{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["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://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://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-to-override-president-s-veto-of-the-ndaa", "Congressman Cleaver Votes to Override Presidents Veto of the NDAA", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last night, the House of Representatives voted to override the President's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA) by a vote of 322-87. With the requisite two-thirds majority supporting the measure, the President's veto has been overridden in the House of Representatives. United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the legislation, which will provide a 3% pay raise for servicemembers, authorize and increase hazardous duty pay for servicemembers in harm's way, provide long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange, strengthen our nation's cybersecurity, remove all names and symbols honoring the Confederacy from Department of Defense installations, and more. The NDAA will become law if the Senate also votes to override with a two-thirds majority.\nFor 59 consecutive years, the U.S. Congress has passed the NDAA to ensure the needs of our military personnel and their families are met so that they have the tools necessary to continue defending the freedoms we hold so dearly, said Congressman Cleaver. While there are certainly provisions I would have personally taken out and others I would have liked to see included, this year's NDAA is a solid compromise that provides our military members with the pay raise and hazard pay they deserve, some critical benefits that are long-overdue, and the means to protect our nation in every field from the seas to the latest cyber threats. Despite the President's latest temper-tantrum, I'm pleased we were able to pass this critical legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support.\nIncluded in this year's NDAA was the Coordinating Oversight, Upgrading and Innovating Technology, and Examiner Reform (COUNTER) Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Cleaver to update and overhaul the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which dictates banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and root out illicit financial transactions from nefarious actors domestically and abroad.\nThe COUNTER Act would be the largest overhaul of the BSA since we cracked down on illicit financing following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, said Congressman Cleaver. This is critical to preventing money laundering and other illicit financial activity that funds nefarious actors within the United States and abroad, which has exploded with the introduction of digital banking and digital currencies. I'm proud of the work we were able to do in a bipartisan fashion that will bring our financial security infrastructure into the 21st Century and help defund the bad actors who wish to do our country harm by taking advantage of outdated safeguards.\nThe COUNTER Act would empower the U.S. Treasury Department to protect our national security and safeguard our financial systems by codifying an information-sharing program between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the Treasury Department, which will better ensure the detection and capture of illicit financial activity. In addition, the bill would close a number of loopholes that have long enabled financial crimes, positioning our national security apparatus to face the financial security challenges of tomorrow. Finally, the COUNTER Act will provide much-needed relief to small banks and credit unions by bringing outdated regulations weighing on smaller institutions into the 21st century while still reinforcing our national security.\nSome noteworthy provisions advocated by Rep. Cleaver in the FY21 NDAA include:\n Authorizing a 3% pay raise for servicemembers;\n\tProviding a long sought after health benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange\n\tRemoving all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America from all military installations;\n\tExtending paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilians who were inadvertently excluded in the FY20 NDAA, including employees at the VA, TSA, FAA, and more;\n\tSetting limits on the use of Defense Department emergency construction funds to prevent future Presidents from attempting to reallocate military construction accounts for projects which Congress has declined to appropriate funds;\n\tCreates a Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense as well as a Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion for each military service;\n\tCreating a Task Force on Domestic Violence and enabling victims of sexual harassment to make confidential reports outside the chain of command;\n\tCreation of an alternative fuel vehicle pilot program, which would require the Department of Defense to expand the use of hybrid and electric vehicles;\n\tRequiring the Department of Defense to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emissions from the last 10 years; and\n\tRequiring steps to ensure the Department of Defense's consumption of fossil fuels is reduced by 30% in 25 years.\n The COUNTER Act was endorsed by the following organizations: the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Bank Policy Institute, National Association of Federal-Insured Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association, Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency Coalition, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, One Campaign, Financial Services Forum National Association of Realtors, Institute for International Finance, American Land Title Association, and Bankers Association for Finance and Trade.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-s-statement-following-passage-of-the-cash-act", "Congressman Cleavers Statement Following Passage of the CASH Act", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Caring for Americans With Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 with overwhelming bipartisan support.\nFor months now, my Democratic colleagues in Congress have pushed for larger survival checks for working class Americans who have been devastated by the economic impact of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Despite previous objections from congressional Republicans, it appears the holiday spirit has rubbed off on my colleagues across the aisle. I'm extraordinarily pleased they have come around to the realization that American families are in dire need of substantive direct payments and have joined House Democrats in increasing these payments from $600 to $2,000.\nWith support from the President, two-thirds of the House of Representatives, and every Democrat in the Senate, there is no excuse for the Senate Majority Leader to block this critical legislation from getting a vote on the Senate Floor.\nWhile I am certain that more relief will be needed in the coming months, which is why I have been calling for recurring payments since April, this is an important lifeline to keep families afloat until the flood of COVID-19 begins to recede across the nation. I only hope the GOP-controlled Senate will do the right thing and allow it to pass for the American people.\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/joy-peace-hope-love", "Joy, Peace, Hope, Love", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After what has been an incredibly difficult year, we enter a season that is supposed to be marked by joy, peace, hope, and love. Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our health, our schedules, and our lives. The 24-hour news cycle and our social media feeds seem to easily consume us, driving our attention away from what's really important this, and every Christmas. So how do we manage to pull joy, peace, hope and love out of a year that has drawn out the opposite? While there are rays of hope, it can be easy to throw up our hands and say all is lost. All is not lost. I'll admit, it's an odd year to say, be joyful. It can be done, though. It could be a reunion with family members we haven't seen for a while, the health of those around us, or the anticipation of a new grandchild. While it might take searching for the little things this year, I'm confident that those little things may be most important after all. No matter what your celebration looks like this year, it is my hope that you take time to unplug, turn off the TV, put down the phone, and press forward with a focus on what is important in life. May we find a little peace in turning down the noise. In the midst of it, don't forget that there are those who don't get the option of taking a break. Our healthcare workers, first responders, and millions of others know what it's like to work on holidays. This year will be even more difficult. Don't forget them as you celebrate. If anyone's daily work has been marked by love this year, it's them. As different as our celebrations might be this time around, as difficult as the last 8 months might have been, there is hope on the horizon through the work that our doctors, scientists and others have done to make a path forward and get things back on track. Yet, please don't miss where we ultimately find our hope. It's in the reason for why we celebratethe birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  This season, may you take time to look for and find the joy, peace, hope and love that this season offers. Merry Christmas!   Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400450", "Blaine's Bulletin: Christmas 2020", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we begin celebrating Christmas, I always like to reflect on the year behind us. In many ways 2020 was a year worth forgetting, but through it all we have seen extraordinary displays of generosity of spirit, sacrifice, kindness and grace. Communities rallied around their local businesses to help save their hometown favorites from having to close their doors and lay off workers. Teachers adapted to an entirely new way of teaching and went above and beyond to make sure each and every student had what they needed and didn't fall behind. And the American medical community of doctors, nurses, first responders, hospital staff, scientists and vaccine trial volunteers did everything in their power to get our nation healthy in record time. America is truly the greatest country in the world, and the past year is a perfect example of how we rally around one other, especially when times get tough.\r\nThe Christmas season is one of hope, something this country needs a little extra dose of this year. Despite the frustrations and disappointments we have experienced, we do have plenty of reasons to be hopeful. Missouri is coming back fast, and vaccines have begun safeguarding our frontline medical workers and most vulnerable population. Small businesses are eligible for another round of PPP aid which means more families will be able to provide for their loved ones, and everyday we're one step closer to every teacher and student returning to the classroom without fear. \r\nThis is also the season of giving, and while it's often easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gifts, material presents seem a bit less important this year. With unemployment still too high and food banks not receiving their usual donations, giving to your favorite charity will likely be the most important gift you can give this year. While Jackie and I may be guilty of focusing a little too much on our grandchildren, our family also focuses on the teachings of Jesus and practice his lessons of giving to those in need.\r\nThis Christmas will likely look a little different for some of us without the usual parties, parades, visits with Santa Claus or big festive church services. But following a year like we've had, I think this could be the perfect time to spend time with family, count our blessings, and look forward to next year. Thanks to the genius of our medical community and the courage of our workers, life as we know it should be returning to normal soon. This Christmas is a great opportunity to hold loved ones dear and remember what we're thankful for. This year I am especially thankful for family, health and the ability to continue serving you in Congress. On behalf of my family, I wish you a safe, happy, healthy and Merry Christmas!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400448", "Luetkemeyer: TDR, CECL Provisions to Aid in Continued Economic Healing", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding the extension of two critical CARES Act provisions in today's COVID-19 relief package. The bill includes a delay in the capital requirements of the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard and the suspension of Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) classifications until January 1, 2022.