{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Republican\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409099", "Would create ambassador position to combat anti-SemitismSmith anti-Semitism bill headed to Presidents desk", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NJ", "Christopher Smith", "S000522", "chrissmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, at the very last legislative session of the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that would elevate the State Department's Anti-Semitism Special Envoy positionfirst created by Smith's legislative provisions in 2004to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitism worldwide. As the Senate has already approved the amended legislation, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. We've seen a rapid rise in anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric in many countries over the past decade: Jews harassed, assaulted and even murdered; synagogues attacked; graves and cemeteries desecrated; anti-Semitic slurs; and targeting the State of Israel with what my friend, the great Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, calls the three Ds' demonization, double-standard, and de-legitimization, said Smith. My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador, and enable him or her to report directly to the Secretary of State, Smith said. That will give the Special Envoy more seniority and diplomatic accessboth inside the U.S. Government and when engaging foreign governmentsthat is needed do the job effectively. Especially with the rise of on-line anti-Semitism, we see that hate abroad easily crosses borders and impacts our communities here at home.Now more than ever we need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe, said Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Smith's bill, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act (H.R. 221) will ensure that the U.S. leadership position in fighting anti-Semitism worldwidethe Special Envoy at the State Departmentwould not only be promptly filled, but would be strengthened. The position, as well as the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, was created and required by Smith's original provisionsof theGlobal Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004. Smith's new bill would also mandate the timely nomination of a Special Envoy.\r\n Under the bill the Special Envoy position:\r\n Would be elevated to the rank of Ambassador at the State Department and report directly to the Secretary of State;\r\n Would be the primary advisor to the U.S. government in monitoring and combating anti-Semitism;\r\n Would not be saddled with duties irrelevant to combating anti-Semitism, or double-hatted;\r\n Must be filled (if vacant) by requiring the President to nominate a Special Envoy within 90 days of the bill becoming law and not later than 120 days after the position becomes vacant.\r\n I would like to thank my House colleagues, especially Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), for working with leadership in both parties to pass this bill. I also would like to thank Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jackie Rosen (D-NV) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-FL), along with their staffs, for their hard work in securing passage on the Senate side.I would also like to acknowledge and thank Special Envoy Elan Carr for his tremendous contribution in fighting anti-Semitism.And finally, I want to thank the many wonderful Jewish groups who fought hard for this legislation.\r\n The House voted overwhelmingly to pass Smith's H.R. 221 in 2019. In the previous 115th Congress, Smith introduced identical legislation, H.R. 1911, which passed the House in 2018, but stalled in the Senate. Smith's bill is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402403", "Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.20", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The year 2020 was a difficult one, but as the year draws to a close, I want to highlight something about the year that went right.\r\nOperation Warp Speed accomplished what had been considered nearly impossible: the development, manufacture, and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine to combat COVID-19.\r\nPresident Trump announced Operation Warp Speed in May. His Administration recognized that meeting the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic would require the investment of Federal Government resources, partnership between the public, private, and scientific sectors, and cutting red tape that would impede delivery of a safe and effective vaccine.\r\nThis effort was supported by almost $10 billion in funding included in the CARES Act passed by Congress with my support.\r\nThe project focused on six vaccine candidates. Seven months after Operation Warp Speed was launched and less than one year after COVID-19 began spreading widely around the globe, two vaccine candidates were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use.\r\nOn December 11, the FDA approved for emergency use the first vaccine created by Pfizer. After clinical trials including over 43,000 participants, the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective.\r\nA vaccine developed by Moderna was subsequently approved for emergency use on December 18. Thirty thousand people participated in its clinical trials, and its efficacy rate is 94.5 percent.\r\nThese vaccines are the fastest ever produced for a novel pathogen. In fact, the average development timeline for a vaccine is eight to twelve years. Operation Warp Speed reduced the time needed by maximizing the number of participants in Phase 3 trials and manufacturing vaccine doses while waiting for the FDA's emergency use authorization order.\r\nWhile bureaucratic hurdles were lowered, the vaccine development process did not skimp on safety.\r\nAs a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health matters, I was briefed repeatedly throughout the process or involved in hearings featuring public health officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA, as well as the vaccine manufacturers. I am confident that they maintained high safety standards as they pursued a vaccine.\r\nWhile the vaccines were under development, the Trump Administration planned ahead for their delivery and administration to Americans. It purchased millions of doses of the prospective vaccines and made agreements with pharmacies that would be able to vaccinate people.\r\nWhile enough vaccine doses will be manufactured to cover most of the population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the priorities for vaccination while supplies remain limited. It suggested health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities be first in line, followed by older adults and frontline essential workers, all groups with a higher susceptibility to the coronavirus than other parts of the population.\r\nThe vaccines are broadly safe, but caution is appropriate for people with allergic reactions and certain other conditions. The CDC recommends that you talk to your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies to determine if a COVID vaccine is a safe decision for you. Further, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that vaccine.\r\nI also believe that vaccinations should not be mandatory. This would be true particularly for people who object to taking it due to their religious principles or as a matter of conscience. I also reject the idea of individuals being required to carry around a vaccination certificate, which is too close to the identification papers of highly restricted societies for my comfort.\r\nOperation Warp Speed is just one component of the Federal Government's efforts to combat the coronavirus. Other therapeutics and treatments have also been developed at a rapid pace and are also being deployed as the pandemic still inflicts widespread sickness.\r\nThe United States has long excelled at scientific innovation, but even among our country's long list of achievements, from the light bulb to the first manned landing on the Moon, Operation Warp Speed stands out for its scale, speed, safety, and ultimately lives saved. Amid all the bad news of 2020, this accomplishment is one worth praising.\r\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5539", "Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSTON, Texas - In a year marked by unique challenges, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) proudly fought for more economic opportunity for millions of Texans, security for America and her allies, and freedom for all Americans to live, work, and worship as they choose.\nWATCH: Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit\nReflecting on the past year, Sen. Cruz said:\n\"Texans are strong and resilient and the American spirit has always been marked by courage and generosity. That spirit was on full display throughout this year as we dealt with the massive economic and public health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We dealt with enflamed racial division and a polarized political environment.\n\"Despite all of these difficulties, Texans and Americans alike rose to the challenge to help our neighbors and those in need by supporting our brave health care workers, first responders, grocery store clerks, and other critical workers on the front lines of this crisis, truly making a difference in our communities. People across this great nation exercised their fundamental rights to further the promises this nation was founded upon - freedom and equality. I am confident that we will come out of these troubled times stronger, more united, and renewed in pursuit of freedom and opportunity for every American.\n\"As we look ahead to 2021, I am deeply honored to continue representing the great state of Texas, and I will continue fighting to reopen our economy and to get millions of Americans safely back to work, back to school, to strengthen America's national security, and to protect the religious liberty and the constitutional rights of each and every American.\"\nSen. Cruz's 2020 Highlights:\nCombatting the Coronavirus Pandemic\n \nSIGNED INTO LAW: Helped secure passage of three coronavirus emergency response packages to address the public health crisis and deliver real relief for the American people.\nLaunched the #CombatCOVID19Challenge, a social media challenge to encourage Americans to continue supporting their communities as we all work to combat this pandemic. Sen. Cruz kicked off the challenge by delivering food to the Houston Police Officers' Union.\nIntroduced the Reinvigorating the Economy, Creating Opportunity for every Vocation, Employer, Retiree & Youth or RECOVERY Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to help small businesses re-hire their employees and create jobs, help kids get back to school safely, allow Americans to catch-up on their retirement savings, and help find cures for COVID-19 while increasing testing.\nIntroduced the Creating Capacity for Communities in Need Act, legislation to increase healthcare capacity and to speed up FDA approval for certain vaccines and therapeutics.\nPASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight to pass legislation to enhance partnerships between companies in the United States and Israel to develop innovative medical projects aimed at detecting, treating, and curing COVID-19. \nIntroduced the Equal Access to Care Act and the Right to Test Act, legislation to expand healthcare access and make testing more available.\nIntroduced the Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements to Consumers Here In North America or BEAT CHINA Act to incentivize pharmaceutical, medical device, and supply manufacturers to relocate to the United States.\nIntroduced the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents, amid Chinese censorship of its citizens that helped fuel the coronavirus pandemic.\nIntroduced the Coronavirus Emergency Education Grants Act, legislation designed to empower all families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nIntroduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act to prevent the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) from stealing or sabotaging American COVID-19 vaccine research.\nIntroduced the Addressing Missed-savings Opportunities for Retirement due to an Epidemic or AMORE Act to allow individuals facing financial challenges and who are unable to make contributions to their tax-advantaged retirement accounts in 2020 to make \"catch-up\" contributions to these accounts in the coming years.\n \nDelivering for Texas\n \nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Protected small and independent refiners facing bankruptcy because of the pandemic by working with the administration to make sure these energy producers had access to critical capital. Sen. Cruz also worked to ensure that banks were not discriminating against energy producers so that they could keep their wells producing, their doors open and their employees on the payroll.\nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Successfully pushed for the Federal Reserve to establish a new lending facility to provide immediate emergency liquidity for oil and gas businesses, a request they granted by altering their Main Street Lending Program to allow energy companies to qualify for much-needed relief.\nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight in the Senate to help secure an agreement for Saudi Arabia and Russia to significantly cut oil production amid this emergency. These efforts held Saudi Arabia and Russia accountable for engaging in predatory oil pricing during the pandemic, which greatly impacted Texas energy producers. \nSIGNED INTO LAW: Worked to secure passage for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which was signed by President Trump, a decisive victory for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and manufacturers to ensure greater economic opportunities for all Americans. This trade agreement puts American jobs first, including the 2.2 million jobs in Texas directly dependent on international trade. \nPASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led the fight as chair of the Aviation and Space Subcommittee to unanimously pass in the Senate the NASA Authorization Act, legislation that gives NASA the resources it needs to face a new era of space exploration and enhances our presence in low-Earth orbit. The bill will also help Americans safely return to the moon and will bring us closer to an American taking the first step on the surface of Mars. In addition, Sen. Cruz's legislation to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon also passed the House and Senate. \nLed efforts to urge the U.S. Air Force to designate Port San Antonio and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) as the location for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters (USSPACECOM HQ).\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation authorizing the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to establish a memorial commemorating the Republic of Texas Legation in Washington D.C. which was signed into law in December.\n \nBoosting Jobs, Jobs, Jobs\nConfirming Constitutionalist Judges and Protecting Our Independent Judiciary\n \nAs a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cruz led the fight to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the third Supreme Court justice he has helped confirm since 2017. Justice Barrett is a principled constitutionalist with impeccable credentials and her confirmation was a great victory for every American who cares about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our fundamental liberties.\nIn 2020, the Senate confirmed 48 federal judges, while celebrating the 200th federal judicial nominee confirmed by the Senate since the election of President Donald J. Trump. These 234 judges will faithfully interpret and apply the law as part of an independent judiciary, and their addition to the federal courts will benefit all Americans who value the Constitution and individual liberties for decades to come.\nLed the fight in the Senate to preserve the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court by introducing two proposals, including the \"Keep Nine\" constitutional amendment, to maintain the number of justices on the bench and protect Americans' constitutional liberties.\n \nStanding with the Brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement\n \nTook a stand against Antifa and introduced the Restitution for Economic losses Caused by Leaders who Allow Insurrection and Mayhem or RECLAIM Act, legislation to hold state and local officials liable when rioters establish lawless autonomous zones' and officials abdicate their duty to protect their citizens. Sen. Cruz also delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning the violent groups that hijacked the peaceful and just protests honoring George Floyd, and calling for strong leadership to stop the riots and restore law and order.\nSigned Heritage Action's Police Pledge to reaffirm his support for the men and women of our nation's law enforcement and his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.\nIntroduced legislation to rename the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rocksprings to honor Agent Donna M. Doss, who proudly served in the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years and was killed in the line of duty. \nChaired a hearing titled \"The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence,\" examining how groups like Antifa and other anti-American anarchists exploit peaceful protests and engage in political violence.\nTook action to protect Americans by re-introducing Kate's law, legislation to impose a mandatory minimum prison sentence on illegal aliens with serious felony convictions who illegally reenter the country.\nIntroduced the National Child Identification Act, legislation that would authorize the use of federal grant funds from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to provide child identification kits to local law enforcement for distribution to parents of children who attend kindergarten or elementary school. These kits remain with parents, who may provide the kit to law enforcement in the tragic event that their child is missing.\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Post Office in Houston, Texas the \"Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building,\" to serve as a lasting tribute to Deputy Dhaliwal's trailblazing legacy for Sikh Americans and religious minorities in law enforcement. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December.\n \nHolding Big Tech Accountable\n \nFought to subpoena both Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on political censorship and election interference and questioned them at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.\nCalled for a criminal investigation into Twitter for violating our laws prohibiting Americans from providing services to sanctioned Iranian individuals.\nSent two letters - one to Google and one to Facebook - slamming the companies for their separate announcements regarding their decisions to limit or block election advertising.\nJoined Parler, a pro-free-speech social media platform.\nQuestioned the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing regarding Big Tech's repeated political censorship and their attempts to interfere in the 2020 election, as well as the need to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.\n \nProtecting Our Religious Freedom\n \nIntroduced the Safeguarding Americans from Coronavirus and Religious Exercise Discrimination or SACRED Act, legislation that would block federal funding for COVID relief to state and local governments that discriminate against religious individuals or institutions, violating their First Amendment rights.\nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Called on the Department of Justice to investigate state and local officials who target and discriminate against religious communities under the guise of protecting public health, which resulted in a rebuke of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.\nSent a letter urging the Secretary of Defense to protect religious freedom within the Department of Defense after reports that the Army has censored military chaplains and harmed their ability to provide religious services during the coronavirus pandemic - access that is not only essential for many service members, but also mandated by the Constitution.\nJoined an amicus brief on behalf of 34 Senators supporting the Capitol Hill Baptist Church's lawsuit against Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., after she permitted and participated in several mass protests but issued COVID-19 regulations prohibiting a religious gathering of more than 100 individuals outdoors.\nPenned an op-ed warning against the dangers of \"pandemic authoritarianism\" and urged state and local leaders to protect Americans' civil liberties as we all work together to combat COVID-19.\n \nProtecting Life\n \nSent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a full investigation into the 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates who applied for and improperly received a total of $80 million in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).\nCalled on the administration to maintain pro-life protections during the search for COVID-19 treatments and cures. \nUrged the FDA to classify the abortion pill Mifeprex as a hazard to public health.\n \nHonoring Our Veterans\n \nIntroduced the Limiting and Enabling Gathering Awards Commemorating Yesteryear or LEGACY Act to facilitate the repatriation of medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor (MoH), into the United States for display in museums and for educational purposes.\nCosponsored the National Purple Heart Honor Mission Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that would direct the Treasury Department to issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in 2022 honoring Purple Heart recipients and the work of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.\nSIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts in the Senate to pass legislation that would give the president authority to award posthumously the Medal of Honor to Texas's own Sergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn Cashe. This legislation was signed into law in December. \nSIGNED INTO LAW: Led efforts to rename a U.S. Postal Office located in Castroville, Texas as the \"Lance Corporal Rhonald Dain Rairdan Post Office,\" as a memorial to Lance Corporal Rairdan and his fellow soldiers who fell in the line of duty. This legislation passed the U.S. Senate and was signed into law in December.\n \nDefending Our Second Amendment Rights\n \nUrged the ATF to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not deprived of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms during the coronavirus pandemic.\nRaised concerns to the Attorney General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) about the ATF's practice of relying on non-public standards in its regulation of the importation of ArmaLite Rifle (AR) styled pistols and pistol stabilizing braces.\n \nStanding Up to America's Enemies and Adversaries While Standing With Her Allies \nRussia\n \nPASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Led a congressional push to halt construction of Vladimir Putin's Nord Stream 2 pipeline by clarifying and expanding sanctions. If completed, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would reward Russia's aggressive expansionism and economic blackmail, hold our European allies' energy security hostage to Russia, and undermine America's national security interests. These efforts passed the U.S. Senate.\nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight for the United States to exit from Cold War-style treaties that constrain American capabilities while providing advantages to Russia or China, such as the Open Skies Treaty and outdated nuclear treaties.\n \nMiddle East\n \nAttended the White House signing ceremony for the Abraham Accords, historic agreements to normalize relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the achievement of which validated Sen. Cruz's long-running advocacy that unapologetically standing with Israel would unite our allies across the region. \nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to end the catastrophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal, including by revoking the remaining civil-nuclear waivers stemming from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and calling for the deal to be ended once and for all by invoking UN snapback sanctions, restoring all international sanctions on Iran and preventing the United Nations Arms embargo on Iran from expiring.\nIntroduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, a bill that urges the U.S. State Department to use its statutory authority to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.\nIntroduced the Stop Sending American Taxpayer Money To Governments Controlled By Terrorists Act aimed at creating accountability related to the use of American funds in Hezbollah-controlled Lebanon.\nPASSED THE U.S. SENATE: Following the successful mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and a designated terrorist, Sen. Cruz introduced and the Senate passed in February an amendment recognizing and applauding the president and the brave men and women involved in the mission.\nFought against and introduced a resolution condemning the International Criminal Court for unjust, politicized prosecutions against American and Israeli citizens.\n \nChina\n \nSen. Cruz's leadership against the CCP's human rights atrocities and political oppression led to his being repeatedly sanctioned, something he calls \"a badge of honor.\"\nLed efforts to end U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals by introducing the Onshoring Rare Earths or ORE Act, legislation that would establish a supply chain in the U.S. for minerals used to manufacture defense technologies and other high-tech products.\nINFLUENCED THE ADMINISTRATION: Led the fight to combat the CCP's propaganda by introducing the Blocking Evasive Attempts to Manipulate Signals or BEAMS Act, legislation to prevent the CCP from exploiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) loopholes to propagandize to Americans from radio stations in Mexico or Canada, including through stations entangled with Chinese state-owned media outlets such as Phoenix TV. This legislation resulted in the Trump Administration blocking the license to these stations. \nIntroduced the Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies or SCRIPT Act, legislation cutting off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the Department of Defense if those studios censor their films for screening in China.\nIntroduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics or SHAME Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.\nIntroduced the Strongly and Unambiguously Sanctioning Proliferators Exploiting Nuclear Diplomacy or SUSPEND Act, legislation imposing sanctions on the defense sectors of China and Russia unless those countries reverse violations of their obligations under international arms control treaties.\nIntroduced the Protecting America from Spies Act, legislation that would allow the Department of State to deny visas to individuals who have committed acts of espionage or intellectual property theft against the United States.\nStood with our friends in Taiwan by introducing the Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act, allowing diplomats and service members in the Taiwanese military to display their flag and wear their uniforms while in the United States on official businesses, and fighting against the exclusion of Taiwan from international forums such as ICAO at the behest of Communist China.\n \nWestern Hemisphere\n \nFought to ensure deep and robust relations between the United States and our Mexican partners, including working with the Trump administration to protect supply lines running between the two countries and recently calling on the Departments of State and Justice to prevent the Mexican government from undermining our countries' security and law enforcement relationship.\nIntroduced a bipartisan resolution to rename the street outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. as \"Oswaldo Pay Way,\" casting a light on the Cuban regime's human rights atrocities.\nIntroduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the people of Nicaragua. \nContinued working to bring home Americans unjustly held by the Maduro regime in Venezuela, including calling for sanctions against officials involved in the imprisonment of the CITGO 6.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=video&id=5538", "Sen. Cruz: This Year Highlighted the Resilience of Texas and the Vigor of the American Spirit", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Central TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(512) 916-5834 300 E 8th Suite 961 Austin, TX 78701 Email\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t North TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(214) 599-8749 Lee Park Tower II 3626 N. Hall St. Suite 410 Dallas, TX 75219 Email\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Southeast TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(713) 718-3057 The Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street Suite 9047 Houston, TX 77002\nEmail\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t South/Cen. TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(210) 340-2885 9901 IH-10W Suite 950 San Antonio, TX 78230 Email\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t East TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(903) 593-5130305 S. Broadway Suite 501 Tyler, TX 75702 Email\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t South TX \n\t\t\t\t\t(956) 686-7339 200 S. 10th St Suite 1603 McAllen, TX 78501 Email\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Washington, D.C. \n\t\t\t\t\t(202) 224-5922 127A Russell Washington, DC 20510 Contact", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=B71E096B-03CB-4A08-BA59-8732EF16266E", "McConnell Supports NDAA, Opposes Pelosi Plan for Socialism for Rich People", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief:\r\nYesterday, the Senate was finally able to proceed to this year's National Defense Authorization Act.\nA few of our Democratic colleagues have pulled out all the stops to hold back this crucial bill. But last night, a big, bipartisan majority of 80 Senators voted to proceed.\nThere should be nothing controversial about giving our brave men and women in uniform the tools and training they need to stay safe. \nThere should be nothing controversial about continuing the work of rebuilding and modernizing our capabilities. It should be a nonpartisan proposition that America should keep pace with Russia and China rather than slip behind.\nWe have enacted an annual NDAA for 59 straight years and counting. In the next few days, the easy way or the hard way, we're going to do our job once again. This body will fulfill our responsibility to the men and women who protect our country. \nThe Senate will be here until we finish this bipartisan legislation.\n***\nNow, for several days, we've heard some Senators say Congress must send more cash to high-earning households who haven't seen any income disruption during COVID-19.\nOur colleagues who purport to be the champions of vulnerable Americans now say that what struggling people really need is for Congress to stop focusing on targeted relief for them specifically, and to instead send thousands of dollars to people who don't need the help.\nExperts from across the political spectrum agree that our colleague from Vermont is dead wrong on this.\nSocialism for rich people is a terrible way to help the American families that are actually struggling.\nLet me say that again. Borrowing from our grandkids to do socialism for rich people is a terrible way to get help to families who actually need it.\nWashington Democrats took President Trump's suggestion and skewed it so the checks would benefit even more high-earning households.\nImagine a family of five where the parents earn $250,000 per year and have not seen any income loss this past year. Speaker Pelosi and Senator Sanders want to send them $5,000 from Uncle Sam. \nThey make a quarter of a million dollars; nobody's out of work; but our so-called progressive friends say that household needs, quote, survival checks.'\nIn fact, they believe a family of five should have to earn $350,000 before the spigot of government money would stop entirely.\nSocialism for rich people. That's what Speaker Pelosi and Senator Sanders have sketched out.\nA terrible way to help those who need it.\nAnd experts across the political spectrum agree.\nThe liberal editors of the Washington Post have blasted so-called progressives demanding a non-targeted giveaway that would huge amounts' to perfectly comfortable families.'\nLarry Summers, who ran the Treasury Department for President Clinton and the National Economic Council for President Obama, says there is no good economic argument' for more non-targeted checks with no linkage to need.\nThe liberal New York Times reported this morning that a majority' of the households that get non-targeted checks do not end up spending them on urgent needs, but rather, just add to their savings. We know where the pockets of need are,' said one economist, and putting [money] there would be a much more efficient use.'\nFortunately, though some of our colleagues seem to have forgotten, that is exactly what we did less than a week ago.\nIt has been less than five days since President Trump signed into law another historic, bipartisan rescue package targeted to Americans who actually need help.\nWe passed an entire second round of PPP loans to save small business jobs, targeted to the hardest-hit.\nWe renewed multiple kinds of additional federal benefits for unemployed workers, including an extra $300 supplement every week.\nThere are billions for targeted food assistance. Billions for targeted rental assistance. And many billions of dollars for vaccine distribution, so we can finally beat this virus and reopen the economy in full.\r\nThese are the kinds of targeted emergency programs that directly help the most vulnerable. And we just poured almost another trillion dollars into them, less than five days ago. Along with more direct checks that are already arriving in households' accounts.\nThat's what we did less than five days ago.\n***\nThis crisis has not affected everyone equally.\nThe data show that many upper-middle-class Americans have kept their jobs, worked remotely, and remained totally financially comfortable.\nOn the other hand, some of our fellow citizens have had their entire existences turned upside down and continue to suffer terribly.\nWe do not need to let the Speaker of the House do socialism for rich people in order to help those who need help.\nOur duty, both to struggling Americans and to taxpayers, is to focus on targeted relief that will have the maximum impact and help people who need help the most.\nThat's what the experts say we should do. That's where there is broad, bipartisan support.\nAnd that's exactly what we did less than one week ago when nearly $900 billion in more targeted relief was signed into law for our people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes", "Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement today after announcing that he will object to the certification of Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021.\n\tI will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes objecting to the electoral slates from disputed states. There is sufficient evidence, at a minimum, to investigate criminal acts, which may have compromised the integrity of our election. This effort and action to safeguard our election systems must continue, even beyond January 20th, 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/we-will-object", "We Will Object", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Next week, your 117th United States Congress will convene for the first time. After the election of Speaker and the adoption of the Rules of Congress, theaction will quickly move to reading aloud the electoral votessubmitted by each state from this past November'selection - counting them, and declaring the vote tally for President and Vice President. During that process, the question will be put before your elected officials - does anyone object to the certificationof electoral votes of a state. We will object. Our hope is that others will join us.\nWe don't take this decision lightly, but we must protect the integrity of each vote cast by every law-abidingMissourian. For every instance of Georgia failing to follow its own state law in verifying signatures, of Pennsylvania accepting mail ballots after the legal deadline set by its state legislature, or folks from outside Nevada casting a ballotin that state - the value of every Missourians' vote is diminished. That's not right. And we cannot simply look the other way.\nThe right to freely cast yourvote in elections is a sacred privilegeafforded to us as Americans because of the sacrificesof the patriots who fought for that right. When that process is spoiled and abused by officials not following their own state law, it violates that right and jeopardizes the entire integrity and foundation of 'free and fair' elections. In such instances, where voting process changes are made without the consent of the voter, we know it is our duty and our obligation to serve as a backstop to protect the power of one person, one vote - to protect your vote as a Missourian. We must be able to have confidence in not only the agreement and expectation that this election would follow the law, but future ones will as well. We take the responsibilityof upholding the Constitutionseriously, and that is why we feel compelled to object to the electoral count taking place on January 6th.\nThe reported results of this past November's Presidential election don't even pass the most basic eye test. Republicans were projected to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, we gained more than a dozen. Republicans were supposed to lose control of several state legislatures, we picked up multiple. We were projectedto lose control of the United States Senate - we didn't, and we won't. All of this occurred on the same night President Trump lost? It's hard to believe. Combined with the daily reports of voting irregularities where state election laws were discarded and not followed, something doesn't add up. President Trump won over 74 million votes, Obama - 69 million. President Trump won 2586 counties, Obama - 873 counties, Joe Biden - 527 counties. The numbers, the evidence, and the abnormalities all speak for themselves.\nWe have joined lawsuits, called for a Special Counsel and demanded accountability and integrity, now we finally get to cast our vote. We have no illusions about the outcome, at the end of the day, this is still Nancy Pelosi's House. Our only hope is that more will join us - that more will value protecting the vote of every American living in their state as much as we do fighting for yours.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://keller.house.gov/media/press-releases/pennsylvania-members-congress-release-statement-regarding-certification", "Pennsylvania Members of Congress Release Statement Regarding Certification of Electors", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "Fred Keller", "K000395", "keller.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and seven Pennsylvania members of Congress released the following statement regarding the certification of electors on January 6, 2020:\n\nThe United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure\n\nArticle 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof'\n\nArticle 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors'\n\nUnfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority.\n\nThe unlawful actions include, but are not limited to:\n\n Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day.\n\tNot properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates.\n\t\tMeanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site.\n\t\t\n\tAuthorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hours' notice.\n\t\tOnly some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county.\n\t\t\n\tAuthorizing the use of unsecure drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute.\n\tProhibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia.\n \nThese unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable.\n\nAdditionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties.\n\nBy definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done.\n\nTherefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification.\n\nUntil these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives, cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law.\n\nThis very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome.\n\nThe one thing that all voters, regardless of party affiliation, can all agree upon is that we must have election integrity. That is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law.\n\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/pennsylvania-us-house-members-release-statement-certification-electors", "Pennsylvania U.S. House Members Release Statement on Certification of Electors", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) today released this joint statement with Representatives Dan Meuser (PA-9), Glenn GT' Thompson (PA-15), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), John Joyce (PA-13), and Fred Keller (PA-12) regarding their intent to vote against certification of Pennsylvania's electors on January 6:\nThe United States Constitution is unambiguous in declaring that state legislatures are the entity with authority to set election procedure -\nArticle 1, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof\nArticle 2, Section 1, Clause 2: Each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors\nUnfortunately, the many unlawful actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, the Secretary of State, and what has been described as a rogue Pennsylvania Supreme Court exceeded and circumvented the state legislature's clear constitutional authority.\nThe unlawful actions include, but are not limited to:\n Accepting ballots past 8:00 pm on Election Day;\nNot properly requiring signatures to match those on mail-in ballots or requiring dates.Meanwhile, the matching of signatures was required at a polling site;\nAuthorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than a 24-hour's notice.Only some counties were informed and adhered to this order leaving voters treated unequally from county to county;\nAuthorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute\nProhibiting certified poll watchers overseeing the canvassing of ballots in Philadelphia;\n These unlawful actions were taken without the authority or consent of the Pennsylvania state legislature. These are facts, and they are indisputable.