person tasked with confirming the recommendation of the site selection panel and certifying a final site selection. The agency, instead, installed a political appointee as the Site Selection Authority. Director Wray, once again, raised serious objections to the change. Additionally, the FBI identified potential conflicts of interest that the appointee had related to the Greenbelt site, and raised concerns about potential impartiality. These concerns were never fully addressed by GSA.\n\nIn August 2023, the site selection panel, comprised of two career GSA officials and one career FBI official, reached a unanimous decision to select Springfield, Virginia as the home for the new FBI headquarters. The new Site Selection Authority unilaterally overturned the decision of the panel, including by making changes to the scoring \u2013 contrary to GSA\u2019s own site selection plan \u2013 which benefited consideration of the Greenbelt site, and hurt the Springfield site. According to the FBI, \u201cthe justification offered for those changes have been both varied and insufficient.\u201d\n\nIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director. Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\n\nThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation. We request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-celebrating-national", "Scott Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 This week, House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting the designation of the week of November 13, 2023 as \u201cNational Apprenticeship Week.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery year, Registered Apprenticeships connect workers across the country with in-demand skills and good-paying jobs and allow employers to tap into a pipeline of talented workers. In short, Registered Apprenticeship programs are critical to strengthening our workforce, businesses, and economy. That is why I remain committed to passing the National Apprenticeship Act, which invests in expanding and modernizing the apprenticeship programs for the next generation of workers,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott. \u201cI am proud to co-lead this resolution to officially designate National Apprenticeship Week and raise awareness about the need to reinvest in our apprenticeship system where workers can earn while they learn. We must continue fighting to ensure that workers and employers across America can access the proven benefits of our nation\u2019s most successful federal workforce development initiative.\u201d\n\nRegistered apprenticeships are an \u201cearn and learn\u201d model where employers can develop and train their future workforce while workers receive progressively increasing wages, classroom instruction, a portable, nationally recognized credential, and a pathway to a high paying career. Apprenticeships can range from the electrical field to information technology and tech. After completion, registered apprenticeship participants have a 93% placement rate, an average starting salary of $77,000, and earn $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to their peers not in apprenticeship programs.\n\nThis bipartisan resolution is co-led by Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06), and Rep. Alex Mooney (WV-02). The resolution celebrates \u201cNational Apprenticeship Week\u201d and highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs and applauds their benefits. The resolution encourages the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs, increases awareness about the value of the model, and supports the important work of its participants \u2013 uniting labor, industry, and a wide swath of stakeholders.\n\n\u201cBuilding the workforce of tomorrow begins with our investments today,\u201d said Rep. Morgan McGarvey.\u201cRegistered apprenticeship programs are critical to ensuring our country provides the high-quality, high-paying jobs that hard working people deserve, with the training and support they merit. I\u2019m so grateful to join my bipartisan colleagues to support the people who power and build our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs our country faces workforce shortages and a gap in skills, it is crucial that we encourage more young Americans to pursue apprenticeship programs,\" said Congressman Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Building Trades Caucus. \u201cI'm proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues on this resolution to recognize the impacts that apprenticeships have on our students, our businesses, and our economy by preparing highly skilled technical employees who are ready for the workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor anyone who\u2019s looked at getting into the trades or buying their own tool set \u2013 it\u2019s expensive and it takes resources. Apprenticeship programs equip young people with the training and support they need to build a fulfilling, good-paying career in the trades,\u201d said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. \u201cBefore coming to Congress, I ran an auto repair and machine shop and we were able to bring on an apprentice who has been with us ever since. I\u2019m excited to stand alongside my bipartisan colleagues to support these opportunities and commit to empowering the next generation of tradespeople.\u201d\n\n\u201cProviding specialized skills for the American tradesmen and women in manufacturing, construction, the oil and gas sector, and many other areas is critical,\u201d said Rep. Bill Johnson. \u201cThere is high demand in Eastern Ohio and across the state for many of these trades, and I have seen firsthand the benefit these programs have for those looking to gain skills specific to their craft. By investing in these programs and expanding access, we can work together to ensure that all Americans have access to well-paying jobs and the skills they need to succeed. The skills and trades learned through these apprenticeship programs are going to be in demand for a long time to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cCollege is not the only route to a successful career. In West Virginia and across America apprenticeships prepare workers for high-paying jobs so they can support their families,\u201d said Rep. Alex X. Mooney. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join with this bipartisan group of colleagues to support National Apprenticeship Week and highlight the importance of apprenticeships to building the American workforce.\u201d\n\nThe resolution text can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/virginia-delegation-members-request-investigation-site-selection", "Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2013 Today, members of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).\n\n\u201cWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cThere is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThen GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cWe request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available hereand below.\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Erickson,\n\nWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\n\nThroughout the site selection deliberations, GSA suppressed, dismissed, and overrode the judgement and recommendations of career officials from GSA and the FBI. This has led the Director of the FBI to take the extraordinary step of calling into question the \u201cfairness and transparency in the process and GSA\u2019s failure to adhere to its own site selection plan.\u201d\n\nIn July 2023, the agency executed a series of changes to significantly alter long-established site selection criteria and scoring rules. The changes made to the criteria were almost exclusively responsive to perceived concerns and direct requests from representatives of the Greenbelt site, meant to tilt the selection process in favor of Greenbelt. GSA made these changes over the objections of the FBI, which wrote to GSA in a June 26, 2023 memo that the original scoring criteria \u201cbest balanced the many wide-ranging elements considered for optimal site selection.\u201d\n\nThat same month, the agency finalized a plan to unilaterally remove a career official from the position of Site Selection Authority, the person tasked with confirming the recommendation of the site selection panel and certifying a final site selection. The agency, instead, installed a political appointee as the Site Selection Authority. Director Wray, once again, raised serious objections to the change. Additionally, the FBIidentified potential conflicts of interest that the appointee had related to the Greenbelt site, and raised concerns about potential impartiality. These concerns were never fully addressed by GSA.\n\nIn August 2023, the site selection panel, comprised of two career GSA officials and one career FBI official, reached a unanimous decision to select Springfield, Virginia as the home for the new FBI headquarters. The new Site Selection Authority unilaterally overturned the decision of the panel, including by making changes to the scoring \u2013 contrary to GSA\u2019s own site selection plan \u2013 which benefited consideration of the Greenbelt site, and hurt the Springfield site. According to the FBI, \u201cthe justification offered for those changes have been both varied and insufficient.\u201d\n\nIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director. Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\n\nThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation. We request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6029", "SEEC Praises the Unveiling of Biden\u2019s National Climate Assessment", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Chellie Pingree, and Katie Porter, and Chair Emeritus Rep. Gerry Connolly, released the following statement after the publication of the Biden Administration\u2019s Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA), a new report that presents a sharper picture of how a changing climate will impact every aspect of our nation\u2019s economy, communities, and ecosystems.\n\n\u201cToday, the Biden Administration released the comprehensive Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA) that paints a sharper picture of how the climate crisis is unfolding in America and the important climate action steps being taken. Coming two years since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and one year since the Inflation Reduction Act, this report already shows how those two laws are reshaping the American economy and having a meaningful impact on the trajectory of the climate crisis.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve to know how climate threats are multiplying and the ways in which this crisis will impact every aspect of the lives of our families and future generations. This report shows that in 2023 alone, we set a record number of climate disasters that cost over $1 billion. These events are now happening every three weeks on average, as compared to once every four months back in the 1980s, when adjusted for inflation. Yet it also shows, thanks to our clean energy investments, annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 12% between 2005 and 2019, with a corresponding drop in wind and solar energy costs by 70% and 90% respectively over the last decade.\n\n\u201cIn a first, this report also delivers an accessible web-based tool that consolidates state-of-the-art climate science and allows Americans across the country to explore updated climate projections that can inform local resilience, adaptation, and mitigation efforts in their own state or county. It also for the first time examines how certain communities are impacted disproportionately by climate change and how our economy will react if we do not take sufficient climate action.\n\n\u201cThis new assessment serves as a rallying cry across America of both how far we\u2019ve come but also how much further we still have to go. Equipped with this knowledge, we can still stop the worst effects of the climate crisis if we all come together and demand the action necessary.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-blasts-extreme-maga-funding-bill", "Scott Blasts Extreme MAGA Funding Bill", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby Scott\u201d delivered the following remarks during today\u2019s House floor debate on House Republicans\u2019 extreme appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.\n\n\u201cI rise in opposition to the amendment and the underlying bill.\n\n\u201cThe House Republicans\u2019 partisan bill is an attack on students, workers, and families. For 2024, the bill would cut close to $64 billion\u2014roughly 28 percent\u2014from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. The last time it was this low was in 2008.\n\n\u201cInequity in America\u2019s education system persists. Significant funding disparities among neighboring schools continue to deprive students of equal access to quality education. And this bill cuts Title I significantly.\n\n\u201cMoreover, the bill cuts other programs, like completely eliminating the Federal Work Study that allows students to work their way through college, the Teacher Quality Partnership, Job Corps\u2014completely eliminated.\n\n\u201cThere are essential programs that workers in our districts rely on. And, House Republicans, if this becomes law, those programs would be eliminated.\n\n\u201cAnd this amendment would cut federal student aid, making it more likely that they would have to take out student loans. The underlying bill is bad enough. It\u2019s the first time in over a decade that the Pell Grant wouldn\u2019t increase.\n\n\u201cAnd, also, our nation is facing disturbing child labor law violations, and House Republicans are slashing the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) budget.\n\n\u201cAnd, despite actively negotiating a bipartisan reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), we\u2019re proposing cuts in Adult and Youth Job Training programs.\n\n\u201cFinally, the bill is an insult to families. It cuts Head Start programs so drastically that, if this bill were to become law, 50,000 children would lose access to child care.\n\n\u201cMr. Speaker, I would ask that we oppose the amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-opening-statement-hearing-antisemitism-college-campuses", "Scott Opening Statement at Hearing on Antisemitism on College Campuses", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) delivered the following opening statement at today\u2019s Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee hearing on antisemitism on college campuses.\n\n\u201cIt has been over a month since Hamas\u2019 terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Israel and the start of a brutal, ongoing war in Gaza. This conflict has directly devastated thousands of people\u2014Israelis and Palestinians alike and countless families and friends across the world and in the United States.\n\n\u201cTragically, but not surprisingly, this conflict has also been marked by a rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents on America\u2019s colleges and universities.