\r\nExtending the regulatory relief provided by the CARES Act, specifically the suspension of TDR classifications and CECL, is crucial to our economic recovery. In order for small businesses to fully recover, lenders must have the necessary flexibility to work with their customers without interference from regulators. While larger forbearance efforts are needed, and CECL must be completely eliminated, the provisions in this bill will go a long way toward helping businesses get back on their feet,said Luetkemeyer. \r\nBackground:\r\nOn July 31, 2020 Congressman Luetkemeyer introduced the bipartisanFinancial Institutions Forbearance Act, which extends the TDR provision in the CARES Act and allows depository institutions to modify loans directly impacted by COVID-19 without being forced by regulators to classify the loans as impaired.\r\nEarlier this month, Congressman Luetkemeyer was joined by 35 Members of Congress in sending a letter urging Congressional leadership to extend the Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) provision included in the CARES Act to January 1, 2022 which was agreed to in today's bill. The full letter can be foundHERE.\r\nIn May, Congressman Luetkemeyer led a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin urging the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to provide a complete moratorium on CECL until January 1, 2022. The full letter can be foundHERE.\r\nIn July, Congressman Luetkemeyer introduced theEliminating CECL Accounting Standard Act.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400449", "Luetkemeyer on COVID Relief and Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and end of the year funding legislation.\r\nWe have faced a year of adversity like most of us have never experienced, but we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The COVID-19 bill will provide crucial support for small business and includes resources for the dissemination of vaccines that prioritize our health care workers and most vulnerable. Our economy will soon be able to fully and safely reopen allowing Americans to return to work, students to return to their classrooms nationwide and businesses to once again be able to pay their employees a full paycheck.\r\nThe appropriations portion of this package delivers on several Missouri-specific priorities that I fought to be included to benefit the Third District and our state. While this bill  like most government funding packages  is far from perfect, it delivers major wins for both Missouri and the nation.\r\nSmall businesses nationwide have endured more than their fair share of loss in 2020. Fortunately, more help is finally on the way. The bill provides more than $280 billion to restart and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program to give struggling small businesses the relief they so desperately need. In order to make the loan forgiveness process less burdensome and less expensive, a streamlined process for all PPP loans up to $150,000 will be implemented this time around. The program will also be specifically targeted to the industries and businesses that have been most affected by the economic decline and has added protections to ensure those who do not need the support do not get it. Lastly, it prevents small businesses that have received PPP funds from being taxed for accepting help.\r\nMissouri and National Priorities Include:\r\n \r\n    Nearly $20 billion in health care funding for vaccine production, and $8.75 billion for distribution to give all Americans who want to receive the vaccine the ability to do so for little or no money.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Broadband deployment program to provide increased broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved communities in Missouri and across the country.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Assistance for farmers and ranchers whose operations have been impacted by the pandemic and increased funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).\r\n \r\n \r\n    Increased telehealth funding to ensure all Missourians have access to health care no matter their zip code.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act which provides for the maintenance of and new projects on our waterways like the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Includes a provision similar to my bill, the Vested Employee Pension Benefit Protection Act which fixes current law to ensure certain construction and building trade workers in our area have access to their earned retirement benefits. \r\n \r\n \r\n    Support for the Education Stabilization Fund which provides emergency funding for our nation's schools and universities.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Support for the motorcoach and school bus industry which supports countless jobs in the Third District and has been disproportionately hurt by the pandemic.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Relief for entertainment venues and movie theaters who have been unable to operate or employ workers for months.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-for-900-billion-coronavirus-relief-package-and", "Congressman Cleaver Votes For $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package and Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 133, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, emergency coronavirus relief, and authorizations. United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the legislation, which would provide $900 billion in relief to American families, workers and small businesses that have been crushed by the simultaneous economic and public health crises caused by coronavirus.\nThis agreement should be interpreted as a down payment on the costs of recovery from the coronavirus-induced recession. It extends enhanced unemployment benefits for laid off workers, provides families with another round of direct payments, administers additional lending to struggling small businesses, grants rental and housing assistance to prevent millions from falling into homelessness, strengthens nutrition assistance programs that have been strained like never before, and equips our nation with the tools necessary to distribute the vaccines that will end this national nightmareall of which I strongly support, if not at the levels which I would prefer, said Congressman Cleaver.\nThe bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief package brings desperately-needed support to Missourians and the communities of the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri. Congressman Cleaver advocated for several important provisions within the bill that would:\n Send direct payments to American families and workers, including another round of $600 to every adult making less than $75,000 that phases out as incomes get up to $99,000. Families will also receive an additional $600 for each child, meaning a family of four making less than $75,000 would receive $2,400.\n\tExtend enhanced unemployment benefits that would have expired with the new year. Because of efforts from House Democrats, millions of workers who have been laid off due to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic will continue to receive an added $300 per week of unemployment benefits.\n\tProvide rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and keep their utilities on as winter arrives. The $25 billion in rental assistance also comes with an extension of the federal moratorium on evictions.\n\tSupport struggling small businesses by providing additional funding and making critical policy changes to ensure businesses most harmed by the pandemic, including minority-owned businesses, nonprofits, restaurants and live entertainment venues, get the federal assistance they need to stay afloat until the pandemic comes to an end. The package includes over $284 billion for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV, and radio broadcasters, and important modifications that ensure the PPP serves the smallest businesses and nonprofits as well as independent restaurants. It also include $15 billion dedicated to live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.\n\tDedicate PPP funding specifically for CDFIs and MDIs that are critical to supporting minority-owned and very small businesses. $9 billion will go toward emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It will also provide an additional $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to assist underserved low-income and minority communities.\n\tStrengthen strained nutrition assistance programs with $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure.\n\tAccelerate vaccine distribution which is critical to crushing the coronavirus, ending the pandemic, and reviving our national and local economies. $20 billion will go toward the purchase of vaccines so they can be given at no charge to those who need it as well as an additional $8 billion to implement the infrastructure and logistics needed to distribute the vaccines as quickly as possible around the country.\n\tFund education and child care needs by providing $82 billion for colleges and schools, including for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to keep child care providers open and help parents get back to work.\n\tBolster the Low Income Housing Tax Credit which helps to increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects.\n Although $900 billion is certainly no small sum, I will be the first to admit this relief package is not all the American people need in this dire momenteven if it was all we could get out of the Senate Majority Leader, said Congressman Cleaver. In the midst of an economic and health crisis that threatens 33% of Americans with eviction or foreclosure, and has already resulted in the largest surge in U.S. poverty in recorded history, it is abundantly clear that the public is drowning under the weight of this pandemic. While this is a comprehensive proposal that sends an immediate lifeline to those who are struggling to stay afloat, there is no question that more must be done.\nWe all must keep in mind that, in world history, no nation has collapsed because it acted to deliver recovery benefits to their feeble economy or financially frail citizenry, Congressman Cleaver continued. We must remember that there are lives on the other end of these decisions. I remain hopeful the incoming President and Congress will act with greater urgency in late January to further fund the needs of families and workers as well as small and minority-owned businesses. I will do everything in my power to ensure they do.\nThe bipartisan omnibus spending bill increases non-defense spending by $12.5 billion above the budget caps, allowing for greater investment in Missouri families and communities. Some critical provisions supported by Congressman Cleaver include:\n Expanding access to housing by providing $43.4 million in new targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, unsheltered veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.\n\tTackling food insecurity by fully funding WIC, child nutrition programs, and SNAP\n\tFunding for gun violence prevention, including $25 million for federal research at the CDC and NIH into the gun violence epidemic plaguing our nation as well as $85 million for grants to improve the NICS firearms background check system.\n\tCombatting climate change by providing $2.86 billion for DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, $7 billion for DOE's Office of Science to support energy innovation, and $182 million for NOAA Climate Research.\n\tProtecting our environment with $9.24 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure clean air and water and hold polluters accountable.\n\tStrengthening rural communities with more than $730 million to expand broadband service, which will spur economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services.\n\tEnding surprise medical billing by ensuring Americans are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where they can't choose an in-network provider.\n\tExtending critical public health programs, including Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs.\n\tHonoring our responsibilities to veterans by giving $90 billion for VA medical care, including homelessness assistance, suicide prevention and outreach, and gender-specific care.