\nAdditionally, the Pennsylvania Attorney General did nothing with regard to these unlawful activities. Not one inquiry, no questioning, and certainly no investigations. Not to mention that hundreds, if not thousands, of affidavits outlining election complaints and potential fraud were documented, submitted, and ignored. The Pennsylvania election could be summed up as a free-for-all with no oversight and different standards applied throughout the Commonwealth. It is also very apparent that the unlawful actions described were concentrated in heavily populated, Democrat-led counties.\nBy definition, such unlawful, unregulated, and inconsistent activities resulted in a highly questionable and inaccurate vote total. The scope of these inaccuracies cannot be known until the legal ballots are identified and counted, and the illegal ballots are disqualified. This has not been done.\nTherefore, the state's official certification of electors was based upon a flawed system and an inaccurate vote count. Thus, very possibly resulting in an erroneous certification.\nUntil these unlawful practices are acknowledged and corrected, we cannot agree to support electors chosen based upon an inaccurate total vote count. The voters of Pennsylvania deserve integrity in the election process and equal protection under the law.\nThis very unfortunate, volatile, and distressing situation is due to the lack of respect and regard for the law and the U.S. Constitution as well as the Pennsylvania State Constitution. Additionally, the failure of Pennsylvania's justice system to seek the truth, rather than stay silent, allowed these irregular, unlawful actions to create a high level of mistrust in the process as well as a potentially flawed outcome.\nIf there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon it is that we must have election integrity. Election integrity is the only way to ensure trust in our elections and it is accomplished by adhering to our Constitution and the law.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-refurbish-the-pillars-of-american", "King Introduces Legislation to Refurbish the Pillars of American Exceptionalism", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Steve King", "K000362", "steveking.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a significant, capstone piece of legislation, The Refurbishing the Pillars of American Exceptionalism Act. The legislation, if enacted, would amend and improve Federal law in the areas of immigration, health care, the Constitution, education, trade, veterans' affairs, welfare, and tax, among numerous other areas. This large, comprehensive Act contains many of the bills Congressman King has championed during his nearly quarter century in the public service of Iowans and all Americans, including:\n \n\t\tH.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act (the Heartbeat Bill)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 185, the ObamaCare Repeal Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 385, Sarah's Law\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 902, the Protect American IPR Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 904, the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (New IDEA)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 1319, the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 1320, the Census Accuracy Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 4651, the American Future Healthcare Act\n\t\n King's legislation also includes the FAIR Tax, repeal of the 16th Amendment, and a prescription for substantive welfare reform, among many other important provisions.\nFrom the start of my service in elected office, I committed to my constituents that I would work tirelessly for them and stay true to my principles, said King. This legislation is a capstone of my legislative work to make good on those promises to my constituents, while always simultaneously endeavoring to refurbish the pillars of American Exceptionalism. It is significant because it not only includes a comprehensive selection of the most important bills I've worked on and spent countless hours advocating for, but moreover because I have no doubt that if enacted, this legislation would set the United States on a path of cultural and economic growth that perhaps is unparalleled in the life of our nation. I encourage new Members of Congress and leaders across our nation to never allow fear, opposition or lies to stop you from being a thought leader and standing on principle. Our nation is greatly in need of those leaders who would stay true to their convictions, no matter the cost.\nIn addition to this Act, Congressman King also introduced three other measures today, including a resolution nullifying the impeachment of President Trump, his No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, and a bill to require agencies of the Federal Government to define the term service animal in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-resolution-to-nullify-the-sham-impeachment-of-president", "King Introduces Resolution to Nullify the Sham Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Steve King", "K000362", "steveking.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a resolution which nullifies the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, as if such impeachment had not occurred, due to a lack of a constitutional basis, the House of Representatives having failed to substantiate its allegations of Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors, which is required by the U.S. Constitution.\nWith this resolution, I reiterate and emphasize my following statement from this past February, I commend the United States Senate for voting to acquit President Trump. The House impeachment effort was illegitimate from the outset, and President Trump was correct to describe it as a witch hunt' brought by bitter partisans who never accepted that Americans preferred him to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Since the Senate rightly acquitted President Trump last winter, subsequently released information, such as documents demonstrating no substantive basis for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the Trump Campaign's very much nonexistent Russian collusion, has only reinforced the utter innocence of the President, his campaign staff and administration. \nAs I stated in the complaint I submitted to the Ethics Committee before Christmas, the Constitution does not allow the people's House to be used as a cover for party machines and bosses. Using power and position to manufacture and perpetrate dishonest political narratives, complete with distortions and outright lies camouflaged as facts under the cover of official congressional business, is a gross and repugnant violation of the American people who are the very constituent parts of this government.\nPresident Trump has made great personal and professional sacrifices to lead our nation at this pivotal point in history when every objective standard, even truth itself, is being attacked, by those who continually seek to consolidate their own power and control through the devices of division, manipulation, fraud and outright lies. In his pursuit to provide the strong and bold leadership our nation needs, Congressional Democrats and Never Trumpers, bankrolled and spurred on by their billionaire class donors, repaid him with a rapid succession of deceitful attacks, perhaps none more baseless than the sham impeachment.\nHe has been exonerated in fact, and now this scourge on our Constitutional Republic needs to be nullified, as if it had never happened, because in a Constitutional body, committed to the Rule of Law, it never would have happened.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/legislation-protect-patients-surprise-medical-bills-now-law", "Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Medical Bills is Now Law", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise medical bills was signed into law as part of the government funding package.\n\nAmericans increasingly pay more out-of-pocket for their health care, so it is crucial that they have access to the information they need to make informed decisions. The health and economic crisis we are currently experiencing due to COVID-19 has underscored the need for Congress to come together to increase the affordability and accessibility of medical care. \n\nFar too many Americans are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, which places severe strain on family budgets and threatens access to the care and medications they need. The last thing patients should have to worry about while they are sick or recovering is receiving an unexpected bill because they were unaware they were receiving out-of-network care,said Senator Collins. Increasing the affordability and accessibility of health care is one of my highest priorities, and this new law ending the unfair practice of surprise medical billing will help provide significant relief.\n\nThe proposal to end surprise medical billing will also allow approximately $18 billion in savings to be used to fully fund Community Health Centers, Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education, and Special Diabetes Programs for three years. As the lead sponsor of theTraining the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act, Senator Collins has long worked to bolster and expand this successful training program. As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, she has championed the Special Diabetes Program, which has been instrumental in promoting advances in diabetes care such as the artificial pancreas system. \n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:\n\n \nHolds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.\n \n\n \nProhibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.\n \n\n \nCreates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.\n \n\n \nUnder the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.\n \n\n \nIf the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.\n \n\n \nFollowing an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.\n \n\n \nProvides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.\n \n\n \nEmpowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-500000-maine-housing-authorities-0", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $500,000 for Maine Housing Authorities", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that nine housing authorities in Maine will receive a total of $509,826 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS).\n\nMaine's housing authorities provide an array of vital services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families,said Senator Collins. As the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Mainers are met. By supporting public housing agencies, this funding will help connect individuals with the resources they need to achieve economic independence.\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\nAugusta Housing Authoritywill receive $32,484.\n\nBangor Housing Authoritywill receive $63,709.\n\nCity of Caribouwill receive $57,446.\n\nHousing Authority of Brewerwill receive $60,978.\n\nHousing Authority of Old Townwill receive $47,944.\n\nLewiston Housing Authoritywill receive $58,873.\n\nMaine State Housing Authoritywill receive $62,467.\n\nPortland Housing Authoritywill receive $78,659.\n\nWestbrook Housing Authoritywill receive $47,266.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Housing Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins has worked hard to preserve and modernize affordable housing units across the State of Maine. Earlier this month, sheannounced$120,000 for housing authorities in Aroostook and Sagadahoc Counties. In addition, Senator Collins helped to secure a total of $46.5 million in HUD's CARES Act funding to help communities throughout Maine respond to COVID-19 by protecting affordable housing, providing housing assistance for the homeless, and supporting community development.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-counterfeit-vaccines-and-pandemic-fraud", "Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What are you doing to protect taxpayer dollars included in the pandemic relief laws? A: Iowans work hard for their money. I work hard to protect hard-earned tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. In times of emergency, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provides urgently needed support and resources to help Americans who have lost homes, farms, livelihoods and paychecks. 2020 has produced one crisis after another. The virus has killed more than 300,000 Americans. Too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Congress approved $4 trillion this year to accelerate vaccine production and send emergency assistance to help health care professionals, unemployed workers, student borrowers, foster youth, farmers, households and small businesses struggling to stay afloat. This historic federal spending will add to the nation's $27 trillion debt. As a fiscal conservative, it's a tough pill to swallow. Iowans don't want to pass the buck on to our children and grandchildren. Borrowing money means every dollar consumed by interest payments means one less dollar for national security, infrastructure, health care and tax relief. The same goes for money lost to waste, fraud and abuse. For example, in the most recent $900 billion pandemic relief package, Congress approved $26 billion to help fight hunger and replenish food assistance programs. Starting Jan. 1, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will get a 15 percent bump in benefits. Lawmakers owe it to taxpayers to ensure this money is spent to feed hungry kids and their families who have fallen on hard times. Rooting out corruption, theft and fraud tied to pandemic spending is as important as ever. When Congress passed the CARES Act in March, I worked to sharpen the federal government's anti-fraud and oversight tools. I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal watchdog tasked to oversee pandemic spending could hit the ground running. The good news is Congress approved a Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery in the CARES Act. The bad news is my bill that would allow this office to get fully staffed and operational as quickly as possible wasn't included in the most recent pandemic package. Taxpayers don't want a dog and pony show in charge of oversight. Taxpayers deserve a watchdog with teeth and a bite to match. From my leadership posts in the U.S. Senate, I'll keep tabs on the public purse and exercise my constitutional oversight responsibilities as rigorously as ever. Q: Do you have pandemic fraud on your radar that Iowans ought to be watching out for? A: It's no secret that bad actors and fraudsters troll federal spending at every turn to take advantage of bloated bureaucracies and pluck the golden goose. My crusade against wasteful spending began at the Department of Defense four decades ago. I soon discovered the Pentagon was only the tip of the iceberg. More lawmakers need to join the oversight bandwagon and invest time and effort to cut fat and fraud from the federal ledgers. In December, I led a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers with Sens. Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis and Chris Coons to commend the Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their pro-active efforts to combat pandemic-related fraud, including scams targeting unemployment benefits, illicit personal protective equipment and counterfeit vaccines. Operation Stolen Promise was launched in April by HSI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to combat fraud and criminal trafficking of COVID-19 goods. In the first eight months, the anti-fraud operation seized 1,654 items, such as counterfeit test kits, counterfeit masks and banned pharmaceuticals, netting $27.8 million in illicit proceeds. As Americans await their turn to get immunized and roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine, it's vital to reinforce confidence in the safety and integrity of the vaccine. That means the federal government must take decisive steps to stop the spread of misinformation about counterfeit vaccines and stop the sale of fake vaccines in the United States. I'll continue robust oversight throughout the New Year to ensure America puts its best foot forward in the pandemic recovery and that the public health is protected. I advise Iowans to be wary of scams and fraud. Always consult your health care provider and listen to public health officials so that you and your loved ones get immunized with the vaccines authorized by the FDA when it's your turn. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=7A188C6A-2DBE-4730-AC33-225D07FF5E1C", "Gov. Gary Herberts Retirement", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "UT", "Mike Lee", "L000577", "www.lee.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr./Madam President,\r\nI rise today to honor my friend, Gary Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah for the last 12 years, who after a long career in public service is embarking on a well-earned retirement.\r\nHe has served the state of Utah with enthusiasm, dedication, and spirit; and I am grateful to have worked alongside him throughout his tenure.\r\nGary was born in American Fork, Utah, and grew up in Orem. He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the East Coast, and later attended Brigham Young University.\r\nHe first began his public service after college, serving in the Utah Army National Guard for six years and becoming a staff sergeant.\r\nAfter his time in the National Guard, he set up a real estate firm, and eventually became president of the Utah Association of Counties and Utah Association of Realtors.\r\nStarting in 1990, he served as a commissioner on the Utah County Commission for 14 years, and then began his service at the state level.\r\nIn 2004, when Jon Huntsman ran for the Governor's seat, Gary became his running mate for Lieutenant Governor, with the pair going on to win the race that November.\r\nIt was then that I first got to know him myself, when I was hired to be the general counsel for Governor Huntsman.\r\nOne of my first memories of him was when we began to move into the governor's office suite.\r\nThe day before he was sworn in, Gary came and gave a warm welcome to all the staff, along with sound advice about the importance of staying grounded as we entered the political fray.\r\nI soon learned that he was not only a skilled politician, but also a formidable ping pong player. Right after he and Governor Huntsman were sworn in, the staff got together as a team several times at the governor's mansion, where there was a ping pong table in the basement.\r\nI then learned the hard way that Gary's table-tennis skills are off the charts.\r\nWhile serving Governor Huntsman, I always found Gary to be friendly, approachable, and willing to tackle every assignment with eagerness and poise.\r\nWhenever Governor Huntsman's schedule became chaotic or would change unexpectedly, Lieutenant Governor Herbert would routinely be dispatched to speak on his behalf often to remote corners of the state, and often at inconvenient times.\r\nHe never once complained; and was not only willing, but always eager and happy to help.\r\nLikewise, whenever there was an issue that needed to be addressed and the Governor was unable to meet with a particular group, Gary was assigned the case.\r\n He would meet with all the different stakeholders, legislators, and people from different sides of an issue, bringing them all together and wading through the intricate details of the matter.\r\nWhat's more, he had the skill of figuring out the best path forward for all parties involved, and for making everyone feel heard and understood.\r\nThe same traits I saw in him as Lieutenant Governor would go on to make him an effective and beloved Governor himself. In office since 2009, he is currently the nation's longest-serving governor.\r\nAnd our state has seen exciting achievement and prosperity with Governor Herbert at the helm.\r\nIn the last eight years, Utah has seen continued, steady growth in our economy with improvement in our GDP, number of jobs, and unemployment rate.\r\nWe have seen the boom of Silicon Slopes.\r\nWe celebrated the centennial of the driving of the Golden Spike, when it was an honor to stand alongside him at the celebratory reenactment.\r\nAnd so too was it an honor to join Gary when President Trump shrank Bears Ears National Monument, when we could stand together and celebrate reclaiming the land back for the people of Utah.\r\nThrough his enthusiasm and zeal, Gary has championed our state and the things that we stand for. He can rattle off figures and metrics about Utah at the drop of a hat; and is a compelling spokesman for our values.\r\nHis spirit has helped Utah to attract talent and investment, and to make it the good place that it is to live.\r\nNot only that, but Gary has been an instrumental partner in supporting initiatives that reflect and strengthen the values of our state.\r\nTo champion the reclamation of our lands, he signed into law the Utah Transfer of Public Lands Act.\r\nHe also signed into law innovative criminal justice reforms in Utah, making a far-reaching impact across the state; and paving the way for the work Congress and President Trump were able to do at the federal level.\r\nHe has been a strong supporter of Utah's family culture, and was helpful in the Senate's work promoting the child tax credit during tax reform.\r\nAnd on a more personal note, he had the wisdom to put my brother, Tom Lee, on the Utah Supreme Court.\r\nFor all his public achievements, Gary is most proud, however, of his own role as husband, father, and grandfather.\r\nHe and his wife Jeanette have six children together, as well as 16 grandchildren; and he is known to encourage them to follow in his footsteps and marry up.\r\nIn a myriad of ways, Governor Gary Herbert has been a champion and a spokesman for all that is good about our state.\r\nIt has been an honor to serve the people of Utah with him, and I wish him all the best as he embarks on his retirement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050", "Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. \r\nThe Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. \r\nThese energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future.\r\nDetails on Herrera Beutler's legislation:\r\nGrid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428.\r\n \r\n Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on:\r\n \r\n Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and\r\n Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid\r\n \r\n \r\nBEST Act, H.R. 2986.\r\n \r\n Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5537", "Sen. Cruz Condemns Jailing of Chinese Journalist Who Documented Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak, Vows to Reintroduce Sanctions Bill Against Chinese Medical Censorship", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to reports that China will jail journalist Zhang Zhan for four years, in retaliation for Zhan's efforts in early 2020 to document the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and announced his intention to reintroduce the \"Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act,\" legislation to sanction Chinese officials involved in the ongoing suppression of medical experts, journalists, and political dissidents trying to disseminate medical information:\n\"In the early days of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party did everything it could to cover up the severity of the outbreak, from lying about the origin of the virus and how it was being transmitted, to destroying evidence, to silencing the brave whistleblower doctors, scientists, journalists, and activists who tried to warn the world and prevent a global public health crisis. Had the CCP acted responsibly, there's a very real possibility the coronavirus could have been contained as a regional outbreak. Almost a year later, the CCP is continuing and deepening its repression of those whistleblowers. \"The consequences of this censorship continuing are deadly - not just for those in China but for Americans and people around the world. That's why at the start of the next Congress I will reintroduce a version of my bill from the 116th Congress, the Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act, legislation to impose visa bans and asset blocks on those who punish or censor Chinese citizens for reporting accurate information about a disease. COVID-19 went global because of this sort of malign behavior, and it is imperative that those who conduct it are held accountable.\"\nSen. Cruz has been leading the charge in the Senate to fundamentally reassess the U.S.-China relationship and counter Chinese censorship in the wake of the CCP coronavirus coverup. In May, Sen. Cruz first introduced the \"Ending Chinese Medical Censorship and Cover Ups Act\" after he delivered remarks on the Senate Floor highlighting the acute need to counter Chinese propaganda and hold China accountable for the types of medical and political censorship that helped fuel the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Sen. Cruz has:\n \nLed efforts to end U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals by introducing the Onshoring Rare Earths or ORE Act, legislation that would establish a supply chain in the U.S. for minerals used to manufacture defense technologies and other high-tech products.\nIntroduced the Blocking Evasive Attempts to Manipulate Signals or BEAMS Act, legislation to prevent the CCP from exploiting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) loopholes to propagandize to Americans from radio stations in Mexico or Canada, including through stations entangled with Chinese state-owned media outlets such as Phoenix TV. This legislation resulted in the Trump Administration blocking the license to these stations.\nIntroduced the Stopping Censorship, Restoring Integrity, Protecting Talkies or SCRIPT Act, legislation cutting off Hollywood studios from assistance they receive from the Department of Defense if those studios censor their films for screening in China.\nIntroduced the Sanctioning and Highlighting Authoritarian Medicine and Eugenics or SHAME Act, legislation sanctioning CCP officials for systematic ethnic cleansing, including through forced abortions and other coercive population control measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.\n \nSen. Cruz's leadership against the CCP's human rights atrocities and political oppression led to his being repeatedly sanctioned, something he calls \"a badge of honor.\" READ: Sen. Cruz on FoxNews.com: China Is Expanding Its Malign Influence All Over the World\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=F6699444-A32D-4656-8087-B6B30C56D44D", "Joni Ernst: As we head into the New Year, I will always put Iowa first.", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2020 has presented unique challenges for folks all across our state. The global pandemic coupled with a devastating derecho has been tough, but through it all we've witnessed the resilient spirit of Iowans.\r\nAs I safely and responsibly traveled Iowa on my sixth annual 99 County Tour visiting every county in our beautiful state I continued to listen to your stories, challenges, and successes to take your voices back to Washington.\r\nCOVID-19 was certainly top of mind for so many, and that's why I prioritized getting relief to families, workers, small businesses, farmers, and folks in all walks of life. I worked swiftly with Democrats and Republicans to secure billions in relief for more than 60,000 of our small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And in the newest COVID-19 relief package, I again worked across the aisle to bolster the PPP.\r\nI've continued to be a strong advocate for our families; fighting to expand access to child care services, provide financial relief for family caregivers, crackdown on scammers targeting our seniors, and support our nursing homes and senior care facilities. Through the bipartisan CARES Act, I helped secure nearly $32 million in relief for Iowa child care centers and pushed for more assistance for Iowa's diaper banks. In the newest aid package, I worked in a bipartisan way to make sure our child care industry continues to have support.\r\nWhen it comes to health care, I've also worked hard with Democrats and Republicans to support Iowa's hospitals and health care systems throughout this pandemic including expanded telehealth and mental health treatment to push for lower health care and drug costs, and to expand access to care, especially for rural Iowans.\r\nHaving grown up on a farm in rural Iowa, the same community I still live in to this day, I understand the challenges our hardworking farmers face. With the pandemic and devastating derecho, things were that much tougher this year. That's why I pushed to secure immediate COVID help for our pork producers and strengthen our food supply chain. I successfully helped provide support for Iowa's dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers and in the newest COVID-19 aid package, deliver more agriculture support.\r\nIn the immediate aftermath of the derecho, I met directly with Iowans and local leaders on the ground to help ensure recovery resources were available, including assistance for farmers and cooperatives impacted by the storm. Most recently, my bipartisan bill to provide tax relief to communities, families, and businesses hurt by the derecho was signed into law.\r\nWhen it comes to trade, I helped finalize the USMCA, supported getting the Phase One trade deal with China done, and pushed for a new deal with the U.K. And, of course, I've kept up the fight for our biofuel producers always pushing to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). I helped get the gap year small refinery waivers thrown out, secured a commitment from the president to allow E15 at E10 pumps, and helped push the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow ethanol to be used for hand sanitizer.And just recently, after pushing Congressional leadership, we successfully made COVID relief accessible to renewable fuel producers.\r\nWhile there was a significant portion of this year focused on pandemic and derecho recovery, there was also a lot of other really important work we were able to get done for Iowans. As a combat veteran, and subcommittee chair on the Armed Services Committee, I take very seriously my duty to support our servicemembers and veterans. Throughout the year, I've continued my work to combat sexual assault in our military and military academies, and have taken action to prevent abuse at the VA. I've also built on my bipartisan efforts to ensure quality care for our vets, combat veteran suicide, and help veterans transition to civilian life. Through the annual defense bill, I helped military women have proper-fitting body armor and equip our troops for the battlefield with modern technology, including military systems built and developed right here in Iowa.\r\nWhether it was securing critical COVID relief, working to rebuild from the derecho, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statein 2020 I never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans.\r\nAs we head into the New Year, I'll continue to be your voice in Washington and to always put Iowa first.\r\nJoni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=5AE9ABDD-1AEB-4DD0-9D61-9EDF34F20AB0", "Were Going to Continue Delivering on the Needs of Our Nation", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief:\r\nToday, the Senate was supposed to finish legislation securing critical tools, training, and support for America's armed forces.\nBut the junior Senator for Vermont had other ideas.\nRemember, Senator Sanders spent this past summer literally trying to defund our military. Not my words, but the title of a piece he published: Defund the Pentagon: The liberal case.\nOur colleague authored an amendment to strip 10% of funding from our servicemembers and decimate our defense budget.\nThe Russians aren't cutting military funding. China isn't cutting funding. But last summer, Senator Sanders and fellow Democrats, including the Democratic Leader, voted to make America unilaterally disarm and cut ours.\nThe left took a break from trying to defund the police to try to defund our Armed Forces.\nTheir amendment went down in a landslide. But now our colleague from Vermont is again putting political stunts before the needs of our men and women in uniform.\nOur colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another standalone proposal from Speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt.\nWhich does not align with what President Trump has suggested.\r\nAnd which has no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate.\nWell, as I've said, the Senate will not let our national security be shoved off course. Certainly not by Senators who have spent years trying to gut America's capabilities while our adversaries continue ramping up.\nThe Senate will stay on this important bill until we complete it, one way or another.\n***\r\nNow let's talk about COVID-19 relief.\nFour days ago, President Trump signed the second-largest rescue package in American history.\nThe largest one was the CARES Act in March.\nDue to this pandemic and our massive response, we now have a national debt far larger than our entire economy for the first time since World War II.\nBut we knew our people needed more help. So Congress just passed another nearly $900 billion in emergency relief, targeted to those who need help most.\nA second round of payroll support to save small-business jobs.\r\nMore unemployment aid. Vaccine distribution money.\nFunding for safe schools. And much more.\nIn addition to historic amounts of targeted help, at the request of President Trump and his team, the package also included another round of direct relief checks to households -- whether or not each household needs the help, whether or not their finances have changed dramatically this past year.\nYesterday, Secretary Mnuchin announced households should begin receiving those payments as early as today and this week. That is more good news for a lot of people.\n***\nAfter Congress and the Administration finalized the bipartisan bill, the President expressed interest in further expanding the non-targeted direct payments.\r\nSo, to ensure the President was comfortable signing the bill into law, the Senate committed to beginning one process that would combine three of the President's priorities: Larger direct checks; a repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act; and further efforts to review the integrity of our democracy.\nThree of the President's priorities in one Senate process. That was the commitment, and that's what happened yesterday when I introduced text reflecting just what the President had requested.\r\nNow, House and Senate Democrats want something very different.\r\nAs they have tried to do countless times in the past four years, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer are trying to pull a fast one on the President and the American people.\nFirst of all, they are hoping everyone just forgets about election integrity and Big Tech. They are desperate to ignore those two parts of President Trump's request. Draw your own conclusions.\nAnd even on the question of larger checks, the Democrats have tried to warp what President Trump laid out.\r\nLook, it's no secret that Republicans have a diversity of views about the wisdom of borrowing hundreds of billions more to send out more non-targeted money, including to many households that have suffered no loss of income during this crisis.\nCOVID-19 has not affected all households equally. Not even close.\r\nIt is hardly clear that the federal government's top priority should be sending thousands of dollars to, for example, a childless couple making well into six figures who have been comfortably teleworking all year.\nOur duty is to get help to the people who need help. Like we did to an historic degree just four days ago. ***\nBut above and beyond that discussion, the Democratic leaders have broken from what President Trump proposed. They quietly changed his proposal in an attempt to let wealthy households suck up even more money.\nSpeaker Pelosi structured her bill so that a family of four would have to earn more than $300,000 in order not to qualify for more cash.\nA family of three could pull in $250,000 per year a quarter of a million dollars and still qualify for some money.\nAnd Democratic leaders want to call this scheme, quote, survival checks.\nOnly my friends Speaker Pelosi and the Democratic Leader could look at households in New York and California who make $300,000 in households where nobody has been laid off where earnings did not even drop this past year and conclude these rich constituents of theirs need survival checks financed by taxpayer dollars and borrowed money.\nEveryone sees the game here.\nThese are the same Democrats who proudly block the entire aid package for months because they tried to hold out for special tax cuts for rich people in blue states.\nNow they say it's a matter of survival to send another boatload of cash to people making $300,000, regardless of whether they have experienced any disruption at all this past year. ***\nEven the liberal Washington Post editorial board is laughing at the political left for demanding more huge giveaways with no relationship to need.\nHere's what they wrote: Especially wrongheaded is the progressive left, spearheaded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, who depicts the $2,000 as aid to desperate' Americans despite the huge amounts destined for perfectly comfortable families.'\nThat's from the editors of the Washington Post.\nThe Wall Street Journal, usually their opposite number, agrees. These non-targeted checks are unnecessary,' and struggling households can access targeted support like expanded jobless benefits, food stamps, child-care subsidies and much more.'\nThe liberal economist Larry Summers, President Clinton's Treasury Secretary and President Obama's NEC director, says, quote, there is no good economic argument' for universal $2,000 checks at this moment. He points out the CARES Act and the brand-new law will already have boosted overall household income, relative to the economy, back to its pre-pandemic levels, if not higher. \nIf specific struggling households need still more help after the huge, historic package that was just signed into law four days ago has taken effect, then what they will need is smart, targeted aid.\r\nNot another firehose of borrowed money that encompasses other people who are doing just fine.\nIn my view, colleagues like Senator Cornyn from Texas and Senator Toomey from Pennsylvania have pointed this out persuasively. \n*** But, more broadly, here's the deal:\nThe Senate is not going to split apart the three issues that President Trump linked together just because Democrats are afraid to address two of them.\nThe Senate is not going to be bullied into rushing out more borrowed money into the hands of the Democrats' rich friends who don't need the help.\nWe just approved almost a trillion dollars in aid a few days ago. It struck a balance between broad support for all kinds of households and a lot more targeted relief for those who need help most.\nWe are going to stay smart, we're going to stay focused, and we're going to continue delivering on the needs of our nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://austinscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-austin-scott-statement-fy21-ndaa", "Rep. Austin Scott Statement on FY21 NDAA", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "GA", "Austin Scott", "S001189", "austinscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TIFTON, GA Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement on his vote to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), which authorizes spending for the Department of Defense.\nThe NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation our body passes each year, as it pays our warfighters and provides them with the resourcesthey need to tackle their missions and return home safely. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as the grandson of a World War II POW, this is a task I take very seriously, said Rep. Austin Scott.\nPresident Trump ultimately vetoed the measure due the package not addressing concerns over Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which created federal immunity for providers and users of social media companies and generally prevents them from being held liable for hosting content that someone else created.\nWhile I believe the President is founded in his concerns over Section 230, it is in our nation's best interest to pass the NDAA to deliver much-needed resources to our men and women in uniform, including a 3% pay raise and critical resources for installations like Robins and Moody Air Force Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, said. Rep. Scott. Social media companies should be held accountable for their selective censorship and bias that in many cases impedes the First Amendment of American citizens, but this issue can and should be addressed separate from the defense bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and President Trump to address this measure.\nIn November, Rep. Scott was chosen to serve on a conference committee which was charged with working through differences of the House and Senate versions of FY21 NDAA to comprise a final bill for passage. The final bill provided resources for Robins and Moody Air Forces Bases in Georgia's Eighth District, as well as a 3% pay raise for troops and resources to help the Department of Defense combat COVID-19. Click here to read more.\nIn July, Rep. Scott joined FOX and Friends First to discuss the FY21 NDAA and the President's intention to veto the legislation and the importance of deliver a defense bill for the Department of Defense. You can click here to watch the interview.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/bam-fight-americas-republic-senator-josh-hawley-r-mo-joins-congressman-mo", "Bam! The Fight for America's Republic is On! Senator Josh Hawley (R, MO) Joins Congressman Mo Brooks' Effort to Block Untrustworthy Electoral College Votes!", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) praised Senator Josh Hawley's (R, MO) announcement to object to untrustworthy electoral college submissions on January 6th.\nCongressman Brooks said, \"I thankSenator Hawley for joining dozens of Congressmen's fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic! With America's Republicat stake,we are fortunate to have leaders like Senator Hawley stand up and do what is right to ensure America remains the greatest nation in world history.\"\nBrooks continued,\"AsMissouri's former Attorney General,an experiencedlitigator,and renowned legal and constitutional scholar,Senator Hawley understands that Congress (not federal courts) is the final and ultimate judge, jury and arbiter of all contested federal elections.