\n\n\u201cAnd to be clear, this discrimination is nothing new. Any student of history knows that it did not start with the current war, foreign influences, or any new philosophy.\n\n\u201cMy colleagues would do well to recall this country\u2019s centuries-long history of racism and antisemitism.\n\n\u201cWe can all agree that free speech is a constitutional right and bedrock of our democracy, and colleges and universities have been on the front lines of advancing that right for decades.\n\n\u201cBut we should also be able to agree that schools have a responsibility to protect students\u2019 civil rights and safety.\n\n\u201cAnd if they don\u2019t want to agree to that, Title VI makes it clear that they have that responsibility.\n\n\u201cUnder President Biden\u2019s direction, the Department of Education has recently provided additional guidance to colleges and universities on how to uphold their obligation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and better address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination on campus.\n\n\u201cWhile the Biden Administration has taken an active role in helping institutions protect students, regrettably, many of my colleagues have spent this Congress fueling divisive and baseless culture wars. Moreover, this week, Congress will consider a government funding bill that includes cuts for the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights\u2014the very agency charged with protecting students from discrimination.\n\n\u201cSo, today, I hope my Republican colleagues will denounce the culture wars that have distracted us from protecting our vulnerable students. And I hope we can all stand behind the Biden Administration\u2019s critical work to ensure that every student and educator has access to a campus free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chair and I yield back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-praises-biden-proposal-ensure-workers-have-voice-workplace-health", "Scott Praises Biden Proposal to Ensure Workers Have a Voice in Workplace Health and Safety", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to the Department of Labor regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\u2019s (OSHA) proposed rule to strengthen employees\u2019 voice in ensuring the health and safety of their workplace.\n\nThe proposal clarifies that workers may authorize a third party, including a union representative, to join an OSHA walkaround health inspection when an inspector deems that they are reasonably necessary and would aid the inspection.\n\n\u201cI support OSHA\u2019s plan to clarify in regulation workers\u2019 rights to select a third party from the community rather than a fellow employee to serve as their representative,\u201dRanking Member Scott wrote. \u201cI applaud OSHA\u2019s vision of expanding its instruction to the OSHA inspectorate about the potential positive contributions to an inspection from third-party worker representatives.\u201d\n\nWhile praising the proposed rule as a step in the right direction, Ranking Member Scott also urged OSHA to further strengthen workers\u2019 representation in health inspections by accepting a worker-designated representative by default, rather than subject the representative\u2019s participation in an inspection to OSHA approval.\n\n\u201cOSHA has wisely recognized in the Proposed Rule that it should advise its inspectorate to recognize the value that a third party put forward as the workers\u2019 walkaround representative can add to an inspection\u2026[However] OSHA should more boldly rewrite the Proposed Rule to accept workers\u2019 choice of representative by default and maximize workers\u2019 rights to representation of their own choosing throughout the inspection, enforcement, and contest processes,\u201d Ranking Member Scott continued.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-and-kean-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-programs-and-research", "McClellan and Kean Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Programs and Research in Quantum Information Science", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07), introduced H.R. 6384, the Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science, Engineering, and Technology Act,\u201d or the \u201cExpand QISET Act,\u201d a bipartisan bill to increase research capacity, education, infrastructure capacity, and broaden participation in quantum information science, engineering, and technology and related disciplines.\n\nQuantum information science is a field that combines the principles of quantum mechanics with information theory to study the processing, analysis, and transmission of information.\n\n\"Quantum information science is an exciting emerging field with the potential to lead to important scientific and engineering breakthroughs. I am proud to co-lead this legislation, which codifies the Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (ExpandQISE) program at the National Science Foundation,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThe research and education initiatives supported by ExpandQISE are critical to broadening participation in STEM and developing talent in the next generation.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy expanding our research and programming in quantum information science, we are sustaining America\u2019s position as a global innovator and empowering the next generation to discover what is possible in the world of science and technology,\u201d said Congressman Kean. \u201cI am proud to introduce this bill to further support the development of quantum research and education, unlocking the endless possibilities of tackling real-world challenges using quantum science.\"\n\nThis bill would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to make awards to expand research, education and infrastructure capacity, and broaden participation by:\n\nSupporting curriculum development.\n\nFunding grants for Quantum Education pilot programs.\n\nLeveraging local community readiness to secure a talent pipeline to meet the workforce needs of industry, government, and academia.\n\nRepresentatives McClellan and Kean serve on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.\n\nRead H.R. 6384 bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-new-liquified-fossil-gas-licenses-not-public-interest", "McClellan: New Liquified Fossil Gas Licenses Not In Public Interest", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with Representatives Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA-44) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), sent a bicameral letter along with over 60 of their colleagues to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the agency to update how it determines if new licenses for liquified natural gas (LNG) exports to non-free, U.S. trade countries are in the public interest. The letter highlights concerns that DOE\u2019s current approach to making these determinations does not fully or accurately consider how these exports impact the climate, environmental justice, or domestic energy prices.\n\nThe lawmaker\u2019s letter comes just as Data For Progress and Fossil Free Media released a new polling report finding voters are in strong support of limiting natural gas exports \u201cby a 2-to-1 margin and want to see new export facilities paused until the proper reviews are completed.\u201d\n\nThe letter highlights that DOE has never rejected an LNG export application on the basis of negative impacts to the American people and urges meaningful consideration of the costs to the climate and consumers when reviewing new export licenses.\n\n\u201cU.S. LNG exports have doubled over the past four years, and projects currently under development are set to almost double exports again. DOE\u2019s case-by-case approach to approvals ignores the aggregate impact that the explosive growth in U.S. LNG exports is having on climate, communities, and our economy,\u201d the lawmakers write.\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 letter comes as DOE is approving LNG exports\u2014and, as the lawmakers note, \u201cscientific reports, including a recent peer reviewed study from Brown University and RMI, have found that natural gas can be as bad for the climate as coal, when only small methane leaks are factored in.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers strongly encourage DOE to develop an approach that is informed by the latest climate and economic analysis, and which is transparent and open for public comment. \u201cBy exacerbating climate change, LNG exports also pose a threat to environmental justice at home and abroad, because the impacts of climate change fall most heavily on low-income communities and communities of color,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\n\u201cFinally, LNG exports drive up household energy burdens across the country, a key issue for all of our constituents. The EIA found that \u2018higher LNG exports create a tighter domestic natural gas market \u2026 increasing domestic natural gas prices\u2019 and this link was on clear display when an explosion at Freeport LNG sent domestic gas prices plummeting and its restart caused them to rise sharply again,\u201d they continued.\n\nWith the Department\u2019s anticipated decision on the CP2 export application, a proposal to create one of the largest LNG terminals ever, the stakes could not be higher.\n\n\u201cNo public interest determination will be viewed as credible unless the perspectives of the public are heard, understood, and reflected in DOE\u2019s decision on CP2 and across the board,\u201d the letter concludes.\n\nIn addition to Representatives McClellan, Barrag\u00e1n, and Huffman, the letter is signed by Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), James McGovern (D-MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Katie Porter (D-CA-47), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Robert Scott (D-VA-03), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AT LARGE), Antonio Cardenas (D-CA-29), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Jes\u00fas Garcia (D-IL-04), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04).\n\nIn addition to Senator Merkley, this letter is also cosigned by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-votes-avoid-government-shutdown-protect-virginian-workers", "McClellan Votes to Avoid a Government Shutdown, Protect Virginian Workers", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted in support of H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, to temporarily fund the federal government and avoid a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cSince the first day of the 118th Congress, House Republicans manufactured crisis after crisis. They brought our nation to the brink of a devastating default, nearly shut down the government, ousted the Speaker and left the House unable to operate for three weeks, and pushed their extreme partisan agenda and poison pill policies,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cIn September, House Democrats bailed Republicans out and delivered the necessary votes to pass a continuing resolution and avert a devastating shutdown through November 17th. Today, House Democrats again put people over politics and passed this temporary stopgap measure.\u201d\n\nH.R. 6363 extends Fiscal Year 2023 funding levels for federal agencies and programs that would otherwise shutdown on November 18th. The following appropriations bills are funded through January 19th, 2024:\n\nAgriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.\n\nEnergy and Water Development.\n\nMilitary Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.\n\nFunding of the remaining spending bills would be extended through February 2, 2024:\n\nCommerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.\n\nDefense.\n\nFinancial Services and General Government.\n\nHomeland Security.\n\nInterior, Environment, and Related Agencies.\n\nLegislative Branch.\n\nState, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.\n\nThe bill also includes temporary extensions for several programs including:\n\nHealth care extenders, including Community Health Centers and national health security authorities, through January 19th, 2024.\n\nFarm Bill programs, which are extended through September 30th, 2024.\n\nNational Flood Insurance Program, which is extended through February 2nd, 2024.\n\n\u201cI voted for this Continuing Resolution because a government shutdown would be catastrophic for our Commonwealth and country,\u201d continued Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThis was a necessary piece of legislation to protect the American people from Republican dysfunction and ensure our government remains open. I will continue to fight back against extreme MAGA Republicans\u2019 draconian cuts and harmful policy riders they are trying to force through on must-pass appropriations bills. House Democrats stand ready to pass a responsible budget that fully funds the government and addresses the challenges the American people face. House Republicans should abandon their extreme agenda and work with us to pass the remaining appropriations bills.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-introduces-bill-improve-servicemember-access-vital-quality-life", "McClellan Introduces Bill to Improve Servicemember Access to Vital Quality of Life Resources", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced the Military OneSource Transparency Act to strengthen the Military OneSource Program and ensure our servicemembers and their families can access the resources they need. This bill would direct the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to study the efficacy, utility, and accessibility of the OneSource Program.\n\nThe Military OneSource Program is the central hub for many quality-of-life programs and services that DoD provides for servicemembers and military families. Many servicemembers and their families are currently unaware of the program and its benefits due to a lack of reporting and outreach. The Military OneSource Transparency Act introduces reporting requirements to enable the Department of Defense to better assess gaps in utilization, promote awareness of the program, and increase utilization among servicemembers and their families.\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers and their families make incredible sacrifices to defend our democracy. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure they have access to the robust resources they deserve,\u201d said Rep. McClellan (VA-04). \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bill to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers and close existing gaps in access to necessary services. The Military OneSource Transparency Act will further strengthen the Department of Defense\u2019s OneSource program and make sure it is a \u2018one-stop shop\u2019 for our military personnel and their families.\u201d\n\nMcClellan previously offered the Military OneSource Transparency Act as an amendment during the House Armed Services Committee markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Her amendment is included in the version of the NDAA that the House passed earlier this year.