\n I'm pleased that Congress was able to come to a bipartisan agreement on the FY21 budget that will end surprise medical billing, expand investments in affordable housing and nutrition assistance, intensify our battle against climate change, fund gun violence prevention programs, and expand rural broadband, said Congressman Cleaver. However, it remains extremely frustrating that Congress continues to wait until the last minute to pass enormous omnibus bills with little time to digest such critical decisions. I'm certain that the incoming Administration will provide more direction and involvement in such important spending decisions, and I think that will be a welcome addition to future negotiations.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-votes-favor-covid-relief-small-businesses-and-hospitals", "Graves Votes in Favor of COVID Relief for Small Businesses and Hospitals", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after the House passed the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal:\nWhile the Paycheck Protection Program expired back in August, the COVID-19 pandemic clearly hasn't ended. In some ways, things have become even more difficult for many Americans, said Graves.\nThis relief bill is desperately needed right now, providing targeted assistance to struggling small businesses and working families while speeding up vaccine distribution and the development of more treatment options. Simply put, it gets help where we need it now and sets America up for a faster return to normal, to get businesses back open and folks back to work.\nThe Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal does the following:\n Reopens the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program for a second round of applications and provides $284 billion in additional funding for struggling small businesses\n\t\tMakes eligible 501c6s, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), housing cooperatives, newspapers, broadcasters, and radio stations\n\t\t\tRepeals the CARES Act provision that requires PPP borrowers to deduct their EIDL Advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount\n\t\t\tCodifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans\n\t\t\n\tProvides $20 billion dollars to restart and extend the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Grant for small businesses in low-income communities\n\t\tCreates a process for existing EIDL Advance grantees that received less than $10,000 dollars to reapply for the difference between what they received and the maximum EIDL Advance Grant of $10,000 dollars\n\t\t\n\tProvides a $600 one-time economic impact payment to qualifying adults and children with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment\n\tTemporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020\n\t\tProvide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021\n\t\t\tExtends and phases-out Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 through April 5, 2021\n\t\t\n\tExtends the tax credit through March 2021 for employers that continue to offer paid sick and family leave to their employees\n\tProvides billions to speed up vaccine distribution, increase COVID-19 testing, help out our health care providers, and expand telehealth services\n\tHelps save rural hospitals by letting them become a new Rural Emergency Hospital, which gives them the Medicare funding and flexibility to offer health care services their community needs.\n\t\tMore specifically, the policy creates a new, voluntary Medicare payment designation that allows struggling Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) or small, rural hospitals with less than 50 beds to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH).\n\t\t\tThis would preserve beneficiary access to emergency medical care in rural areas that would otherwise be left with nothing if their CAH or rural hospital closed.\n\t\t\n\tExtends the time period, from December 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021, in which State and local recipients of the existing U.S. Treasury distributed CARES Act Sec. 5001 Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) can make eligible pandemic expenses. This allows more of the already distributed $150 billion in CARES Act funds to be utilized.\n\tGives colleges and schools $82 billion to assist with reopening for in-person learning\n\tProvides additional money for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen\n\tHelps farmers with $13 billion for direct payments, purchases, and loans to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic\n\t$7 billion for increasing broadband internet access, including $300 million for building out rural broadband\n The bill also funded the government through the next year and included the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), a bill initially introduced by Graves earlier this year. The bill also includes $1.375 billion in new funding for building the wall and for additional border security and enforcement.\nGravesalso voted in favor of the Families First Coronavirus Response Actwhich was signed into law on March 18, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act which was signed into law on April 24, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400447", "Blaine's Bulletin: The COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We don't often think of Polio anymore because no new cases have been diagnosed in the U.S. since 1979  thanks to a vaccine. Researchers started work on the Polio vaccine in the 1930's, but it wasn't until 1954 that children began receiving it in the United States. A safe and effective measles vaccine took ten years to develop. And the influenza virus began affecting Americans in the 1930's, while a vaccine wasn't ready for human use until 1945. We are fortunate to live in a country with great medical minds who over the years figured out how to eradicate many deadly illnesses with vaccines, but they weren't developed overnight.\r\nThis week, Americans began receiving the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine less than a year after development in the U.S. began. Thanks to the incredible doctors, scientists, volunteers who took part in the trials, private sector partners, and Operation Warp Speed, a feat that historically takes decades happened in just a matter of months. In fact, this is the fastest vaccine ever produced for a novel pathogen. It is yet another testament to the ingenuity and humanity we have seen from America throughout the pandemic.\r\nAs of last spring, scientists were anticipating the vaccine to be delivered within a year and a half. Some went as far as to say it is unrealistic to expect a vaccine in 2020.But here we are in December and first responders and America's most vulnerable populations are already receiving it with millions of more doses on the way. Pfizer, whose facility here in Missouri helped develop the vaccine, has led the charge getting the first FDA-approved vaccine out to the American public. They have produced and distributed 100 million initial doses and have hundreds of millions more coming. And Moderna should have their approval from the FDA any minute, making millions more doses available those who want it. \r\nMissouri is distributing the vaccine in three phases which have already begun. Phase 1 includes health care workers, first responders, essential workers and long-term care residents and staff. Phase 2 will include populations at increased risk and Phase 3 will be open to all Missouri residents. Our state is committed to providing this vaccine at a very low or no cost at all to Missourians who want to be vaccinated. For information on where and when a vaccine will be available to you, Missouri has created an entire website dedicated to vaccine updates atcovidvaccine.mo.gov.\r\nThe development of this vaccine should be the last piece of the puzzle in helping restore our way of life and allowing everyone, even the at-risk population, to get back to living without fear of the virus. While many of us have tried our best to continue life as usual, the last year has been frightening and stressful for our most vulnerable populations. Now that we have a vaccine becoming available for those who want to receive it, Missourians can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to work, school and supporting the small businesses who have continued to struggle. Small businesses across the U.S. have been crippled by response to the pandemic  often times unnecessarily. With light at the end of tunnel I can't wait to put this pandemic behind us and see our local economies booming again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-and-davids-applaud-492-million-grant-for-kc-streetcar-main", "Reps. Cleaver and Davids Applaud $49.2 Million Grant For KC Streetcar Main Street Extension", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced it would allocate another $49.2 million to the Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension project. The Main Street Extension project will be a 3.5 mile extension of the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar from the current streetcar terminus at Union Station to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) applauded the announcement after previously advocating for such grant funding to be awarded for the project in July of this year.\nThe KC Streetcar has transformed public transportation in Kansas City and been an economic boon to our citizens and business community since it first opened to the public years ago, said Congressman Cleaver. I'm thrilled to see the FTA agree to our calls for additional federal investment so that we can continue to expand the Streetcar and make Kansas Cityand everything it has to offermore accessible to all.\nThe KC Streetcar has been a remarkable success for the Metro region  bolstering our local economy, supporting manufacturing jobs, and connecting people to opportunities across our community. I was glad to have worked alongside members of the Kansas and Missouri delegation to help secure additional funding for the KC Streetcar, so we can build on this innovative work and grow its reach even more, said Representative Sharice Davids.\nIn addition to this federal grant, the Main Street Extension Project has been awarded another $50 million Capital Investment Grant, a $14.2 million Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant, and a $174 million grant from the Department of Transportation's New Starts Capital Investment Grants Program, totaling over $287 million in federal investments in the last four months.\nThe current streetcar line is a two-mile track that connects all the city's downtown neighborhoods. The grant funding will go towards creating an additional 3.5 miles and 9 stations from Union Station to the University of MissouriKansas City (UMKC). Once completed, the expanded line will run from Kansas City's River Market to the Plaza and provide public transit between some of the area's largest employment centers.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-presents-angels-in-adoption-award-to-991-joyfm", "Wagner Presents Angels in Adoption Award to 99.1 JOYFM", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement after she presented the 2020 Angels in Adoption Award toSandi Brown, President of 99.1 JOYFM, who accepted on behalf of the radio station.\nI was thrilled to present Sandi Brown, President of 99.1 JOYFM, with the 2020 Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. It was my pleasure to recommend 99.1 JOYFM for this well-deserved recognition of their ongoing support for foster and adoptive care agencies and families. The radio station has consistently shared the need for more foster and adoptive families in the region and provided resources for listeners who want to get involved. I appreciate all they have done and I know they will continue to change lives and bring hope and love to those needing a forever family in the St. Louis area. Sandi is herself an adoptive parent so this ministry outreach has personal meaning.\nClick here to learn more about Angels in Adoption and the CCAI.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-secures-victory-in-department-of-labor-fiduciary-final-rule", "Wagner Secures Victory in Department of Labor Fiduciary Final Rule", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the Fiduciary Final Rule entitled Prohibited Transaction Exemption 2020-02, Improving Investment Advice for Workers and Retirees:\n\nI welcome this news that will help American families looking for sound and transparent financial advice. I am proud to have played a part in this big win for Main Street investors and retirees and will continue advocating for their needs in Congress.\n\nSince first being elected, I have advocated for a standard of conduct for broker-dealers and investment advisers that protects investors while maintaining their access to the financial products they need to achieve retirement security. Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Labor (DOL) proceeded with a misguided fiduciary rule that would have negatively impacted low and middle-income Americans who are saving for retirement. I fought for years against the investor rule, and introduced legislation that passed the House twice to repeal it.\n\nThe Trump Administration's DOL, in close coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has completed our common goal of establishing a fiduciary framework that minimizes complexity and confusion for investors, and avoids placing costly, burdensome requirements on industry and the retail investors it serves. Most importantly, it maintains investment choice, access, and affordability that America's Main Street investors deserve.\n\nClick here to read Rep. Wagner's statement on the SEC's Regulation Best Interest Rule, and click here to read more about the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Final Rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400446", "Blaines Bulletin: The Water Resources Development Act", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Surrounded by more miles of shoreline than the entire state of California  over 1,100  Missouri's Third District is home to beautiful views, an abundance of activities for water lovers, and critical water resources for not just our state but the entire nation. Along with great opportunities for Missourians, these many miles of shoreline also come with their challenges making our district no stranger to flooding and water issues.\r\nWhile 2020 brought more than its fair share of challenges, fortunately Mother Nature was a bit more forgiving with Missouri's flood season than in years past. But the stark reality is that our state will at some point undoubtably face another devastating flood season, like 2019, and it is one of my most important duties here in Congress to make sure the Third District is equipped with every resource and safeguard possible. \r\nEvery two years, Congress reauthorizes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in order to update our water infrastructure. WRDA is an opportunity for members of Congress to advocate for their district's water-specific needs, and since the Third District is home to Lake of the Ozarks and bordered by the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, WRDA is always a major priority for me. This year, I was proud to get several Third District priorities included in the bill that passed the House on Tuesday.\r\nThe first provision, the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to work with local stakeholders to create a comprehensive flood management plan for the communities along the Upper Mississippi River. The plan will help these communities better prevent and more effectively deal with flooding. Another provision I worked hard on is the Lower Missouri Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study which will help identify flood risk areas along the Lower Missouri River Basin so we can begin safeguarding the communities and resources in the area.\r\nThe Lower Osage Feasibility Study is an important step toward authorizing and funding construction for desperately needed flood protections along the Lower Osage. For farmers on the Osage flood control is the deciding factor of whether a year will be profitable. It's not an exaggeration to say their livelihood depends on improving our water infrastructure. And finally, the Tri County Levee District Land Conveyance will slash unnecessary red tape in Montgomery County and finally return part of the levee back to the county to streamline future repair issues. All these provisions are products of years of work and conversations with local officials and stakeholders to figure out the most effective ways to protect our community.\r\nFlooding and water issues are a part of life here in Missouri, and while we can't stop the storms from coming or the snow from melting, as your Representative I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure this district has the necessary support and protections. This year's WRDA legislation will help our high-risk areas become better prepared, better equipped, and better adapted for future flood seasons, and I look forward to seeing a speedy implementation of these provisions here in the Third District. I know our local leaders, landowners, and workers are certainly ready to get started.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/prioritizing-our-water-resources", "Prioritizing Our Water Resources", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Growing up in Tarkio, Missouri,several miles down the road from the Missouri River,I learned firsthand thepower of the river and what can happen when our priorities aren't in line. It's not just the Missouri Riverthough. Folksacross NorthMissouri, who live along the Mississippi and countless smaller rivers,havespent decadesworking to bringcertainty and safety to the families who live and work along our waterways. In many ways, we did just that, but with change, came complacency, a false sense of security, and a whole new list of priorities that pushed the most important priorities, flood control and navigation, down the list. When environmental and recreational concerns skyrocketed up the list of priorities in the eyes of the powers that be, millions were dumped into these pet projects while levee repairs, upgrades, and improvements to the navigation channel were neglected. This realignment of priorities had real world impacts on people, as we saw all too clearly with record flooding in the spring, summer, and into the fall of 2019. This wasn't just a one-year problem though. This has been going on for decades, with increasing frequency in recent years. Fixing this problem was one of the main reasonsI sought to join the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the first place. Whileit's easy for problems like this to get lost in the noise of Washington, it's always been number one on my agenda. We've gotten countless smaller wins in the past, but the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which I helped write,is agreatsteptowardsgetting our priorities back in line. WRDAmakes it a priority to secure,upgrade and improveour non-federal levees. After all, these levees protect countless small towns,and every levee is important to our flood control efforts because it only takes one weak link for things to turn south in a hurry. It will help upgrade our locks and dams on the Mississippi River that are so critical to shipping our products across the country.It builds upon existing efforts to revamp our flood control plans on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and speeds up the repair of federal levees damaged by the Flood of 2019.For those areas that have seen repetitive flooding, and we know there are many, there will be new opportunities to upgrade infrastructure to reduce the risk of future flooding. This bill doesn't fix everything, but WRDA 2020doesplacea focus onimproving flood control and navigation,which is critical. People's lives and livelihoods are the top priority in my book. Our laws, regulations, andthemanagement of our rivers should reflect that. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-joins-missouri-attorney-general-amicus-brief", "Hartzler Joins Missouri Attorney General on Amicus Brief", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement:\n\t\n\tI joined my colleagues in the House along with Missouri's Attorney General in signing an amicus brief in support of Texas vs. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of Georgia, the State of Michigan, and the State of Wisconsin.\n\n\n\tThis case asks the Supreme Court to provide an objective view of electoral anomalies in these states and ensures that the Constitution has been followed and the rules of law maintained throughout our election process.\n\n\n\tThe necessity of this request is derived from concerns that these states failed to adhere to their own election laws, usurping power from their state legislatures to change voting procedures which have led to an unprecedented number of serious allegations of voter fraud and irregularities.\n\n\n\tThis brief does not make any specific ask to overturn election results but instead seeks a legal, Constitutional review of the election practices in these states. It is important that the integrity of our election system is preserved, and an objective review of these anomalies will help ensure voter confidence for future elections.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-bass-introduce-the-preparing-superfund-for-climate-change", "Reps. Cleaver, Bass Introduce The Preparing Superfund For Climate Change Act", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  This week, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Karen Bass (D-CA) introduced H.R. 8915, the Preparing Superfund For Climate Change Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to account for climate change in their plans for managing Superfund sites, which are polluted locations that contain hazardous toxic waste and other contaminants harmful to public health. U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) has introduced identical legislation in the Senate.\nAs we have witnessed natural disasters become more powerful, prevalent, and costly in recent years, it's clear that climate change is exacerbating these challenges and the damage they do to our communities, said Congressman Cleaver. Not only do we need to face the fact that climate change is happening in this very moment, but we must begin to account for its potential to release extremely toxic, dangerous materials from Superfund sites scattered across the country. This critical piece of legislation will require the EPA to plan for such scenarios and ensure neighboring communities have the protection needed to avoid a tragedy caused by lack of preparation.\nSea level rise on the coasts, 100-year river flooding and devastating fires across the west could reach several Superfund sites and send highly dangerous chemicals into our air, soil and water, said Congressmember Bass. Last year, the Government Accountability Office confirmed that Superfund sites across the country are not equipped to withstand the threat of climate change. Unless EPA takes climate into account when preparing to clean up a Superfund, we are all in danger. I urge my colleagues to support this important and urgent piece of legislation.\nThe Preparing Superfund For Climate Change Act would:\n Require the potential threat to human health and the environment associated with local natural disasters and hazards due to climate change be incorporated into any plans to clean-up a Superfund site; and\n\tRequire that local natural disasters and extreme weather hazards, including any projected exacerbation or change in those disasters and hazards due to climate change, be taken into account in the periodic review of whether a clean-up plan is adequately protective.\n Last year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report concluding Superfund sites across the country are severely underprepared to weather the exacerbating threat of climate change. In the report, the GAO found that roughly 60% of Superfund sites across the nation face risks from flooding, storm surge, rise in sea level, and wildfires. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused flooding at 13 Superfund sites as well as breaches at two others. In 2018, a California wildfire burned through the Iron Mountain Mine site, causing pipes to catch fire with the potential to lead to an explosion that would have released dangerous chemicals into the neighboring communities.\nThere are currently 32 Superfund sites in Missouri20 of which were deemed vulnerable to climate change by the GAOas well as two in the Fifth District of Missouri.\nYou can find the official text of the Preparing Superfund For Climate Change Act here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-s-counter-act-passes-with-defense-authorization-bill-ndaa", "Cleavers COUNTER Act Passes with Defense Authorization Bill (NDAA)", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA) by a vote of 335-78. Included in this year's NDAA was the Coordinating Oversight, Upgrading and Innovating Technology, and Examiner Reform Act (COUNTER Act), a bill introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) to update and overhaul the Bank Secrecy Act, which dictates banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and root out illicit financial transactions from nefarious actors domestically and abroad. Congressman Cleaver voted in favor of the NDAA, which also authorizes a 3% pay raise for servicemembers, removes all names, symbols, displays, and monuments of the Confederate States of America from all military installations, and provides long-overdue health benefits for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.