\"\nBrooks concluded,\"Too many states have blatantly violated Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, violated federal election statutes, or willfully failed to obey their own state election laws, thereby opening the door to massive voter fraud, casting of illegal ballots, and election theft. These combined failures render some states' election results untrustworthy. With a Senatecosponsornowjoiningthis fight, Congressmen and Senators will face an easy vote: you can either acquiesce to and support voter fraud and election theft, or you can stand and fight for an honest and accurate election system that is the underpinning of America's Republic. On January 6, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I choose to fight!!!\"\nSenator Hawley's December 30th statement follows:\n\"Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same.\nI cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws. And I cannot vote to certify without pointing out the unprecedented effort of mega corporations, including Facebook and Twitter, to interfere in this election, in support of Joe Biden. At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act.\nFor these reasons, I will follow the same practice Democrat members of Congress have in years past and object during the certification process on January 6 to raise these critical issues.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-cash-act", "Hartzler Statement on the CASH Act", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) issued the following statement on the CASH Act. A coronavirus relief bill should be directed to helping those who have been negatively impacted by the virus. The bill passed last week accomplishes this by helping struggling businesses, families, and individuals without work due to the pandemic. It also sends $600 to every person in a household who makes under $75,000 whether or not they have been impacted by the virus. This was a reasonable compromise. Increasing these across the board payments to $2000 without even having to demonstrate a need would further America's out of control debt. With a debt of $27 trillion, our focus should remain on getting people back to work and defeating the virus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-plans-object-electoral-college-certification", "Duncan Plans to Object to Electoral College Certification", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Jeffrey Duncan", "D000615", "jeffduncan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Laurens, S.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) plans to formally object to the Electoral College certification in the House of Representatives on January 6, 2021. He released the following statement:\nI swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States as a Member of Congress, and with that oath comes the vital role of ensuring the legality and integrity of our free and fair election system. The 2020 election saw unprecedented institutional issues like states changing their voting systems in violation of their state constitutions, unelected bureaucrats changing election law instead of lawmakers themselves, poll watchers prohibited from doing their jobs, failure to properly scrutinize the validity of mail-in voting, and the list goes on. We need to shed light on the issues that took place during the 2020 election to preserve our electoral system for generations to come. Our mission is simple: Count every legal vote, throw out every illegal vote, and investigate every irregularity and allegation. All Americans should be on board with this mission.\nOn January 6, 2021, I plan to object to the Electoral College certification from states that experienced these unprecedented issues like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. I plan to object for the people of the Third District of South Carolina and the millions of Americans who are demanding transparency into the 2020 election. We the People know this is a pivotal decision for our great country. May God bless the United States of America.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-governor-lemanu-and-lieutenant-governor-talauega", "Amata Congratulates Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AS", "Amata Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatareleased a statement of congratulations for the inauguration of Governor Lemanu Peleti Sialega Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Va'alele Ale.\nAmerican Samoa is adding a new chapter in our history. Each successive administration strengthens our tradition of governing ourselves, and choosing our own leadership and representation from among our own people that began a generation ago. I appreciate the collected experience of the new administration that will guide American Samoa Government for this four year term. I also want to thank Governor Lolo Moliga for his dedication. In Governor Lemanu, the people chose a Governor who served in the military and has built experience as Lieutenant Governor. Serving with him, the next Lieutenant Governor has a lawyer's expertise and experience as Attorney General. Congratulations to them both as they take on these important responsibilities and decisions. As always, I am optimistic about our beautiful island home and all we can see accomplished together. Congratulations to the people of American Samoa as we exercised our freedom to vote and decide together the direction of our islands' government. I look forward to working with the American Samoa Government as I represent the people in Congress. As Members of Congress meet the first few days of January to begin the next session, I remain in Washington. I join you in prayer for guidance and blessing for our government at all levels so that our people can live in health and happiness. Once again, my warmest congratulations to Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega upon this special occasion. May God bless American Samoa, and the United States.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-reflects-tragic-loss-congressman-elect-luke-letlow", "Scalise Reflects on Tragic Loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sFox and Friendsto reflect on the tragic loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow. Whip Scalise remembered Luke as a friend and highlighted his positive spirit and excitement to begin serving the people of Louisiana in Congress. Scalise offered his prayers to Luke's wife, Julia, and their two young children during this incredibly difficult time. \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow:\n\tIt's just such devastating news last night. I know I've been talking to Luke the last few days. He's been fighting, he was battling in the hospital up in Shreveport and, you know, had taken a turn for the worse right before Christmas. It was going up and down. And, you know, it was just heartbreaking. I mean, Luke is a young guy, 41 years old, in great health, and looking forward to a bright future. He had just gotten elected to Congress three weeks ago. We would talk a lot about the things he wanted to do, the committees he wanted to get on. Boy, talk about a loss of someone with so much energy. He's got a beautiful young family. I know my prayers are with Julia, his two young kids. You know, everything about this is just heart breaking. Our whole delegation is devastated. Luke is just, you know, one of those people that everybody liked and, boy, he was really looking forward to the opportunity to serve in Congress and just a tragic loss.\n\tOn reforming Section 230:\n\t\"Well, first of all, I'm very encouraged that Mitch and the Senate are working on reforms to Section 230. This is a law that's been abused by the Big Tech companies shielding themselves with legal protections while they go out and this was intended for any social media platform, it was a town square if you just let people post whatever their thoughts are, the company would be protected from liability. And yet some of these tech companies are censoring data. Primarily conservative data, by the way, where they now would be considered publishers. That was not the intent of Section 230. So, I think it's very important that the Senate look at that. I hope they get something out.\" On election reform legislation: \n\t\"Election reform as we've seen, I mean, look at all the different states that went against their own state laws that said how election day was supposed to work. And, yet, whether it was their Secretary of State or a Supreme Court in the state, making up a new law when the legislature framed a different law. We need some standards, especially when you think about election night. We ought to know in America what the results are on election night. Whoever wins or loses, look at a state like Florida, very large state, they were able to get their results in by 10:00 at night. Then you have other states New York is still counting votes right now in a Congressional race. Claudia Tenney is up by about 25 votes and they're still counting votes or finding ballots. I mean, that's really what undermines public trust when, you know, it's 3:00 in the morning and they kick everybody out of a room when you're legally supposed to be able to watch what's going on in that room and then you wake up the next morning and hundreds of thousands of votes swung a different direction. That's what undermines public confidence. I hope they get that right and get a bill out that will address those problems that we saw.\" \n\t \n\t[...] \n\t \"Well, obviously you want to see what they come up with. If they come up with something that actually fixes those problems these problems have been identified. Courts don't like getting in the middle of that. But again, you go look at some of the state Supreme Courts, Pennsylvania, their law says a ballot that comes in after 8:00 on election night when the polls close, that shouldn't be counted because the polls close at 8:00. By the way, other states do that, and their state law said that and yet [their] Supreme Court just said, 'You know what? We'll just let ballots come in for days later and selectively count what happens.' That's not what a fair system is about. You want to know what the rules are, play by the rules. But when somebody changes the rules in the middle of the game at halftime or something, it creates, again, it breeds a lot of distrust in the election that you still see right now. Millions of people have been asking these questions. I hope they're able to get a bill out.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-hassan-protect-funding-nearly-200-rural-low-income-school-districts", "Collins, Hassan Protect Funding for Nearly 200 Rural, Low-Income School Districts", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced that they successfully reversed a Department of Education decision that jeopardized funding for nearly 200 rural, low-income school districts. A provision they negotiated that was included in the year-end government funding bill that was signed into law prevents a funding cliff for the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), the only dedicated federal funding stream to support rural schools.\n\nThe Department of Education's abrupt change in eligibility for REAP funding would have forced many ruralschools in Maine and throughout the country to forgo essential activities and services,said Senator Collins.REAP helps deliver an equitable and enriching education to thousands of students living in rural America. This bipartisanprovisionI pushed forwill ensure that students in rural communities continue to have access to these critical programs.\n\nRural schools in New Hampshire rely on this critical funding coming every year so that they can serve their students, and the bipartisan provision that Senator Collins and I worked on will help ensure that these resources aren't pulled out from under them,said Senator Hassan.This funding is particularly important now amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has presented unprecedented challenges to remote and in-person learning.\n\nREAP was created in 2002 by Senator Collins and former Senator Kent Conrad to help rural schools overcome the increased expenses caused by geographic isolation. It consists of two programs the Rural and Low-Income School (RLIS) program and the Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) program.\n\nMany states have qualified for RLIS because the Department of Education has allowed school districts to measure poverty by the percentage of students receiving free lunch. Earlier this year, however, the Department abruptly announced that it would no longer accept the poverty measurements it had received from participating states in years past, threatening the eligibility and funding for schools without any notification to Congress. This change would have excluded nearly 200 school districts from the RLIS program, creating a funding cliff for rural schools already balancing tight budgets.\n\nIn Maine alone, more than 100 of the 149 schools were eligible for RLIS program funding last year. Without this provision, they could have lost a total of $1.2 million in RLIS funding due to the Department of Education's decision.In New Hampshire, 43 school districts received funding this year. Without this provision, more than 30 districts would have lost funding a nearly $600,000 funding loss statewide.\n\nSenator Collinsfirst raised this problemwith SecretaryDeVosin February. Additionally, Senator Collins and members of the Maine Delegationsent a follow-up letterto SecretaryDeVosurging her to restore this vital funding. In March, Senators Collins and Hassanled a letterto SecretaryDeVosthat was signed by 19 of their colleagues, expressing their strong opposition to this abrupt decision. Following that effort, the Department announced it would delay the change and prevent these cuts from taking effect this year.Earlier this month, SenatorsCollinsand Hassanled a bipartisan letterurging the Appropriations Committeeto support their request to protect state and school district participation in REAP in the government funding bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/provision-senator-collins-championed-prevent-medicare-physician-payment-cuts-signed-law", "Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n \n \n \n \n \n Provision Senator Collins Championed to Prevent Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Signed into Law \n \n \n \n \n \n Posted Wed, 12/30/2020 - 09:18 \n \n \n \n Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that the year-end government funding bill that was signed into lawincludesaprovision based onbipartisanlegislation sheco-authoredto prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021.\n\nThese reimbursement cutswould have fallenprimarily on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy toorthopaedicsurgery andcould have hada devastating effect on health care practices and, most important, patient access to care,said Senator Collins. I am pleased that this provisionincluded in the government funding billwill halt theseill-timedpayment cuts from going into effect at the start of the New Year, helping to ensure that we do not further burden our health care system that is already struggling due to the pandemic.\n\nSenator Collins has long been a champion of improving access to health care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Inaddition tosponsoring legislationto avert destabilizing cuts to medical providers that would have harmed patients' access to health care, Senator Collinssent a letterto Senate leaders in October, urging them to advance legislation to prevent these sharp reductions in payment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-2020", "Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 2020", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments of 2020. While this past year has been challenging for us all, serving the people of Iowa is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making the government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans, Grassley said. Grassley holds at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year to hear concerns and answer questions on any subject from Iowans. In 2020, Grassley completed his annual county meetings for the 40th year in a row. Grassley holds meetings in a variety of settings to ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, including businesses, schools, town hall meetings, hospitals and factory floors. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made some of Grassley's meetings look a little different this year, the format remained the same: Iowans set the agenda. Grassley moved forward with his meetings in a safe and responsible way while following public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Iowa. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: In 2020, Grassley continued his annual social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch. These give followers an inside look at farming operations and to track the progression of corn and soybean crops grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa, from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside at least eight 15-minute meetings every Monday through Thursday to meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. While there were limitations this year due to the pandemic, Grassley was able to meet with Iowans virtually. Throughout 2020, Grassley met with more than 800 groups of Iowans and discussed a variety of policy issues such as trade, tax reform, prescription drug pricing as well as the many issues that have arisen during the pandemic. Grassley also joined Iowa schools for Q&As via video conferencing and, as an avid fan of Iowa universities, cheered on dozens of student-athletes at sporting events. This year, Grassley became the 10th longest-serving U.S. Senator in history and continued his constitutional duty serving as the Senate president pro tempore, a position historically bestowed upon the most senior member of the majority party in the upper chamber of Congress. Upon his swearing in, Grassley became third in the line of presidential succession following the vice president and the speaker of the House of Representatives. An Iowan has not held this position since Senator Albert B. Cummins in 1919. In his capacity as president pro tempore, Grassley aided in the selection process of the new Architect of the Capitol and nominated an Iowan to the U.S. Senate Curatorial Advisory board. He also played a role in many historic events this year including welcoming President Donald Trump into the chamber of the House of Representatives for the 68th annual State of the Union address and signing the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Highlights of Grassley's legislative and oversight work follow here: Agriculture: This year was particularly tough on the farming industry due to commodity prices taking a hit from the novel coronavirus, drought across West Central Iowa and an intense windstorm known as a derecho that caused widespread damage across central Iowa. However, through it all, farmers continued to plow ahead and support their communities. As the senior senator of one of the top agricultural states in the country and a family farmer, Grassley has been an outspoken advocate for farmers and Rural America.Throughout the various spending negotiations in Congress, Grassley was a staunch defender of family farms. He led the Iowa Congressional delegation in urging Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to ensure funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) were replenished in the next government funding bill. He exposed Democrats for blocking crucial coronavirus relief, which included billions of dollars in assistance for farmers and agribusiness employees.When COVID-19 began affecting our meat supply chain, Grassley immediately raised concerns with his colleagues. Grassley has long focused on consolidation in the meatpacking industry and pressed USDA to protect independent producers. In May, Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation that would foster efficient markets and improve competition and transparency among packers that purchase cattle. Grassley first introduced this bill in 2002. The bill will require a minimum of 50 percent of a packer's weekly volume of beef slaughter to come as a result of purchases made on the open or spot market.While many around the country noticed higher prices at the grocery store due to these market disruptions, many cattle producers across the country could not get a bid on their animals. Grassley was one of the first lawmakers to seek an investigation to bring more transparency to the cattle industry. He called on the Departments of Justice and Agriculture to investigate potential market manipulation and other illegal activity by large meat packing companies in the cattle industry. President Trump echoed this call for an investigation into possible anticompetitive behavior in the beef industry.In June, Grassley sent a letter to USDA Secretary Perdue relaying the frustration of farmers about the lack of enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and called for the report on the Holcomb, Kansas, fire to be released by August 9, 2020, or he would seek an audit of the USDA's enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Division. USDA took this issue seriously and released its report echoing the need for more transparency in the industry. Additionally, he partnered with Sen. Tester in sending a letter to Secretary Perdue recommending the department clarify an ambiguous proposed rule regarding the undue and reasonable preferences provision of the Packers and Stockyards Act.This year, Grassley also joined Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Securing All Livestock Equitably (SALE) Act. Quick turnaround between the purchase and resale of cattle by a dealer often leaves the rancher who originally owned the cattle with little recourse if a dealer defaults on a purchase because the livestock has often already been resold. The SALE Act would establish dealer statutory trusts, mimicking existing packer statutory trusts, for the purpose of ensuring that cattle sellers receive payment should a livestock dealer become insolvent. Grassley joined 30 members of Congress on a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging USDA Secretary Perdue to take immediate action to assist pork producers and maintain the pork food supply chain. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, Grassley led his colleagues in sending an additional letter to USDA to recommend additional funding for farmers being forced to depopulate their livestock herds. Farmers faced an animal welfare crisis due to overcrowding and the challenge of providing enough feed and water available to each animal. Grassley also joined Iowa leaders, Sen. Joni Ernst, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in sending a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and requested additional support from the Administration for the state's pork producers.In addition to livestock farmers, Grassley urged his colleagues to support dairy farmers around the country. Additionally, he joined Sen. Ernst, Gov. Reynolds, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Naig in requesting the USDA to include egg producers and turkey producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In the second round of CFAP payments, both egg and turkey producers were eligible.To make sure tax dollars are spent as intended to benefit the farmers who actually work the land instead of managers or corporations, Grassley has been a longtime advocate for farm payment limitations. This year, USDA initially announced a final rule on the implementation of payment limitations and the definition of actively engaged in farming as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, which would have required additional family members to provide either 25 percent of the total management hours required by the operation on an annual basis or perform at least 500 hours of management annually. Unfortunately, USDA recently reversed this rule. Prior to this reversal, Grassley requested an additional GAO review of the program. The GAO report concluded that while USDA has improved its completion of eligibility compliance review, additional oversight is needed. Grassley will continue his fight to close loopholes that have allowed some operations to exploit federal farm payments at taxpayer expense.Grassley joined the only other farmer in the U.S. Senate, Jon Tester (D-Montana), to address farmer mental health. Grassley and Tester authored the Seeding Rural Resilience Act which aims to curb growing rates of suicide in Rural America by implementing a voluntary stress management training program, creating a public service announcement campaign to raise awareness and directing the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state and local groups to identify best practices when responding to farm mental stress. This bill was successfully voted out of the Senate this summer and later became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.Diseases like African swine fever have the potential to devastate entire sectors of U.S. agriculture. With that in mind, Grassley cosponsored the Protecting America's Food & Agriculture Act of 2019 to address the shortage of agricultural inspectors who protect the nation's food supply and agricultural industries at the border. This legislation was signed into law by President Trump earlier this year.This year, the Trump administration kept its promise and successfully rolled back the harmful Obama-era Waters of the United States or WOTUS rule and replaced it with a workable rule that clearly defines what waters fall under federal jurisdiction. Grassley was a steadfast opponent of the original rule, which would have regulated 97 percent of Iowa farmland as a navigable waterway. This regulatory certainty will continue to help spur economic growth in Iowa and around the country while also ensuring individual property rights are protected.Enhancing water quality is critical to meeting the goals of Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy and making improvements to Iowa's river and stream health. With that in mind, Grassley joined Sen. Ernst and a bipartisan group of senators to urge the USDA to make several changes to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to maximize the program's ability for producers to use the program to enhance both soil health and water quality. Antitrust: Grassley joined Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce the Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules (SMARTER) Act. This bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to go through the same procedures that the Department of Justice (DOJ) must go through when enforcing antitrust law, and would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue merger review decisions expeditiously.Grassley also partnered with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in introducing the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act which extends whistleblower protections for employees who provide information to DOJ related to criminal antitrust violations. The Senate unanimously passed a similar version of the legislation in 2013, 2015 and 2017. This year, the legislation passed in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Trump in December. COVID-19: In February, when the world was just learning about COVID-19, oversight and investigations staff for Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), received a classified briefing from the HHS Office of National Security (ONS) regarding the coronavirus threat and the status of U.S. government efforts to combat the spread of the deadly virus. Grassley also was named to the bipartisan task force focused on safely re-opening America following the public health crisis. The task force includes Democrat and Republican members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.Grassley was an original proponent of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill providing funding to combat the spread of COVID-19. The funding package amounts to an $8.3 billion surge in resources to combat COVID-19 and provides comprehensive funding for efforts on the local, state, national and international levels.In March, Governor Reynolds declared a State of Public Health Emergency as confirmed COVID-19 cases rose. Grassley sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking that he promptly grant the Governor's request for an expedited review of the major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa as a result of multiple cases of COVID-19 detected in the state. Small businesses across the country were hit particularly hard by associated COVID-19 restrictions. To address this, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the CARES Act to help keep workers on the payroll by providing small businesses forgivable loans to cover payroll expenses. As the pandemic worsened, Grassley worked with his colleagues to provide additional funding to this program. While the Senate Democrats originally tried to block it, the additional funding later successfully went through. Grassley also worked with the Department of Treasury and the Small Business Administration on clarifying terms and eligibility of the program for Iowa businesses and bankers.For example, Grassley partnered with Finance Committee Ranking Member, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) urging the Department of Treasury to allow small businesses to deduct expenses associated with PPP loans that are ultimately forgiven. Ultimately, Grassley and many of his colleagues disagreed with Treasury's final guidance.Grassley worked with his colleagues to ensure the rural economy reaped the benefits of the CARES Act including additional funding for rural health centers, providers, programs, telehealth services and related infrastructure. Grassley also worked to secure relief for American agriculture. He worked to include $23.5 billion in the CARES Act to send emergency temporary relief to farm country to help survive the fall-out caused by the pandemic. Specifically, it set aside $9.5 billion for the USDA to directly support farmers and ranchers. The CARES Act also replenishes the Commodity Credit Corporation with $14 billion. Grassley called upon USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to use some of these additional funds to help support the biofuels industry, including resources for higher blends infrastructure at filling stations and to leverage the purchasing power of the federal government to buy excess farm commodities and replenish food pantries and nutrition programs across the nation. He then introduced legislation with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to make this a requirement. On December 21, the Senate passed an additional large legislative package including COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus, tax and health care policy extensions and government funding. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley championed several provisions including expanding unemployment insurance benefits, additional economic impact payments for individuals and families and extension of certain expiring provisions for families as well as small- and medium-sized businesses around the country. Additionally, under the Senate Finance Committee's jurisdiction, this package extends a number of important Medicare, Medicaid and other health policies, including boosting payments to doctors in Iowa and other rural areas. It also provides permanent coverage for mental health telehealth visits, which are helpful during the pandemic and will remain critical for many Americans afterward. And, it extends the period over which state and local governments can use money from the Coronavirus Relief Fund provided under the CARES Act by one year, giving more flexibility to state and local governments as they face spending challenges caused by the pandemic. It also provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. Grassley's full statement on the legislative package and further details on what is included can be found HERE.Grassley joined Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to introduce the bipartisan State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension Act to extend the year-end deadline for states to use federal CARES Act assistance, as well as any future funding to state and local governments, through 2021. The goal of this bill is to provide flexibility in uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund resources by allowing spending by states, localities, territories, and tribes on coronavirus responses to be covered over a longer period of time. Throughout the funding negotiations, Grassley worked to ensure the COVID-19 relief funds would go to those who actually needed it. With that in mind, Grassley introduced the COVID-19 Funding Accountability Act. This legislation would impose strict congressional oversight over the implementation of various funding in the CARES Act as well as create bipartisan oversight boards.Grassley criticized his Democratic colleagues when they wanted to impose a quarter of a trillion dollar retroactive tax increase on businesses in need of cash to restart their operations as states began to lift shut-down orders.Grassley also worked with Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in introducing a bill to protect recovery payments provided in the recent CARES Act pandemic response legislation from garnishment by private debt collectors.Grassley has been a longtime watchdog of waste, fraud and abuse. Unfortunately, throughout this pandemic, fraudsters have taken advantage of the American public through a variety of scams. Grassley wrote to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) encouraging the IRS watchdog to engage in a public awareness and education campaign informing Americans of scams and frauds related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the federal government's response.Grassley also partnered with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to call on DOJ to take vigorous action to protect consumers from price gouging during the coronavirus pandemic and help prevent the hoarding of essential medical supplies. Although Grassley took all of the appropriate and recommended precautions, the senator tested positive for COVID-19 after learning of an earlier exposure. Grassley quarantined per CDC and local public health guidelines and at the recommendation of his doctors. Due to his quarantine, Grassley was unable to cast votes on the Senate floor for the first time in 27 years. Grassley has cast 8,927 consecutive votes and continues to hold the record for longest length of time without missing a vote in the history of the Senate. Ultimately, Grassley was asymptomatic throughout his quarantine and was cleared to return to work by his doctors. Crime and Criminal Justice: All Americans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including inmates in the state and federal prison system. Grassley and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the lead authors of the bipartisan First Step Act (FSA), led 12 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter pressing DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to take necessary steps to protect the health and wellbeing of federal prison staff and inmates in Federal custody. They urged the release or transfer of the most vulnerable inmates to home confinement as permitted under the FSA. The senators called on BOP and DOJ to review and expedite current cases where the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program would allow for an early transfer where appropriate of terminally ill and eligible elderly inmates to home confinement. In April, Grassley and Durbin sent a follow up letter to the DOJ Inspector General's (IG) regarding its decision to assess whether facilities housing BOP inmates are complying with available guidance and best practices regarding preventing, managing, and containing potential COVID-19 outbreaks and asked them to expand the probe. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley also participated in a hearing titled, Examining Best Practices for Incarceration and Detention During COVID-19, where he pressed DOJ and BOP officials on the use of home confinement and adherence to CDC guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and other risk mitigation efforts in correctional facilities. Also, in an effort to protect the most vulnerable inmates in our society, Grassley and Durbin introduced the COVID-19 Safer Detention Act. This bill expands eligibility for and provides judicial review of the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, and also provides for the compassionate release of federal prisoners based on COVID-19 vulnerability and shortens the waiting period of judicial review during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Grassley also led a letter to the Justice Department about its handling of COVID-19 in juvenile detention facilities. Along with Sens. Whitehouse and Ernst, Grassley urged the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to equip the juvenile justice system with consistent, reliable, and transparent information to help mitigate the impact of the virus on vulnerable youth.Grassley continued his work to protect children from predators online through his co-sponsorship of the EARN IT Act. This bill creates incentives for the tech industry to address online child sexual exploitation, by removing blanket immunity in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. It also establishes a National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention that will be responsible for developing voluntary best practices. Defense Oversight: Grassley's extensive oversight work throughout his career has included a dogged pursuit for answers from the Pentagon over decades of wasteful spending and its inability to produce a clean financial audit.Grassley has conducted oversight to hold the DoD accountable for over four decades. He continued to press the Department on the new Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) program, alleged conflicts of interest pertaining to those charged with creating its bid and reported disputes between bidders and the Department. This comes after the Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) completed a review and provided recommendations in response to Grassley and members of Congress raising concerns about the JEDI program. Last year, Grassley sent a letter to then Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, seeking information on Department policies intended to mitigate conflicts of interest and prevent the tailoring of procurement requests to match a specific vendor, as alleged in the JEDI program procurement process. Grassley and several of his colleagues sent a letter to GAO in July 2018 requesting the agency conduct an independent review of the reasons behind the DoD's failure to acquire modern financial information technology systems capable of generating reliable information and supporting credible financial statements. The report was released in September and reaffirmed Grassley's longtime concerns about financial mismanagement and waste at the DoD. The Department is working towards a clean audit and updating its financial management systems. However, it's clear from this report the Pentagon has a long way to go. Grassley, along with the other requestors of the GAO report and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), also sent a letter earlier this year to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, urging them to include in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 certain provisions that would make progress towards a clean audit, including more detailed reporting to Congress on DoD financial management systems. Both of the provisions were ultimately included in the final version of the NDAA.Earlier this year, Grassley renewed inquiries into potential wasteful and inappropriate travel spending at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), specifically seeking full and complete answers to prior questions about multiple trips to Hawaii.Grassley joined Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to reintroduce the Military Justice Improvement Act in response to reports of mishandling military sexual assaults.Grassley and Gillibrand also introduced bipartisan legislation to require the military to establish a Safe to Report policy. According to a Department of Defense report, in fiscal year 2018, only 30% of sexual assaults in the military were reported. Studies show more survivors are empowered to come forward without the threat of retaliation, and the Safe to Report Act empowers survivors of sexual violence to report these incidents without fear of collateral misconduct charges for minor offenses. This legislation was included in the final version of the NDAA.Also included in the NDAA was a provision that Grassley championed along with other members of the Iowa and Illinois delegation that seeks to improve Army real-estate management. The provision establishes a pilot program to create an online real-estate management system at several Army installations, with the goal of helping the military and federal government use existing resources more efficiently.Additionally, Grassley expanded his probe into the Department's Office of Net Assessment's (ONA) contract compliance after reviewing troubling documents related to contracts awarded to Professor Stefan Halper. Those documents call into question ONA's stewardship of taxpayer dollars as well as its contract management and internal controls. In early 2019, Grassley requested the DoD Inspector General (IG) review allegations of mismanagement by ONA contracts for political, improper or wasteful activities. Grassley later sought information about ONA contracting processes following a DoD IG audit of the program, which found ONA could not provide sufficient documentation that Halper conducted all of his work in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Pentagon issued a corrective action plan for ONA in August.On January 23, 2020, Grassley sought an inspector general investigation into the manufacturing practices of Lockheed Martin's C-130J aircraft after whistleblower reports alleged a lack of oversight by the DoD has resulted in significant health and safety concerns. On October 8, 2020, Grassley sought additional information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the manufacturing practices of Lockheed Martin's C-130J after learning of discrepancies in the initial investigation. Derecho Recovery: From year to year, natural disasters take place across the country. In August, many Iowans experienced a historic derecho. Immediately after the storm hit, Grassley visited Cedar Rapids to survey damage, meet with residents affected by the storm and visit a local nonprofit assisting in relief efforts. Grassley and Ernst also participated in a roundtable discussion with 20 nonprofit leaders and the Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The local nonprofits assisted with housing, case management, mental health, volunteer coordination, food access and legal assistance. Iowa's agricultural community faced significant damage and new challenges resulting from the storm. Grassley led the Iowa congressional delegation in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Perdue urging a prompt approval of Gov. Reynolds Secretarial Disaster Designation request for 57 Iowa counties that suffered losses as a result of the derecho. Following this request, Grassley and Ernst sent an additional letter to USDA requesting it provide additional support for Iowa farmers impacted by the derecho and severe drought. They also sent a letter requesting additional funding for Iowa agricultural cooperatives.In addition to tens of millions of acres of damaged crops, grain bins across the state were destroyed. Grassley and Ernst requested the U.S. Department of Commerce lift Section 232 tariffs on steel that will be used in Iowa's derecho recovery, especially on steel used for rebuilding grain bins and machine sheds. Grassley worked with Ernst to file legislation to provide tax relief to Iowans affected by the derecho. The legislation would provide certain employers a tax credit for retaining employees, enhance the tax deduction for disaster-related personal casualty losses, and facilitate enhanced access to tax-exempt retirement plans, among other benefits. Additionally, Grassley and Ernst worked to ensure Iowans affected by the derecho weren't victims of fraud. They sent a letter to the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate price-gouging scams. DOJ/FBI: Grassley and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) continued their investigation into the fatal shooting of Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police in 2017. Grassley first contacted the FBI in December 2018 about its investigation into the shooting, and the FBI responded in March with little information, prompting a follow-up letter from Grassley. Since then the senators also have pressed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide details on specific reforms being implemented to avoid a repeat of its drawn-out and opaque investigation of U.S. Park Police's fatal shooting of Bijan Ghaisar.This legislative session, Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, persistently contacted U.S. Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray to investigate the origins of the FBI's Russia investigation, code-named Crossfire Hurricane, to bring transparency to FBI mismanagement. Grassley has long been skeptical of the FBI's justification to spy on Carter Page, including its reliance on the debunked anti-Trump dossier, which was compiled by a former British spy, sub-sourced to Russian officials and paid for by then-candidate Trump's Democrat political opponents. The DOJ inspector general determined the dossier to be central and essential to the FBI's Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant application. The inspector general also determined the FBI's applications included at least 17 errors and omissions and over 50 errors and omissions in the Woods File. After further reviewing the DOJ OIG report on Crossfire Hurricane, Grassley and Johnson sent Barr a follow up letter requesting the declassification of four footnotes in the report on FISA abuses in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Those footnotes were later declassified and showed how Russian disinformation infected the Steele Dossier.On April 25, 2019, Grassley and Johnson wrote to the DOJ regarding the FBI and how it may have used a counterintelligence briefing to conduct surveillance on the Trump transition team during Crossfire Hurricane.In April, Grassley and Johnson requested additional Crossfire Hurricane records after the declassified footnotes revealed the Steele Dossier contained reported Russian disinformation.On May 12, 2020, Grassley and Johnson requested a list of Obama-era officials that unmasked Lt. Gen. Flynn. In response, the Intelligence Community provided a list that included then-Vice President Biden as one of the Obama-era officials that requested to unmask Flynn.In November, Grassley and Johnson also sent a letter to Barr requesting the full declassification of briefing notes for then-Director James Comey summarizing the FBI's investigative efforts regarding Crossfire Hurricane.On October 13, 2020, Grassley and Johnson also sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray warning the bureau's recent production of limited text messages from former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was unacceptable and the FBI must produce all records in compliance with previous requests.On October 15, 2020, Grassley and Johnson sent another letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe seeking an unredacted version of a spreadsheet created to attempt to corroborate allegations made in the discredited Steele Dossier.Grassley and Johnson also released a majority staff report detailing how the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Office secretly sought and received access to the private records of Donald J. Trump's presidential transition team, Trump for America, Inc., despite an agreement between the Trump transition team and the General Services Administration that those records were the transition team's private property that would not be retained at the conclusion of the transition. Grassley also pressed DOJ for details on steps taken to recover material deleted from mobile devices assigned to Mueller's team, and investigate potential violations of federal record keeping laws. Many of those deletions occurred after the agency watchdog discovered anti-Trump texts on then-FBI agent Peter Strzok's government-issued phone, and after the DOJ IG began reviewing the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.On December 1, 2020, news broke that Barr had appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham to be special counsel in his ongoing review of the origins of the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Grassley praised this decision.On December 3, 2020, Grassley and Johnson released over 400 pages of records acquired from the DOJ, FBI and State Department during their investigation into the FBI's mishandling of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The production includes recently declassified material that illustrate the flawed decision-making process by federal officials during Crossfire Hurricane.As part of Grassley's ongoing FARA oversight, he called on the Justice Department to evaluate whether Hunter and James Biden should have registered as foreign agents for their business arrangements with the Chinese government-back energy company CEFC, in compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The company was actively seeking to build influence in the United States when it partnered with the Bidens. Drug Prices: Grassley has long raised concerns about lack of transparency in the pharmaceutical industry and the prescription drug supply chain. This year, he also highlighted high prescription drug prices and the concerning trend that the price of many medications are increasing faster than inflation. As researchers around the world are racing to find a vaccine to combat COVID-19, Grassley welcomed news from Pfizer and Operation Warp Speed accelerating the response to end the pandemic.As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley and Wyden also partnered on a bipartisan investigation into insulin prices. They sent letters to leading insulin manufacturers, seeking information regarding recent price increases of up to 500% or more for insulin, a treatment available for diabetes for nearly 100 years. This year, they expanded that investigation and warned those companies that were not cooperating.Grassley also joined several of his colleagues in introducing the PRICE Transparency Act. This legislation would codify the two health care price transparency rules that came out of President Trump's Improving Price and Quality Transparency in American Healthcare Executive Order which requires hospitals and insurers to reveal their low, discounted cash prices and negotiated rates to consumers before they receive medical care. On June 2, 2020, Grassley chaired a hearing titled, COVID-19 and Beyond: Oversight of the FDA's Foreign Drug Manufacturing Inspection Process. The hearing was based on Grassley's oversight work on the FDA's foreign drug manufacturing facility inspection process and highlighted the risks associated with drugs manufactured in foreign countries, especially China, and imported to the United States. At the hearing, Grassley introduced into the Committee record thousands of pages of records that he acquired during his FDA investigation relating to China- and India-based drug manufacturing facilities.Over the years, Grassley has called on pharmaceutical companies to list prices of their prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer advertisements. In 2019, HHS made good on the promise and finalized a rule requiring price disclosure on TV ads for prescription drugs. However, that rule was challenged by pharmaceutical companies in court and recently overturned. Grassley will continue working to increase transparency from pharmaceutical companies. Education: Grassley continued to confront the issue of academic freedom this year. In 2019, he sent letters to the presidents of Duke University, Harvard University, Sarah Lawrence College and Villanova University, seeking information on the current culture of academic freedom on campus. This fall, Grassley followed up on that issue by sending a letter to his colleagues discussing the responses of those colleges and universities. In that letter, he stated the mission of colleges and universities should be to develop the character of young adults by challenging them with new ideas rather than making them feel safe. Grassley concluded his letter by stating, [O]ur colleges and universities must ensure that their professors can freely teach their students and that students are free to learn, without retribution. While working in Washington, Grassley highlighted Iowa's academic excellence for his colleagues. He praised the state's highest four-year graduation rate in Iowa's history, at 91.6 percent. He also applauded the University of Iowa's independent newspaper, The Daily Iowan, which was named the Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper by the Society of Professional Journalists. Election Integrity: With another presidential election in 2020, the spotlight was once again on Iowa and the first in the nation caucuses. The Iowa caucuses are an example of grassroots democracy. While not every part of the caucus went according to plan this year, Grassley joined Ernst and Gov. Reynolds in supporting the integrity of the process and demonstrated the seriousness Iowans take in their civic duty.The COVID-19 pandemic presented many unique challenges in 2020. However, election officials around the country worked diligently to ensure a safe and secure election this November. In Iowa, Secretary of State Paul Pate mailed an absentee ballot request form to every registered Iowa voter for the November election and the state saw a record turnout. Congress in March unanimously approved a $10 billion loan for the U.S. Postal Service to respond to pandemic-related uncertainties. However, the USPS assured lawmakers that it had enough cash on hand to maintain operations through next year even without that loan. In fact, the USPS reported a record amount of cash on hand due to the increase in package deliveries during the pandemic. Even with this additional bipartisan funding, many Democrats continued to undermine faith in the electoral process. Grassley strongly condemned such statements on the Senate floor. Energy: As a champion of renewable fuels and an all-of-the-above American energy policy, Grassley continued his extensive work to enact responsible energy policies throughout 2020. Grassley was a leader in the effort to allow the sale of year-round E15.Grassley has continued to lead the fight to maintain a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). He led efforts to pressure the EPA to stop issuing hardship waivers to obligated refiners as well as make the waiver process more transparent and highlighted the importance of the RFS to President Trump. Grassley joined Ernst in voting against Mark Menezes, nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Energy due to lack of transparency among the agencies.Much of Grassley's energy agenda focused on the RFS. Grassley worked extensively with Senate colleagues, President Trump and the EPA to expand renewable energy and fulfill congressional intent on the RFS. This year, Grassley slammed the proposed Zero-Emission Vehicles Act which would require 50 percent of sales for new passenger vehicles to be all electric by 2025 and mandate 100 percent of new sales for the U.S. passenger transportation fleet by 2035. Grassley joined his partner in the Senate, Ernst, in sending a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting clarification on its temporary policy for the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than wait for the economy to rebound, biofuel producers across Iowa shifted production to manufacture hand sanitizer to help meet the needs of their communities across the state.Last year, Grassley and Ernst fought hard to include the biodiesel tax credit in the year-end funding package. In February, the two Iowa senators called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to promptly process 2018-2019 biodiesel tax credit claims.In addition to ethanol and biodiesel, Grassley highlighted the importance of wind energy in Iowa and around the country. Federal Judiciary: As a former chairman and senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley rigorously vetted and reviewed judicial nominations to ensure our federal judges will interpret and apply the law as written, not legislate from the bench based on policy preferences.President Trump has made an effort to nominate constitutionalist and textualist judges who understand the role of the judiciary in our constitutional system. Under Grassley's leadership, the Judiciary Committee oversaw the confirmation of a record 30 circuit court judges, which is the most circuit court confirmations in the first two years of any presidency in history, and in 2020, the Senate has confirmed a record number of circuit court nominees. These confirmations will have an important impact on our country for decades to come.Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in September, leaving behind a historic legacy that will live on for generations. With an opening on the highest court in the land, Grassley supported Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in moving forward to fill the vacancy. In 2016, citing a divided government, then-Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley and his committee colleagues exercised their constitutional authority to withhold consent on any nominee prior to the completion of the election. The circumstances were different in 2020, where the American people elected a Republican President and Senate in 2016 and expanded the Republican Senate majority in 2018.Later that month, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Grassley met with Judge Barrett and vetted her credentials. Grassley strongly supported Judge Barrett in the hearings and urged his colleagues to support her in the final vote before the full senate. In late October, the Senate approved Judge Barrett's nomination by a vote of 52-48. As Senate President pro tempore, Grassley presided over the vote.Throughout Justice Barrett's confirmation process, he admonished Democrats who were threatening to pack the courts with partisan judges.Throughout the pandemic, the Supreme Court allowed live audio streams of oral arguments conducted via teleconference following pandemic-induced lockdowns. The unprecedented live audio feed broadened access to real-time proceedings far beyond the Court's limited seating capacity even in normal times. The move sparked widespread praise from transparency advocates and the general public. Grassley and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) renewed their push to allow live video coverage of court proceedings even after the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Foster youth, adoption, families and elder care: Throughout his congressional career, Grassley has advocated for children and families. He continued his work on these issues in 2020 by developing policies aimed at protecting special needs children, preventing elder abuse, encouraging elder independence and promoting funding for programs to improve family health.Grassley has long been a leader in the effort to protect older Americans, especially those living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Grassley has helped lead congressional oversight of nursing homes and their response to the deadly pandemic.In April, Grassley wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and CMS Administrator Seema Verma regarding several issues related to the outbreak of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the country. Grassley expressed concerns about testing capacity, inconsistencies in data tracking, a lack of PPE and transparency in federal spending. Following Grassley's call on CMS to require nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to report all cases of COVID-19 to the federal government, the agency took such steps to ensure transparency and usable data.In July, Grassley and Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) introduced the Emergency Support for Nursing Homes and Elder Justice Reform Act of 2020, which would improve existing programs to protect older Americans and provide help to nursing homes and their staff providing care for vulnerable residents. The legislation includes several provisions to help nursing homes manage COVID-19 outbreaks, including the establishment of specialty regional strike teams and extends COVID-19 related reporting requirements through the end of 2020. The bill calls on states receiving federal relief assistance to devote some funding to tele-visitation programs so nursing home residents aren't isolated from family throughout the pandemic. It also renews and reauthorizes funding for several programs enacted in the Elder Justice Act of 2009 and boosts transparency and accountability measures for underperforming nursing homes.Following the Trump administration's announcement that it would require weekly testing of nursing home staffers and the disbursement of an additional $5 billion in funding to these facilities, Grassley praised the action as a big step in the right direction, which will help further protect the lives and health of both the residents of nursing facilities and the dedicated staff who care for them.As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley continued his oversight work and released a comprehensive report on care in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the United States during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The report, titled COVID-19 and Nursing Homes: What Went Wrong and Next Steps, reviews U.S. nursing home performance during the first eight months of the pandemic.He also sent a letter to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at HHS requesting the OIG initiate an investigation into whether or not five states California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania violated federal guidance in pressuring nursing home facilities to accept patients who tested positive for COVID-19. Grassley partnered with Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act successfully passed out of the Senate and would ensure the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Grassley, in his capacity as Senate Finance Committee Chairman, convened a bipartisan working group to address federal paid family leave policies. The working group considered ideas and principles relating to the issue of paid family leave and reviewed existing legislation introduced by several senators on and off the committee and from both parties.In the year-end COVID-19 economic relief and funding legislative package, Grassley advocated for additional support for the elder community. This legislation included $100 million to support elder justice initiatives, including 50 million for state adult protective service agencies as they cope with unique challenges of serving vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Good Government and Transparency: Grassley has been a longtime advocate for inspectors general and government oversight regardless of political party and administration. On April 8, 2020, Grassley led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling on President Trump to provide a detailed written explanation for his decision to remove an inspector general. In the letter, the lawmakers underscore the important role inspectors general play in holding agencies accountable and outline the removal procedures, which are designed to prevent political interference. This comes after two inspectors generals were terminated this spring.On April 14, 2020, Grassley and Wyden wrote to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in his role as chair of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), regarding CIGIE's role in the inspector general nominating process. They inquired about the CIGIE recommendation process, the consistency of its advice to the White House, the rate at which its advice is taken by the White House and how often CIGIE has expressed concerns about IG vacancies.Following complaints from dozens of whistleblowers, Grassley and his colleagues also continued their investigation into whistleblower allegations of low morale and low productivity at the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General. On October 6, 2020, Grassley led a bipartisan letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee Conference urging the protection of the work of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The Senate-passed version of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included language that would have limited SIGAR's jurisdiction to just six reconstruction funds and severely restricted SIGAR's oversight of reconstruction spending, to exclude oversight authority over internationally monitored trust funds like the World-Bank-administered Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, military construction, human rights and anti-corruption assistance, and certain counternarcotics programs. This section was removed from the House and Senate Conference NDAA, preserving SIGAR's oversight authority over crucial overseas funds.Grassley joined his colleagues, Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to change the authority of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to conduct a thorough and rigorous review of independent agencies' regulations. Currently, independent agencies are not required to undergo a review by OIRA. They wrote, in part, Although these agencies have been created with certain protections designed to insulate them from the political process, they are not a fourth branch of government that is exempt from Congressional and Executive oversight.On February 5, 2020 Grassley and Johnson sought records of Hunter Biden's travel while he was under U.S. Secret Service protection as part of their investigation into potential conflicts of interest among the Biden family when Joe Biden was Vice President.Grassley and Johnson faced unhelpful challenges from their Democratic colleagues regarding their oversight work. In February they rebuked their colleagues who attempted to undermine legitimate oversight by selectively leaking information from their Biden investigation. In August, they urged their colleagues to stop falsely claiming the Ukraine/Biden investigation was subject to Russian disinformation.On September 23, 2020, Grassley and Johnson released a report that revealed millions of dollars in questionable financial transactions between Hunter Biden and his associates and foreign individuals, including individuals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. They later released a supplemental report with new information which confirmed connections between the Biden family and the communist Chinese government, as well as the links between Hunter Biden's business associates and the Russian government.In October, news broke referencing an alleged Hunter Biden laptop with additional pertinent information relating to Grassley and Johnson's investigation. They immediately sent a letter to United States Secret Service Director James Murray highlighting references to Hunter Biden's travel from recently published emails that appear to align with Secret Service records previously produced to the committees. The chairmen also requested records to verify whether the Secret Service traveled with Hunter Biden after he apparently discontinued his protective detail.Grassley joined Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal financial management by updating the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990. The CFO Act created a new foundation for federal financial management and established a fiscal management reporting and leadership structure.Additionally, Grassley partnered with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to introduce bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability within the federal government. The Oversight.gov Authorization Act would formally authorize the establishment and maintenance of a website to help the public more easily access reports that have been generated by the independent work of Inspectors General.Grassley, and Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) requested information about the federal government's ability to timely respond to public records requests in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the Justice Department's Office of Information Policy (OIP), the senators, all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted reports of decreased capability to process Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and other concerning developments, including the FBI's decision to stop accepting electronic requests altogether. The senators also released the findings of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled Freedom of Information Act: Federal Agencies' Recent Implementation Efforts.Grassley continued his work to ensure Social Security remains strong for generations to come. Along with House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Grassley wrote to the Chief Actuary of Social Security regarding the use of his office for political purposes and pushed for public clarifications to recently published analysis that has allowed for partisan misinformation to be spread by Democrats. As the leading Republican tax writers, Grassley and Brady argued that Social Security's actuaries should not be used for political purposes. The Chief Actuary of Social Security promptly responded with a letter and affirmed that he was not aware that anyone has proposed legislation like Senate Democrats outlined in a recent request, which they subsequently used to spread false and misleading partisan messaging. Grassley took to the Senate floor to set the record straight and urged his Democratic colleagues to stop spreading misinformation to scare Social Security beneficiaries.In October, Grassley and Brady again reached out to request more information on how the Office of the Chief Actuary functions, particularly in responding to requests from outside groups, using taxpayer dollars. Given the finite resources available and the important services the SSA provides to Americans, it is essential that the agency's budget is used wisely. For that reason, we are seeking additional information regarding practices of the Office of the Chief Actuary for information, analysis, and/or technical assistance requested by non-government individuals and organizations, the members wrote.In December, Grassley and Brady requested that the Chief Actuary of Social Security explain misleading testimony that the actuary presented before a congressional committee in July. In that testimony, the Chief Actuary appeared to have been attempting to provide justification for lack of prior action on an important issue in Social Security by Congress. As the letter from Grassley and Brady to the Chief Actuary identified: It is not the job of anyone at the Social Security Administration to justify decisions made by Congress and we are concerned by your recent attempt to do so. Health Care: With the COVID-19 pandemic, families faced unique challenges accessing health care services. Recognizing this, Grassley introduced the bipartisan Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act to help families access life-saving care for children with complex medical conditions. The legislation aims to facilitate access to care while retaining program safeguards and reducing regulatory burdens on providers. This legislation builds off the Grassley-sponsored Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act, which was signed into law in 2019, which makes it easier for the many providers who treat children with complex conditions to coordinate care and improve outcomes.In September, Grassley fought to include the Medicare Part B Premium Adjustment provision in the Senate appropriations bill. This will protect Medicare beneficiaries from an expected spike in the Part B premium for 2021 caused by economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grassley also authored a provision to address concerns with the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. This provision delays the date on which hospitals and other providers must start to repay Medicare Accelerated and Advance payment loans and makes other changes to relax repayment terms, while protecting the Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund. Throughout the pandemic, Grassley worked with the Trump administration on a variety of health care policies. He praised the Administration's reforms to the Medicaid program which will allow more flexibility for states while they continue to care for and protect individual Americans and communities at most risk.Grassley also followed up with the FDA this year to ensure Americans can access over-the-counter hearing aids without delay. Grassley's Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which was signed into law in 2017 to remove outdated regulations blocking consumer access to affordable hearing aids, required the FDA to issue these proposed regulations no later than August 18, 2020, but the FDA has yet to do so.Grassley partnered with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating the week of October 5 through October 9 2020, as Malnutrition Awareness Week. The resolution recognizes the impact the pandemic has had on vulnerable populations and supports emergency funding for federal nutrition programs to combat malnutrition. Grassley also highlighted mental health awareness month and the services available to Iowans during this difficult time.Over the years, Congress has considered a number of initiatives aimed at addressing maternal health. Grassley and Ranking Member Wyden asked stakeholders to submit data and findings on factors contributing to poor maternal health outcomes in the United States. The Senate Finance Committee leaders also requested specific, evidence-based solutions to address those factors and improve maternal health. In addition, in June 2020, Grassley wrote a letter to every member of the Senate Finance Committee soliciting ideas for how to address racial and ethnic health disparities.Grassley also continued his oversight work into the nation's organ donation and procurement system. In October, he sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This probe comes after numerous inspector general audits and news reports raised questions about the adequacy of patient safety standards, suggested thousands of available organs are not being used and highlighted questionable financial practices of some organ procurement organizations (OPOs). This letter is part of the ongoing investigation into the conduct of the nation's organ procurement organizations, and the oversight gaps present in the U.S. organ donation and procurement system. In February, Grassley and Wyden jointly initiated this bipartisan investigation with Senators Young and Cardin when they sent an expansive request for information and data to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which was contracted by Congress nearly four decades ago to oversee the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). This investigation is ongoing.In April 2019, Grassley and Wyden jointly began investigations of organizations in their home states that provide services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This December, they released two investigative reports regarding the performance and efficacy of providers REM Iowa and MENTOR Oregon, which receive significant federal funding through Medicaid to provide care for individuals with I/DD. Grassley's review of REM Iowa found that the company has had and continues to face problems, including failures to report abuse or neglect, failures to follow an individual's particular care plan and failures to adhere to clients' medication schedules. Grassley's report makes three specific recommendations to REM Iowa: improve training practices for employees, improve access to data and establish a process to track and monitor critical incidents using electronic databases. Grassley's report also recommends that the federal and state governments improve oversight, outreach and support for facilities facing systemic issues.On December 2, 2020, Grassley wrote a letter to every member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees about the need for new attention to the tax laws governing non-profit hospitals. In late 2019, Grassley announced he was renewing his probe of non-profit, tax-exempt hospitals. It's time for Americans to have more financial information available to them when going to the hospital and working with their insurance companies. It's time for Congress to empower Americans to shop for healthcare in a competitive, functional market so as to reduce the costs of care and coverage, and save individuals and businesses hundreds of billions of dollars, Grassley wrote. Housing: Grassley joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation to protect property owners whose assets are seized by the federal government. An earlier version of the bill was introduced in 2016, following a Judiciary Committee hearing that examined several concerns associated with law enforcement asset seizure policies and practices. The hearing identified gaps in procedural protections for property owners whose assets were seized despite the absence of criminal charges or convictions. Additionally, many individuals whose assets are seized don't know their rights and don't know how to proceed to challenge the seizure. Illegal, illicit drugs, and opioids: In 2020, Grassley continued his longtime work addressing illegal and illicit drug manufacturing and addiction in the U.S. He joined Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in introducing the Methamphetamine Response Act, a bill declaring methamphetamine an emerging drug threat which would require the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop, implement and make public a national plan to prevent methamphetamine addiction and overdoses from becoming a crisis. This bill passed the Senate on November 16, 2020 but wasn't considered for final passage in the House of Representatives.Grassley also cosponsored the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. President Trump signed this bill into law in February, which extends a Drug Enforcement Administration temporary scheduling order to proactively control deadly fentanyl analogues. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths continue to rise and sophisticated drug trafficking organizations manipulate dangerous substances to skirt the law, so this critical law placed fentanyl substances in Schedule I so that they can be better detected and criminals can be held accountable for their actions. This Grassley supported law sunsets in May of 2021. Grassley and Ernst once again urged Iowans to participate in National Drug Take-Back Day. Unused, unneeded and expired prescription medicines present risk for misuse and theft. Responsible disposal can help prevent accidental poisoning, addiction and overdose deaths.As Chairman of the Senate Finance Finance Committee, Grassley initiated a bipartisan investigation with Ranking Member Ron Wyden, and sent letters to 10 tax-exempt organizations requesting information about their financial relationship with opioid manufacturers. This is a continuation of the investigation Grassley started in 2012, when he was Ranking Member of Judiciary. This investigation requested payme", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook", "Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law\n \n \n \n\n \n \n December 30, 2020\n \n \n | \n \n Press Releases\n \n \n \n \n WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community.\nFrom his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space.\nBefore Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC.\nNOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-votes-support-national-defense-bill", "Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill \n \n \n \n\n \n \n December 30, 2020\n \n \n | \n \n Press Releases\n \n \n \n \n WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act:\nThe defense bill provides needed resources that build on President Trump's successful efforts to restore our military after years of underfunding and deterioration of our readiness.It also supports the National Defense Strategy, gives a needed pay raise to our troops, and provides critical upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the Lima tank plant, and other important military facilities that help support our troops around the globe.This legislation directly impacts our Ohio defense community.\nI agree with President Trump that we need to take a serious look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, but a defense bill isn't the place for those reforms. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-local-elected-officials-and-environmental-stakeholders", "Rep. Zeldin, Local Elected Officials and Environmental Stakeholders Celebrate New Federal Law to Save Plum Island", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Lee Zeldin", "Z000017", "zeldin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SOUTHOLD, NY - On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), hosted a virtual press conference via Zoom with Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Agular, Shelter Island Supervisor Gerry Siller and Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams, Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Assemblywoman-Elect Jodi Giglio, John Turner of the Plum Island Coalition, Louise Harrison, Chris Cryder and Leah Schmalz of Save the Sound, Greg Jacob of The Nature Conservancy, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Bob DeLuca of Group for the East End, and others to celebrate the repeal of a 2008 federal law that required Plum Island to be sold to the highest bidder.\nSenator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the past three weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Zeldin worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocate for their assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish line for the First Congressional District of New York. Due to Congressman Zeldin's efforts, the 2008 federal law has now been reversed. Congressman Zeldin also worked with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D, NY) who maintained direct contact with Congressman Zeldin during this effort.\n\"Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well, said Congressman Lee Zeldin following passage of this legislation. The law which mandated the sale of the island to the highest bidder was the wrong path forward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that reversed that law and preserves Plum Island's rich history and taps into its limitless potential for generations to come. I would like to thank my colleagues in government for their support and the tireless Plum Island advocates throughout our region for their tenacity all along the way. It's been an honor to lead this fight, and I'm looking forward to continuing to fight for the future of Plum Island.\nIn 2008, Congress created a new law to mandate the sale of Plum Island to the highest bidder. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has secured House passage of 6 of his proposals to preserve Plum Island as a world-renowned research facility, historical site and conservation area, and secured $1.5 million in federal funds last year to stabilize and restore its iconic lighthouse.\nLast year, Congressman Zeldin authored and secured enactment of legislative language to halt the sale of the island for Fiscal Year 2020. Additionally, this Congress, he introduced the Plum Island Preservation Act of 2019, which would permanently repeal the law mandating the sale of Plum Island and require any further use of the island be for conservation, education and/or research purposes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403002", "Burgess: Presidents should be in command of our troops", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting against overturning President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nThe President of the United States is the Commander in Chief and should have the ability to bring our troops home. President Trump committed to America that he would end the endless wars our country has been fighting. Over the last four years, he has kept his promise. The NDAA placed restrictions on the President's ability to bring troops home from commitment overseas. Rather than restrict the President's authority, Congress should do more to see how we can support our troops as they defend this great country while evaluating how to swiftly remove them from harm's way, said Burgess.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403003", "Burgess: Vote puts Americans First", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after voting in support of the CASH Act.\r\nAmericans are hurting. This Coronavirus has affected more than our physical health. Americans have suffered from job and financial losses. When putting together the appropriations for this year and the next COVID-19 response legislation, the priority should have been to help the American people. Congress should have gone through each of the appropriation bills in a bipartisan way so that we were not left at the end of the year having to cram everything in one bill. When Speaker Pelosi decided to combine the two bills, there should have been cuts to other parts of our budget to ensure we could have included more money going directly to Americans first. Through this pandemic, Congress' focus should be America's needs, said Burgess.