\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6028", "Statement Of Virginia Leaders On Selection Process For New FBI HQ", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) issued a statement following new reports regarding the selection process run by the General Services Administration (GSA) to determine a location for the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):\n\n\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that a political appointee at the General Services Administration overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel comprised of career experts from the GSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluding that Springfield, Virginia is the site best suited for the new FBI headquarters. We have repeatedly condemned political interference in the independent, agency-run site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. Any fair weighing of the criteria points to a selection of Virginia. It is clear that this process has been irrevocably undermined and tainted, and this decision must now be reversed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brown-scott-carter-introduce-legislation-improve-federal-reentry-grant", "Brown, Scott, Carter Introduce Legislation to Improve Federal Reentry Grant Programs", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) have filed legislation to improve reporting requirements for federal reentry grant programs and encourage more federal agencies to adopt programs to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. The Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act would establish clear reporting requirements for Department of Justice (DOJ) adult and juvenile offender reentry grants and require the publication of best practice guides by the DOJ to encourage the development of similar demonstration projects.\n\n\u201cSupporting and improving reentry programs is a key component of criminal justice reform and building a more equitable society. We can\u2019t help provide people with a second chance if we don\u2019t invest in programs to support them upon reentry,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11). \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s important to know if current grants are working, so we can continue to encourage best practices. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Scott and Congressman Carter to improve reporting and encourage development of additional successful reentry programs across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cRobust and comprehensive reporting requirements are key to ensuring grant programs from the Second Chance Act are working as intended. The Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act will encourage successful societal re-entry, better enable grantees to replicate the positive results made by successful projects and help determine best practices for the future,\u201d said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3).\n\n\u201cThe Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act takes a significant step in helping returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society, offering them the support and skills they need to break the cycle of recidivism. This legislation acknowledges the various challenges faced by those reentering society, such as mental health and substance abuse disorders, job placement, and housing transition, and offers a holistic approach to addressing these obstacles. I\u2019m proud of this bill, which isn\u2019t just a step towards reducing recidivism but also a significant contribution to criminal justice system reform, expanding opportunities for returning citizens as they strive for a second chance,\u201d said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).\n\nCurrently, reentry demonstration grants offered by the Department of Justice award eligible grantees with the funding needed to implement evidence-based projects that are geared toward reducing recidivism. However, existing requirements fail to provide an additional accountability net for the DOJ, leaving gaps in data reporting and progress tracking. Without clear reporting requirements, Congress and the public are unable to see the impact of grant programs on the formerly incarcerated or effectively measure performance outcomes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/virginia-leaders-selection-process-new-fbi-hq", "Virginia Leaders on Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) issued a statement following new reports regarding the selection process run by the General Services Administration (GSA) to determine a location for the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):\n\n\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that a political appointee at the General Services Administration overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel comprised of career experts from the GSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluding that Springfield, Virginia is the site best suited for the new FBI headquarters. We have repeatedly condemned political interference in the independent, agency-run site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. Any fair weighing of the criteria points to a selection of Virginia. It is clear that this process has been irrevocably undermined and tainted, and this decision must now be reversed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-announces-2023-veteran-year-award-recipient", "McClellan Announces 2023 Veteran of the Year Award Recipient", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In commemoration of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the recipient of the 2023 Veteran of the Year Award for Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District: Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr.\n\nImage\n\n\u201cThis Veteran\u2019s Day, I am honored to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr. as the Veteran of the Year for Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. McClellan (VA-04). \u201cMr. Talley dedicated 34 years of his life to the United States Army and continues to give back to Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District. Mr. Talley represents the very best of our nation and selflessly supports aspiring young professionals, active-duty servicemembers, and vulnerable Virginians in our community. I had the pleasure to personally commend him on his accomplished career and thank him for his countless years of service to Virginia\u2019s Fourth, our Commonwealth, and the country. Chief Warrant Officer Four Talley embodies a life of service and is incredibly deserving of this recognition.\u201d\n\nCharles H. Talley, Jr. served his country in the armed forces for the majority of his adult life. Mr. Tallet was a direct victim and survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon before he deployed to Afghanistan to fight against those same attackers. He served his country with distinction and rose through the ranks before his retirement in 2018 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. Now, he uses his specialized skills and years of experience in the Army and as an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef to serve as the Quality Assurance Manager for the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence at Fort Gregg-Adams, formerly known as Fort Lee located in Petersburg.\n\nIn this capacity, he works to assess and improve the food for the entire U.S. Army in the battlefield environment. As the current president of the Nu Omicron Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, he organizes service events in Petersburg and the surrounding areas. He also devotes his time to lecture Warrant Officers every year and young aspiring professionals at Virginia State University, one of Virginia\u2019s esteemed HBCUs. He is a loving husband and father of three beautiful children.\n\nFor more information on McClellan\u2019s Veteran of the Year program, visit her website.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-virginia-leaders-selection-process-new-fbi-hq", "Statement of Virginia Leaders on Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) issued a statement following new reports regarding the selection process run by the General Services Administration (GSA) to determine a location for the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):\n\n\u201cWe are deeply disturbed to learn that a political appointee at the General Services Administration overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel comprised of career experts from the GSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation concluding that Springfield, Virginia is the site best suited for the new FBI headquarters. We have repeatedly condemned political interference in the independent, agency-run site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. Any fair weighing of the criteria points to a selection of Virginia. It is clear that this process has been irrevocably undermined and tainted, and this decision must now be reversed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1321", "Rep. Ben Cline Introduces the Protecting America From Spies Act", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, which would allow the Department of State to deny visas to any individual if a consulate officer, an immigration officer, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the U.S. Attorney General knows, or has reasonable ground to believe, that the individual has committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate earlier this year.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has actively engaged in espionage efforts to infiltrate our society, steal our intellectual property, and gain our country\u2019s secrets, posing a serious threat to our national security. It is far past time we strengthen our immigration laws and crackdown on foreign espionage by denying those who attempt to spy or steal from the United States from entering our country.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nUnder current law, spies operating on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party who have been expelled from the United States are able to immediately reapply for visas.\n\nIn 2020, the Trump Administration closed China\u2019s consulate in Houston, Texas in response to evidence of espionage and intellectual property theft.\n\nThe Protecting America from Spies Act would update the Immigration and Naturalization Act to ensure that efforts to engage in espionage or technology transfer is considered ineligible for future visas.\n\nRead more in Daily Caller HERE and the full bill text HERE.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-announces-winners-2023-va-04-photo-competition", "McClellan Announces Winners of the 2023 VA-04 Photo Competition", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the winners of the annual VA-04 Photo Competition. Bobby Conner from Ebony took first place in this year\u2019s competition.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Bobby Conner from Ebony for winning my inaugural District Photo Competition for 2023,\u201d said Rep. McClellan (VA-04). \u201cI am thoroughly impressed by the creativity and artistic vision displayed by my constituents. Virginia\u2019s Fourth is a sprawling district, and participants showcased the unique settings that make it home. Congratulations to our second and third place finalists as well, and thank you to all participants for your time and talent. I look forward to displaying these photos in my congressional offices and will be reminded of how beautiful and special our district is.\n\nRep. McClellan also announced the following runner ups:\n\n2nd Place: Teresa Bales, Disputanta\n\n3rd Place: Penn Markham, Richmond\n\nThe VA-04 Photography Contest challenges constituents to submit photographs of Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District. The competition is open to all residents of the district, regardless of age. The top three winners\u2019 submissions will be displayed in Rep. McClellan\u2019s congressional offices and on her social media platforms.\n\nView all the submissions for the 2023 VA-04 Photo Competition here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-helps-advance-weather-act-reauthorization-out-house-science", "McClellan Helps Advance Weather Act Reauthorization Out of House Science Committee", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, a member of the House Science, Space and Technology (SST) Committee, joined her colleagues in a markup of H.R. 6093, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act, to strengthen the United States\u2019 forecasting and emergency preparedness.\n\nAmong its provisions, the Weather Act Reauthorization improves research, observations forecasting, and public communications regarding extreme weather events. McClellan offered an amendment to prioritize the assessment of storm impacts on under-observed, underserved, and highly vulnerable populations.\n\n\u201cAs our nation and the global community continue to grapple with increasingly severe weather events, we must do more to effectively prepare, monitor, and recover from their impacts. The Weather Act Reauthorization is an important piece of legislation to ensure the United States can more accurately forecast dangerous weather events and support impacted communities,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cAs a member of the House Science Committee, I was proud to help advance this bill out of committee. I am thrilled the bill included my amendment to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, who are disproportionately impacted by severe weather and climate degradation. We must continue to comprehensively gather data regarding the impacts of these weather events, so the federal government can properly respond to communities\u2019 needs.\u201d\n\nH.R. 6093 updates the Weather Act of 2017, the first comprehensive weather policy legislation in more than two decades, which was passed on a bipartisan basis. The 2017 bill bolstered America\u2019s weather forecasting tools and improved collaboration and coordination between various entities in the weather enterprise.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-lawler-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-coordinate-federal-soil", "McClellan, Lawler Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Coordinate Federal Soil Carbon Sequestration Efforts", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) introduced the bipartisan Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act to empower the federal government to support interagency work around soil carbon sequestration research and monitoring.\n\nSoil carbon sequestration, also known as \u201ccarbon farming\u201d or \u201cregenerative agriculture,\u201d refers to land management processes to promote the absorption of carbon into soil. Experts estimate that soil could store almost 5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide worldwide each year. The Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act would streamline existing federal efforts around soil carbon sequestration and close gaps in research and monitoring.