\nI'm thrilled we were able to garner the bipartisan support needed to keep the COUNTER Act in the NDAA conference report, and that the legislation will help bring our financial security infrastructure into the 21st century, said Congressman Cleaver. For far too long, our national security apparatus has been limited in its ability to combat money laundering from groups and individuals who seek to take advantage of our financial system's outdated safeguards. With passage of the COUNTER Act and the FY21 NDAA, that should no longer be the case.\nI am pleased to have secured the inclusion of Representative Cleaver's COUNTER Act in the NDAA for FY 21. Representative Cleaver's legislation represents the most significant improvements to the Bank Secrecy Act since September 11th, said Chairwoman Maxine Waters. This long-overdue effort to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, enhance information sharing, and adapt to new technologies is essential to fighting financial crime. Representative Cleaver's bill, combined with other provisions in the NDAA, will make a tangible difference in law enforcement's ability to pursue bad actors who abuse our financial system. I thank him for his leadership on this important issue.\nThe COUNTER Act would empower the U.S. Treasury Department to protect our national security and safeguard our financial systems by codifying an information-sharing program between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the Treasury Department, which will better ensure the detection and capture of illicit financial activity. In addition, the bill would close a number of loopholes that have long enabled financial crimes, positioning our national security apparatus to face the financial security challenges of tomorrow. Finally, the COUNTER Act will provide much-needed relief to small banks and credit unions by bringing outdated regulations weighing on smaller institutions into the 21st century while still reinforcing our national security.\nOther noteworthy provisions advocated by Rep. Cleaver in the FY21 NDAA include:\n Authorizing a 3% pay raise for servicemembers;\n\tProviding a long sought after health benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange\n\tRemoving all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America from all military installations;\n\tExtending paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilians who were inadvertently excluded in the FY20 NDAA, including employees at the VA, TSA, FAA, and more;\n\tSetting limits on the use of Defense Department emergency construction funds to prevent future Presidents from attempting to reallocate military construction accounts for projects which Congress has declined to appropriate funds;\n\tCreates a Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense as well as a Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion for each military service;\n\tCreating a Task Force on Domestic Violence and enabling victims of sexual harassment to make confidential reports outside the chain of command;\n\tCreation of an alternative fuel vehicle pilot program, which would require the Department of Defense to expand the use of hybrid and electric vehicles;\n\tRequiring the Department of Defense to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emissions from the last 10 years; and\n\tRequiring steps to ensure the Department of Defense's consumption of fossil fuels is reduced by 30% in 25 years.\n Although no legislation of this magnitude is perfect, I'm proud to support this year's NDAA because it supports our troops. This bill will provide the men and women who heroically serve our nation a long overdue pay raise; increases hazardous duty pay for those in harm's way; grants critical benefits to Vietnam veterans suffering from illnesses following exposure to Agent Orange; gives additional protections to servicemembers who have faced sexual harassment; and ensures that the Defense Department is studying and taking steps to address the impact of climate change, said Congressman Cleaver. I'm proud of the bipartisanship and compromise that allowed for Congress to pass this critical legislation, and I'm hopeful we can now carry over that same spirit of bipartisanship to bring additional relief to the American people who continue to be rocked by the coronavirus crisis.\nThe COUNTER Act was endorsed by the following organizations: the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Bank Policy Institute, National Association of Federal-Insured Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association, Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency Coalition, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, One Campaign, Financial Services Forum National Association of Realtors, Institute for International Finance, American Land Title Association, and Bankers Association for Finance and Trade.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-wrda-with-bipartisan-support-including-key-components-from", "House Passes WRDA With Bipartisan Support, Including Key Components From Rep. Cleavers Lower Missouri River Flood Prevention Program Act", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which authorizes $9.9 billion in federal funds for flood control, environmental restoration, coastal protection, and other water resources projects. Major components of the Lower Missouri River Flood Prevention Program Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) in the House of Representatives and Senator Roy Blunt in the Senate, were kept in this year's WRDA legislation.\nIn recent years, Missouri farmers and ranchers in my congressional district have been faced with increasingly frequent and powerful floods that have wreaked devastation on numerous communities, said Congressman Cleaver. As these communities have been forced to rebuild their lives and livelihoods time and time again, it is important for Congress to enact a proactive approach that gives flexibility to the Army Corps of Engineers so they can immediately bring relief and protect those along the Lower Missouri River. That was precisely the goal of my bipartisan proposal to address this reoccurring issue, and I'm extremely proud we were able to keep it in this year's WRDA bill, which I hope will be signed into law before the new year.\nA major provision from Rep. Cleaver's Lower Missouri River Flood Prevention Program Act that was included in WRDA is the expansion in scope of the Lower Missouri Basin Flood Risk & Resiliency Study, which would:\n Identify specific flood risk reduction solutions in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska;\n\tFree the study from traditional cost and duration limitations;\n\tAllow approved projects to proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design;\n\tRequire additional consultation measures for any recommended actions, including solicitation of public comments;\n\tProvide $24 million over six years to help with technical assistance for disadvantaged communities with populations less than 15,000; and\n\tMandate the submission of a report to Congress with additional recommendations within the next 3 years.\n With passage of this legislation, communities up and down the Missouri River will have greater adaptability and control of efforts to address the destabilizing floods we continue to see year after year, said Congressman Cleaver. I believe that's the right approach in this circumstance, and I will continue to advocate for it until this legislation is the law of the land.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-supports-national-defense-authorization-act-conference-report", "Hartzler Supports National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Ranking Member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, voted in support of the Conference Report on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, annual legislation that determines the policies and funding levels for the Department of Defense and other national security entities.\nPlease click on the video above to watch Congresswoman Hartzler's floor speech on the NDAA\nAs Ranking Member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring our men and women in uniform have the resources they need as they selflessly serve our nation. This legislation ensures our military installations, such as Whiteman Air Force Base, Fort Leonard Wood, and the State of Missouri, continue to play a vital role in our national defense, Hartzler said.\nI'm pleased this conference agreement builds on the progress we've made in rebuilding military readiness after years of deferred modernization. Through targeted oversight, this agreement will set the right conditions to ensure needed capabilities required for the national defense strategy and credible deterrence are delivered in a timely manner to maintain our competitive edge against geopolitical adversaries such as China, Hartzler continued.\nHartzler led significant initiatives included in the final version of the bill, including:  Funding for Missouri military construction projects, including $40 million for the hospital replacement project at Fort Leonard Wood;  $2.84 billion for the ongoing development of the B-21 program, which will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base;\n-Support for B-2 modernization programs to ensure the B-2 maintains its long-range strike capability until the B-21 is operational;  12 F-15EX aircraft and 24 F-18 Super Hornets made in St. Louis by Boeing, including an additional $28 million for Super Hornet advanced procurement to ensure the Navy continues to address its strike fighter shortfall in Fiscal Year 2022;  Limits the retirement of the A-10 attack aircraft;  $5 million to update T-38 ejection seats at bases across the U.S. including Whiteman Air Force Base;  $696.7 million for Army Ammunition Plants, including the one at Lake City;  Prohibits the Department of Defense from acquiring certain printed circuit boards from China;  A report on the vulnerabilities to the medical supply chain of the United States from foreign nations like China;  Directs the Secretary of Defense to include a strategy for the use of chaplains and nonprofit post traumatic growth organizations for behavioral health care for military servicemembers;  Continued oversight of a provision in the FY19 NDAA, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from procuring and using certain Chinese-made telecommunications and video surveillance equipment.\nThe NDAA has always been a product of bipartisan consensus whose purpose has always been to support our troops and protect American national security. This legislation makes 60 years in a row we have passed this vital piece of legislation and is a testament to how legislators can come together on issues of national importance, Hartzler continued.\nAlthough not perfect, this NDAA will modernize and recapitalize our armed forces while making our nation stronger, safer, and freer. Our military must be able to secure the tools necessary to readily address the evolving security needs of our nation and continue the path forward by investing in capabilities needed to ensure a credible deterrent posture now and into the future, Hartzler concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400445", "Multiple Third District Priorities Included in 2020 WRDA", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Multiple Third District Priorities Included in 2020 WRDA \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, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding Congressional passage of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which includes several Third District priorities.\r\n\"Every two years, Congress is tasked with ensuring America's water resource infrastructure capabilities are maximized to benefit the communities they serve. With the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers bordering our district, our area plays a particularly important role in the nation's water infrastructure. We also see more than our fair share of flooding and water issues. I'm proud that this year's WRDA includes numerous provisions designed to safeguard Missouri's Third District like the authorization of the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan, the Lower Missouri Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study, and the Lower Osage Feasibility Study.