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401221", "Huizenga Celebrates Completion of $6.6 Million Great Lakes Restoration Project in Muskegon, $2.9 Million Project in Detroit", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, released the following statement after the EPA announced the completion of a $6.6 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Project in Muskegon as well as the completion of a $2.9 million project on the Detroit Riverwalk.\r\nThe Ryerson Creek Outfall is a 12-acre site located on the shores of Muskegon Lake that has been contaminated with petroleum, metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This GLRI funded project successfully dredged 10,600 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, removed over 2,000 tons of mill debris, and covered a two-acre area with clean sand.Along the Detroit River, EPA dredged approximately 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment just downstream of the MacArthur Bridge that leads to Belle Isle. The EPA then isolated and stabilized the contaminated sediment with a cap made of clean material.\r\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continues to successfully rehabilitate areas impacted by legacy pollution, said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. Today's announcement by the EPA marks another critical step forward in the efforts to restore Muskegon Lake and the Detroit riverfront. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has played a leading role in strengthening the ecology as well as the economy of communities across Michigan. The continued recovery of Muskegon Lake and the Detroit Riverwalk is not only great news for Muskegon and Detroit, it is great news for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region.\r\nThis is another great example of how effective this agency has been following the priorities of this Administration the completion of these Great Lakes Legacy Act projects demonstrate that when federal, state, local, and industry partners work together collaboratively, we can solve complex environmental problems and get the job done, said Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Kurt Thiede. These cleanups in the Muskegon Lake and Detroit River AOCs will significantly advance our efforts to restore water quality in these two important waterways.\r\nIn August, Grand Valley State University released new research detailing how efforts to restore Muskegon Lake through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative have led to $27.9 million in additional recreational spending per year, increased property values by $7.9 million, and increased the total number of visits to Muskegon Lake by 11%. Overall, the GVSU study found that restoring Muskegon Lake has led to a 4% increase in recreational spending in Muskegon County. This study was conducted prior to the successful clean up at the Ryerson Creek Outfall.\r\nIn addition to the Grand Valley State University Study, a 2018 study by the University of Michigan found that every $1 invested from the GLRI between 2010 and 2016 will generate $3.35 in additional economic activity through 2036. In cities such as Detroit and Buffalo that investment will yield a return of over $4 for every $1 invested according to the U of M Study.\r\nThe EPA provided $4.3 million through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) provided $1.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions for the cleanup of Muskegon Lake. This successful cleanup of legacy pollution utilizing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative follows the removal of 50,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment in 2018 from the former Zephyr Oil Refinery in Muskegon Township.\r\nThe $2.9 million Detroit Riverwalk cleanup was funded through the GLRI's cost-sharing partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRFC). DRFC covered the sediment cap with stone rip rap, which stabilized an aging seawall and provided geophysical support for the future Detroit Riverwalk extension, which will connect Mt. Elliott and Gabriel Richards parks. EPA also collaborated with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, EGLE, and the City of Detroit to complete this project.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048", "Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. \r\nWith Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. \r\nFolks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049", "Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "jhb.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. \r\nHerrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region.\r\nThe Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler.\r\nThe Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama.\r\n\"Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA).\r\nThe Columbia River is the largest wheat export gateway in the nation, second in the nation for soybeans, and the third largest gateway in the world. The channel supports over 50 million tons of cargo valued at $24 billion each year, and over 40,000 local jobs are dependent on commerce that runs through the Columbia River. Traffic is expected to grow, increasing the need for additional locations for large, deep-draft vessels to safely turn and park on the lower river.\r\nBackground on Columbia River Turning Basins:\r\nTurning basins along the Columbia River allow large, deep-drafting ships to turn around in the event of severe weather or emergencies. Currently, there are a limited number of areas for vessels to safely turn on the Columbia River. Frequently, several ships will form a caravan spaced approximately two to three miles apart. There can be upwards of four or five ships in the caravan ranging from 750 to 1000 feet in length, carrying a wide variety of product, and loaded as deeply as possible to maximize the 43-foot channel. Additionally, intense storms from autumn through spring necessitate closures on the Columbia River Bar which can require the caravans to turn around and return to an anchorage location as far as the Vancouver/Portland area. With very few places on the lower Columbia River to safely turn vessels of this size, it is vital another federal turning basin be established at the Lower Martin Bar.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0221051A-F1E6-43CF-B61D-00D023FE4CE3", "In 2020, Joni Keeps Fighting, Delivering for Iowa", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON From securing critical, bipartisan COVID relief for Iowa families, small businesses, hospitals, and farmers, to continuing to hear directly from and be accessible to Iowans across the state on her annual 99 County Tour, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) continued to fight relentlessly and deliver for her home state of Iowa in 2020.\r\n\r\nThis past year, we Iowans have experienced trying times, but we've also seen the resilient spirit of our state. Whether securing critical COVID relief, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statethroughout it all, I've never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans. Of course, the work doesn't stop here, and as we head into the New Year, I'll continue fighting for our families, farmers, and small businesses, being your voice in Washington, and always putting Iowa first said Senator Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above to watch my video. \r\n \r\n\r\nSome highlights of 2020:\r\n\r\n \r\nFighting for Iowa Small Businesses Delivered billions of dollars of COVID relief to more than 60,000 Iowa small businesses through the first installment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); pushed Congress and delivered additional support for Iowa small businesses.\r\nAccessibility and the 99 County Tour Completed her sixth 99 County Tour; has held a public town hall or event in every county in Iowa from the most populated county, Polk County, to the smallest, Adams County.\r\nStanding Up for Farmers, Securing Trade Deals Fought tooth and nail for Iowa pork producers by securing immediate COVID assistance and strengthening the supply chain; successfully pushed for support for Iowa dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers; worked across the aisle to bolster support for farmers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); and finalized the USMCA, supported the Phase One China trade deal, and pushed for a trade deal with the UK.\r\nDefending the RFS, Fighting for Biofuels Delivered key provisions in the latest COVID relief package to provide support for Iowa biofuel producers; after blocking a key EPA nominee, Ernst successfully pushed EPA to throw out the gap year waivers; secured a commitment from the president to allow E15 at E10 pumps and, at her urging, applauded USDA's investment in renewable fuel infrastructure in Iowa; called for and commended the ethanol agreement with Brazil; and, earlier in the year, pushed for COVID relief for biofuel producers and pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow ethanol to be used for hand sanitizer.\r\nSupporting Iowans Hurt By the Derecho Met directly with Iowans on the ground and with local leaders immediately after the storm hit and helped make resources available; called on USDA to provide assistance for farmers and cooperatives impacted by the storm; took action to go after scammers and price-gougers who were targeting Iowans; and pushed for tax relief for Iowans impacted by the storm.\r\nCaring for Veterans, Bolstering the Military Demandedanswers about sexual misconduct at U.S. military academies, worked across the aisle to combat assault in the Coast Guard, and took action to prevent abuse at the VA; pushed for equipment and policies to better prevent traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pressed for answers about conditions leading to TBI in veterans; built on her bipartisan work for veterans to ensure quality care for our veterans, combat veteran suicide, and help veterans transition to civilian life; and fought the bureaucracy to get female servicemembers proper-fitting body armor.\r\nMaking em Squeal Pushed back on Washington waste and frivolous spending with her monthly Squeal Award; called for unused government cash to go toward emergency PPE and medical equipment; worked to ban U.S. tax dollars from being spent at China's wet markets and the Wuhan lab; fought to eliminate a taxpayer-funded presidential campaign fund; and worked to ban taxpayer funding of anarchy in U.S. cities.\r\nSupporting Hospitals, Lowering Health Costs, Expanding Access to Care Delivered vital relief for Iowa hospitals and rural health care providers in the latest COVID relief package; secured support for Iowa's hospitals, including those in rural areas, and pushed to ensure hospitals' access to the Paycheck Protection Program; continued her bipartisan work to lower health care costs for Iowans and increase transparency to reduce drug prices; called for expanded telehealth services; and continued working with Senator Grassley to drive down Rx drug costs.\r\nDelivering for Families, Seniors Continued be a strong advocate for expanding child care services; secured $32 million in COVID relief for Iowa child care centers and additional funding for centers in the latest COVID package; called for additional support for diaper assistance amid COVID; continued supporting family caregivers; called for a crackdown on scammers targeting seniors during COVID; pushed for support for nursing homes and senior care facilities.\r\nPromoting Women, Conservative Values Voted to confirm Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, who Ernst described as an inspiration for working moms and young girls across the country; was unanimously reelected to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference; led the effort to eliminate female genital mutilation and fully denounce it as a human rights violation; and helped create the law to safeguard the resources for investigating sexual abuses of Olympic and amateur athletes.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=D8C20728-AB93-4D18-9A39-9A9391888F92", "McConnell on NDAA: I Urge My Colleagues to Support This Legislation", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NDAA and COVID-19 relief:\r\nCongress has returned to work this week to enact the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act into law.\nYesterday, a bipartisan supermajority in the House voted to reapprove the conference report of this must-pass legislation. Today, the Senate will set up a final vote for tomorrow Wednesday for this chamber to follow suit. Soon this important legislation will be passed into law.\nPresident Trump has rightly noted this year's defense bill doesn't contain every provision that we Republicans would have wanted. I'm confident our Democratic colleagues feel the same way.\nBut that is the case every year. \nAnd yet, for 59 consecutive years and counting, Washington has put our differences aside, found common ground, and passed the annual defense bill. \nNot once in six decades has a Congress let its differences prevent it from completing this work for our national security and our men and women who wear the uniform.\nThis year's NDAA will continue our momentum in rebuilding and modernizing our armed forces.\nIt will authorize the personnel, equipment, tools, and training we need to reinforce the National Defense Strategy and deter great-power rivals like China and Russia.\nIt will cement our advantage on the seas, on land, in the air, in cyberspace, and in space.\nAnd the bill will help us continue to recruit, retain, and support the men and women who keep us safe. It provides a pay raise for the troops, improvements for military housing, childcare, and more.\nFor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, failure is not an option. \nSo when it is our turn in Congress to have their backs, failure is not an option here either.\nI urge my colleagues to support this legislation one more time when we vote tomorrow.\n*** On Sunday, President Trump signed into law another historic, bipartisan rescue package. It will provide major support to American families through what we hope will be the home stretch of our fight with the coronavirus.\nCongressional Republicans, congressional Democrats, and President Trump's senior team had all worked together to push hundreds of billions more dollars in urgent assistance to the people who need help most.\nThis new law will set up a targeted second round of the Paycheck Protection Program to save jobs. It will renew and continue federal programs that have helped laid-off workers endure this crisis. It will send more cash to households. It will invest billions in vaccine distribution so the success of Operation Warp Speed kills this pandemic as fast as possible. And much more.\nThis bipartisan compromise was our shot at getting help to working families on the urgent timeline that they need. Once again, I want to applaud President Trump for signing the bill and getting this much-needed assistance into the pipeline.\n***\nDuring this process, the President highlighted three additional issues of national significance he would like to see Congress tackle together. First, as he's explained, the President would like further direct financial support for American households.\nSecond is the growing willingness on both sides of the aisle to at least reexamine the special legal protections afforded to technology companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, including the ways it benefits some of the most prosperous, most powerful Big Tech firms.\nAnd the third subject since every American, regardless of their politics, should feel the integrity of our democracy is beyond reproach is exploring further ways to protect the sanctity of Americans' ballots, while continuing to respect the federal government's limited role in standing behind the state and local elections authorities who run elections.\nThose are the three important subjects the President has linked together.\nThis week, the Senate will begin a process to bring these three priorities into focus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C", "Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing theirlegislationthat will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer's share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week.\r\nAs the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success, said Thune. I'm glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority the students.\r\nOur legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota's 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually, said Rounds. This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It's a commonsense law that benefits everyone.\r\nTribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape, said Johnson. Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I'm grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Actprovides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs.\r\nCurrently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by tribes, through Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance (ISDEA) Act contracts; or through Tribally Controlled Schools Act grants, which help support tribal grant schools. As of December 2018, 128 schools nationwide operate as tribal grant schools, including nearly 20 in South Dakota, and three schools operate through an ISDEA contract. BIE operates 52 tribal schools across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/delivering-safe-and-effective-vaccines", "Delivering Safe and Effective Vaccines", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While 2020 has certainly been one of the most challenging years in modern history and recent memory, there is hope on the horizon that better days are ahead. Although the world is still reeling from the destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic, glimmers of hope are brightening more each day with the discovery, development and delivery of safe and effective vaccines to save lives and eliminate COVID-19's stranglehold on society. Indeed, this scientific achievement is coming faster than any other time in human history, and for that, we can and should be exceedingly grateful.\nAs you might know, vaccines to fight infectious diseases normally take several years to develop and distribute. However, thanks to Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the United States has miraculously been able to race toward discovery of lifesaving vaccines, treatments and therapeutics for COVID-19 in a matter of months. Initiated by the Trump Administration in mid-May, OWS established a public-private partnership between relevant federal agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense and pharmaceutical companies. Since it was created, OWS has not only supported some of the scientific research but it has enabled more rapid development and testing of vaccine candidates, allowing promising candidates to undergo clinical trials at essentially the same time as regulatory approval and preparation for mass production.\nDelivering a vaccine in record time has led some to have concerns about safety. However, I want to assure you that the accelerated turnaround is not the result of cutting corners or ignoring the existing safety standards required by statute. Indeed, from research and development to clinical trials to emergency use authorization (EUA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has remained closely involved every step of the way. In fact, clinical trials on promising vaccine candidates cannot even proceed without the FDA's clearance to do so. Moreover, a Data Safety Monitoring Board advises pharmaceutical companies and oversees results throughout clinical trials. If testing reveals that a vaccine candidate is effective by the end of phase three, a company can then request an EUA from the FDA.\nBefore an EUA for a vaccine can be granted, an FDA advisory committee must undergo a rigorous and fully transparent review of research and testing data in a public setting before making a recommendation. Moreover, for a vaccine candidate or any other unapproved medical product to receive an EUA from the FDA, it must meet certain conditions required by law under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. First, a life-threatening illness must exist. Second, it must be reasonable to believe that the illness can be prevented, diagnosed or treated by using the product. Third, the known and potential benefits of using the product must outweigh the known and potential risks. Fourth, there must be no adequate, approved and available alternative to the product.\nWhile there are vaccine candidates for COVID-19 still in development or undergoing clinical trials, two have already received FDA's authorization for emergency use in the United States. And since the federal government contracted with pharmaceutical companies to pre-purchase hundreds of millions of doses of promising candidates through OWS, vaccines could be manufactured at the same time as clinical trials and made ready to distribute immediately but only if approved by the FDA. The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech was the first one approved and deployed nationwide, and Moderna's followed about a week later. During testing with thousands of volunteers, the results were remarkable, with vaccines proving at least 94 percent effective in preventing sickness from exposure to COVID-19. In fact, this data is even better than the efficacy of annual vaccines to protect against influenza. Neither COVID-19 vaccine has live coronavirus in it. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains on their website, these messenger RNA vaccines trigger an immune response, which produces antibodies and then protects against infection if the real virus enters the body.\nAt the recommendation of the Office of the Attending Physician and to demonstrate my total confidence in our nation's vaccine efforts, I recently received my first dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. While vaccinations are a personal decision, defeating this terrible coronavirus is a war we must fight and win together. We can all do our part by taking the free-of-charge vaccine as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please continue taking the same practical precautions we have learned this year to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance and frequently wash your hands.\nFor details and ongoing updates on Oklahoma's four-phase vaccine distribution plan, please visit oklahoma.gov/covid19/vaccine-information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/rep-kelly-votes-override-presidential-veto-ndaa", "Rep. Kelly Votes to Override Presidential Veto of NDAA", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to override President Trump's veto of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is enacted annually to set the policy and spending priorities of the United States military. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) voted to pass the NDAA over the president's objection and issued this statement:\n\"The NDAA outlines the budget and policies the Department of Defense uses to plan for the next year. While I support the president's goal of amending or abolishing Section 230, that debate must not delay military planning for 2021.\"\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-congratulates-john-iosefo-prestigious-rangel-fellowship", "Amata Congratulates John Iosefo on Prestigious Rangel Fellowship", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AS", "Amata Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatais delighted to congratulate John Iosefo of American Samoa upon the announcement of the prestigious Charles B. Rangel Fellowship in International Studies from Howard University.\nCongratulations to John upon earning this superb opportunity, said Congresswoman Amata. We're always so happy to see one of our own succeeding and taking on new challenges. John served in the American Samoa congressional office as an intern, and did an excellent job. Now he's making American Samoa proud with this new educational step into diplomatic public service with the U.S. State Department. Congratulations also to his parents Tauiliili Silivelio and Juliana Ah-Ching Iosefo, and his many teachers, professors and influencers along the way.\n\nCongresswoman Amata and Rangel Fellowship winner John Iosefo (file photo)\n\nThis highly regarded Fellowship is part of a career and academic path to becoming a Foreign Service Officer and to earning a Master's degree in security studies. As part of the Rangel Program, John will intern with a Member of Congress on issues related to foreign affairs in summer 2021. In summer 2022, the U.S. Department of State will send him overseas to intern in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get hands-on experience in U.S. foreign policy and the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of the program, John will become a U.S. diplomat in summer 2023, embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers of service to his country.\nJohn is from Tafuna and Lauli'i villages of American Samoa, and graduated Tafuna High School. He is the youngest of eight children. John now attends the University of San Francisco, and is completing his final year of undergraduate studies. He also serves in student government as President of the ASUSF Senate.\nThe Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, administered by Howard University, selects outstanding Fellows yearly in a highly competitive nationwide selection process, then supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring and professional development activities. Graduates of the program now serve as diplomats around the world.\nThe program is named for the late Congressman Charles Rangel, who had a long and influential career in Congress that included chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/louisiana-delegation-statement-passing-congressman-elect-luke-letlow", "Louisiana Delegation Statement on the Passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: \"We are devastated to hear of Luke Letlow's passing. Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him. He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease needs our prayers. \"We all join in sending our strongest support to Luke's wife Julia and their young family, and are keeping them in our prayers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/2020/12/sensenbrenner-announces-2021-academy-nominees", "Sensenbrenner Announces 2021 Academy Nominees", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "F. Sensenbrenner", "S000244", "sensenbrenner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BROOKFIELD, WI Today,Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner(WI-05) announced the nomination of 31 candidates from Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District for appointment to the U.S. service academies.\r\n\r\n\nRep. Sensenbrenner:This year Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District yielded another outstanding group of students interested in attending the academies. They have demonstrated the ability to serve our nation, and I wish them all tremendous success. I would like to thank our Academy Selection Committee for the work they put into interviewing and assessing this year's applicants. Their efforts play a vital role in this process. As I approach my retirement from Congress in a few short days, I can say the ability to nominate students to our nation's service academies has been one of the highest honors.\r\n\n This year, Congressman Sensenbrenner nominated a total of 31 students, including six principal nominees. They are as follows:Principal Nominees Jocelyn Heckenkamp of Delafield has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jocelyn, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Heckenkamp, attends the University of Texas at Dallas, and is a graduate of Kettle Moraine High School.\nJane Yoo of Menomonee Falls has been named a principal nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jane, daughter of Chang and Eun Yoo, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nAllyson Davis of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Allyson, daughter of Michael and Nicole Davis, is a senior at Arrowhead High School.\nKye Yu of New Berlin has been named a principal nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Kye, son of Ben and Karen Yu, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School.\nAlec Malone of Pewaukee has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Alec, son of Dan and Trudy Malone, is a senior at Marquette University High School.\nTimothy Rauh of Hartland has been named a principal nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Timothy, son of Jeffery and Ann Rauh, is a senior at Brookfield Academy.\nCompeting Alternate Nominees and United States Merchant Marine Academy Nominees\n\r\nKyle Anthes of New Berlin has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Kyle, son of Brian and Jennifer Anthes, is a senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School.\nAnthony Bigari of Summit has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Anthony, son of Bryan and Tracy Bigari, is a senior at Pewaukee High School.\nDavid Crosby of Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. David, son of David, Sr. and Seleny Crosby, is a senior at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy.\nArno Crowley of Whitewater has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Arno, son of Alexander and Holly Crowley, is a senior at Whitewater High School.\nJack Dedrick of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Jack, son of Craig and Jennifer Dedrick, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nJack Ganos of Oconomowoc has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Jack, son of Michael and Rachel Ganos, is a senior at Arrowhead High School.\nNicholas Hansen of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Nick, son of Michael and Shelly Lynn Hansen, is a senior at Marquette University High School. He and his twin brother, Will, received nominations to the same academies.\nWilliam Hansen of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, US Military Academy in Annapolis, MD and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Will, son of Michael and Shelly Lynn Hansen, is a senior at Marquette University High School. He and his twin brother, Nick, received nominations to the same academies.\nMorgan Holley of Watertown has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Morgan, daughter of Allen and Katherine Holley, attends the US Air Force Prep School, and is a graduate of Watertown High School.\nConall Hospidales of Oconomowoc has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Conall, son of Christopher and Sheila Hospidales, is a senior at Oconomowoc High School.\nJulian Jones of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Julian, son of Kent Jones and Christina Tilbury, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nDerek Kaiser of Delafield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Derek, son of William Kaiser and Angela Belsha, attends Kettle Moraine Global.\nAhna Kammer of Jefferson has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ahna, daughter of Scott Kammer and Terese Wenkman, is a senior at Jefferson High School.\nBrandon Lee of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Branson, son of Yonggon and Yuna Lee, attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is a graduate of Brookfield Central High School.\nJoseph Lynch of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Joseph, son of Patrick and Jean Lynch, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nEthan Megal of Elm Grove has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ethan, son of Phillip and Sara Megal, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nPatrick Merkel of Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Patrick, son of Charlie and Sandy Merkel, is a senior at Pewaukee High School.\nHalle Quadracci of Hartland Pewaukee has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and a nominee to the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Halle, daughter of Joel and Caran Quadracci, is a senior at Devine Savior Holy Angels.\nTyler Rhode of Brookfield has been named an alternate nominee to the US Military Academy in West Point, NY. Tyler, son of Tim and Jana Rhode, is a senior at Brookfield East High School.\nAubrey Schmutzler of Watertown has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Aubrey, daughter of Brent and Maria Schmutzler, is a senior at Watertown High School.\nCollin Schulz of Fort Atkinson has been named an alternate nominee to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Collin, son of Todd and LaRae Schulz, attends the US Air Force Prep School and is a graduate of Lakeside Lutheran High School.\nAmelia Sitzberger of Ixonia has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Amelia, daughter of Robert Sitzberger and Heidi Graf, is a senior at Oconomowoc High School.\nKady Stigler of Menomonee Falls has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Kady, daughter of Chad and Lisa Stigler, is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.\nNatalie Tesch of New Berlin has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Natalie, daughter of Walter and Barbara Tesch, is a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School.\nHaley Wolff of Waukesha has been named an alternate nominee to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Haley, daughter of Peter and Christine Wolff, is a senior at Devine Savior Holy Angels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-29-2020", "Reps in Action: Dec. 29, 2020", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Elise Stefanik", "S001196", "stefanik.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29th, 2020 Press Republican", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-bigger-stimulus-checks-trump-veto-override", "Stefanik votes for bigger stimulus checks, Trump veto override", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Elise Stefanik", "S001196", "stefanik.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28th, 2020 NCPR", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-boost-stimulus-checks-override-trump-military-veto", "Stefanik votes to boost stimulus checks, override Trump military veto", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Elise Stefanik", "S001196", "stefanik.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28th, 2020 WWNY", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-improving-hope-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-act-signed-law", "Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers Act Signed into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Shelley MooreCapito(R-WV)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that theImproving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Actpassed Congress as part of the year-end omnibus package and has been signed into law.\nFollowing the lawmakers' successful bipartisan push in 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017. TheImprovingHOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill require the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make more health care providers aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access.\n\"It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available,said Senator Collins.Fortunately, following our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive a care planning session.Our legislation will expand access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among physicians.As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will continue to support those living with Alzheimer's diseaseand their caregivers.\n\nCare plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actwill help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources.\n\nWhile we work towards the goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers, and seniors understand diagnosis and available treatments helps make that happen. Enacting the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will mean more seniors will benefit for these plans. This is an important step forward for those suffering from Alzheimer's,said Senator Markey.\n\nDelivering accessible care to those struggling with Alzheimer's is crucial to the foundation of our families and gives hope to our loved ones. Now that certain care plans are offered, we must make sure this information is properly relayed to eligible families. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act successfully strengthens our outreach strategy and makes resources available to those who need it most. I'm proud to have been part of this movement since 2015 and that our legislation was included in the year-end package,said SenatorCapito.\n\nI know how devastating it can be, not only for our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's like my mother did -- but for families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible. Although we fought to provide patients and their caregivers important services like help in understanding a diagnosis, available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I'm thrilled to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the resources they need,said Senator Menendez.\n\nAlzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's. TheHOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients. This benefit encourages doctors to give a clear diagnosis to patients with Alzheimer's disease, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available.\n\nIn 2017, less than one percent of seniors living with Alzheimer's disease received the care planning benefit. TheImproving HOPE for Alzheimer's Actrequires HHS to conduct outreach to health care practitioners about comprehensive Alzheimer's disease care planning services, including education initiatives and materials on appropriate diagnostic evaluations and explanations of the requirements for eligibility.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C", "Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing their legislation that will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer\u2019s share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week.\n\n\u201cAs the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success,\u201d said Thune. \u201cI\u2019m glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority \u2013 the students.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota\u2019s 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThis will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It\u2019s a commonsense law that benefits everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cEnsuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I\u2019m grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act provides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs.\u201d\n\nCurrently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by tribes, through Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance (ISDEA) Act contracts; or through Tribally Controlled Schools Act grants, which help support tribal grant schools. As of December 2018, 128 schools nationwide operate as tribal grant schools, including nearly 20 in South Dakota, and three schools operate through an ISDEA contract. BIE operates 52 tribal schools across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409097", "Rep. Smith votes 'YES' to increase COVID-19 relief assistance checks to $2,000", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NJ", "Christopher Smith", "S000522", "chrissmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today said: The increase of COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000 coupled with yesterday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded unemployment benefits and other assistance are justified and necessary to assist tens of millions of people devastated by the pandemic and like previous COVID relief packages are a bridge to a post-COVID world. \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399897", "Rep. Gohmert Issues Statement on Pence Lawsuit", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Louie Gohmert", "G000552", "gohmert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement regarding the lawsuit filed against the Vice President: The 2020 presidential election was one we'd expect to see in a banana republic, not the United States of America. In fact, the rampant fraud and unconstitutional actions that took place were so egregious that seven contested states-- Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin all sent dueling slates of electors to Congress. This puts Vice President Mike Pence in a position where some argue he has to choose between morality and the law. That is not the case. \r\nIt is also critical to note that as many formerly in the mainstream media, now the Alt-Left media, continue to say that every court has said there is no evidence of fraud. That is disingenuous, deceitful, and flat out dishonest. The truth is that no court so far has had the morality and courage to allow evidence of fraud to be introduced in front of it.\r\nWe continue to hold out hope that there is a federal judge who understands that the fraud that stole this election will mean the end of our republic, and this suit would insure that the Vice-President will only accept electors legitimately and legally elected. There must be an opportunity for a day in court when fraud was this prevalent. \r\nIt is for this reason that I and other plaintiffs have filed a complaint for expedited declaratory and emergency injunctive relief to seek judgement from the court on the Vice President's authority when presiding over the Senate during the Joint Session of Congress. We are asking the court to uphold the powers laid out in the United States Constitution which grant the Vice President the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count. As outlined in the filing, the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional because it directs Vice President Pence to legitimize electoral votes in violation of the Electors Clause and limits or eliminates his Twelfth Amendment authority to determine which slates of electors should be counted and which, if any, may not be counted. This is fundamental because no statute can constitutionally supply rules to the extent that such statute violates the U.S. Constitution. \r\nThanks to spineless politicians, corrupt state officials and a coordinated effort to undermine the will of the American people in favor of business as usual in the D.C. swamp, we now find ourselves in a place where a stolen election becomes just another one of the miscarriages of justice this town refuses to remedy. The D.C. elites want to sweep these electoral injustices under the rug, just as they have done with countless other scandals such as the Russia-collusion hoax, the Biden-Ukrainian quid-pro quo, and Hillary Clinton's mishandling of classified information, to mention only a few. For the sake of the future of our Republic, come January 6th, Vice President Pence must be authorized to uphold the legal votes of millions of Americans and preserve our nation's great experiment in self-governance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401220", "Huizenga Discusses Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MI", "Bill Huizenga", "H001058", "huizenga.