\n\n\u201cThe climate crisis is one of the greatest threats of our time, and we must do everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint and limit greenhouse gas emissions,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cAgriculture is the largest private industry in our Commonwealth, and farmers are feeling the effects of climate change more often and more severely. Extreme droughts, floods, wildfires, and heat waves pose significant challenges to the agriculture industry, and they will continue to intensify without urgent action. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act to ensure we properly harness the full potential of soil carbon sequestration in our continued fight against the climate crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleague Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) in introducing the bipartisan Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act,\u201d said Congressman Lawler. \u201cAs I said when I joined Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) in introducing the Advancing Research on Agricultural Climate Impacts Act this summer to fund research into carbon sequestration, this innovative new process has the win-win of increasing farm production while reducing our carbon footprint. The Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act will enable us to unleash this new technology, surge our food production, and leave a cleaner world for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\n\nThe Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act:\n\nEstablishes an Interagency Committee on Soil Carbon Research led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.\n\nDirects the interagency Committee to develop a cross-agency strategic plan for federal research, development, and deployment regarding soil carbon sequestration sampling and measurement methodologies, measurement and monitoring technologies, and community needs.\n\nEstablishes working groups to coordinate soil carbon research priorities including Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), data collection and management, fundamental research, and community engagement.\n\nRequires regular reporting to Congress on soil carbon sequestration research and monitoring activities.\n\n\u201cInterest in rewarding farmers for soil carbon gains is on the rise\u2014but that\u2019s undercut by a lack of tools to accurately measure and track soil carbon outcomes. In order to unlock the full potential of soil carbon in the US, and get money into the hands of farmers, we need a coordinated, large-scale effort across federal agencies to advance research and monitoring. Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act addresses those gaps head-on; only an effort of this scale can lay the necessary foundation to inform science-based carbon incentives,\u201d said Cristel Zoebisch, Deputy Director of Policy, Carbon180. \u201cWe applaud Representatives McClellan and Lawler\u2019s vision for actualizing soil carbon sequestration in an equitable and evidence-based way\u2014and for creating a roadmap for the federal government, the private sector, universities, technical service providers, and producers to come together to advance research for agricultural climate action.\n\n\u201cBPC Action applauds the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) on efforts to enhance soil health interagency research and coordination that can bolster agricultural productivity and climate resiliency, and farmer income,\u201d said Michele Stockwell, President of BPC Action. \u201cThe Coordination for Soil Carbon Research and Monitoring Act will provide the building blocks needed to coordinate cross-cutting priorities on soil carbon research including monitoring, reporting, and verification, data collection and management, and fundamental research regarding soil dynamics. This research will help the U.S. agriculture sector better understand how to increase soil health and enhance farming practices to boost the natural processes of capturing carbon dioxide and storing it in soils.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-october-jobs-report-4", "Scott Statement on October Jobs Report", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 150,000 jobs in October as the unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 3.8 percent to 3.9 percent. Under President Biden\u2019s leadership, the economy has added nearly 14 million jobs.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s jobs report once again underscores the strength of our economy under President Biden\u2019s leadership. The Biden administration has consistently prioritized growing the economy from the bottom up and the middle out, including supporting our nation\u2019s labor unions.\n\n\u201cLabor unions safeguard the middle class and play a crucial role in our economic growth. The United Auto Workers\u2019 (UAW) tentative contract agreements with the Big Three automakers\u2014General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis\u2014are the latest examples of union workers\u2019 power to negotiate for higher wages, eliminate tiered wage arrangements, and include automatic cost-of-living adjustments, among other key wins. While we wait for the workers to weigh in on ratification, we can already see their impact on non-unionized workers in the automotive industry, with Toyota raising the wages of its factory workers this week. Simply put, the UAW\u2019s triumph in securing these tentative agreements affirms what the labor movement has known for generations: when workers exercise their collective bargaining rights, they can negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.\n\n\u201cRegrettably, workers need stronger protections to exercise their basic right to organize a union. That is why I am again calling on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, the most significant update for workers\u2019 labor organizing rights in more than eight decades.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-opposes-republicans-harmful-interior-appropriations-bill", "McClellan Opposes Republicans\u2019 Harmful Interior Appropriations Bill", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) voted against H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, to stand up for climate action, environmental justice, and vulnerable communities across the nation.\n\n\u201cUnder the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, congressional Democrats passed the largest federal investment in climate and clean energy in our nation\u2019s history with the Inflation Reduction Act. This transformative legislation repositioned the United States as a global leader in the fight against the climate crisis,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cNow, extreme House Republicans are attempting to roll back our progress, slash funding for key federal entities, and prevent implementation of the IRA. Their partisan agenda is out of step with the American people and fails to address the climate and environmental crisis with the urgency it demands.\u201d\n\nH.R. 4821 allocates $25.4 billion in federal funding, a $13.4 billion decrease from Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 levels. The legislation:\n\nSlashes Department of the Interior (DOI) funding by $697 million\n\nCuts Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by $4 billion\n\nDecreases State and Tribal Assistance Grants funding by $1.9 billion\n\nEliminates Environmental Justice funding entirely, a decrease of $102 million\n\nYesterday, McClellan joined the Climate Action Campaign, Moms Clean Air Force, Defend Our Future, and Reps. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Steven Horsford (NV-04) to underscore Republicans\u2019 devastating cuts in H.R. 4821.\n\n\u201cWe are at an inflection point in our fight to protect our climate and environment. While Republicans attempt to hinder our nation\u2019s response to the climate crisis, ignore environmental injustice, and promote dirty, unsustainable energy, House Democrats remain committed to decisively addressing climate change,\u201d continued Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cI voted no on this Interior-Appropriations bill, because it will exacerbate existing disparities for vulnerable communities and hamper our government\u2019s ability to effectively respond to environmental pollution and climate change. As the mother of two young children, I am fighting to ensure a healthy, livable planet for them and future generations, and I will oppose any measures that jeopardize our progress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6025", "Rep. Beyer Announces Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as Keynote Speaker at Annual Women\u2019s Conference", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer announced today that Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will be his special guest and keynote speaker at his Seventh Annual Women\u2019s Conference: Unite. Ignite. Inspire on Saturday, November 4.\n\nNancy Pelosi served as the 52nd Speaker of the House of Representatives, having made history in 2007 when she was elected the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Pelosi made history again in January 2019 when she regained her position \u2013 the first person to do so in more than six decades. Speaker Pelosi is the chief architect of generation-defining legislation under two Democratic administrations, including the Affordable Care Act, the American Rescue Plan, and Inflation Reduction Act. Her leadership in enshrining the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law helped restore the ability of women to fight pay discrimination in the courts.\n\nRep. Beyer\u2019s Women\u2019s Conference is an annual event that convenes local stakeholders and experts to discuss a wide array of issues and how they impact women. This year\u2019s conference will feature a conversation between Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Beyer on the many ways women work for change across the country. Rep. Beyer will also present the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award to Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya J. Bradsher.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-slams-house-gop-trying-leverage-israel-aid-tax-cut-wealthy", "Scott Slams House GOP for Trying to Leverage Israel Aid With A Tax Cut for the Wealthy, Failing to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Gaza", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 6126 \u2013 Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024:\n\n\u201cI am committed to standing with Israel in their war against Hamas and funding humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. However, I could not support this supplemental funding bill, as it did not include any of the funding President Biden requested to respond to humanitarian needs in Gaza and around the world. Furthermore, House Republicans are trying to leverage support for Israel into an opportunity to dismantle provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act that ensured wealthy tax cheats pay taxes they owe. Ostensibly, House Republicans included this provision to offset the cost of the aid in this bill. However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office determined that this partisan maneuver would actually increase the deficit by $12.5 billion, because it will significantly reduce revenues. Emergency spending is intended to respond to urgent needs. Holding up emergency funds to have policy debates over revenue and spending cuts will endanger our ability to respond to future emergencies in a timely manner. Congress has responded to national security emergencies without conditions in the past and we must do so now.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-israel-security-supplemental-package", "McClellan Statement on the Israel Security Supplemental Package", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted against H.R. 4821, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:\n\n\u201cFor weeks, House Republicans sowed dysfunction and chaos as they exacted petty, partisan revenge on one another and stifled our body\u2019s ability to legislate. House Democrats, on the other hand, stood ready and willing to put People Over Politics and pass a supplemental funding package that provides the necessary resources for Israel and Ukraine to defend themselves while delivering additional aid to innocent civilians in Gaza. Extreme MAGA Republicans rejected that opportunity and offered a package that fails to meet the national security needs of our allies or address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration made abundantly clear that the United States has a moral and ethical responsibility to uphold American values, support our allies, oppose terrorism and dictatorships, and defend democracy around the world. However, House Republicans ignore that request and shirk commitments to our global allies and innocent civilians impacted by ongoing conflicts.\n\n\u201cAfter careful consideration, I voted against this hyper-partisan supplemental package because it fails to meet the urgency of the moment, denies Ukraine the much-needed funding it needs to stave off Vladimir Putin\u2019s unjustified invasion, and ignores the needs of Palestinians in Gaza. Furthermore, for the first time ever, this package conditions aid to our Israeli allies by demanding draconian funding cuts for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that would pave the way for billionaires and ultra-wealthy corporations to avoid paying their fair share while adding $26.8 billion to our deficit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6022", "Beyer Statement On Republicans\u2019 Supplemental Israel Funding Bill", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, issued the following statement today on House Republican legislation that would cut IRS funding and increase federal deficits while ignoring key elements of President Biden\u2019s supplemental funding request to address national security needs:\n\n\u201cIt is extraordinarily cynical for Republicans to try to exploit an international crisis to help wealthy tax cheats avoid paying their taxes.\n\n\u201cI support Israel\u2019s right to self defense in the face of horrifying acts of terrorism, within the bounds of international law. The Republican bill is not a serious attempt to support our ally, in fact their bill is intentionally designed to fail in a way they hope will fuel further dishonest partisan talking points to capitalize politically on suffering and death.\n\n\u201cRequiring an offset for emergency assistance to our allies would be a bad precedent even if this bill were actually paid for, which it manifestly is not. The IRS cuts in this bill do not offset the costs of military assistance, they multiply them, as their bill text itself acknowledges.