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-s-negro-leagues-baseball-centennial-commemorative-coin-act", "Cleavers Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act Signed Into Law", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  The Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, a bill introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), has been signed into law by the President of the United States. The bipartisan bill directs the Department of Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the centennial of the establishment of the Negro Leagues, which was founded in Kansas City in 1920.\nI want to thank Representative Stivers, along with Senators Blunt and Kaine, for teaming up on this effort to honor the legends of the Negro Leagues in such historic fashion, said Congressman Cleaver. Not only will this legislation appropriately commemorate the Negro Leagues for their profound impact on the nation during the Civil Rights Movement, but it will also provide substantial funding for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City to continue educating future generations on the league and the icons who helped break down the color barrier in baseball. It's a fitting way to cap off the centennial of the Negro Leagues, and I couldn't be prouder of the bipartisan effort that made this possible.\nThe coin comes at no cost to taxpayers, and the U.S. Treasury will be reimbursed for the costs of issuing the coins. After the U.S. Treasury has recouped all of its costs for designing and minting the coins, funds will be distributed to the National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which was founded in 1990 in Kansas City.\nIn addition to Cleaver and Stivers, the House bill is cosponsored by 301 representatives. In addition to Blunt and Kaine, the Senate bill is cosponsored by 77 senators.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-on-non-profits-and-landlords-to-mobilize-cares", "Congressman Cleaver Calls on Non-Profits and Landlords to Mobilize CARES Act Funding to Prevent Evictions", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO.) Last week,with the CDC's eviction moratorium set to expire on December 31st,United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on Missouri Governor Mike Parson and the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) to expedite the implementation of the Emergency Rental Arrears Programin hopes ofavertingan impending eviction crisis. Heeding the Congressman's call, the MHDC plans to launch this rental assistance program later this week.The Rental Arrears Program, which provides one-time payments of up to six months of rental arrears directly to landlords, is in addition to the non-profit grantee program which has been assisting tenants since the onset of the pandemic. Under thenewRental Arrears Program, landlords must agree to not evicttenantsfor the next four months as we move towards winter. With nearly $30 million available in rental assistance between these two programs, including $13.3 million currently allocated to non-profits, Congressman Cleaver is encouraging both non-profits and landlords to take advantage of these critical programs.\nSince the pandemic struck the nationin mid-March,nearly 2,500 renters in the Greater Kansas City area have been faced with eviction filings. With the CDC's eviction moratorium soon to expire, this number may rise significantly in the coming months.\nIn an effort toavertsuch a crisis, CARES Act ESG funds have been and will continue to be distributed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission through two programs. The standard ESG non-profit grantee program, which has been in place since the pandemic began, allows non-profits to submit applications totheMHDC to secure funding to provide homelessness prevention services. Currently, there are $13.3 million in CARES Act ESG funds still availablethrough this programtoassist tenants struggling with monthly rent payments. Additionally, MHDC has allocatedanother$15 million in federalfunding for its Rental Arrears Program, which is designed toprevent evictions whilealleviatingthe burden of financial debt by providing one-time payments of up to six months of rental arrears to landlords who have not received rent checks in recent months.\nThe nation is in the midst of a public health crisis that has exposed how fragile the state of stability is for many Americans,said Congressman Cleaver.We must do all that we can to keep roofs over the heads of our neighbors,and this effort will require all hands on deck. If we're serious about preventing an eviction crisis, we need non-profits and landlords alike to utilize all available CARES Act funding.I want to thank the people at the Missouri Housing Development Commission for all of theirhardwork since the beginning of the pandemic aimed at keeping people in their homes. By quickly implementing the Rental Arrears Program, they will help even more tenants remain sheltered as the pandemic continues.\n  \n\tWith nearly 300,000 rental households in the Kansas City metro, we applaud Congressman Cleaver, Governor Parson, and the Missouri Housing Development Commission for expeditiously implementing the Emergency Rental Arrears Program to provide additional rental assistance to individuals and families in need.In Missouri's Fifth Congressional District alone, over 30,000 households spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs, including rent and utilities, said Geoff Jolley,Executive Director of LISC Greater Kansas City. Even despite the CDC's temporary eviction moratorium, which ends on December 31st, nearly 1,000 evictions have been filed in Jackson County since the moratorium started on September 4th. As we approach the holiday season, these funds are desperately needed to help stabilize our communities. We know that this is only one of many solutions required to assist tenants, landlords, and small businesses thru this pandemic, but additional rental assistance is a critical component.\nWe are all navigating these unprecedented times together and need to be a community of we as opposed to me,said Emmet Pierson, Jr.,President & CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City.Community Builders of Kansas City, to the maximum extent possible, works with our residents to keep them in place and not face the eviction process.\nWestside Housing Organization is working hard this holiday season to keep families in their homes. This is vital as it allows families to maintain stability in their home by ensuring their kids stay in the same school and allowing them to focus on the overall health and wellbeing of the family,said Gloria Ortiz-Fisher,Executive Director of Westside Housing Organization.It is hard enough to care for loved ones when or if f they contract COVID, but it is unfathomable to expect families to navigate eviction in the midst of a pandemic. For the sake of all humankind, let's be both humanandkind. Minimize eviction and keep families in their homes.\nIndividuals seeking rental assistance or other support are encouraged to contact the United Way 2-1-1 Assistance Center to connect with the various non-profits that receive the aforementioned funds through MHDC programs.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Haydin Brady at 202-538-4326 orHaydin.Brady@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-legislation-improve-flood-protection-inland-waterways-other", "House Passes Legislation to Improve Flood Protection, Inland Waterways & Other Water Resources Infrastructure", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, after negotiations between the House and Senate were completed, the final Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) (S. 1811) was approved by the House of Representatives. S. 1811 represents an agreement between House and Senate committees on final WRDA language, based in part on H.R. 7575, which passed the House by voice vote in July 2020 and was introduced by House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member SamGraves(MO-06) and his colleagues on the Committee. The bill is critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks, dams, and other water resources infrastructure.\nNorth Missouri's inland waterways are dependent on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Ensuring that timely flood control and navigation improvements continue to occur is a centerpiece of this bill,said Ranking Member Graves. Lives and livelihoods depend on the important reforms in WRDA and I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill so we can help reduce the disastrous flooding we've seen over the years and improve the navigability of our rivers. This bill is the product of a bipartisan effort and it's the perfect example of the way things should work around here.\n\nGraves speaking about WRDA on the House floor\nThe final bill contains many important provisions to North Missouri including expanding work on a Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Plan, expedited completion of maintenance and repair activities for Federally operated and maintained levee systems in the Lower Missouri River Basin, changes to the PL 84-99 non-federal levee program to enhance flood protection, further prohibition of Interception-Rearing Complex's (IRC's), changes to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund cost-share which would help make repairs and upgrades to locks and dams on the Mississippi River, and continuation of work on the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Flood Control Plan, along with several other provisions critical to flood control and navigation.\nYou can view Graves' remarks on the House floor regarding WRDA here.\nAdditional information about the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400444", "Luetkemeyer Urges Extension of TDR Provision", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. On Friday, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) was joined by 35 colleagues in sending a letter urging Congressional leadership to extend the Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) provision included in the CARES Act. Currently set to expire on December 31, 2020, extending this provision will give financial institutions the ability to work with customers through this difficult economic period, benefiting countless American businesses and consumers.\r\nIn March of this year economic shutdowns hit communities across the country. By passing the CARES Act, Congress acted quickly to respond to the health threat we were yet to fully understand and a shutdown with an unknown end date. At the time, December 31, 2020 was believed to be an appropriate expiration date for numerous emergency measures, including Section 4013, the suspension of Trouble Debt Restructuring (TDR) classification of loans. However, with the end of the year quickly approaching and millions of businesses still in need of relief an extension of Section 4013 along with further forbearance for lenders is critical to our recovery and the survival of businesses in every state of the country.\r\nWhile the success of Section 4013 has been praised by borrowers and lenders alike, without Congressional action it will expire on December 31. Allowing it to expire would have a drastic and adverse impact on the ability of consumers and businesses to access credit now and a TDR classification would further hurt their ability to access credit in the future. Expiration could also result in many loans going into foreclosure.\r\nThe full letter can be foundHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400442", "Blaines Bulletin: Leading the Small Business Committee", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From our favorite restaurants, ice cream shops, hardware stores, florists, barbers, you name it  local small businesses hold a special place in towns across America. There is something about knowing a business is owned by a friend or a neighbor and helping your local economy that makes supporting them feel that much more worthwhile. However, just as their size allows them to innovate and adapt quickly to the world around us, it also makes them more susceptible to the threats posed by economic turmoil and reckless government policies.\r\nThis week, I was honored to be elected by my House Republican colleagues to serve as the leading Republican (or Ranking Member) of the House Small Business Committee. In this position I have the responsibility of leading our oversight of government programs that help and hurt small businesses, their employees, and their customers. And, as the committee with sole jurisdiction over the Small Business Administration (SBA) which operates the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), our work will be more important than ever.