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Huizenga Discussing Supporting Troops, American Families, and Fiscal Responsibility \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n Tonight, Congressman Bill Huizenga spoke in a Facebook Live conversation with constituents across West Michigan to explain his support for our men and women in uniform. In the live video, Congressman Huizenga also explains why he did not support an additional $464 billion in COVID relief because he believes those dollars should be offset by reductions in federal spending. The video is embedded below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402402", "Griffith Statement on CASH Act", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding the CASH Act of 2020:\r\nYesterday, the President signed the more than $2.3 trillion Omnibus, which includedCOVID relief. After signing it, the President issued a statement calling on Congress to increase the amount of money going to individuals AND to cut bloated government spending. \r\n\r\nToday, the Democrats in the House put forward a bill to increase the size of the individual checks, BUT did not put forward any of the President's cut suggestions OR cuts to spending that they preferred. \r\n\r\nThis is a typical Democrat compromise. We will give you increased spending, but we will not give you the cuts requested. \r\n\r\nAccordingly, I could not support this increased spending, at this time, without legitimate cuts as requested by the President. \r\n\r\nHopefully with vaccines being distributed, our businesses and our economy will be back in operation soon. If not, we will have to examine additional relief in the new year. \r\n\r\nBackground \r\n\r\nCongressman Griffith supported the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations (HR 6074), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (HR 748), and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266). \r\n\r\nClick here for his statement on the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.cruz.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=5536", "Sen. Cruz Applauds Trump Administration for Providing Emergency Learning Scholarships", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Ted Cruz", "C001098", "www.cruz.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the administration's move to expand educational opportunity:\n\"With far too many Democrat officials flexing their authoritarian instincts, millions of families across the country are hurting right now. Arbitrary shutdowns of public and private K-12 schools have left a generation of students behind. I'm grateful the administration has taken this step to provide emergency learning scholarships for students, empowering parents with the resources they need to support their children's education during these unprecedented times. I'll continue working with my colleagues to reopen the economy, and get Americans safely back to work and school.\"\nRead the executive order here. Sen. Cruz has fought to provide American families with the resources needed to provide for their children's public, private, or homeschool education during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nIn July, Sen. Cruz introduced the School Choice Now Act with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), legislation that ensures all students will return to their pre-pandemic educational institutions.\nIn September, three of Sen. Cruz's education proposals were included in the Senate Republicans' targeted COVID-19 relief bill.\nThroughout his career, Sen. Cruz has led the fight to expand school choice and educational opportunities for American students. Learn more about his efforts here and here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=36F48083-1BD7-48E0-A3CD-B2E22AC69D4E", "McConnell Statement on Billy Goodman", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement today regarding the passing of Billy Goodman of Hart County: \r\nBilly Goodman was a trusted and loyal friend anyone would be lucky to know. Our shared values brought us together more than three decades ago. I have cherished our friendship every day since.\r\nBilly was an invaluable presence in Horse Cave. He comforted families during their most trying moments and was often the force behind the community's many successes. At every step, he brought a kindness and good humor that may be missed most of all.\r\nAlthough he was passionate about his business and his hometown, Debra and Nick were always at the center of his life. Elaine and I send our sincere condolences to them and everyone who loved Billy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases-es?ContentRecord_id=64671013-E220-4E46-B573-5F1D2E0668C4", "Rubio: Apoyo Los Pagos de $2000 Dlares a Los Necesitados", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sala de Prensa \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInicio\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSala de Prensa\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre su apoyo de aumentar el monto del Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) a los estadounidenses de $600 dlares a $2,000 dlares:\"Estoy de acuerdo con el presidente en que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora necesitan urgentemente ayuda adicional, razn por la cual apoyo el monto de $2,000 dlares en pagos directos a los estadounidenses que luchan durante la pandemia, Rubio dijo. Por meses, los republicanos intentaron aprobar un alivio adicional para los trabajadores, las familias y los pequeos comercios, solo para ser rechazados por los demcratas en todo momento. No podemos olvidar que hace meses la presidenta Pelosi y los demcratas rechazaron la oferta anterior de la Administracin Trump de $1,200 dlares por adulto y $1,000 dlares por nio. Afortunadamente, por fin, Pelosi deja de retener a las familias trabajadoras como sus rehenes\".Comparto la preocupacin de muchos de mis colegas sobre los efectos a largo plazo del gasto adicional, pero no podemos ignorar el hecho que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora en todo EE.UU. todava necesitan ayuda con urgencia, continu Rubio. \"El Congreso debera aprobar rpidamente una legislacin para aumentar los pagos directos a los estadounidenses a $2,000 dlares\".\"Tambin estoy listo para trabajar con mis colegas para realizar cambios muy necesarios a la Seccin 230 y tomar medidas para asegurarnos que el pueblo estadounidense pueda volver a tener confianza en nuestras elecciones\", concluy Rubio.Rubio introducir una legislacin para mantener las protecciones de la Seccin 230 para las pequeas empresas y las empresas que protegen la libertad de expresin, pero eliminar esa inmunidad general para las empresas de Big Tech que participan en ciertas actividades de moderacin, distribucin selectiva, o desarrollo de contenido.En junio del 2020, Rubio, junto a la senadora Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) y los senadores Kevin Cramer (R-ND) y Josh Hawley (R-MO) solicitaron que la Comisin Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, por sus siglas en ingls) revisar la Seccin 230 de la Ley de Decencia en las Comunicaciones y defina claramente los criterios por los cuales las empresas pueden recibir protecciones en virtud de ese estatuto.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2ED5EDD7-1C6B-4041-B86B-96348A28D221", "Rubio Urges Department of the Interior to Address Supply Chain Reliance on Rare Earth Minerals From China", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to take action addressing China's domination of the rare earth element supply chain in response to President Trump's September 30, 2020 Executive Order, Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries.In addition to Rubio, Representatives Jason Smith (R-MO), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), David McKinley (R-WV), Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Pete Stauber (R-MN) signed the letter.The President's Executive Order rightly recognizes that the United States now imports more than 80 percent of our rare earth elements (REE) from China, a marked shift from an earlier era in which the United States produced more REE than any other nation in the world, the lawmakers wrote. The United States has some of the highest quality and abundant rare earth element deposits in the world. However, China has intentionally underpriced usable REE metals to extinguish global competition in the REE metallurgy sector. China's strategy ensures that any REE ores mined and processed in the United States, or elsewhere, must be sent to China to be made into usable metals and materials. The President's Order recognizes this dynamic, and the great harm that this dependence on China for processing capacity does to American national security and economic resilience.The full text of the letter is below.Dear Secretary Bernhardt:We write to express our shared concern about America's dangerous reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. We welcome the President's September 30, 2020, Executive Order Addressing the Threat to the Domestic Supply Chain from Reliance on Critical Minerals from Foreign Adversaries. In particular, we welcome that Order's recognition that it is essential to address our nation's lack of capacity to turn processed rare earth oxides into usable metals and materials.The President's Executive Order rightly recognizes that the United States now imports more than 80 percent of our rare earth elements (REE) from China, a marked shift from an earlier era in which the United States produced more REE than any other nation in the world. The United States has some of the highest quality and abundant rare earth element deposits in the world. However, China has intentionally underpriced usable REE metals to extinguish global competition in the REE metallurgy sector. China's strategy ensures that any REE ores mined and processed in the United States, or elsewhere, must be sent to China to be made into usable metals and materials. The President's Order recognizes this dynamic, and the great harm that this dependence on China for processing capacity does to American national security and economic resilience.This Executive Order requires executive agencies to consider what additional strategies they may recommend to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign nations for sourcing and processing critical minerals, including REE. As you seek to comply with this requirement, we urge you to consider the benefits of providing a federal charter for a domestic Rare Earth Metallurgy Cooperative. A privately funded and managed utility could allow technology and manufacturing companies to share the burden of establishing the full spectrum of light and heavy rare earth metallurgy. As a cooperative, it could allow competing industries to work together. Moreover, it could operate on a cost-basis, thus being shielded from price manipulations by China. The cooperative could function as a utility which is available for use by non-member companies upstream and downstream the value chain.China's REE metals strategy maximizes its power and influence across the globe in several important ways: First, China can keep its own REE ore deposits in reserve while letting other nations invest in mining and processing to feed China's metals monopoly. China can also control the downstream and upstream REE supply chain. By controlling REE parts, China can force advanced manufacturing into its borders, and hijack the intellectual property of said manufacturing. Finally, China has the option of holding the world's defense and other advanced technologies hostage through its control of the REE parts supply chain.Without metallurgical capacity in the United States, other worthy and vital American-led efforts to promote mining and processing of REE may run the risk of being vulnerable to these dynamics. The combined resources of multiple, well-funded technology and manufacturing companies working together within a cooperative could provide an uninterruptible, global supply of the full spectrum of usable REE metals and materials. This is why this concept has growing legislative support in Congress.As you consider how to take meaningful action in response to the President's Executive Order, we urge you to consider the benefits and feasibility of government support for a privately funded REE metallurgical cooperative in the United States.Thank you for your attention to this important matter.Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.rubio.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2E570A9-9BF7-445E-B859-C2D3EF4EFD82", "English/ Espaol: Rubio: I Support $2000 Payments to Americans in Need", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Marco Rubio", "R000595", "www.rubio.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNewsroom\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMiami, FL U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement regarding his support for increasing the amount of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to Americans in need from $600 to $2,000:I agree with the President that millions of working class families are in dire need of additional relief, which is why I support $2,000 in direct payments to Americans struggling due to the pandemic, Rubio said. For months, Republicans tried to pass additional relief for workers, families, and small businesses only to be rejected by Democrats at every turn. Remember, months ago Speaker Pelosi and Democrats rejected the Administration's previous offer of $1,200 per adult and $1,000 per child. Thankfully, she's finally stopped holding working families hostage.I share many of my colleagues' concern about the long-term effects of additional spending, but we cannot ignore the fact that millions of working class families across the nation are still in dire need of relief, Rubio continued. Congress should quickly pass legislation to increase direct payments to Americans to $2,000.I also stand ready to work with my colleagues to make much-needed changes to Section 230 and take steps to ensure the American people can once again have confidence in our elections, Rubio concluded.Rubio will introduce legislation to maintain Section 230 protections for small businesses and companies that protect free speech, but remove that blanket immunity for Big Tech companies that engage in certain moderation, selective distribution, or content development activities.In June 2020, Rubio, along with Senators Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) requested that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) take a fresh look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and clearly define the criteria for which companies can receive protections under the statute.Later that month, Rubio and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), along with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) introduced the Limiting Section 230 Immunity to Good Samaritans Act, which would prohibit Big Tech companies from receiving Section 230 immunity unless they update their terms of service to operate under a clear good faith standard and pay a $5,000 fine if they violate those terms.RUBIO: APOYO LOS PAGOS DE $2000 DLARES A LOS NECESITADOSMiami, FL El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emiti el siguiente comunicado sobre su apoyo de aumentar el monto del Pago de Alivio por el Impacto Econmico (EIP, por sus siglas en ingls) a los estadounidenses de $600 dlares a $2,000 dlares:\"Estoy de acuerdo con el presidente en que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora necesitan urgentemente ayuda adicional, razn por la cual apoyo el monto de $2,000 dlares en pagos directos a los estadounidenses que luchan durante la pandemia, Rubio dijo. Por meses, los republicanos intentaron aprobar un alivio adicional para los trabajadores, las familias y los pequeos comercios, solo para ser rechazados por los demcratas en todo momento. No podemos olvidar que hace meses la presidenta Pelosi y los demcratas rechazaron la oferta anterior de la Administracin Trump de $1,200 dlares por adulto y $1,000 dlares por nio. Afortunadamente, por fin, Pelosi deja de retener a las familias trabajadoras como sus rehenes\".Comparto la preocupacin de muchos de mis colegas sobre los efectos a largo plazo del gasto adicional, pero no podemos ignorar el hecho que millones de familias de la clase trabajadora en todo EE.UU. todava necesitan ayuda con urgencia, continu Rubio. \"El Congreso debera aprobar rpidamente una legislacin para aumentar los pagos directos a los estadounidenses a $2,000 dlares\".\"Tambin estoy listo para trabajar con mis colegas para realizar cambios muy necesarios a la Seccin 230 y tomar medidas para asegurarnos que el pueblo estadounidense pueda volver a tener confianza en nuestras elecciones\", concluy Rubio.Rubio introducir una legislacin para mantener las protecciones de la Seccin 230 para las pequeas empresas y las empresas que protegen la libertad de expresin, pero eliminar esa inmunidad general para las empresas de Big Tech que participan en ciertas actividades de moderacin, distribucin selectiva, o desarrollo de contenido.En junio del 2020, Rubio, junto a la senadora Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) y los senadores Kevin Cramer (R-ND) y Josh Hawley (R-MO) solicitaron que la Comisin Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, por sus siglas en ingls) revisar la Seccin 230 de la Ley de Decencia en las Comunicaciones y defina claramente los criterios por los cuales las empresas pueden recibir protecciones en virtud de ese estatuto.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E4D94CDE-5BA2-4301-9F9D-12749A564817", "Sasse Statement on New York Religious Liberty Win", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit struck down Governor Cuomo's discriminatory restrictions on religious gatherings, delivering a key win for the First Amendment.\nThe First Amendment is what America is all about, and that means heavy-handed politicians can't act like religious liberty is theirs to bestow or to withhold. Governor Cuomo's intentional targeting of religious New Yorkers has been slapped down in court, again. The Judicial branch is screaming from the rooftops: a pandemic doesn't rewrite the Constitution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-presidential-request-to-increase-stimulus-checks", "Cole Supports Presidents Request to Increase Stimulus Checks", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he supported the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020, which would increase the amount on the coming stimulus checks to be received by most Americans to $2,000 per adult along with $600 per child.\nThe wrath of the coronavirus pandemic has caused unprecedented hardships for many Americans, and I applaud President Trump for urging Congress to deliver more targeted relief to individuals and families in the form of stimulus checks. I am proud to support the president's request to increase the amount on checks soon to reach most Americans, providing additional help as we continue to grapple with the uncertainties and challenges facing our communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-votes-to-override-ndaa-veto", "Cole Votes to Override Veto of NDAA", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to override the recent presidential veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021. With Cole's support, the House voted 322-87 to override the veto.\nI am disappointed by the president's decision to veto the National Defense Authorization Act, which is vitally important to supporting and strengthening our common defense and ensuring our service members have the resources they need to keep us safe. As the representative for the Fourth Congressional District of Oklahoma, which includes Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and Fort Sill in Lawton, I could not vote to sustain the president's veto. If Congress does not enact the NDAA for fiscal year 2021, it will cost military families their extra combat and flight pay, effectively giving them an undeserved pay cut for Christmas and shamefully disregarding the selfless sacrifices they daily make to ensure our shared safety and security.\nWhile I understand the president's concerns with certain provisions, I believe that this NDAA, in its entirety, makes essential progress in meeting our national security objectives. To be clear, we can and should address the president's valid concerns in other legislation, but I will certainly not jeopardize the important missions at Tinker and Fort Sill or the brave men and women who carry them out.\nFollowing passage of the NDAA Conference Report in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month, Cole penned a column here about the importance of enacting the legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/rural-radio-fortenberry-usda-ag-research-facility-unl-and-covid-relief", "Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-statement-fy2021-ndaa", "Gallagher Statement on FY2021 NDAA", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "WI", "Mike Gallagher", "G000579", "gallagher.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today released the following statement after voting to make the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act law.\n\"The SolarWinds espionage campaign emphasized our vulnerabilities in cyberspace and underscored the pressing need for action. Congress must work to make sure this never happens again, and the FY2021 NDAA takes concrete steps to help achieve this goal.\nWhile we are still learning about the scale of this campaign, what we do know is that many of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's recommendations included in this bill would have helped the government better respond to the hack. With these provisions, CISA would have enhanced resources and improved threat hunting capabilities, allowing the government to more quickly identify intrusions. The Department of Defense would have a comprehensive plan to strengthen the cyber defense of our nuclear command and control system, preventing malign access to this critical network from even happening. And a National Cyber Director would be able to coordinate a public-private response to dealing with this espionage.\nThese long-overdue reforms in addition to provisions that provide a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, help counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and deliver full funding to the Future Frigate make this year's NDAA must-pass legislation.\"\nThe FY21 NDAA adopts26 recommendations from the bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commissionthat strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, empower the government to better protect against a cyber-attack against adversaries, and safeguard our nuclear enterprise. This is in addition to overall nuclear modernization and NNSA cybersecurity investments in the bill.\nThe most notable of those measures include:\n Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command and Control Systems --The FY21 NDAA requires the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive plan that strengthens the cyber defense of nuclear command and control systems.\n\tStrengthening Cyber Security at the Nation's Nuclear Weapons Production FacilitiesAmerica's nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security and reported hacks at the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration(NNSA) mayrepresentanextraordinarily grave threatto the safety of every American.In recognition that cyber infrastructure modernization is an important part of the overall nuclear modernization plan, the FY21 NDAA specifically authorizes $375.5 million for information technology and cybersecurity within the NNSA's weapons activities accounts.\n\tEstablishinga National Cyber Director The FY21 NDAA creates the National Cyber Director(NCD)position in the White House to serve as the president's principal advisor on cyber issues and as a point of coordination and leadership within the federal government on these issues. The NCD would provide centralized White House leadership to coordinate federal response efforts and liaise with critical private-sector stakeholders.\n\tStrengtheningthe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) The FY21 NDAA contains several provisions aimed at strengthening CISA's capacity to carry out its mission, including a provision authorizing CISA to conduct threat hunting on U.S. government networks. In addition, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission is calling on appropriators to increase funding to CISA to build out more Hunt and Incident Response Teams (HIRTs).\n\t\tEarly reporting from affected departments and agencies suggests that CISA's incident response capacities may be overwhelmed. More HIRTs would bolster CISA capacity to assist departments and agencies in responding to the incident in a timely manner.\n\t\t\tBetter threat hunting on the .gov domain would have identified the campaign earlier on and possibly stopped the attack in its tracks.\n\t\t\tCISA is and will continue to be crucial in both identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents on federal government networks.\n\t\t\n\tStrengtheningan Integrated Cyber Center The FY21 NDAA contains a provision calling on the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a review of federal cybersecurity centers and propose a plan to establish an integrated cyber center at CISA to improve coordination among federal government cybersecurity centers.\n\t\tA stronger integrated cyber center would help facilitate greater information exchange between federal departments and agencies, helping to quickly paint a clearer picture of the scope and scale of incidents like this and to inform incident response and the allocation of critical incident response capabilities.\n\t\t\n\tProtecting Against Industrial Espionage and Cyber TheftThe FY21 NDAA contains a requirement for a Presidential assessment on the effectiveness of the National Cyber Strategy to deter industrial espionage and large-scale cyber theft of intellectual property and personal information conducted by China.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-votes-sustain-president-s-ndaa-veto", "Duncan Votes to Sustain Presidents NDAA Veto", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Jeffrey Duncan", "D000615", "jeffduncan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\nThe House voted this evening on whether to sustain or override the President's veto on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I voted to support the President in sustaining his veto for the same reasons I voted against the NDAA when it last came before the House. The legislation contained too many issues unrelated to our national defense, and it did not contain language to prevent the closure of the Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot.\nThank you, President Trump, for vetoing this legislation, and even though the veto was ultimately overridden by the House, I hope the Senate takes a different course.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/kelly-statement-house-vote-increase-stimulus-payments-600-2000", "Kelly Statement on House Vote to Increase Stimulus Payments from $600 to $2000", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) issued this statement following his vote against increasing COVID-19 pandemic relief stimulus checks from $600 to $2000:\n\"I support providing direct relief to Pennsylvanians whose current economic struggles were caused by Governor Wolf's lockdown of the Keystone State for most of 2020, but this stimulus check expansion misses the mark because it is not targeted to people who need it most and ignores President Trump's call to reduce wasteful government spending. Our path forward must include direct relief, spending cuts, and opening the Commonwealth's economy so families can go back to work.\"\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lucas.house.gov/news/press-releases/lucas-votes-enact-ndaa-law-applauds-inhofe-s-leadership", "Lucas Votes to Enact NDAA Into Law, Applauds Inhofes Leadership", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to enact theWilliam M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year2021into law. The bipartisan, bicameralNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) authorizes funding for our nation's armed services and retirees as well as a number of Oklahoma's military installations.\n\t\t\t\tThe enactment of the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act into law is the 60th consecutive time Congress has passed and ensured the National Defense Authorization Act has become law. Our nation's defense and those who serve within its ranks are well-supported by this critical piece of legislation,said Congressman Lucas.While Congress shares President Trump's concerns regarding Section 230, a provision which deserves its fair share of congressional scrutiny, Congress must not miss the opportunity to pass such a strong bill that provides for our Armed Service members, supports military families, and includes meaningful measures that counters aggression shown by Russia and China.\n\t\t\t\tI would also like to express my appreciation for Senator Inhofe's work in negotiating this agreement, which stretches over 1200 pages and took months to put together. His role as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was critical in crafting legislation that reflects our nation's values and makes our country safer. There is no doubt that Oklahoma is fortunate to have his strong support while leading the Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to support his efforts to make sure our military has the resources it needs to protect our country.\n\t\t\t\tNotable Provisions Related to Military Personnel, Bases in Oklahoma's Third District\n\t\t\t\tThe Conference Report includes language which protects the KC-135 tanker until technical issues are fixed during the production of the KC-46, which benefits Altus Air Force base's fleet of KC 135's. The measure includes over $86 million dollars to support KC-46 Tanker Squadrons based both domestically and abroad, and Altus is programmed to receive eight aircraft.\n\t\t\t\tThe Conference Report also fully funds the research and development of the Air Force's Next generation of advanced pilot training aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk. The T-7 will replace the aging T-38 Talon training aircraft at Vance Airforce Base.\n\t\t\t\tThe Conference Report includes a 3% pay raise for all service members.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lucas.house.gov/news/press-releases/lucas-votes-favor-cash-act-supports-president-s-request-increasing-direct", "Lucas Votes in Favor of CASH Act, Supports Presidents Request Increasing Direct Stimulus", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9051- theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act.Lucas supported the legislation.\n\t\t\t\tThe coronavirus pandemic has caused tremendous societal and economic hardships across Oklahoma and the United States. While a number of our communities have begun to recover, many Oklahomans and families are falling even further behind and are now faced with the consequences of delaying bill payments in order to purchase necessities for their families. Our recovery will depend significantly on the course of the virus in our communities, but during times of need, Congress must provide stability and a bridge for individuals and families until we are fully on the path of recovery,said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).Joining with President Trump, I'm hopeful the aid the House voted on tonight will further assist Oklahomans during this historic pandemic and economic crisis.\n\t\t\t\tTheCASH Actincreases the value of the economic impact payments (EIPs) proved in the end-of-year relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcclintock.house.gov/newsroom/speeches/a-massive-wealth-transfer-that-s-either-inadequate-or-unnecessary", "A Massive Wealth Transfer Thats Either Inadequate or Unnecessary", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "CA", "Tom McClintock", "M001177", "mcclintock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman McClintock today delivered the following remarks on the House floor:\nA Massive Wealth Transfer That's Either Inadequate or Unnecessary \n\tSpeech in Opposition to HR 9047 \n\tCongressman Tom McClintock\nDecember 28, 2020\nMr. Speaker:\n Let's get this straight: the small shopkeeper who's just lost their entire savings because of the lockdowns will get the same $2,000 grant as the government bureaucrat who's been enjoying a steady paycheck at home for the past ten months.\n This money is wholly inadequate for those who have been harmed by the lockdowns and wholly unnecessary for those who have not. And this free money doesn't come from heaven -- it comes from the future earnings of those who will be struggling to get back on their feet making the post-lockdown recovery more difficult and prolonged.\n Much of the burden of this debt will fall on the young, who have already borne the brunt of the lockdowns. It is in a very real sense, a massive wealth transfer from the future to the present, from the young to the old and from those who have been hurt by the lockdowns to those who have not.\n There's only one way to end the suffering caused by the lockdowns. END THEM.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-economic-relief-american-samoa-signed-law", "Amata Highlights Economic Relief for American Samoa Signed into Law", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AS", "Amata Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Monday, Congresswoman Uifaatali Amatahighlighted the signing into law of several priorities that she has supported for American Samoa, and said she would welcome rapid congressional action to boost direct payments to $2,000, and is monitoring that effort. Under the new law, $600 will be sent out.\nPresident Trump signed the major year-end federal funding for 2021 to prevent a government shutdown, which included attached Covid relief and economic assistance legislation, while asking Congress to make changes and increase direct payments to $2,000.\nThe $600 direct payments are now law, but Congress will consider the $2,000 proposal as well, Amata said. This bill was a bipartisan and bicameral compromise, but it does include these important and specific needs for American Samoa, which was where I focused, along with vaccine distribution and support for our people serving in the Armed Forces.\nThe bill affects American Samoa as follows:\n $600 for individuals and dependents with Congress to consider the proposal for $2,000.\n\tA direct increase of $500,000as she requested for ASG Operations, also restoring $3 million over the Interior Department plan. This ensures the fourth straight yearly increase for American Samoa at her request.\n\tRenewal of the small business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with loan forgiveness simplification, and renewal of EIDL Advances. Together, these programs have put over $24 million into American Samoa's small business economy in 2020.\n\tFunding for vaccine production, distribution and testing that will include the Territory.\n\tA one-year extension of theAmerican Samoa Economic Development Creditthat preserves local cannery and fishing jobs;\n\tA three percent pay raise for the U.S. military.\n\tNationwide funding for health, education, broadband, transportation and other services that will be distributed to states and territories according to federal formulas and the grant process.\n\tPreservesAmata co-led PPE Actmeasure to allow businesses to use their PPP money to cover expenses of providing personal protective equipment to their employees.\n \n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-house-vote-override-president-s-veto-fy21-ndaa", "Stefanik Statement on House Vote to Override the Presidents Veto of FY21 NDAA", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Elise Stefanik", "S001196", "stefanik.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to override President Trump's veto of the FY21 NDAA:\nAs the number one advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I have spent the last several months working with my colleagues to pass a strong, bipartisan NDAA for FY21, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Today, I kept my promise to servicemembers, veterans, and military families across my district by voting to override President Trump's veto of this very important bill. I remain committed to delivering critical funding and resources to our nation's military in order to protect our troops, support military families, improve our military readiness, and strengthen our national security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-votes-support-stimulus-check-increase-2000", "Stefanik Votes in Support of Stimulus Check Increase to $2,000", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NY", "Elise Stefanik", "S001196", "stefanik.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to increase the amount in government-issued stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000:\nAfter months of Nancy Pelosi's partisan games and politicization of COVID-19 relief that many hardworking families need, I voted to increase the amount ofdirect economic support for the hardworking families across my district, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I remain focused on providing critical relief for our hardworking families, small businesses, schools, hospitals, farms, and communities who need our support. I will continue to support efforts to deliver funding directly back to the North Country as we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404286", "Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Steve Womack", "W000809", "womack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n f \r\n t \r\n #\r\n e\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n Washington,\r\n December 28, 2020\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n Washington, DCDecember 28, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement after supporting our troops and national security by voting to override the executive veto of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation, which contains several Womack-supported provisions, authorizes $740.5 billion for national defense initiatives. It includes resources to equip our troops, support military families, enhance defense capabilities, strengthen military readiness, and modernize the force:\r\nThe NDAA is vital to the security of our nation and supports the men and women in uniform who stand watch over freedom. This year's legislation contains raises for our troops, bolsters cybersecurity defenses, confronts emerging threats from China and Russia, and invests in Arkansas's military installations. It enhances the safety and defense of our homeland and ensures our armed forces remain the most superior fighting force in the world. I agree that we need to reform Section 230 policy provisions, but opposing this legislation is not the right way to address it. We can't deprive our military of the resources needed to secure our country and put us on a stronger path forward.\r\nCongressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\r\nwomack.house.gov\r\n###\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n f \r\n t \r\n #\r\n e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/navigating-the-changing-landscape-to-deliver-help", "Navigating the Changing Landscape to Deliver Help", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This year brought incredible challenges. COVID-19 protocols required many of us to change the way we live and work and that meant finding a way for my staff and I to continue deliver critical help and provide answers to questions about federal agencies. Constituent service is alwaysmy toppriority but there was an increased sense of urgency to solve problems Arkansans faced as a result of this crisis.\r\nLast spring, my staff fielded thousands of calls from people who were desperate for information about their Economic Impact Payment. The volume of calls and emails was so heavy that we couldn't record them all. Out of all of the calls for help, 355 of them resulted in direct inquires with the IRS to track down lost payments and tax returns. The outreach we did on behalf of Arkansans with the agency increased 706 percent from last year.\r\nMore Arkansans asked for assistance with the Department of State. In 2020, we received 230 requests for help, an increase of137 percent from 2019.Many of those cases were citizens who were stuck overseas after borders were closed in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Repatriation efforts dominated the State Department's work for many months and we helped Arkansans return home from all over the world.\r\nOther troubles Arkansans have experienced has required congressional action. For example, many veterans are required to complete a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to verify their medical condition when applying for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Because the VA paused in-person exams for a period of time, the backlog has grown and it's delayed benefits. I introduced a bill to increase the number of health care providers who are allowed to conduct these health assessments. Congress passed it and it's headed to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\nVeterans have also experienced delays in getting their service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). My staff relies on this office to get veterans' records that are needed when filing for a wide range of VA benefits. The facility has limited the number of employees allowed to work in the large archive because of COVID-19. Right now, it's operating at less than 10 percent of normal capacity and staff is only servicing emergency cases. This has resulted in a nearly 120 percent increase in claims and appeals waiting on federal records.\r\nIt is unreasonable that veterans must wait months for their records. Congress recently increased funding for the NPRC so it can expand its remote work capability in order to address the backlog.\r\nWhile working in an evolving landscape and delivering the services we're recognized for, I was still able to visit with health care heroes, small business owners and school officials across 50 counties to see how federal COVID-19 relief programs are supporting the needs of Arkansans and learn what improvements can be made.\r\nWhile some federal agencies are struggling to meet the changing demands of their services, my staff and I remain committed to doing all we can to help during these challenging times. We will continue to push for answers for Arkansans who need us as our nation, and the world, look to a brighter year ahead.