\n\n\u201cRepublicans\u2019 removal of military assistance to Ukraine to repel the ongoing Russian invasion is a victory for Putin and a betrayal of the Ukrainian people. Their cold-blooded denial of humanitarian assistance for innocent Palestinian civilians suffering amid the horrors of war in Gaza is horrifying.\n\n\u201cI support President Biden\u2019s funding request to address national security needs and support our allies. The Republican bill is an appalling and immoral mockery of that request, and I strongly oppose it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-against-censure-resolution-tlaib-expulsion-resolution", "Scott Votes Against Censure Resolution for Tlaib, Expulsion Resolution for Santos", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against a censure resolution for Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), as well as voting against an expulsion resolution for Congressman George Santos (NY-03):\n\n\u201cThe Ethics Committee is charged with investigating alleged wrongdoing by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. In the past, I have been appointed to serve on multiple investigative subcommittees, and I can personally attest to the nonpartisan, rigorous and deliberative process conducted by the committee. In fact, the committee is expected to soon release findings and recommendations on the Santos matter. These resolutions were rushed to the floor outside of that deliberative process. In 2002, I voted to expel Rep. James Traficant but that was after he was found guilty in a court of law. Absent any report or recommendation from the committee, or a criminal conviction, these resolutions are premature. For the sake of the institution, we must stop the cheapening of the censure and expulsion processes for political expediency and get back to the process that we already have in place to appropriately deal with these matters.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-celebrates-start-virginias-insurance-marketplace", "McClellan Celebrates the Start of Virginia\u2019s Insurance Marketplace", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) applauded the launch of Virginia\u2019s Insurance Marketplace, a state-regulated health benefit exchange program, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).\n\nThen-Senator McClellan (D-Richmond) and Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax) introduced the Senate and House versions of the bill to establish the exchange during the 2020 legislative session. The exchange allows the state to customize coverage or rate requirements as well as prioritize plans that offer benefits tailored to meet the health needs of communities in Virginia.\n\nIn 2022, McClellan built on her progress and championed passage of a bill to improve access to the state-based exchange. Her bill directed the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange to develop a budget and plan to strengthen marketing and navigator services to ensure more Virginians had the necessary information and resources to save money on their health care through the exchange.\n\nMcClellan advocated for a state-based exchange since the ACA\u2019s passage, including leading a 2012 legislative proposal to create an exchange.\n\n\u201cAs Marketplace Open Enrollment begins, I am thrilled Virginians will have access to a new state-based marketplace under the Affordable Care Act,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThe Virginia Health Benefit Exchange will better meet the health needs of our communities by providing customized and tailored policies while lowering premiums and improving access to quality health care. Delegate Sickles and I established this health exchange to ensure more Virginians across our Commonwealth can access robust, affordable, quality health insurance. I encourage everyone to review their options through the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange and get covered!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6020", "Virginia Congressional Democrats Push DOJ Again to Investigate Youngkin Administration\u2019s Purging of Voter Rolls", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On Monday, October 30, 2023, Virginia\u2019s Democratic Congressional delegation sent a follow-up letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the Youngkin Administration\u2019s improper removal of nearly 3,400 eligible voters from the rolls. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), and Representatives Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04).\n\n\u201cEarlier this month, the Virginia Department of Elections (the Department) first announced that it had improperly removed about 270 voters whose rights were restored after felony convictions,\u201d the letter reads. \u201cNews reports from late last week indicated that the Department had actually improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters. This is over 10 times more voters than initially announced, and the information comes less than two weeks before Election Day and more than a month after the start of early voting. The Department has indicated those affected voters\u2019 records have been sent \u2013 and updated \u2013 to the local registrars who have then notified these voters via mail; however, it is not clear that these voters will receive the information they are reinstated in a timely manner. Further, the Department noted that 100 of the voters who were wrongly removed have yet to be reinstated and may not be notified of their reinstatement with sufficient time to cast a ballot in next month\u2019s election.\u201d\n\nThis follows a previous letter sent on October 6th demanding the DOJ investigate whether these actions violate the Voting Rights Act or other federal laws.\n\n\u201cWe reiterate our request that DOJ take immediate action to investigate how these removals happened and what is being done to ensure that those whose names were illegally removed from the voting rolls are informed in a timely and effective manner so that they are able to cast a vote in the November 7, 2023, Virginia election,\u201d the letter states.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\nOctober 30, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nAttorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland,\n\nWe are writing to follow up on our request for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct an investigation into the removal of eligible voters from the voting rolls in Virginia. Our letter, dated October 6, 2023, also asked that DOJ determine if the Virginia Department of Elections had violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act or other federal laws.\n\nEarlier this month, the Virginia Department of Elections (the Department) first announced that it had improperly removed about 270 voters whose rights were restored after felony convictions. News reports from late last week indicated that the Department had actually improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters. This is over 10 times more voters than initially announced, and the information comes less than two weeks before Election Day and more than a month after the start of early voting. The Department has indicated those affected voters\u2019 records have been sent \u2013 and updated \u2013 to the local registrars who have then notified these voters via mail; however, it is not clear that these voters will receive the information they are reinstated in a timely manner. Further, the Department noted that 100 of the voters who were wrongly removed have yet to be reinstated and may not be notified of their reinstatement with sufficient time to cast a ballot in next month\u2019s election.\n\nAs noted in our October 6 letter to you, these improper removals follow other troubling actions related to voting rights in the Commonwealth. Just last year, it was reported that \u201cunspecified technical problems\u201d created a backlog at the Department of Elections, and resulting in local registrars receiving 107,000 new voter records overnight just one month from the election, putting those applications at risk of not being processed in time for the elections. Later that month, after several Virginians tried to vote and were turned away, it was reported that the Department of Elections failed to pass along an additional 149,000 voting records.\n\nOur concerns are further compounded by Virginia\u2019s May 2023 exit from the bipartisan Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, which is a multistate program aimed at keeping voting rolls up to date. The removal came amid \u201cfringe conservative media reports and conspiracy theories attempting to connect the group to liberal donors and activists.\u201d\n\nWe reiterate our request that DOJ take immediate action to investigate how these removals happened and what is being done to ensure that those whose names were illegally removed from the voting rolls are informed in a timely and effective manner so that they are able to cast a vote in the November 7, 2023, Virginia election.\n\nThank you for your attention to our concerns. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMark R. Warner\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nTim Kaine\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nRobert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott\n\nMember of Congress\n\nGerald E. Connolly\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDonald S. Beyer Jr.\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAbigail Davis Spanberger\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJennifer Wexton\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJennifer L. McClellan", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6021", "Rep. Beyer To Honor Tanya J. Bradsher, The First Woman Confirmed To Serve As Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, At Annual Women\u2019s Conference", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer announced today that Tanya J. Bradsher will receive the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award during his Seventh Annual Women\u2019s Conference on November 4. Bradsher was nominated by President Biden to serve as the 10th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 14, 2023, and sworn in on September 20, 2023. She is the first woman confirmed to serve as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the first woman of color to hold the post in either an acting or a confirmed capacity.\n\nTanya Bradsher is a combat Veteran who served for 20 years in the United States Army, including service on the Korean peninsula and at the Pentagon on 9/11. A native of Arlington, she previously became Rep. Beyer\u2019s second Chief of Staff, before departing in 2021 to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, where she became Chief of Staff for Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough.\n\n\u201cTanya is a courageous and conscientious person whose 20-year military service, time in the U.S. House of Representatives as my Chief of Staff, and leadership in the Biden-Harris Administration are truly exceptional,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cAs Secretary McDonough said when Tanya became the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tanya has dedicated her life to fighting for her country and her fellow veterans. Tanya's service is an inspiration to us all, and I\u2019m proud to recognize her outstanding contributions to our country and our community.\u201d\n\nRep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011. It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins\u2019 right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as US Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva.\n\nThe award is given annually to recognize exceptional work to empower women. Previous awardees include Dr. Tahera Ahmadi, journalist Marie Ridder, gun violence prevention advocate Naomi Wadler, rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, diplomat Betty King, PeaceWomen founder Ruth Gaby Vermot, journalist Lisa Feldmann, Arlington community activist Portia Clark, and immigration advocate Ofelia Calder\u00f3n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-applauds-proposed-rule-strengthen-americas-retirement-security", "Scott Applauds Proposed Rule to Strengthen America\u2019s Retirement Security", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Scott issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced a proposed rule to close loopholes and prevent unscrupulous financial advisers from ripping off their retirement clients.\n\n\u201cEvery hardworking American deserves access to a secure and dignified retirement. Unfortunately, workers today are left wondering whether the retirement investment advice they receive is in their best interest or the financial interest of their advisers. While most advisers put their retirement clients\u2019 interests first, unscrupulous retirement professionals continue to pad their own pockets by steering clients to high-fee investment products that produce lower returns for retirement savers.\n\n\u201cThat is why I applaud President Biden and Acting Secretary Su for their efforts to end this insidious practice and make clear that all retirement advisers must put their clients\u2019 interests first. This proposal is expected to have a meaningful impact on workers\u2019 retirement savings. Specifically, according to the White House, requiring advisers to make recommendations in their retirement clients\u2019 best interests can add up to 20 percent more retirement savings over their lifetime.\n\n\u201cBy proposing this action, the Biden administration is once again standing up for American workers and protecting their retirement security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-celebrates-biden-harris-administrations-approval-coastal-virginia", "Scott Celebrates Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Approval of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Interior announced its approval of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) commercial project \u2013 the largest offshore wind project in the nation:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Biden-Harris Administration is a major win for Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. This is a major step forward in reaching the goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 and Hampton Roads and the Portsmouth Marine Terminal continue to lead the way. The CVOW project will bring new opportunities to the region, as it will create good jobs in construction, shipbuilding, operations and maintenance.\n\n\u201cAs a co-chair of the Offshore Wind Caucus, I will continue to support the development of clean energy resources as a key source of affordable, domestically-produced energy and creator of good jobs. This project is the largest offshore wind approval so far, but momentum continues to build thanks to the clean energy and manufacturing investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/virginia-congressional-democrats-push-doj-again-investigate-youngkin", "Virginia Congressional Democrats Push DOJ Again to Investigate Youngkin Administration\u2019s Purging of Voter Rolls", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Monday, October 30, 2023, Virginia\u2019s Democratic Congressional delegation sent a follow-up letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the Youngkin Administration\u2019s improper removal of nearly 3,400 eligible voters from the rolls. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), and Representatives Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04).\n\n\u201cEarlier this month, the Virginia Department of Elections (the Department) first announced that it had improperly removed about 270 voters whose rights were restored after felony convictions,\u201d the letter reads.\u201cNews reports from late last week indicated that the Department had actually improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters. This is over 10 times more voters than initially announced, and the information comes less than two weeks before Election Day and more than a month after the start of early voting. The Department has indicated those affected voters\u2019 records have been sent \u2013 and updated \u2013 to the local registrars who have then notified these voters via mail; however, it is not clear that these voters will receive the information they are reinstated in a timely manner. Further, the Department noted that 100 of the voters who were wrongly removed have yet to be reinstated and may not be notified of their reinstatement with sufficient time to cast a ballot in next month\u2019s election.\u201d\n\nThis follows a previous letter sent on October 6th demanding the DOJ investigate whether these actions violate the Voting Rights Act or other federal laws.\n\n\u201cWe reiterate our request that DOJ take immediate action to investigate how these removals happened and what is being done to ensure that those whose names were illegally removed from the voting rolls are informed in a timely and effective manner so that they are able to cast a vote in the November 7, 2023, Virginia election,\u201d the letter states.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\nOctober 30, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nAttorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland,\n\nWe are writing to follow up on our request for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct an investigation into the removal of eligible voters from the voting rolls in Virginia. Our letter, dated October 6, 2023, also asked that DOJ determine if the Virginia Department of Elections had violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act or other federal laws.\n\nEarlier this month, the Virginia Department of Elections (the Department) first announced that it had improperly removed about 270 voters whose rights were restored after felony convictions. News reports from late last week indicated that the Department had actually improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters. This is over 10 times more voters than initially announced, and the information comes less than two weeks before Election Day and more than a month after the start of early voting. The Department has indicated those affected voters\u2019 records have been sent \u2013 and updated \u2013 to the local registrars who have then notified these voters via mail; however, it is not clear that these voters will receive the information they are reinstated in a timely manner. Further, the Department noted that 100 of the voters who were wrongly removed have yet to be reinstated and may not be notified of their reinstatement with sufficient time to cast a ballot in next month\u2019s election.\n\nAs noted in our October 6 letter to you, these improper removals follow other troubling actions related to voting rights in the Commonwealth. Just last year, it was reported that \u201cunspecified technical problems\u201d created a backlog at the Department of Elections, and resulting in local registrars receiving 107,000 new voter records overnight just one month from the election, putting those applications at risk of not being processed in time for the elections. Later that month, after several Virginians tried to vote and were turned away, it was reported that the Department of Elections failed to pass along an additional 149,000 voting records.\n\nOur concerns are further compounded by Virginia\u2019s May 2023 exit from the bipartisan Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, which is a multistate program aimed at keeping voting rolls up to date. The removal came amid \u201cfringe conservative media reports and conspiracy theories attempting to connect the group to liberal donors and activists.\u201d\n\nWe reiterate our request that DOJ take immediate action to investigate how these removals happened and what is being done to ensure that those whose names were illegally removed from the voting rolls are informed in a timely and effective manner so that they are able to cast a vote in the November 7, 2023, Virginia election.\n\nThank you for your attention to our concerns. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMark R. Warner\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nTim Kaine\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nRobert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott\n\nMember of Congress\n\nGerald E. Connolly\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDonald S. Beyer Jr.\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAbigail Davis Spanberger\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJennifer Wexton\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJennifer L. McClellan\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-applaud-approval-coastal-virginia-offshore-wind", "Warner, Kaine, & Scott Applaud Approval of Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project And Over $39 Million In Federal Funding To Support Project", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Representative Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (VA-03) applauded the Administration\u2019s announcement of its approval of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) commercial project off the coast of the Hampton Roads region, which is expected to power over 650,000 homes, create thousands of jobs, and grow Hampton Roads\u2019 economy. The CVOW project will be the largest commercial-scale offshore wind project in America.\n\nIn addition to the approval of the project, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced $39,265,000 in federal funding for the City of Norfolk Economic Development Authority, which is working to convert an existing marine terminal and berth to an offshore wind logistics facility that will support the CVOW project and other projects. Specifically, the funding will make improvements to the berth to support heavy lift requirements and construction of a floating pier. This funding will go toward existing efforts to transform Lamberts Point, also known as Fairwinds Landing, into an offshore wind hub. The funding was awarded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s economy wins when we work together to embrace innovative technologies. We\u2019re thrilled that the Administration approved the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) commercial project and announced significant federal funding to build an offshore wind logistics facility,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cToday\u2019s announcement reaffirms Virginia as a leader in offshore wind. It wouldn\u2019t have been possible without the hard work of stakeholders in the region, investments we\u2019ve secured to support the Port of Virginia, and legislation we passed in Congress, like the Inflation Reduction Act, to advance clean energy. We look forward to continuing to work with regional leaders during the next phases of this project and seeing the positive impacts this will have for the region\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\nWarner, Kaine, and Scott have long supported the CVOW project and advocated for the project\u2019s approval. Warner, Kaine, and Scott have secured significant funding for the Port of Virginia, including $20 million in funding for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the CVOW project. The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed by one vote in the Senate and was supported by Warner, Kaine and Scott,included significant incentives to accelerate the production of renewable energy and support projects like this one.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6017", "Beyer Statement On President Biden\u2019s AI Executive Order", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer, vice-chair of the bipartisan Congressional AI Caucus, today welcomed President Biden\u2019s landmark Executive Order establishing rigorous standards for AI safety and security, bolstering American leadership in AI worldwide, and protecting Americans\u2019 rights.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s Executive Order on AI is an ambitiously comprehensive strategy for responsible innovation that builds on previous efforts, including voluntary commitments from leading companies, to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development of AI,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cWe know, however, that there are limits to what the Executive Branch can do on its own and in the long term, it is necessary for Congress to step up and legislate strong standards for equity, bias, risk management, and consumer protection. Now that the House has elected Speaker Mike Johnson, he should reconvene former Speaker Kevin McCarthy\u2019s bipartisan AI working group. As the artificial intelligence industry continues to advance, it is necessary for Congress to put guardrails in place. This work continues to be a major focus for me this Congress.\u201d\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s Executive Order announced today would place requirements on model developers, boost hiring of AI-related positions in the federal government, create new standards for how government agencies can safely use AI and bolster privacy, direct the development of guidance to prevent AI algorithms from being used to discriminate, call for a report on the workforce impacts of AI, and much more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6015", "Wyden, Bennet, Beyer Introduce Bicameral Bill to Overhaul Unemployment Insurance", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senator Michael F. Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Don Beyer, D-Va., today introduced legislation to update and expand unemployment insurance so that the program better meets the needs of the modern workforce and is ready to respond should America face a future recession.\n\n\u201cThe past few years have clearly shown that our unemployment insurance system is broken and doesn\u2019t meet workers\u2019 needs. After decades of sabotage and neglect, this essential social safety net desperately needs an update,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cBy bringing unemployment insurance into the 21st century now, we will ensure American workers who become unemployed by no fault of their own will have the help they need as they get back on their feet \u2013 and will make sure we\u2019re ready if and when the next economic downturn hits, whether it be years from now or decades from now.\u201d\n\n\"Too many Americans struggle to access essential unemployment benefits as they navigate a patchwork of outdated state systems. Others \u2013 often low-wage workers, workers of color, caregivers, and self-employed workers \u2013 receive no protection when they lose a job,\" said Bennet. \"Our bill strengthens and expands benefits to help Colorado's workers stay afloat during difficult times and ensures our unemployment system is responsive to changing economic conditions.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe pandemic and ensuing economic downturn revealed both the importance of our unemployment insurance system and the desperate need for its expansion and modernization,\u201d said Beyer. \u201cThe inadequacy of the system forced Congress to step in and temporarily expand the program, but without permanent reform we are just as unprepared for a major crisis as we were before the pandemic. This bill will make long-overdue improvements to our unemployment system that will help families and the broader economy more easily weather a future economic shock.\u201d\n\nThe Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would:\n\nUpdate the federal-state Extended Benefits program so that it will automatically add additional weeks of benefits when unemployment rises.\n\nEstablish new requirements for state unemployment programs to ensure that benefits are adequate to support workers through job loss and that more workers are covered when they lose their job.\n\nThis would include requiring that all states offer 26 weeks of benefits, replace 75 percent of workers\u2019 wages, cover part-time workers, and pay workers for their first week of unemployment\u2014the \u201cwaiting week.\u201d\n\nCreate new permanent federal programs for unemployed workers, including a $250 per week Jobseeker Allowance that would be available to any unemployed workers not covered by the traditional unemployment insurance system, such as self-employed workers and new entrants to the labor force.\n\nThe bill would also include an additional $25 weekly federal allowance for each dependent an unemployed worker has, and provide federal funding to increase unemployed workers\u2019 wage replacement rates to 100 percent during major disasters or public health emergencies.\n\nIn the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Fetterman, D-Pa., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Jack Reed, D-R.I., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.\n\nA section-by-section summary is here.\n\nThe text of the bill is here.\n\nStatements of Support\n\nMichele Evermore, Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation: \"I applaud Senators Wyden and Bennet for their leadership to address decades of Congressional inaction on common sense reforms that have been recommended by bipartisan commissions going back to 1980 and 1996. We need to apply thoughtful permanent fixes that states have time to carefully implement while the economy is strong to avoid having to implement last minute fixes during economic crises.\"\n\nRebecca Dixon, President and CEO, National Employment Law Project: \u201cThe pandemic revealed how absolutely critical unemployment insurance is for supporting jobless workers, their families, and the entire economy. By updating the Extended Benefits program, modernizing regular unemployment insurance, and adding a powerful new jobseeker\u2019s allowance to support workers who are excluded from the current system, the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act will make the system stronger, more equitable, and better prepared for the next recession.\u201d\n\nLiz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO: \"The AFL-CIO strongly endorses the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act of 2023. There was no clearer example of the need to upgrade and modernize our decades-old unemployment system for supporting laid off workers than during the 2020 pandemic recession. This legislation expands unemployment coverage, raises benefits and establishes safeguards in the event of rising unemployment. This bill ensures that our country is prepared to manage a potential future economic downturn.