\r\nYou are likely familiar with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and all it has done to help get America's small businesses through this past year. Seeing that our country's small business community was going to take a major hit with the nationwide shutdowns, Congress and the Administration worked together to get this massive relief program off the ground to help save small businesses at a record pace. The program has supported 51 million American jobs by providing resources that helped small businesses keep their doors open and their employees paid. However, with millions of businesses still struggling and $138 billion of PPP funds unused, there is still plenty of work to be done.\r\nSupport for small businesses doesn't stop at PPP. Just as important as resources is a regulatory framework that actually rewards hard work and doesn't hinder economic growth. My goal as the new leading Republican on the Small Business Committee is to ensure small companies in Missouri and across the U.S. who lack access to teams of high-dollar lawyers get a fair shot at success. Through responsible support from SBA and sensible regulation, I am confident we can do just that.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-on-governor-parson-mhdc-to-immediately", "Congressman Cleaver Calls on Governor Parson, MHDC to Immediately Implement Program to Protect Missourians From Eviction", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  This week, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on Missouri Governor Mike Parson and the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) to expedite the implementation of the Missouri Emergency Rental Arrears Program (MERAP), which was funded by the CARES Act, to protect Missourians who are currently being threatened with eviction.\nIn a letter to Governor Parson, Congressman Cleaver wrote: I understand that there is significant concern that MHDC's program may not be rolled out in time to rescue the hundreds of Missouri families in the eviction pipeline and that it may take intervention from your office to close this time gap. I have every confidence that you can leverage the important tools within the state's infrastructure to meet this moment and help save these families on the verge of eviction.\nMissouri remains in the midst of a surge of coronavirus cases, and we currently rank among the top 10 states with the highest number of unpaid mortgages and rents in the country. Since March, thousands of eviction cases have been filed in Kansas City and St. Louis, while there has also been a 300% surge in the number of calls to Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri from families on the verge of losing their homes.\nIn order to avoid a tsunami of evictions and protect those who are most vulnerable, the MHDC used CARES Act funding to create the MERAP. However, there is are concerns that the program may not be implemented in time to protect families who are most at risk of eviction, which is why it is critical for the State to roll out the MERAP without further delay.\nI know that Governor Parson understands the urgency with which we must rollout this program to protect hundreds of Missouri families from being forced out of their homes as the winter approaches, said Congressman Cleaver. In order to prevent that tragedy from occurring, we need the state to use every tool in the toolbox to get this program up-and-running as soon as humanly possible. I have every confidence the Governor will do so, and I will do whatever necessary to assist in that endeavor.\nYou can find Congressman Cleaver's official letter to Governor Parson here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-nominations-us-military-academies-0", "Graves Announces Nominations to U.S. Military Academies", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KANSAS CITY, MO U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District. Each year, members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America's prestigious military academies.\n\"I am deeply proud of these extraordinary young men and women who have stepped forward to serve our great nation, said Rep. Graves, who notified each student by phone of their nomination. Each of them has excelled as a leader both in the classroom and in their communities. I know all of them will go on to make North Missouri and our entire country proud at their respective service academies and beyond.\nThe following students from across North Missouri received nominations from Congressman Graves:\nOwen Carillo, Liberty  US Military Academy (Liberty High School)\nAidan Dougherty, Kansas City  US Naval Academy (North Kansas City High School)\nDylan Howard, Kansas City  US Military Academy (Staley High School)\nMaddie Klippenstein, Platte City  US Naval Academy (Platte County High School)\nChristopher Langston, Lee's Summit  US Air Force Academy (Blue Springs South High School)\nRyan McCain, Lee's Summit  US Air Force Academy (Lee's Summit North High School)\nBrock Miller, Paris  US Air Force Academy and US Merchant Marine Academy (Paris High School)\nMadison Schmude, Kansas City  US Merchant Marine Academy (Staley High School)\nThe nomination system is a very competitive process.Various military academies hold extremely selective admission standards. To help in the nomination process, Rep. Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board.The board, made up of service academy graduates and citizens of the Sixth District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants before making final recommendations to Rep. Graves.\nStudents interested in being appointed to a service academy in the future can find out more information by contacting Graves' district office in Kansas City or by visitingwww.graves.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400441", "Luetkemeyer to Serve as Top Republican on Small Business Committee", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer to Serve as Top Republican on Small Business Committee \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, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) was unanimously elected by House Republicans to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee.\r\nThroughout our history, small businesses and entrepreneurs have been the driving force behind the American economy.Now more than ever, our communities need small businesses to lead the economic recovery and allow workers to continue earning a paycheck. As the Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee my top priority is to ensure the government responsibly assists the recovery through PPP and other lending programs without the weight of needless bureaucracy and harmful mandates. I am honored by my colleagues' confidence in my ability to lead this committee and look forward to getting to work for small businesses in Missouri and across America.\r\nBackground:Congressman Luetkemeyer is also a senior member on the House Financial Services Committee and will retain his position there.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/coronavirus-covid-19-update-we-should-be-working-small-business-relief", "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: We Should Be Working On Small Business Relief", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When the pandemic first hit in March, Republicans and Democrats joined together to pass the CARES Act to get critical assistance out to American families, hospitals, and small businesses fighting to survive the pandemic. A lot has changed since then. We're encountering more and more cases in rural Missouri and increased hospitalizations. Even though we aren't under a stay at home order, businesses are feeling the effects as folks choose to stay home and cut back. Many businesses that typically see an uptick in income around the holidays aren't seeing the number of customers they usually see. Small mom and pop shops are struggling to keep up as more people avoid going out and order what they need online from major retailers instead. Part of the Cares Act was the Paycheck Protection Program, an effort to provide small businesses the capital needed to keep workers on payroll despite disruptions caused by the pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program expired back in August and while I've tried repeatedly to get it reauthorized, Speaker Pelosi has blocked reauthorization of the program more than 40 times, insisting that her own list of pet projects be attached to any COVID-19 relief legislation for American families, workers, small businesses, and hospitals. While we're just trying to keep small businesses open and rural hospitals operating when they're needed most, she's demanding stimulus checks for illegal immigrants and massive bailouts for states that have failed to properly manage their budgets for decades. To make matters worse, while Congress is back in session this week, Speaker Pelosi has chosen to focus on banning pet tigers and legalizing weed. There's simply no excuse for the continued delay of much-needed aid for American small businesses. We just can't afford for this to keep happening. We can't let petty politics destroy our economy and our country. We can't let political games destroy peoples' livelihoods. We can and we should help our small businesses and workers. It's not complicated. There's still more than $130 billion left in the Paycheck Protection Program awaiting Congress to just say yes. Enough is enough. We need to get the Paycheck Protection Program back up and running. We need to focus on what's actually important. This can't wait any longer. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sam-graves-selected-return-republican-leader-ti-committee", "Sam Graves Selected to Return as Republican Leader of the T&I Committee", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06) has been selected once again by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives to serve as the Committee's Republican leader in the next Congress.\nI am humbled by the trust my Republican colleagues have placed in me, and I am honored to continue serving as the Republican leader of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,Gravessaid. America's infrastructure underpins the entire economy and we clearly see that in North Missouri as we work to repair our aging roads and bridges, upgrade our locks and dams and ensure that those along our rivers are better protected from future flooding.\nNext Congress, we need to find consensus-driven, realistic solutions for an overdue long-term reauthorization of programs to fix our roads, bridges, and other surface transportation infrastructure. We need to continue investing in our ports, waterways, flood control, and other water resources improvements. We need to reauthorize the lapsed federal pipeline safety program, and more. We all expect infrastructure to be a major issue again next year, but if many of the same failed partisan policies of the recent past are simply dusted off and rammed through the House again, they won't be any more successful in the 117thCongress than they were in the 116th.\nI look forward to working together with my colleagues in the House and Senate to improve our infrastructure and support American jobs throughout our transportation sector.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400440", "Blaine's Bulletin: Giving Thanks", "2020-11-27", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While Thanksgiving is always a special time to look back on the year and think about what we're grateful for, counting our blessings this year it is especially important. It is no secret that this year has not been easy for Missouri, the U.S., and the entire world. Coronavirus has affected many areas of life from our health to our jobs to our schools to everyday life. But through this trying time, we have witnessed humanity and generosity of spirit like we have never seen. Communities have come together to rally behind and support one another and for that I am truly thankful.\r\nThanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons and this year is no exception. Jackie and I spend the day surrounded by our children and grandchildren watching football, cooking and continuing our family traditions with the ones we hold most dear. I count myself extremely lucky to have such a loving family and always use Thanksgiving as a time to remind them of how grateful I feel to have them. And who can resist a holiday dedicated to eating delicious homecooked food all day long.\r\nThroughout 2020, our nation has been through peaks and valleys, but we continue to show the world how extraordinarily resilient America truly is. This year, I am especially thankful to live in a place where no matter how difficult things get, America always bounces back. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed, three promising vaccines have developed  something that normally takes years  in just a matter of months and our economy continues to come back allowing our workforce to support their families and pay the bills.