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/185-million-support-breweries-signed-law-following-senator-collins%E2%80%99-advocacy-0", "$18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins Advocacy", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newsroom \n \n \n \n \n \n $18.5 Million in Support for Breweries Signed into Law Following Senator Collins' Advocacy \n \n \n \n The bill also makes permanent several beneficial provisions for small brewers that were included in the 2017 tax reform law \n \n Posted Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:53 \n \n \n \n Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee,announced that a total of $18.5 million to support breweries in Maine and across the country was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2021 government funding bill. The legislation also permanently lowers excise taxes to help brewers reinvest in their businesses, employees, and communities.\n\nMaine is home to the best craft brewers in the country.In addition to producing exceptional beer, they are a major contributor to our state's economy and a significant source of jobs,said Senator Collins.With the economic duress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, beverage producers have been under significant strain. The permanent reduction in excise taxes that I worked to securealong with investments made in the brewing supply chainare critical to helping these small businesses keeptheir doors open and their employees on payroll.\n\nProvisions championed by Senator Collins to benefit Maine's craft beverage industry include:\n\nPermanent authorization of theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act(CBMTRA)The legislation provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry by making permanent a measure in the2017 tax reform law.Senator Collinswasa cosponsor of the standalone bill, which reduces taxes, compliance burdens, and regulations for brewers, cider makers, vintners, and distillers.Earlier this month, Senators Collins and Angus King (I-ME)joined a bipartisan groupof 55 of their colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actin the next legislative package.\n\n$15 millionforU.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which enhances the product safety and supply of barley and wheat. The goal of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative is to develop as quickly as possible effective control measures that minimize the threat ofFusariumhead blight (scab) to the producers, processors, and consumers of wheat and barley.\n\n$3.5 millionfor theSmall Grains Genomic Initiative, which funds important barley, oat, and wheat research to improve quality and breeding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/collins-bill-advance-energy-storage-technology-signed-law", "Collins Bill to Advance Energy Storage Technology Signed into Law", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Bipartisan legislation to accelerate the development of next-generation energy storage was signed into law. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tina Smith (D-MN), will support grid-scale energy storage research and development and improve the efficiency of the nation's electric grid, while helping to align research efforts on energy storage technologies.\n\nEnergy storage technology holds such great promise in the fight against climate change. Supporting current technology and advancing next-generation energy storage will allow us to integrate more renewables, such as wind and solar, which in turn will help to reduce emissions, Senator Collins said.The BEST Act will advance energy storage technologies, improve the efficiency of our nation's electricity grid, and help align research efforts on energy storage.I am delighted that this bipartisan piece of legislation is now law and will help shape our clean energy future.\n\nAs a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, advocating for the research and development of long-term energy storage has been a top priority,saidSenator Heinrich.I am proud to see the Better Energy Storage TechnologyAct signed into law so that we can truly invest in reshaping the power industry. This bipartisan effort offers federal agencies and national labs the opportunity to modernize our energy grid with advanced storage technologies that can provide days, even months, of capacity. With advances in solar and wind energy, New Mexico remains a leader in the charge towards a clean energy future. Signing this bill into law adds the extra spark to boost New Mexico power grids with the potential to do the same around the globe.\n\nWhen we expand energy storage capabilities, we can increase our use of renewables like wind and solar while contributing to our nation's energy and economic security, said Senator Smith. This is a great step forward for our country and the clean energy future, and I'm pleased that parts of my Promoting Grid Storage Act are included in this bipartisan legislation soon to become law.\n\nWe will never realize the promise of a clean energy future without significant advances in our ability to store and access power generated from renewable sources, said Heather Reams, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. The BEST Act helps activate our most precious natural resource, America's capability to innovate, in order to develop new energy storage technologies and more secure, more resilient energy grids. Energy storage may not be the most glamorous or exciting clean energy subject, but it is absolutely fundamental to driving the entire industry forward. Congratulations, Senator Collins, for successfully championing this legislation and thank you for doing the hard work it takes to bring us closer to our clean energy future.\n\nThe inclusion of the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act as part of the year-end spending and relief package is further proof of the bipartisan, bicameral support for energy storage to improve grid reliability and flexibility, said U.S. Energy Storage Association CEO Kelly Speakes-Backman. Congress has recognized the critical role of energy storage in building a clean energy future. We commend Senator Collins and Senator Heinrich, along with Representatives Casten, Foster, and Herrera Beutler, for their leadership in introducing this important legislation.\n\nSenator Collins has been one of the strongest leaders in the U.S. Senate for clean energy innovation, and her bill, the BEST Act included in the omnibus, will encourage all types of grid-scale energy storage technologies, including those that will address long duration and seasonal duration challenges, said Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath Action. \"By reorienting the federal grid scale storage research, development, and demonstration program we will set ambitious technology goals necessary to facilitate important breakthroughs for the grid of the future with far lower carbon emissions.\n\nEnergy storage provides a range of benefits including increased resilience and reliability on the grid. Supporting current and next-generation energy storage devices will complement the growth of clean, renewable resources on the power grid, replacing other sources of energy that release harmful emissions that cause climate change. In addition to these benefits, energy storage systems can help decrease energy costs by reducing the need for expensive peak power.\n\nOne of the biggest impediments to the commercialization of energy storage systems is cost. This legislation aims to increase the affordability of this technology by supporting Department of Energy (DOE) research, planning and technical assistance, and demonstration and pilot projects. DOE has successfully demonstrated how federal support for research and development can reduce the cost of innovative technology. For example, DOE's SunShot Initiative reduced the price of solar by approximately 75 percent in less than a decade.\n\nThe BEST Act includes the following provisions:\n\n \nResearch and Development: Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a cross-cutting energy storage system research and development program with the goal of reducing the cost and extending the duration of energy storage systems.\n \n\n \nDemonstration Projects: Requires DOE to undertake three energy storage system demonstration projects, including a minimum of one project designed to address seasonal variations in supply and demand.\n \n\n \nTechnical and Planning Assistance: Establishes a program at DOE to assist electric utilities with identifying, evaluating, planning, designing, and developing processes to procure energy storage systems.\n \n\n \nJoint Long-Duration Demonstration Initiative: Establishes a joint program between DOE and the Department of Defense to demonstrate long-duration storage technologies.\n \n\n \nRecycling Program: Establishes a program at DOE to advance the recycling of critical energy storage materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.\n \n\nThe legislation is supported by the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Bipartisan Policy Center, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), ClearPath, Energy Storage Association, Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), National Audubon Society, National Hydropower Association, National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Natural Resources Council of Maine, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Union of Concerned Scientists.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins%E2%80%99-statement-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package-being-signed-law", "Senator Collins Statement on COVID-19 Relief-Government Funding Package being Signed into Law", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, released this statement following President Trump signing the COVID-19 reliefgovernment funding omnibus into law. Senator Collins and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) co-led the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition that developed the framework for the COVID-19 relief package.\n\nThe President's decision to sign the bipartisan COVID emergency relief bill into law is welcome news for the American people.\n\nThe agreement that our bipartisan, bicameral group negotiated was the foundation for this much-needed assistance. The law extends the Paycheck Protection Program I coauthored and allows our hardest-hit small businesses, such as restaurants and others in the hospitality sector, to receive a second forgivable PPP loan. This additional assistance will help prevent small businesses from having to shut their doors for good, allow them to continue paying their employees, and cover certain overhead costs, such as modifications to comply with public health guidelines. A new program I authored with Congressman Jared Golden will also provide targeted assistance to loggers for the first time.\n\nThe compromise also provides urgently needed housing, nutrition, and unemployment compensation to struggling families; appropriates additional funding for testing, vaccine distribution, and provider assistance to our stressed health care system; allocates funding for schools that have been challenged to operate safely in a COVID environment; assists the overwhelmed Postal Service; and provides assistance to our airlines, airports, mass transit, and bus and motorcoach companies that keep our country moving.\n\nThe package also fully funds our government through September 2021 and provides significant investments including strengthening our defense and assisting our veterans to providing funding for biomedical research and public health to supporting transportation and economic development programs that will help our country as we make progress to defeat the pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/signed-law-funding-appropriations-bill-support-shipbuilders-biw", "SIGNED INTO LAW: Funding in Appropriations Bill to Support Shipbuilders at BIW", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced that the fiscal year (FY) 2021Defense Appropriations Billhas been signed into law as part of the year-end omnibus funding package. This legislation includes provisions Senator Collins championed to support Maine industries that have an indispensable role in our defense, including Bath Iron Works (BIW).\n\nThe value and importance of our naval assets and shipyards to our national security have never been greater, which is why it is so critical that we continue to grow the Navy to be able to meet challenges around the world,said Senator Collins. Through my senior position on the Appropriations Committee, I secured funding for two DDG-51 Flight III ships. Funding included in this legislation will also help BIW make investments in the shipyard to ensure their hardworking employees have the cutting-edge tools they need to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. BIW is home to the best shipbuilders in the world, and this funding will help them stay competitive far into the future.\n\nThe FY 2021 Department of Defense funding bill provides $696 billionan increase of $2.6 billion above the FY 2020 enacted level.\n\nAdditionally, the bill includes a number of priorities Senator Collins advocated for:\n\n \nDDG-51 Shipbuilding:Includes funding fortwoDDG-51 Flight III ships. The bill also includes $130 million above the President's budget request of $29 million for DDG-51 advanced procurement specifically for a third DDG-51 in the next fiscal year.\n \n\n \nSurface Combatant Shipyard Infrastructure:Includes $215 million for surface combatant shipyard infrastructure.This funding can be used foryard improvements similar to the $130 millionawarded to BIWearlier in the year.\n \n\n \nDDG-51 Acquisition strategy report language:To ensure stability in the industrial base and shipyards, the bill includes explanatory language requiring the Navy to provide a fully funded strategy for the procurement of large surface combatants (LSC) in next year's budget request.\n \n\nIn January, Senators Collins and Angus Kingsent a joint letterto Defense Secretary MarkEsperobjecting to the Navy's proposal to reduce its shipbuilding program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned", "Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it. No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits. So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines. Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delivers more help for the unemployed, small businesses, schools and vaccine distribution. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I used my leadership position to ensure rural America wasn't left behind in the nation's pandemic response. I worked to steer direct relief and assistance to households, hospitals, small businesses, unemployed workers, student borrowersand farmers, and to bring accountability for patient care in nursing homes. Our health-care professionals and hospitals in Iowa are doing a heroic job to save lives and keep their doors open to serve their communities during the pandemic and beyond. I fought to boost payments for doctors, secure critical funding for rural hospitals and expand coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, including mental-health televisits and rolling unused Flexible Spending Account dollars into 2021. Getting additional money into the pockets of unemployed workers through enhanced unemployment insurance helps people who lost their paychecks through no fault of their own. The direct economic impact payments help families struggling to pay their bills. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has delivered a $5 billion financial lifeline to more than 61,000 small businesses in Iowa to help the lifeblood of our communities retain their workers and save their livelihoods. Feedback from Iowa small businesses and local lenders prompted my efforts to loosen restrictions and empower businesses to get the most bang for the buck to suit their operations. I pushed successfully to expand the program and fix the misguided IRS directive that ignored congressional intent and barred borrowers from deducting expenses if they took a PPP loan. This would have created an unfair and costly tax liability for small businesses already struggling to survive. As a taxpayer watchdog, I not only champion tax cuts and tax fairness, I keep close tabs on the federal tax-collecting agency. At an IRS oversight hearing this summer, I pressed the IRS commissioner about delayed refunds and missing stimulus payments Iowans were waiting to receive. My office continues to help Iowans track down answers from the IRS. Looking ahead, I'll fight to keep pro-growth tax cuts in place that I helped secure in 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unleashed historic economic expansion, job creation and wage growth across the country. It would be stunningly reckless fiscal policy to raise taxes in a post-pandemic recovery. Trade, health care and retirement security occupied central lanes throughout my final two years steering the Senate Finance Committee. I've long worked to empower employers and workers to grow retirement savings plans. The SECURE Act, the 2019 federal law I helped develop as chairman of the Finance Committee, allows more businesses to participate and invest in the retirement security of their workforce. Building on my work over the past two years with Sen.Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I've introduced a comprehensive reform plan that would target assistance to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and provide long-term stability for retirees and protect taxpayers. Leveraging my leadership for Iowa benefits the bread and butter of Iowa's economy and also recognizes that farming is pivotal to U.S. food and energy security. My advocacy for biofuels and American agriculture is heard loud and clear at the White House and congressional negotiating tables. From pandemic relief to international trade, I looked out for Iowa grain and livestock producers facing triple-whammy obstacles from natural disasters, pandemic disruptions and trade barriers. I fought for Iowa goods and services in the new USMCA trade deal with Mexico and Canada and supported President Trump's efforts to hold China's feet to the fire on intellectual property, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Although my 99 county meetings were adapted to follow public-health guidelines, I continued my 40th consecutive year meeting face-to-face with Iowans. The pandemic dominated our conversations with one issue coming up at nearly every meeting: the soaring cost of prescription drugs. The historic development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines underscore the urgent need to ensure life-saving pharmaceutical cures and treatments are affordable for all Americans. Our country is blessed with unparalleled investment and innovation that fosters health and prosperity for our families, farms and businesses. We owe a debt of gratitude for the legions of scientists, innovators and clinical trial participants, including those at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who unlocked miracles of modern medicine and scientific discovery. Nonetheless, a competitive marketplace doesn't give Big Pharma license to fleece American taxpayers or gouge consumers at the pharmacy counter. One of my highest priorities in the new year is steering my bipartisan drug-pricing bill across the finish line. Looking ahead to my 41st year representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, I'm grateful to be as fit as a fiddle, working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowans. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, of New Hartford, is Senate president pro tempore and served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 116th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alexander-introduce-multiemployer-pension-reform-plan-following-year", "Grassley, Alexander Introduce Multiemployer Pension Reform Plan Following Year of Stakeholder Feedback", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Act, legislation based on their 2019 proposal to avert the collapse of critically underfunded multiemployer pension plans and reform rules for these plans to prevent future funding shortfalls within these important pillars of the American retirement system.We believe this legislation would ensure that the PBGC's multiemployer insurance fund remains solvent over the long-term after the initial rescue of the currently failing plans. But, most importantly, this legislation would reform the system to prevent this from happening again, Grassley said on the Senate floor. I'd also note that the bill is named after Chris Allen, who was a dedicated member of my Finance Committee staff who passed away nearly one year ago. Chris poured thousands of hours of work into developing, drafting, and perfecting the Grassley-Alexander plan. I'm grateful for all the work he did, and I'm proud this legislation bears his name.This is a balanced proposal to help protect the benefits promised to about 1.5 million retirees by private sector employers and unions, Alexander said. Our legislation would shore up the PBGC's role as an insurance company with a limited infusion of taxpayer dollars instead of an open-ended bailout, and institute important structural reforms so this does not happen again.The Grassley-Alexander legislation is based on their 2019 proposal and incorporates a year's worth of improvements and stakeholder feedback. Grassley and Alexander earlier this week said the negotiations had reached the point where there was not enough time remaining for passage in the current Congress. The Grassley-Alexander legislation will serve as a basis for the next Congress to address the growing problem of insolvent multiemployer pension plans.Text of the legislation can be found HERE and a section-by-section of the legislation can be found HERE.Grassley delivered the below remarks following the introduction of the legislation.Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of IowaChairman, Senate Finance CommitteeIntroduction of the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform ActThursday, December 17, 2020In late June, I came to the floor to speak about the need to fix the failing multiemployer pension system. I spoke about the need to secure retirement benefits for the millions of Americans who will start to see plan failures and benefits cut in the coming years if Congress doesn't act to fix this problem. For the past two weeks, Chairman Alexander and I were negotiating with our Democratic colleagues to do just that.Those negotiations were constructive, and I believe both sides worked in good faith. While both sides agreed to make significant changes, in the end, we weren't able to find a compromise that satisfied our respective principles and objectives for resolving this situation. In the midst of year-end appropriations and COVID-relief negotiations, there simply wasn't enough time to reconcile our differences on how to fix this failing system. My hope had been to use the last eight months to negotiate a solution in a thoughtful and measured manner, instead of in the heat of a complex year-end bill. But sadly, that didn't happen.From the beginning we have agreed that federal funds will be needed to solve the crisis in the short term. But we have been equally resolute that reforms are essential to ensure the system can be self-sustaining in the long term. Otherwise, taxpayers will be perpetually subsidizing a private-sector system of employee-benefit promises.Last November, Chairman Alexander and I presented our comprehensive approach to rescue and reform the multiemployer pension system, which we have been working on and improving ever since. The product was improved with an amazing amount of input from workers, retirees, unions, employers, actuaries, academics, plan officials, and members of the general public. Today, Chairman Alexander and I will introduce a revised version of that plan the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Act.This legislation served as the basis for our recent negotiations and is the product of years of work with Chairman Alexander to produce a serious, responsible plan that can provide relief to failing plans and protect retirees' benefits.It's also designed to ensure the long-term solvency of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's (PBGC) multiemployer insurance fund, based on the many comments and proposals we received to the original Grassley-Alexander plan released last November. We believe this legislation would ensure that the PBGC's multiemployer insurance fund remains solvent over the long-term after the initial rescue of the currently failing plans.But, most importantly, this legislation would reform the system to prevent this from happening again.I'd also note that the bill is named after Chris Allen, who was a dedicated member of my Finance Committee staff who passed away nearly one year ago. Chris poured thousands of hours of work into developing, drafting, and perfecting the Grassley-Alexander plan. I'm grateful for all the work he did, and I'm proud this legislation bears his name. I'm also grateful to Andy Banducci, who helped us continue Chris' work while on detail to the Committee from the PBGC for several months earlier this year. His expertise and commitment, especially during the pandemic, were essential to bringing this legislation to completion. Let me close by stressing two points for my Democratic colleagues. I appreciate your professional and good-faith efforts to try to find an agreement on this important issue. Although we were not able to reconcile our differences before the clock ran out, we need to carry that work forward, and I remain ready to continue the discussion. These issues are not simple, and as I said in June, delaying a solution is only going to make it more costly. We should continue to work together to find a solution for the 10 million workers and retirees in multiemployer plans. America's retirees deserve it. I yield the floor. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned", "Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it. No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities. Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits. So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines. Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delivers more help for the unemployed, small businesses, schools and vaccine distribution. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I used my leadership position to ensure rural America wasn't left behind in the nation's pandemic response. I worked to steer direct relief and assistance to households, hospitals, small businesses, unemployed workers, student borrowersand farmers, and to bring accountability for patient care in nursing homes. Our health-care professionals and hospitals in Iowa are doing a heroic job to save lives and keep their doors open to serve their communities during the pandemic and beyond. I fought to boost payments for doctors, secure critical funding for rural hospitals and expand coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, including mental-health televisits and rolling unused Flexible Spending Account dollars into 2021. Getting additional money into the pockets of unemployed workers through enhanced unemployment insurance helps people who lost their paychecks through no fault of their own. The direct economic impact payments help families struggling to pay their bills. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has delivered a $5 billion financial lifeline to more than 61,000 small businesses in Iowa to help the lifeblood of our communities retain their workers and save their livelihoods. Feedback from Iowa small businesses and local lenders prompted my efforts to loosen restrictions and empower businesses to get the most bang for the buck to suit their operations. I pushed successfully to expand the program and fix the misguided IRS directive that ignored congressional intent and barred borrowers from deducting expenses if they took a PPP loan. This would have created an unfair and costly tax liability for small businesses already struggling to survive. As a taxpayer watchdog, I not only champion tax cuts and tax fairness, I keep close tabs on the federal tax-collecting agency. At an IRS oversight hearing this summer, I pressed the IRS commissioner about delayed refunds and missing stimulus payments Iowans were waiting to receive. My office continues to help Iowans track down answers from the IRS. Looking ahead, I'll fight to keep pro-growth tax cuts in place that I helped secure in 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unleashed historic economic expansion, job creation and wage growth across the country. It would be stunningly reckless fiscal policy to raise taxes in a post-pandemic recovery. Trade, health care and retirement security occupied central lanes throughout my final two years steering the Senate Finance Committee. I've long worked to empower employers and workers to grow retirement savings plans. The SECURE Act, the 2019 federal law I helped develop as chairman of the Finance Committee, allows more businesses to participate and invest in the retirement security of their workforce. Building on my work over the past two years with Sen.Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I've introduced a comprehensive reform plan that would target assistance to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and provide long-term stability for retirees and protect taxpayers. Leveraging my leadership for Iowa benefits the bread and butter of Iowa's economy and also recognizes that farming is pivotal to U.S. food and energy security. My advocacy for biofuels and American agriculture is heard loud and clear at the White House and congressional negotiating tables. From pandemic relief to international trade, I looked out for Iowa grain and livestock producers facing triple-whammy obstacles from natural disasters, pandemic disruptions and trade barriers. I fought for Iowa goods and services in the new USMCA trade deal with Mexico and Canada and supported President Trump's efforts to hold China's feet to the fire on intellectual property, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. Although my 99 county meetings were adapted to follow public-health guidelines, I continued my 40th consecutive year meeting face-to-face with Iowans. The pandemic dominated our conversations with one issue coming up at nearly every meeting: the soaring cost of prescription drugs. The historic development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines underscore the urgent need to ensure life-saving pharmaceutical cures and treatments are affordable for all Americans. Our country is blessed with unparalleled investment and innovation that fosters health and prosperity for our families, farms and businesses. We owe a debt of gratitude for the legions of scientists, innovators and clinical trial participants, including those at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who unlocked miracles of modern medicine and scientific discovery. Nonetheless, a competitive marketplace doesn't give Big Pharma license to fleece American taxpayers or gouge consumers at the pharmacy counter. One of my highest priorities in the new year is steering my bipartisan drug-pricing bill across the finish line. Looking ahead to my 41st year representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, I'm grateful to be as fit as a fiddle, working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowans. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, of New Hartford, is Senate president pro tempore and served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 116th Congress. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/relief-is-on-the-way", "Relief Is On the Way", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Welcome to Kansas Common Sense. Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.\r\nWishing you a Safe Holiday Season and a Happy New Year\r\nOn behalf of Robba and me, we hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday.\r\nThroughout this season, I continue to think of the many men and women in uniform at home and abroad who are unable to be with their loved ones. I am grateful for their dedicated service to their fellow Americans and humbled by the sacrifices they make each and every day. We pray for your health and wellbeing and wish you a Happy New Year.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 Vaccine Reaches Veterans and Health Care Workers in Wichita\r\nOn Wednesday, I visited Wichita to receive updates on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.I visited the Dole VA Medical Center where I had the opportunity to see first-hand how a vaccination center is being created for the benefit of patients and medical staff. Recently, the VA announced it will distribute vaccines to additional veteran facilitiesincluding medical centers in Leavenworth, Topeka and Wichita. I was especially pleased to open the first batch of Moderna vaccines as they arrived on Wednesday morning.\r\n\r\nThe Dole VA expects to administer more than 1,000 doses to frontline employees and community living center residents within this first week of the vaccination process. As chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue to make certain the VA has necessary resources to effectively administer the vaccine to our nation's veterans in a timely manner. Thank you to director Candace Ifabiyi and her team, Associate Pharmacy Chief of Operations Scott Hood, Chief of Pharmacy Susan Duquaine, Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor Anna Johnson and Pharmacy Technician Rachel Newby for an informative visit and for all they are doing to help our veterans navigate this vaccination process.\r\n\r\nNext, I visited the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Wesley Medical Center. The recently passed COVID-19 relief package includes additional resources for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to work with hospitals and other organizations to monitor the appropriate distribution and administration of the vaccine. Thank you to Wesley Chief Operating Officer Kolbe Sheridan for the helpful update. Special thanks to the many health care professionals at Wesley and elsewhere who have sacrificed so much to provide high quality, compassionate care to their patients during this unprecedented pandemic.\r\n\r\nThe incredible success of Operation Warp Speed is an example of the exceptionalism that exists within American science and medicine. While we still have a long road ahead, more and more Kansans will soon have access to the vaccines.\r\nI encourage all Kansans to continue to take precautions to keep yourself and your families safe, including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and frequently washing your hands. To each and every health care worker in Kansas and across our nation, thank you. Your continued dedication and sacrifice have my deepest admiration, and our country owes you a great deal of gratitude for all you have done throughout this pandemic.\r\nRelief Is On the Way \r\nOn Monday night, I voted for the targeted COVID-19 federal relief package that will provide much-needed relief to the American people. This $900 billion relief package was included as part of the larger annual government funding bill for FY2021. The annual government funding bill supports the operation of regular government agencies and priorities, such as the State Department, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, among others.\r\nThis targeted relief package should have been completed months ago and in its own standalone bill, but I'm pleased we are able to provide necessary resources to continue manufacturing and distributing the vaccines to our communities. This package will also provide additional targeted relief to support front-line workers, schools and hospitals, as well as additional funding for the successful Paycheck Protection Program, which will help keep small businesses open and employees on the payroll, and a second round of aid to families during the holiday season.\r\n\r\nBelow is breakdown of the relief measures included in the COVID-19 relief bill and the many ways it will benefit Kansans:\r\nInvests in Health Care, Testing and Vaccines\r\nLast week marked the beginning of our return to normal with the distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Kansas and across the country. As we continue to work to end this pandemic, this targeted relief package invests in additional resources for testing and the vaccines, as well as support for health care providers and frontline workers.\r\nHelps American families \r\nKansans and Americans are struggling and they need help. This legislation will provide targeted relief to those who need it most, and individuals and families will receive a second round of Economic Impact Payments. \r\nSupports Small Businesses\r\nSmall businesses are the backbone of our communities. In many of our small towns, if we lose the local caf or store because of this pandemic, many of them may not return. This will help keep small businesses open and employees on the payroll by replenishing and expanding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide assistance to the hardest-hit small businesses, nonprofits and venues.\r\nAssists Communities\r\nOur state, county and city governments have been working to make decisions at the local level that are best for our communities. This legislation allows them the flexibility they need to extend the use prior federal resources allocated and plan for long-term investments.\r\nProvides Relief for Farmers and Ranchers\r\nThe importance of our agricultural community has been especially clear during this pandemic as they work to meet the growing, nationwide demand for food and quality meat. This legislation further supports our Kansas farmers and ranchers through new policies and programs for farmers and ranchers, including cattle producers affected by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) sales date.\r\nSecures America's Transportation Industry\r\nThroughout this pandemic, many sectors of our transportation sector have struggled as Americans stayed home. This package provides resources to maintain our critical transportation infrastructure until we return to normal. This includes regional airports like the many throughout Kansas that are critical to regional economies, as well as support for Amtrak, including long-distance passenger rail like the Southwest Chief, and other critical transportation industries hit particularly hard during this pandemic.\r\nReceiving an Update from the Nashville Special Agent in Charge\r\nThe bombing in Nashville on Christmas morning was an intentional act of evil. This afternoon, I spoke with ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Nashville Field Division to receive an update on their response and investigation. While much is still unknown, I trust that the ATF and FBI, as well as the state and local law enforcement, are working diligently to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.\r\nThe response and coordination by federal, state and local agencies, particularly on Christmas Day, has shown once again the sacrifice our nation's law enforcement make to keep our communities safe. If not for the quick action by the Nashville Police Department the consequences may have been much worse. I would like to thank those who have responded to this incident, as well as all law enforcement professionals across this country, for putting the lives and safety of their fellow citizens first. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that both our federal and state law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need.\r\n\r\nEstablishing Kansas as the Newest Supersonic Flight Corridor Site\r\nLast week, I was joined the announcement that the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized an agreement to establish the Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor for use in testing non-military aircraft that fly at mach speech or the speed of sound. With this supersonic flight corridor, Kansas will have a unique role in the next generation of supersonic transportation.\r\nI was pleased to play a leading role in coordinating with the FAA, NASA, the Air Route Traffic Control Center and the National Institute of Aviation Research at Wichita State University. Industry forecasts show a market for as many as 300 supersonic aircraft over a 10-year period, bringing in as much as $40 billion in revenue. This generation of sophisticated aircrafts will require a deep bench of skilled manufacturing talent, and I look forward to Kansas' leadership in developing these aircrafts and continue to affirm Wichita as the Air Capital of the World.\r\nPassing Congress' FY2021 CJS Appropriations Package\r\nThis week, Congress passed its annual government funding bill in a package with the COVID-19 federal relief bill. The legislation included many of my priorities as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS).\r\nThis fiscally responsible and bipartisan bill provides necessary resources to help law enforcement keep our communities safe, support economic development and further scientific development through NASA education, STEM education and scientific development efforts among universities like the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University. At a time when there were calls to defund the police, I am especially pleased to have secured increased resources for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support programs for state and local law enforcement in Kansas and across the nation, including training and community-based crime prevention, as well as funding for victim service providers and grant programs that will aid small law enforcement agencies in rural areas.\r\nI will continue working to secure resources for these important federal programs and priorities that will allow the agencies within our jurisdiction to accomplish their missions and address the needs of our country.\r\nEnsuring Protections for Senior Citizens This Holiday Season\r\nThis week, I sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Joseph Simons to learn what procedures the FTC is implementing to protect seniors from holiday related scams. Far too often our seniors are targeted by those who wish to deceive them for false financial gain. Every year, scam artists prey on senior citizens, resulting in financial losses between $2 billion and $12 billion. Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic and holiday season, criminal scammers are preying on people's fear and generosity to take advantage of our most vulnerable population.\r\nRecent reports have indicated these criminals are using scams to solicit donations to fake charities, as well as falsely offering immediate coronavirus vaccination to seniors eager to spend the holidays with family. During this time of increased fear and uncertainty, we must protect our elderly citizens from those who wish to capitalize on this pandemic by defrauding the public. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, I will remain vigilant in ensuring the FTC is fulfilling its responsibility to protect seniors from all scams.