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-final-joint-employer-standard-good-workers-good-law-abiding", "Scott: Final Joint Employer Standard is \u201cGood for Workers, Good for Law-abiding Businesses, and Good for our Economy\u201d", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced a final rule to ensure that workers hired through subcontractors, temporary staffing agencies, and other intermediaries can hold all the entities with the power to control their working conditions accountable for their right to bargain collectively.\n\n\u201cWorkers can only negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions if all companies with power to control their employment are required to be at the table. Unfortunately, Republican politicians and corporate interests have long worked to allow employers to abuse temporary staffing agencies, contractors, and franchisees and skirt their bargaining obligations and liability for unfair labor practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy addressing the test for establishing joint employer status under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)and correctly returning it to common-law principles, the Biden administration\u2019s final rule makes clear that low-road employers can no longer hide behind intermediaries to evade their responsibilities to workers. Simply put, today\u2019s announcement is good for workers, good for law-abiding businesses, and good for our economy.\n\n\u201cMoving forward, Congress must build on this critical progress by passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The legislation would codify this rule and require that any company directly controlling, indirectly controlling, or maintaining the power to control a person\u2019s working conditions must be subject to the NLRA rules regarding collective bargaining.\u201d\n\nIn December 2022, then Chairman Scott led a letter with 52 House Democrats to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in support of its proposed joint employer rule.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-applauds-advanced-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-official-designation", "McClellan Applauds Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Official Designation as a Tech Hub", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) applauded the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s designation of the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) Tech Hub as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. This designation came through the U.S. Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration.\n\nThe APM Tech Hub, led by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) on behalf of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, will employ regional assets, scientific capacities, and public and private investment to accelerate the growth, innovation, and sustainability of the U.S.-based pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Consortia on its new designation through the Economic Development Administration as a Tech Hub,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThis recognition is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the consortium members and the incredible innovation taking place in the Fourth District of Virginia. I was proud to advocate for additional federal funding for the APM Consortia from the Department of Commerce, and I am confident this new designation will further strengthen this cluster and position it as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.\u201d\n\nIn August 2023, Congresswoman McClellan wrote a letter of support to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, calling for grant funding to support APM's continued development.\n\nThe Alliance for Building Better Medicine is a cluster development program of Activation Capital that includes non-profit, industry, academia, and government partners, including CCAM, an Alliance member organization who took the lead on this application for Designation as a Tech Hub based on its unique expertise in advanced manufacturing. In Virginia\u2019s Fourth, academic partners include Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia State University (VSU).\n\n\u201cReceiving designation as an EDA Tech Hub reinforces the collective value and impact of the Alliance members and partner organizations in our development of an APM capability both in the Richmond-Petersburg region and the country,\u201d said Joy Polefrone, PhD, Executive Director for the Alliance for Building Better Medicine. \u201cThrough investments by the Commonwealth in the thoughtful strategic planning and implementation for the APM cluster several years ago followed by the historic win through the EDA\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge last year, we were excited and prepared for the bold challenge set forth in the Tech Hub application. We\u2019re eager to continue on this journey together in setting audacious goals that enable us to work together to build better medicines.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a public research university, VCU is committed to innovation that addresses our most vexing problems to find solutions for our communities' needs, including to the need to stay healthy,\u201d said VCU President Michael Rao. \u201cVCU is proud to be a partner with the Alliance for Building Better Medicine and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing to reinvent the way medicines are made. This designation further solidifies Virginia\u2019s and our region\u2019s status as a quickly growing center for important ideas and impactful research that changes and can save lives.\u201d\n\n\"Being named to the EDA Tech Hub is a tremendous honor for our university and is a testament to our commitment to both innovation and research,\u201d said Dr. Tia A. Minnis, VSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. \"We see this designation as a great accomplishment and an opportunity for our university to partner together with industry and government leaders to help find solutions that will strengthen our region's energy and technological ecosystem.\u201d\n\nThis designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region\u2019s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-kiggans-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-curb-pfas-contamination", "McClellan, Kiggans Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Curb PFAS Contamination Caused by Defense Facilities", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation to protect military personnel and American families from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released from Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.\n\nDoD facilities are one of the major contributors of PFAS contamination in drinking water sources. According to a new DoD report, at least 245 U.S. bases are contaminating or threatening to pollute drinking water for nearby communities, and hundreds more are likely at risk. This is caused by various technologies used at DoD installations, particularly firefighting foam laced with the chemicals discharged during emergencies or training exercises.\n\n\u201cPFAS contamination from our nation\u2019s military and defense facilities poses a major threat to our hardworking military personnel, their families and residents in nearby communities,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cExposure to toxic PFAS chemicals can result in adverse health outcomes and drastically impact the well-being of our servicemembers and everyday Americans. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act to empower the Department to take the necessary steps to effectively remediate PFAS contamination and protect public health.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccess to clean drinking water should never be something our citizens have to worry about,\u201d said Congresswoman Kiggans. \u201cI\u2019m proud to colead this important bipartisan effort to address this decades-old problem. By addressing the root of this problem, I\u2019m hopeful that we can provide peace-of-mind to Americans across the country.\u201d\n\nThe Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act would:\n\nRequire the Secretary of Defense to request permit revisions to allow for PFAS remediation through carbon filtration at DoD stormwater management outflows.\n\nMandate DoD use a small portion of remediation funding for PFAS testing onsite at DoD water management facilities to allow the Department to better capture PFAS before it flows into waterways off base.\n\nExposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to reproductive issues such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women, developmental effects in children, increased risk of cancers, autoimmune disorders, hormone imbalances, high cholesterol, and obesity.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Defense PFAS Discharge PreventionAct is a critical step forward to protect service members and communities across the country who are affected by toxic PFAS contamination from DOD sites. This bill will stop PFAS pollution before it enters our waterways and harms military families and communities downstream. Curbing this pollution at the source will also reduce the amount of PFAS chemicals that need to be cleaned up, allowing federal dollars spent on PFAS cleanup to go further,\u201d said Geoff Gisler, Program Director, Southern Environmental Law Center. \u201cThe Department of Defense PFAS Discharge PreventionAct is a win-win: it will significantly reduce exposure to PFAS in the near-term, while addressing this toxic pollution in an efficient, equitable, and cost-effective way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-house-gop-embraces-maga-extremism-electing-mike-johnson-speaker", "Scott: House GOP Embraces MAGA Extremism by Electing Mike Johnson as Speaker", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after House Republicans elected Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) to be Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAt a time of crisis around the world, Congress needs a Speaker who will govern responsibly to make life better and safer for the American people. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy governed in a way that catered to the far-right MAGA extremists in the House Republican conference. During that time, we lurched from crisis to crisis. Many bills failed to pass. And the bills that did pass the House rarely had any chance of passing the U.S. Senate. All of this Republican-led dysfunction led to a downgrade of America\u2019s credit rating. The removal of Speaker McCarthy wasn\u2019t a cause of the dysfunction. It was a symptom of the Republican dysfunction.\n\n\u201cMike Johnson has supported proposals to slash Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. He helped lead former President Trump\u2019s effort to overturn the 2020 election and he supports criminalizing abortion across the nation. By choosing to elect Mike Johnson as Speaker, House Republicans have chosen to double down on MAGA extremism and dysfunction instead of forging a bipartisan path forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-election-johnson-house-speaker", "McClellan Statement on Election of Johnson as House Speaker", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) was elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives:\n\n\u201cHouse Republicans\u2019 political posturing and infighting left the People\u2019s House without a Speaker for 22 days at a time when our nation and the international community need Congress to lead. Republicans were too busy playing their political games and exacting petty partisan revenge on one another to care about the issues the American people and our allies face. The past three weeks were nothing short of a dysfunctional disaster \u2013 one created and perpetuated solely by House Republicans.\n\n\u201cThe extreme MAGA wing of the Republican conference rejected moderate candidate Tom Emmer, because he carried out his constitutional duty and voted to certify the 2020 election results. Now after three weeks of gridlock, fifteen Republican candidates, several Republican candidate forums, three failed nominees, and three failed Speaker votes, House Republicans tripled down on MAGA extremism and elected Congressman Mike Johnson as the next Speaker.\n\n\u201cA leading architect of former President Trump\u2019s plot to overturn the 2020 election and a staunch defender of the deadly January 6th insurrection, Johnson is now the face of the Republican party. He supports criminalizing abortion nationwide, stripping the LGBTQ+ community of their rights, and slashing Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Endorsed by the former President himself, Johnson is just the latest MAGA extremist to be propped up by the House Republican conference.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-announces-over-93-million-help-virginian-households-home-energy", "McClellan Announces Over $93 Million to Help Virginian Households with Home Energy Costs", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced Virginia was awarded $93,123,844 in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\n\nAwarded through the Administration for Children and Families\u2019 Office of Community Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the federal funding will help low-income Virginian households pay their home heating costs this winter and their cooling bills this summer. The award also includes funding appropriated by Congress from the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2024 and $100 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2024 through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cLIHEAP provides crucial funding to help vulnerable, low-income families afford their utility and home energy costs,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cThanks to the hard work of congressional Democrats and the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our Commonwealth will receive over $93 million to support hardworking families. This is incredibly welcomed news, particularly as we near the winter months, and will ensure more Virginians can afford home heating and cooling systems and their monthly utility bills. I was proud to vote for the CR that included funding for LIHEAP, and I remain committed to ensuring it is properly funded in the upcoming fiscal year.\u201d\n\nSince coming to Congress, McClellan has fought to ensure federal resources to fund and strengthen LIHEAP. In March, McClellan joined a letter to Appropriations Committee leadership, urging them to prioritize LIHEAP funding in the FY2024 appropriations process.