\r\nVisiting Schilling Air Force Base's Toxic Substances Cleanup Efforts\r\nThis week, I visited the Salina Regional Airport to tour the site of the former Schilling Air Force Base. I met with local leaders to discuss the environmental contamination that was left behind by the military base. In June, after years of negotiation and mediation, the federal government agreed to pay $65.9 million to clean up this contamination. I have fought for Salina to receive the federal support that it is owed for the past 14 years and will continue to support Kansans who have been impacted by these harmful substances.\r\nSchilling AFB was built in 1942 and was used to train heavy bomber crews for the U.S. Army's Air Force. It was later named Smoky Hill Air Force Base when the U.S. Air Force was established. It was renamed Schilling Air Force Base in 1957 and was in use until 1966, when the base was deactivated and the property was transferred to Salina. The city of Salina later discovered that military activities from the former base left the soil and groundwater contaminated. The contaminated plumes, which were comprised of chemicals known as TCE and PFAS, were seeping toward the city's groundwater supply and required timely action from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I worked closely with the Salina Airport Authority to force the Army Corps of Engineers to come to the table and negotiate a final solution that was beneficial for Kansans.\r\nI want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing its progress to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.\r\n\r\nTextron-built Aircraft Delivered to NOAA for Specialized Mission\r\nAs the chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I oversee funds for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and am pleased to share that its Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO) has received the Beechcraft King Air 350 CER turboprop aircraft. The twin-engine aircraft was built at Textron Aviation's factory and instrumented by Avcon Industries in Wichita as part of an $11.8 million contract to Textron Aviation, Inc.\r\nThis aircraft joins NOAA's fleet of specialized environmental data-gathering aircrafts that strengthen the agency's response in emergency missions and aerial survey efforts. The Beechcraft King Air 350 CER aircraft will be used for photographic surveys after tornadoes, earthquakes, oil spills, blizzards, floods, and hurricanes.\r\nVisiting with Hays Rotary\r\nThis week, I had the opportunity to speak virtually with the Hays Rotary Club. We discussed the COVID-19 relief bill that passed through the House and Senate before it passed through the House and Senate on Monday night. While this targeted relief package should have been completed months ago, it will now help provide needed aid to small businesses, health care workers and families that have been hit hardest by this pandemic.\r\nWe also discussed the importance of rural broadband across the state, as access to high-speed internet in rural areas is critical to community health, especially as many Kansans have turned to teleworking throughout the pandemic. Thank you to Kay Werth for organizing this meeting and to all Rotarians who joined.\r\nRemembering Bob Pivonka\r\nThis week, Bob Pivonka, a veteran and dedicated public servant, was laid to rest. Bob served as Larned mayor for ten years, and we worked together to keep the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital open and continue offering quality health care services to local residents. Bob's legacy will live on for years to come as the community he cared will benefit from his service and commitment to doing the right thing. Robba and I are praying for his friends and family during this time.\r\nRead more about Bob's life here.\r\nHonored to Serve You in Washington\r\nIt is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.\r\nPlease let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-ohio", "Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act\n \n \n \n \n \n Initial Project List Includes Funding for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest Infrastructure \n \n \n \n\n \n \n December 28, 2020\n \n \n | \n \n Press Releases\n \n \n \n \n WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure, which President Trump signed into law last night, includes the initial list of projects that will be funded through Portman's bipartisanRestore Our Parks Act to protect and preserve America's national parks and public lands by addressing thebacklog in long-delayed maintenance projects. Included in this list are two priority projects for Ohio the demolition of vacant structures at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the replacement of the waterline at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area within the Wayne National Forest. This summer, Portman visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest to see their deferred maintenance projects firsthand. \nWhether biking, fishing, kayaking, or hiking with my family, I'm proud to be one of the 2.7 million visitors to Ohio's National Parks annually. That's why I'm pleased that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure included the first list of projects that will be funded through my bipartisan Restore Our Parks law to begin to address backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects throughout our park system, said Portman. I'm pleased that Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest will be among the first to be able to address critical infrastructure improvements to ensure these parks can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Over the summer, I was able to see the deferred maintenance projects at both of these parks firsthand and I look forward visiting these parks again soon to see the funds in action.\nWe appreciate Senator Portman's leadership on the Restore Our Parks Act. CVNP will receive funds to demolish vacant buildings that are safety hazards and eyesores. Addressing critical infrastructure issues like this are important for a safe and positive visitor experience. We are grateful to Congress for being good stewards through these funds of the public lands that belong to all of us, said Deb Yandala, CEO, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.\nNOTE: Earlier this year, Portman applauded President Trump for signing into law the bipartisanGreat American Outdoors Act.Notably, the legislation included Senators Portman, Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Angus King's (I-ME)Restore Our Parks Act,legislation to willsupportmore than 100,000 jobsover the next five years by rebuilding critical park infrastructure to help address the more than$12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service(NPS).Portman worked with his colleagues to expand his legislation in theGreat American Outdoors Actto also include funding to address the deferred maintenance backlog at the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education. The Great American Outdoors Act now provides $1.9 billion per year for five years into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund from half of unobligated on and offshore energy revenues on federal lands to address maintenance needs on all federal lands.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/grabbing-the-bull-by-the-horns", "Grabbing the Bull by the Horns", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "I heard a story recently about a government bureaucrat from DC visiting real America for the first time. He worked on agriculture policy but grew up in the city so his only experience with food involved his plate. He bought a pair of shiny new boots and headed off to cow-calf country.\n\nWhen his plane touched down, he was greeted by a man with a cowboy hat and a firm handshake. They jumped in the rancher\u2019s F-350, a vehicle so big the city slicker couldn\u2019t figure out how you\u2019d parallel park it, and headed out to his ranch. When they arrived at the rancher\u2019s pasture, the bureaucrat thought he\u2019d ask a tough question to impress the tough cowboy: \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t that cow have any horns?\u201d\n\n\u201cWell,\u201d the rancher said, \u201cthere are many reasons why a cow doesn\u2019t have horns. Ya see, some don\u2019t have horns because we dehorned them as calves and some, like Angus, are a polled breed that naturally never grow horns. But the reason that cow doesn\u2019t have any horns is because it\u2019s a horse.\u201d\n\nThis joke illustrates a broader point: ranchers in cow-calf country work hard every day to produce the best beef in the world, but continue to lose hundreds of dollars per head because the deck is stacked against them. DC lobbyists and bureaucrats, who have never been to a sale barn or stepped foot on a ranch but still think they know better, continue to rig the system and line the pockets of the big packers. They\u2019re ripping off our ranchers, small processors and, ultimately, our consumers. That needs to stop now.\n\nAs we enter a new year and a new Congress, it would be easy to get discouraged, see the situation not changing and give up. But these issues are too important to quit on. There is fire in my belly and I\u2019m going to fight like hell until we get this done.\n\nWhen I meet with ranchers in South Dakota in places like Wall or St. Onge or Ft. Pierre, it\u2019s clear they know what\u2019s best for their operation. They demand greater market transparency, new markets for state-inspected facilities, Product of the U.S.A. labeling and Mandatory Country of Original Labeling (MCOOL). Those are the people I am fighting for in Washington.\n\nOver the last year, I\u2019ve introduced bipartisan, commonsense legislation that touches on each of these issues. We formed coalitions with folks on both sides of the aisle who care about the needs of our ranchers and processors. And while you\u2019d think that\u2019d be enough, it\u2019s not. When we attempted to force votes on these issues, our attempts were denied. The stranglehold on certain members of Congress is still too strong. DC dysfunction at its finest.\n\nBut the good news is that momentum is on our side. Every day we are continuing to win senators and members of Congress over to our way of thinking. They are beginning to understand that what\u2019s best for the consumer, in this case, is also what\u2019s best for the producer. It\u2019s going to take all of us working together to get this done. I don\u2019t care who I have to talk to - Republican or Democrat.\n\nThis is a priority for me now more than ever. We cannot stand idly by and watch our ranching community continue to suffer. As we enter a new year, it\u2019s time to discard DC dysfunction, grab the bull by the horns and deliver results.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/weekly-report?ContentRecord_id=83538FEE-49F2-4A43-BBB8-A2667FEE95FA", "Wickers Investigation Reveals FAA Failures", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MS", "Roger Wicker", "W000437", "www.wicker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Each year, millions of Americans take to the skies to be with their loved ones for the holidays. Those who board a commercial flight place their trust in the pilots, the aircraft, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates the American aviation industry. That trust is warranted because our aviation system is among the safest in the world. Yet it is not without flaws. Recent findings of a Senate investigation revealed some troubling patterns within the FAA that require accountability and reform.\r\nIn March 2019, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft was grounded worldwide after two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. After the second crash, investigators found that a design flaw contributed to both crashes. Soon, whistleblowers within the FAA and the aviation industry began reaching out to me to share information. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees air travel, Ilaunchedan investigation into the concerns being raised. Our 20-month investigation uncovered evidence of undue coziness between regulators and aircraft operators, violations of pilot testing standards, and a failed FAA management culture that punished whistleblowers for voicing safety concerns. I recently published the 101-page investigation report on the Commerce Committee website.\r\nFAA Failed to Answer Many Questions\r\nDuring the investigation, our committee received information from 57 whistleblowers with backgrounds in government, academia, and the aviation industry. Unfortunately, the FAA has not cooperated fully with the committee's constitutional oversight. I have sent seven letters to the FAA with 30 specific requests. To date, the FAA has failed to answer more than half. In addition, the FAA has failed to comply with interview requests, allowing only nine FAA employees to interview with the committee out of the 21 that I requested. The evidence we collected revealed inconsistencies, contradictions, and in one case, a possible lack of candor.\r\nAlthough the 737 MAX crashes had initially prompted this investigation, whistleblower claims highlighted lapses in FAA oversight well beyond our initial scope of inquiry. For example, the committee found that between 2013 and 2017, the FAA permitted Southwest Airlines to operate dozens of aircraft that were not inspected properly. Whistleblowers alerted FAA managers about the issue, but the managers failed to act. Even after an internal audit urged the FAA to ground the aircraft until proper inspections were completed, the unapproved planes were allowed to continue flying passengers for months.\r\nOther lapses occurred in Hawaii, leading to a series of preventable fatalities in recent years. After one crash killed 11 people, inspectors voiced long-held concerns regarding improper maintenance. Whistleblowers called for the implicated mechanic to have his license revoked, yet the FAA refused. In 2020, a second plane the same mechanic had worked on crashed, killing two people. Yet days later, the FAA renewed his license.\r\nHolding FAA Accountable\r\nThe revelations of this report are troubling. The FAA has a solemn duty to protect the flying public and ensure the safety of U.S. aircraft. The failures uncovered in this investigation cannot continue.\r\nDays after I published the report, Congress approved legislation I authored to overhaul the aircraft certification process. This bill will give the FAA more authority over private-sector aviation workers, like those from Boeing, who are involved in aircraft certification. It will take steps to protect against manufacturers placing undue pressure on employees during the certification process. And it will strengthen vital protections for whistleblowers. These measures should help restore the safety culture in the FAA, ensuring that America remains the safest place in the world to fly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=C0B7C968-ACF1-4F69-A3F5-B3143A859A29", "McConnell Applauds President Trump for Signing Crucial Relief Legislation into Law", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE, KY U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation being signed into law this evening:\r\nI applaud President Trump's decision to get hundreds of billions of dollars of crucial COVID-19 relief out the door and into the hands of American families as quickly as possible.\r\nThe bipartisan rescue package that Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration negotiated with the Democrats will extend another major lifeline to workers at struggling small businesses, renew major relief for laid-off Americans, invest billions more in vaccine distribution, send cash directly to households, and more. The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now.\r\nI thank the President for signing this relief into law, along with full-year government funding legislation that will continue the rebuilding and modernization of our Armed Forces that his Administration has championed. His leadership has prevented a government shutdown at a time when our nation could not have afforded one.\r\nI am glad the American people will receive this much-needed assistance as our nation continues battling this pandemic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-statement-on-death-of-loyd-phillips", "Boozman Statement on Death of Loyd Phillips", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement on the death of Loyd Phillips:\r\nThere's such a loss at the passing of one of the greatest Arkansas athletes, Loyd Phillips. More importantly, Loyd was as equally gifted as a school administrator who influenced countless young people in such a positive way. Loyd was my boyhood hero as a ferocious football player, and he remained a great example for us all through his work with youth. I truly valued his friendship and will always remember this remarkable unassuming person who accomplished so much. My thoughts and prayers are with Betsy and the rest of his family as we mourn his loss.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-group-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-president-trump-sign-relief-package-or-veto-it", "BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY", "2020-12-27", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package.\n\nMr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times.\n\nHowever, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late.\n\nNever before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-merry-christmas", "Fort Report: Merry Christmas", "2020-12-25", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time.\n* marks required fields of data.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/reflecting-2020", "Reflecting on 2020", "2020-12-25", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "None of us could have foreseen what 2020 held. It's been a difficult year, filled with unexpected challenges. Yet through it all, I've been so impressed by the resilience of Arkansans and the ways we've come together and supported our communities. That is the beauty of America, and I believe it's why we have reasons to be grateful even after a hard few months.\nAny attempt to recap this year must first start with a thank you to all our essential workers. Health care professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, farmers, truck drivers, mail carriers, processing plant workers, and many others you all saved lives, kept our shelves stocked, protected our neighborhoods, and kept showing up for your jobs day after day. Thank you for your faithful service to millions of people throughout the year.\nEven though the pandemic limited in-person visits, I was still able to meet and visit with many of you via Zoom or other online platforms. It's a blessing to have this technology to still keep us connected! I also traveled around the district over the summer to thank some of the everyday heroes who kept us going during the shutdowns, and I got to hold my annual farm tour where I visited with some of our incredible agriculture workers.\nBack in D.C., I got to work on some important legislation that directly impacts Arkansas. The Trillion Trees Act, which I introduced in March, will incentivize the use of wood products as carbon sequestration devices, as well as plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050. The Fair Care Act is another significant piece of legislation that I've been working on for several years, and I introduced the second version of the bill in October. It draws on conversations that I've had with many of you, and would give Americans greater choice in their health care decisions at a lower cost. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the same bill in the Senate.\nAs we look forward to 2021, I'm grateful for the promise of a vaccine and hope on the horizon. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season with friends and family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dunn.house.gov/2020/12/congressman-dunn-supports-the-military-with-veto-override", "Congressman Dunn Supports the Military with Veto Override", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Neal Dunn", "D000628", "dunn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PANAMA CITY, FL Today, Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) issued the following statement ahead of a House vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nOn Monday, the House will vote to override the executive veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Following doctors' advice, who are currently treating me for issues related to my existing asthma and a case of pneumonia, I will not be traveling to Washington for that vote as my recovery continues.\r\nI fully support the NDAA bill. It is one of the most critical pieces of legislation that Congress must pass each year, supporting our men and women in uniform and the defense of our nation. This year's bill further cements the rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base and secures its missions for decades to come while supporting the future growth of Naval Support Activity Panama City. For these reasons, I would vote to override the veto if conditions allowed me to be present.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2889", "Joyce Issues Statement on COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bills", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BAINBRIDGE Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding bills recently passed by Congress:\r\n\r\n\tI want to address the misinformation going around about the legislation Congress passed on Monday night.Let's be very clear: Congress passed two independent pieces of legislation, one that provided COVID-19 relief and another that funded the government throughout next year. The Majority had us vote on these two bills at once, which is what confused a lot of people.\r\n\r\n\tRumors that there was foreign aid in the COVID-19 relief bill are false. The only bill that included foreign aid was the annual spending bill, which was requested by the President in his budget ten months ago.\r\n\r\n\tThe U.S. Constitution lays out the annual process by which we fund our government, a responsibility I take very seriously as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. That's why, since the President released his budget in February, I have worked with my colleagues to hold more than 36 budget and oversight hearings to move that process forward.\r\n\r\n\tUnfortunately, election year political games derailed this process significantly, causing a last-minute scramble to ensure the government remained up and running in the middle of a pandemic. That is unacceptable and the American people have every right to be frustrated by it. I know I am.\r\n\r\n\tThe political games that delayed that government funding bill were the same games that prevented us from providing COVID-19 relief to the American people months ago. It's especially infuriating that it took eight months to pass this additional relief when it was largely similar to the bipartisan plan my colleagues and I on the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled back in September.\r\n\r\n\tDespite this unconscionable delay, the bill we passed on Monday provides $900 billion to support our small businesses, working families and healthcare professionals. Any accusation that this relief bill only included $600 for Americans is a lie.\r\n\r\n\tThe American people have made it clear they have no patience for Washington's dysfunction that prevented us from delivering critical relief in the first place. Those who are purposely creating confusion or spreading falsehoods about these two different bills are playing the kind of games that have no place in our nation's capital as we work to get through these unprecedented times.\r\n\r\n\tI remain committed to fighting for the needs of Ohio's 14th District and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure Ohioans have what they need until we restore our way of life.\r\n\r\n\tTo learn more about the COVID-19 relief legislation, click here.\r\n\r\n\tTo learn more about the FY2021 government funding legislation, click here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/press-release/twenty-eight-members-congress-file-amicus-brief-supporting-representative-kellys", "Twenty Eight Members of Congress File Amicus Brief Supporting Representative Kelly's Lawsuit Challenging Pennsylvania's Unconstitutional Mail-in Ballot System", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Last night, more than two dozen members of the United States House of Representatives filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs inMike Kelly, U.S. Congressman, et al. v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et al., a case challenging the constitutionality of Pennsylvania's no-excuse mail-in ballot voting system.\n\"I am honored that so many of my colleagues from Pennsylvania and across the country have joined our fight to protect the Pennsylvania Constitution, which states clearly how voters are to cast their votes in the Commonwealth,\"said Kelly.\"If Governor Wolf and the legislature wanted to create another method of voting, they should have amended the PennsylvaniaConstitution, which requires, among other factors, placing the question on the ballot for Pennsylvanians to consent.We're asking the Supreme Court of the United States to hear our case and require the Commonwealth to properly amend the Constitution if they want to create a mail-in voting system for future elections.\nRead the Amicus Brief Here\nMembers of Congress who signed the amicus brief include Representatives Alex Mooney (R- W.Va.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Fred Keller (R-Pa.), GT Thompson (R-Pa.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Jody Hice (R-Ga.),Dr. John Joyce (R-Pa.), Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Mike Johnson (R- La.), Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) and Warren Davison (R-Ohio).\nBackground\nIn this case, Representative Kelly and the other plaintiffsallege that the Pennsylvania Legislature and Governor Wolf violated the Pennsylvania Constitution when they enacted no-excuse mail-in voting, which conflicts with the Constitution's clear delineation of what makes a person eligible to vote by mail.\nCommonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough issued an emergency preliminary injunctionin the case, saying:\nPetitioners appear to have established a likelihood to succeed on the merits because Petitioners have asserted the Constitution does not provide a mechanism for the legislature to allow for expansion of absentee voting without a constitutional amendment.\nFollowing this pronouncement, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appealed directly to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which dismissed the case on a technicality without addressing the merits of the petitioners' claims. Currently, the Petitioners have filed awrit of Certiorarito argue the merits before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).SCOTUS has yet to announce whether it will take up the case.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/a-season-of-hope", "A Season of Hope", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Though we've faced tough years in American history and this one is certainly no different, we have always celebrated Christmas and the meaning of this season. It is a time to thank the Lord for His blessings during the year and a time to remind ourselves we're a nation of Judeo-Christian principles that our founders fought to secure deep in our foundation.\nOften during the usual hustle and bustle of the season, we forget the true meaning of Christmas that was brought to earth on a holy night over two thousand years ago:the gift of Hopewas given to mankind to save us for all eternity. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Luke 6:38, which says, Give, and it shall be given unto you.\" The word \"give\" is active; Jesus is telling us that when we are generous toward those around us, we will in turn reap reward, similar to what is known as the 'Golden Rule.' We have an opportunity every day to do better than the one before, and it is our responsibility to strive to imitate the goodness and love of our Savior toward our neighbors.\nI can think of no better year in recent memory when we have the distinct opportunity to share the message of hope through our generosity or simply giving of our time, whether virtually or in person. We also look toward this next year filled with the hope of recovery and new growth. While the challenges we face may seem insurmountable,the bond that unites us as Americans will always prevail.\nTo all of our military servicemen and women and their families, thank you for protecting our communities so we can sleep safe at night. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate this season away from home. To our front line workers who will spend these days healing and caring for patients, we thank you for your selflessness. My goal as your Congressman is to represent the 25th District of Texas to the very best of my ability and I look forward to serving you in this next year. I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In God we trust,\nRoger Williams\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-bicameral-%E2%80%98908-coalition%E2%80%99-urges-president-trump-sign-covid-19-emergency-relief", "BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "ME", "Susan Collins", "C001035", "www.collins.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package:\n\nAs members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. \n\nBy signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-covid-19-vaccine-rolls-out", "Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q:When can Iowans expect to be eligible for immunization? A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended states prioritize health care workers and long-term care residents during the initial rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA). It was an emotional and welcome day for Iowa health care providers who were among the first in the nation in mid-December to receive the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Within the first week more than 2.8 million doses were distributed and more than a half-million shots were given. Operation Warp Speed expects an additional 7.9 million vaccines to be distributed this week. The FDA delivered more good news last week when it gave the green light to a second COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna. Of course, the one question foremost on the minds of Americans across the country is: When is it my turn? The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for rolling out the next phase that would reach roughly 49 million people, about 15 percent of the U.S. population. Individuals who fall into this category include people age 75 years and older and frontline essential workers. The federal advisory panel recommended prioritizing workers employed in sectors essential to the functioning of society who are at substantially higher risk of exposure. That list includes firefighters, police officers, teachers, corrections officers, education staff, daycare workers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. postal service employees, public transit workers and grocery store workers. The panel also announced its recommendation for the group of individuals in the following phase that would reach 129 million people. For this group, it recommended people between ages 65 and 74; people between ages 16 and 64 who have high-risk underlying conditions; and remaining frontline essential workers, including transportation and logistics workers, food service workers, construction workers, finance workers, IT and communications workers, energy workers, media personnel, legal workers, engineers and wastewater workers. According to the panel, underlying health conditions that make an individual at increased risk for disease to be considered for inclusion in this third phase are obesity, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart condition, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised status from organ transplant, and other personal risk factors for individuals based on consultation with a health care provider. Completion of this phase would reach more than one-third of the population. Until supply can meet demand, the CDC is tasked with the difficult decision prioritizing the rollout of the vaccine. Importantly, states and local public health departments will use the federal guidelines in their decision-making process to distribute the vaccine that best meets the needs of their residents. Find details on Iowa's vaccine distribution plan here. The states are responsible for the final decision for good reason. They are best able to identify the communities and vulnerable populations at highest risk for infection and spread in their respective states. The CDC projects the United States will have enough doses to reach 100 million Americans by February 2021. As we close the chapter on 2020, America is ready to put the coronavirus behind us. Operation Warp Speed will go down in history as one of the most remarkable scientific public-private achievements of the 21st century. Q: What's your message to Iowans as the vaccine rolls out across the country? A: When it's your turn, roll up your sleeve! The FDA's EUA indicate the vaccines are clinically safe and very effective. Widespread immunity is our only hope to save lives, restore the economy and get back our way of life. Too many families have lost loved ones. Too many small businesses are hanging on by a thread. Too many workers lost their jobs. Too many families struggled to put food on the table to feed their kids. The Class of 2020 was denied life milestones that generations of Americans have taken for granted. The coronavirus has killed more than 320,000 people in America, disrupted our way of life, caused untold human misery and wreaked havoc on the economy. Older Americans remember the medical miracle when Dr. Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine, saving countless children from death. Generations of families have been spared the tragic loss of life and immeasurable sorrow thanks to childhood immunizations. My message for Iowans is urgent and unequivocal. The only way to turn the page on the coronavirus is to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists\n \n \n \n\n \n \n December 23, 2020\n \n \n | \n \n Press Releases\n \n \n \n \n WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives.\nA free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment.\nThe free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger.\nThe Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists-0", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists\n \n \n \n\n \n \n December 23, 2020\n \n \n | \n \n Press Releases\n \n \n \n \n WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives.\nA free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment.\nThe free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger.\nThe Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403000", "Burgess: Trump granted the Slough familys Christmas wish", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, put out the following statement after President Trump issued a pardon for TX-26 resident Paul Slough. This is a Christmas miracle for the Slough family, said Burgess. Paul, along with three other team members, were sentenced to a mandatory minimum of thirty years in prison after being found guilty of firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. 924 (c), a statute enacted in the 1980s to reduce violence during the height of the war on drugs. It is unthinkable that civilian contractors, who are required to carry weapons by the U.S. government to protect U.S. personnel overseas, have faced unintended consequences of this statute.In 2007, Paul Slough and his team members, employed as State Department contractors during Operation Iraqi Freedom, were escorting a U.S. diplomatic convoy through Baghdad when an oncoming suspicious vehicle failed to stop. The team opened fire to defend the convoy, unfortunately resulting in 14 Iraqi deaths after engaging in a fire fight. These brave men were sentenced for discharging their firearms under a statute that was never meant to apply to U.S. federal government employees defending Americans overseas. To ensure this never happens again, I introduced legislation to exempt overseas federal contractors from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under 18 U.S.C. 924(c).I appreciate President Trump for righting this wrong, and I hope that Congress will take up my legislation to ensure this doesn't happen to other Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=403001", "Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Michael Burgess", "B001248", "burgess.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Burgess introduces legislation to promote U.S. energy leadership\r\n \r\n Washington, D.C. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), a member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, introduced the American Nuclear Leadership Commission Act. Consumers are seeking energy sources with lower emissions, and nuclear power must be part of that mix. Right now, America's leadership in civilian nuclear power is being challenged by Russia and China who want to corner the market. Burgess said. This legislation will create a bipartisan commission to examine the future of the civilian nuclear power industry in the United States and investigate the challenges ahead. I believe this commission will shine a spotlight on those challenges and provide the answers necessary to ensure our nation's continued leadership in nuclear energy.Bill Summary: \r\nThis legislation creates a bipartisan commission within the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the status of the civilian nuclear power industry today and in the future. The bill directs the commission to explore:\r\n\r\n\r\n How a nuclear reactor is brought from development to commercialization\r\n Potential market opportunities for advanced reactors\r\n The problems of the nuclear fuel cycle from beginning to end\r\n The industrial capacity of the US to design and build nuclear reactors\r\n The competitiveness of US nuclear reactors in export markets\r\n How advanced reactor designed may be able to reduce the cost of nuclear power\r\n The environmental benefits of civilian nuclear power\r\n What regulations and laws exist that limit the expansion of civilian nuclear power\r\n \r\n\r\nThis commission will be chaired by the DOE Secretary, requires evenly split party membership, and would last up to 2 years. Once the commission completes its study, it will provide a report to Congress on its findings and provide policy recommendations to address obstacles to America's nuclear leadership in the 21st Century.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399894", "CJWC Members Celebrate President Trumps Pardons for the Biden Four", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "TX", "Louie Gohmert", "G000552", "gohmert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "**For Immediate Release**\r\nDecember 23, 2020\r\n\r\nContact: Lauren McLaughlin\r\nLauren.McLaughlin@mail.house.gov \r\n\r\nCJWC Members Celebrate President Trump's Pardons for the Biden Four \r\n\r\nMembers of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus released the following statements in light of the wonderful news of President Trump's pardons for U.S. veterans and former government security contractors Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten and Paul Slough: \r\n\r\nPresident Donald J. Trump has delivered the most wonderful Christmas gift in the form of pardons for the members of the Biden Four. These decorated veterans served their country honorably and put themselves in harm's way to defend U.S. diplomats only to be repaid by our government with a corrupted judicial process and prison sentences. I am so thankful that President Trump exercised his superb judgment in granting relief for these menan action that I do not think any other president would have had the political or moral courage to do. To Dustin, Evan, Nick and Paul: I wish you the most blessed and merriest of Christmases as you are reunited with your loved ones. \r\n\r\n-Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Chairman\r\n\r\nThe Obama Administration, in its zeal to attack America first, railroaded four of our Iraq warriors, Dustin Heard, Evan Liberty, Nick Slatten, and Paul Slough. Convicted by perjurious witnesses and corrupt prosecutors, they were each granted full pardons by President Donald J. Trump. These decorated veterans will now get to spend Christmas at home with their families. Welcome home boys. \r\n\r\n-Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ- 4)\r\n\r\nThe Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus advocates for unjustly convicted and confined servicemembers and military contractors who made split second decisions in combat situations and found themselves second guessed by unscrupulous and over-zealous prosecutors. The Biden Four are among the most egregiously maligned and abused of all. They are all military veterans and were serving as Blackwater security teams. Forty-two Blackwater security personnel were killed protecting high value targets, yet Blackwater never lost a single person under their protection. Four of the 42 were killed on the road to Umm Qasr where they had escorted me the day before. I remember their faces to this day. It pains me that the Biden Four have been put through so much by second-guessing politicians like Biden and Hillary who persecuted them and ginned up additional prosecutions. We as Americans think of our warriors as always going on offense, but in this case, they were attacked and acted in self-defense. Unfortunately, they were aggressively prosecuted by overzealous government prosecutors, and then by Hillary and Biden. If ever there was a justifiable set of pardons, President Trump has delivered it tonight. God Bless President Trump for righting these egregious wrongs and Merry Christmas to the Biden Four! \r\n\r\n-Rep. Steve King (IA-4)\r\n\r\nI commend President Trump for his action tonight to pardon the Biden Four-- Dustin, Evan, Nicholas, and Paul. Following a firefight that resulted in the tragic death of a number of Iraqis, the media shamelessly portrayed these men as killers. Yet, the corruption and prosecutorial misconduct that has since been uncovered paints a very different picture. These Americans were abandoned by their own government after an emergency response to secure the safe return of an American diplomat turned deadly. Looking forward, I hope the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus will continue to work on behalf of unfairly convicted patriots like the Biden 4 and others who should have the same Constitutional protections that are available to every other American.\"\r\n\r\n-Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17)\r\n \r\n\r\nThank you, President Trump, for standing up for these four veterans and righting this wrong. I am thrilled they can now be with their families for Christmas. We owe our military and veterans a debt we can never repay.\r\n\r\n-Rep. 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