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6013", "Heeding Lawmakers\u2019 Call, IRS Announces Direct File Pilot Program", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Representatives Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), and Don Beyer (D-Va.) released the following statement on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of its 2024 pilot of Direct File, a program that will allow Americans to file tax returns digitally and free of charge.\n\n\u201cThe IRS\u2019s Direct File pilot program is an important first step towards creating a free, easy way for millions of Americans to file their taxes online. Giant tax prep companies have fought Direct File every step of the way, making tax filing more complicated and expensive than it should be and making it harder for families to get the tax credits they deserve. But thanks to the important investments made by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration has stood up a pilot program in record time. We look forward to supporting the IRS\u2019s efforts to develop and expand the Direct File pilot, setting us on a path where millions of Americans will no longer have to worry about giant tax prep companies sharing their private data with Big Tech firms and ripping them off for services that should be free.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leger-fernandez-baldwin-dean-introduce-legislation-lower-cost", "Scott, Leger Fern\u00e1ndez, Baldwin, Dean Introduce Legislation to Lower Cost of Community College", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 House Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA-03), Representative Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (D-NM-03), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) introduced legislation in both the House and Senate chambers to make community college and two-year Tribal Colleges and Universities more accessible by waiving tuition fees for eligible students.\n\n\u201cCommunity colleges play a unique and vital role in providing students access a quality postsecondary degree. Regrettably, the chronic underfunding of community colleges is jeopardizing their ability to support their students and communities. The America\u2019s College Promise Act is a major investment in expanding opportunities for students and building back a better economy. This bill is one critical piece of our comprehensive plan to make quality higher education more affordable for students and families and developing a competitive 21st century workforce,\u201d said Ranking Member Scott (D-VA-03).\n\n\u201cNew Mexico knows how free community college unlocks opportunities for students - from the recent high school graduate to the experienced worker who wants to go back to school. Students are going to school at higher rates in New Mexico than most states,\u201d said Representative Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (D-NM-03). \u201cThe America\u2019s College Promise Act builds on New Mexico\u2019s example to make sure that students across the country can attend community college without the burden of tuition and fees. This bill will provide funds for services to help students successfully complete their degrees. To unlock the door for a brighter future, it also reduces the financial burden for low-income students to attend TCUs, HBCUs, and MSIs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s technical and community colleges give students the education and skills they need to land good-paying jobs in high-demand industries and grow our economy. But for too many students, the cost of a two-year degree is holding them back, hamstringing businesses who need skilled workers and preventing them from providing for their families,\u201d said Senator Baldwin (D-WI). \u201cAmerica\u2019s College Promise will break down those barriers for students who want to pursue a technical education, training tomorrow\u2019s workforce without saddling young people with debt that prevents them from buying a house, starting a family, and contributing to our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cHigher education should promise a bright future, yet the cost of college inhibits that opportunity for many and burdens many more with immense debt \u2014 we must change this for future generations,\u201d said Representative Dean (D-PA-04). \u201cAs a professor, it was a profound joy to witness students claim their education and carve out their own future \u2014 and I want to ensure that for more young adults and those looking to make a career change. The America\u2019s College Promise Act will help make that a reality, from providing tuition-free community college courses to expanding funding for HBCUs and trade schools. I look forward to this important legislation being brought to the House floor.\u201d\n\nThe America\u2019s College Promise Act of 2023 will make the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in our economy more accessible to all students by creating a new federal-state partnership to provide two years of tuition-free community college. Specifically, the America\u2019s College Promise Act of 2023:\n\nCreates a partnership between the federal government and states to waive tuition and fees for two years of community and technical college programs for eligible students, while promoting key reforms to accelerate student success;\n\nCreates a sliding scale for federal cost share beginning at 100% for the first year and ending at 80% for the fifth and subsequent years;\n\nMakes sure that programs offer academic credits that are transferable to four-year institutions in their state, or occupational training that leads to recognized credentials;\n\nMaintains and encourages state funding for higher education;\n\nEstablishes a student success fund to improve enrollment, retention, transfer, or completion rates and labor market outcomes for underserved student populations, including students of color and low-income and first-generation college students, who attend community and technical colleges at disproportionate rates;\n\nWaives two years of tuition and fees for eligible students at tribal colleges and universities; and\n\nEstablishes a new grant program to provide pathways to success at historically black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions, including Hispanic-serving Institutions, by covering a significant portion of tuition and fees for the first two years of attendance for low-income students.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, Association of Community College Trustees, The Education Trust, The Hope Center at Temple University, The National Education Association, The Century Foundation Higher Education Team, Higher Learning Advocates, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars, American Association of Community Colleges, Young Invincibles, and Jobs for the Future.\n\nFull text of this legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6012", "Beyer, Mace Introduce Gender Parity Legislation", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), the leading House Democrat on Congress\u2019 Joint Economic Committee, and Nancy Mace (R-SC) today introduced legislation to encourage gender parity in positions of corporate leadership. Their resolution expresses \u201cthe sense of the House of Representatives that corporations should commit to utilizing the benefits of gender diversity in boards of directors and other senior management positions.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe research is clear, corporations and the American economy benefit when women rise in corporate leadership,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cPromoting women to management helps eliminate unconscious bias, provides role models and mentors to others in the company ranks, and gives a powerful boost to internal advocates for pay equity and paid family leave. It is my hope that this gender parity legislation will inspire American businesses to do the right thing and promote more women up the ladder of leadership \u2013 we will all be better off for it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6014", "House Democrats Introduce the Clean Water Act of 2023", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) and 114 House Democrats introduced the Clean Water Act of 2023. The legislation undoes the damage from the Supreme Court\u2019s Sackett decision by reinstating the historic and bipartisan, federal-state partnership that has protected our rivers, streams, and wetlands for over 50 years; by establishing a clear, level playing field for businesses and industries to thrive while protecting critical natural resources; and ensuring clean water for families and communities.\n\n\u201cClean water means the difference between healthy communities and sick ones, thriving businesses and stunted ones, preserved natural environments and polluted ones,\u201d Ranking Member Larsen said. \u201cThe Clean Water Act of 2023 restores historic, bipartisan protections to the estimated 50% of wetlands and 70% of streams lost through the misguided Sackett decision. I commend Ranking Member Napolitano, Rep. Beyer, and Rep. Stansbury for their leadership as well as the more than one hundred House Democrats who cosponsored this critical legislation, which balances essential protections of the health of our environment and our local economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cClean water is not and should not be a partisan issue. Families depend on clean water to drink, farms depend on clean water to grow their crops, and businesses depend on clean water for a healthy economy,\u201d said Ranking Member Napolitano. \u201cThe Clean Water Act of 2023 will restore the strong federal protections struck down by the conservative Supreme Court and put back into place the successful protections which cleaned up our rivers over the last five decades. I thank Ranking Member Larsen, Congressman Beyer, and Congresswoman Stansbury for their leadership and joining me in introducing this vital legislation to protect clean water for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cEveryone needs clean water, and the Clean Water Act has been a historic success safeguarding Americans\u2019 water quality for over 50 years,\u201d said Representative Don Beyer. \u201cUnfortunately, the right wing of the Supreme Court recently sided with polluters to weaken essential protections for our streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This legislation would help restore the full strength of the Clean Water Act and defend one of our most precious natural resources for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew Mexicans know that water is life and that we must protect our clean water,\u201d said Representative Stansbury. \u201cNow, with the recent Sackett Supreme Court decision that undermines our access to clean water, it\u2019s more important than ever that we protect our waterways. That\u2019s why I am proud to be a co-lead of the Clean Water Act to restore critical federal protections. I\u2019m grateful to partner with Ranking Member Larsen, Congressman Beyer, and Congresswoman Napolitano to deliver clean water for all.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued its Sackett v. EPA decision, which significantly narrowed the historic, bipartisan scope of the Clean Water Act (CWA). SCOTUS judicially rewrote the tests for determining what rivers, streams and wetlands retain a minimum standard of federal protection and created new criteria\u2014with no precedent in statute or in the decades-long, bipartisan agency interpretation of the Clean Water Act.\n\nIn July 2023, Ranking Members Larsen and Napolitano joined Democratic colleagues and clean water advocates for a roundtable on: \u201cMurky Waters: Navigating a Post-Sackett World.\u201d During the roundtable, members and experts discussed the potential impacts on water quality, human and environmental health, and local economies as a result of the Sackett decision. The roundtable culminated in the report titled \u201cLessons from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Democratic Roundtable \u2013 Murky Waters: Navigating a Post-Sackett World.\u201d The report outlines the real world impacts of the Sackett decision and identifies critical waterbodies that are now at risk of degradation or destruction. The report also discusses how 50 years of federal clean water investment and progress in reviving local waterbodies could be squandered, even if proactive measures are taken at a state or local level. Lessons learned from the roundtable, along with input from communities and stakeholders, contributed to the Clean Water Act of 2023. To read the report, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-jordans-failed-speaker-vote", "McClellan Statement on Jordan\u2019s Failed Speaker Vote", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after House Republicans failed to elect a Speaker:\n\n\u201cFrom day one of the 118th Congress, House Republicans have been plagued by chaos and dysfunction. They took four days and fifteen rounds to elect Kevin McCarthy as Speaker; brought our nation to the brink of a devastating default on our national debt; barreled us towards a government shutdown; and then ousted McCarthy as Speaker \u2013 a first in our nation\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cToday, they once again demonstrated their inability to govern by nominating and then failing to elect Jim Jordan as the next Speaker. While his nomination failed, it is deeply concerning that 200 Republicans voted for Jordan to lead their party. He is a founding member of the Chaos Caucus and continues to deny President Biden and Vice President Harris\u2019 victory in 2020. He was a co-conspirator in the January 6th insurrection and attempt to overturn the presidential election results. He has failed to pass a single bill in his 16 years as a member of the House, yet supports an extreme national abortion ban with no exemptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. He is a conspiracy theorist who has espoused talking points associated with the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory in official government hearings. He is also accused of covering up rampant sexual abuse at Ohio State University.\n\n\u201cJim Jordan has no business serving as the 56th Speaker of the House and second in line to the presidency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 415, "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": "VA", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 381, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 34, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 415, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 415, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 415, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-10-17,https~3A~2F~2Fmcclellan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmcclellan-statement-jordans-failed-speaker-vote", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=VA&year=2023&_next=2023-10-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmcclellan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmcclellan-statement-jordans-failed-speaker-vote&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 241.9170020148158, "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"}