\r\nIf 2020 has taught us one thing, it is that life is precious, and we should enjoy every day we have with the most important people in our lives. And while we of course celebrate Thanksgiving every November, it is important to remember this is also National Veterans and Military Families Month. While most of us count on getting together with family and friends to gather round the table and give thanks each year, let us not forget that many our servicemembers and their families will go without seeing each other during this holiday season as our military continues to keep us safe. It is because of them that we are able to celebrate Thanksgiving in freedom and we are forever grateful for their service.\r\nOn behalf of my family, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/thankful", "Thankful", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Suggesting we have much to be thankful for this year might sound a bit disingenuous, at first. After all, 2020 has been a year unlike many of us have ever seen. In many cases, it's been a year of loss. Loved ones, jobs, milestones, school yearslet's be honest, many are just looking towards 2021 and hoping it gets here sooner rather than later. Yet, this pandemic has made it clear that we also have many things to be thankful for. I'm thankful for our healthcare workers, who are currently putting in the longest hours they ever have to get folks healthy again. I'm also thankful for the leaders of these healthcare facilities, who have difficult decisions to make and balance sheets and staffing levels that don't necessarily work with the job they are tasked with getting done. With limited resources to begin with, our healthcare providers are doing everything they can to get the job doneand I know that they will. Likewise, I'm thankful for our school personnel, all of whom have faced unbelievable odds this year to educate our children. Like our rural hospitals, education was a challenge before, and it is even more so now. I'm thankful for our businesses. For any small business, this has been the most difficult year in their history. This Saturday is Small Business Saturday. It happens every year, but this year might be the one that keeps the doors open. The best way to say thanks to our small businesses is to shop locally. Finally, I'm thankful for our local community leaders. From Parkville to Palmyra, each community in North Missouri is a little bit different, and folks are coming together to do what's best for their area. This year has been filled with more stress and difficult decisions than most have ever faced before. As we enter the holiday season, keep in mind a little grace goes a long way. Failure to give and receive it means you've probably missed the point. This year has made it clear that we need those around usour friends, family and neighbors. There's no way we could make it through a year like this without them. One of the things I love about North Missouri is that we help each other through tough circumstances. This year has been no different. Take a moment this week to say thanks to those who have been a blessing to you throughout 2020. It will go a long way. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400438", "Luetkemeyer on OCCs Fair Access Rule", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding an announcement from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding their Fair Access Rule.\r\nFor years I have been fighting the harmful Obama-era initiative, Operation Choke Point.' Today's announcement from the OCC gets America another step closer to putting it completely behind us. Operation Choke Point sought to eliminate legally operating American businesses only because they did not fit within the Obama Administration's political ideals. The Fair Access Rule will ensure all legal American companies have full and fair access to financial services and the economic freedom they deserve.\r\nBackground:In 2019, the House passed Congressman Luetkemeyer's legislation to end Operation Choke Point, theFinancial Institution Customer Protection Act,by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 395-2. For full text of theFinancial Institution Customer Protection Act, please clickhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400439", "Blaines Bulletin: Apprenticeships", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ranking second in America for completed apprenticeships for the second year in a row, Missouri is leading the way and showing the rest of the country how beneficial apprenticeships can be. Apprenticeships are a win-win for companies and workers. Employers are able to train and invest in skilled professionals and workers are able to receive on-the-job training while also receiving a paycheck.\r\nHere in Missouri, apprenticeships are available for over 70 different occupations in high growth industries like health care, manufacturing, technology and transportation. Local partners like GM of Wentzville, Ozark Electric Co-Op, National Association of Insurance Professionals, and University of Missouri Health Care have utilized apprenticeships to create opportunities for local workers to attain new skills and new jobs. And across the country, major companies like Sears, Hertz, Walmart and CVS Health have recognized the value of apprenticeships and now rely on them for attracting hardworking Americans who are looking to expand their skillset.\r\nThis week, I introduced a bill that would help maintain apprenticeship standards implemented by the Trump Administration. Under President Trump's leadership, the Department of Labor has established the Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) which recognizes high-quality apprenticeship programs that fall under the Department's Standard Recognition Entity (SRE). IRAPs provide individuals with opportunities to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and progressively advancing skills. They include both a paid-work and educational component. With 3,388 completed apprenticeships in the 2020 fiscal year and over 13,560 active apprenticeships, Missouri is setting an example for the rest of the country. Because of Missouri's significant progress with apprenticeships, we are just one of four states in America to be recognized as an SRE. Hardworking Missourians and apprenticeship partners are finding great success with this program and my legislation would ensure that success continues. It would also allow Americans across the country the same, extremely worthwhile apprenticeship opportunities.\r\nAfter a trying economic year, apprenticeships are an incredible way to kickstart local economies and help keep small businesses afloat. Our labor market continues to rebound, but not everyone has been able to go back to work, unfortunately. Apprenticeships are a great way for anyone seeking a job to quickly get back into the workforce and start earning a paycheck to support their families. For anyone who would like more information on starting an apprenticeship or partners seeking apprentices, please visitjobs.mo.gov. I am confident that Missouri will keep leading the charge in apprenticeships and am thankful for the partners and apprentices who continue to rejuvenate our economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400436", "Luetkemeyer Introduces Modernizing Americas Apprenticeships Act", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Introduces Modernizing America's Apprenticeships Act \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, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced the Modernizing America's Apprenticeships Act to codify the Trump Administration's Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) rule. IRAPs are high-quality apprenticeship programs that fall under the Department of Labor's Standards Recognition Entity. They provide individuals with opportunities to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and progressively advancing skills and include both a paid-work and educational component.\r\nRanking second in the nation in completed apprenticeships for the second year in a row, Missouri continues to be a prime example of how successful IRAPs can be. The Modernizing America's Apprenticeships Act would make it possible for Americans across the country to enjoy this same success. Following a trying economic year, investing in apprenticeships is a great way to help our local economies rebound and keep small businesses afloat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400437", "Luetkemeyer Chosen to Serve as 2021 NDAA Conferee", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Chosen to Serve as 2021 NDAA Conferee \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, D.C. Today, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy announced Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) has been chosen to serve as a conferee on the House-Senate Conference Committee for the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nReauthorizing the NDAA is one of Congress' most important jobs each year. It is critical that we ensure the brave men and women of America's military have everything they could possibly need to continue defending this country. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, one of my main priorities is to enhance our nation's defense against illicit finance and money laundering in order to maintain America's financial security. I am honored to have been chosen and look forward to getting to work.\r\nOn Congressman Luetkemeyer's selection, Leader McCarthy said,Blaine is a patriot whose love of country and understanding of our national security threats make him a natural choice to help get this critical defense bill signed into law. Through his time in Congress, he has distinguished himself as an effective and results-driven leader who puts the priorities of his constituents above all else. His broad experience will help bring a unique perspective to the NDAA process that will help deliver an outcome that our service members both need and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/holding-fema-accountable", "Holding FEMA Accountable", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, the House passed my bill, the bipartisan Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act, to hold the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) accountable for their mistakes and stop the agency from going after disaster victims that apply in good faith for relief funds. Last year, when communities across North Missouri were hit by record flooding, it took what felt like an eternity for FEMA to assess the situation and finally get aid to families who lost their homes to flooding. When the money finally did come, many used that money right away, whether it was for home repairs, relocation costs, or replacing what they lost. What they weren't expecting was for FEMA to go back on their word and decide they didn't really qualify for disaster aid. In one case of an individual from Craig, Missouri, FEMA demanded more than $12,000 back from a flood victim they had awarded relief funds. It wasn't because of fraud or deceit on the part of the person who received it; it was because FEMA made a mistake. Now $12,000 might be a drop in the bucket to FEMA and the federal government, but that's a huge deal for a family trying to rebuild their lives after a disaster. When FEMA does this, it doesn't just impact one individual or only the cases where FEMA makes a mistake, but every individual that receives FEMA assistance. It makes folks a whole lot more hesitant to spend disaster relief funds to rebuild their lives if they're afraid FEMA is going to come knock down their door and demand those funds back. My bill is simple. It stops FEMA from clawing back funds awarded to disaster victims as long as no fraud is committed in the application process. When a federal agency messes up, they need to own up to it and they need to pay the price, not the folks who are just trying to get back on their feet after a disaster has destroyed their home and their lives. If disaster victims have applied honestly and in good faith, they shouldn't be penalized for FEMA's mistake. It also holds FEMA accountable, by requiring the agency to report to Congress on mistakenly awarded funds and making sure these mistakes are limited in the future. This bill will finally put a stop to the revictimization of disaster victims by FEMA and ensures the agency does what it was meant to do: take care of disaster victims, not harass them, harangue them, and make their lives more difficult. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-blunt-kaine-stivers-negro-leagues-centennial-commemorative-coin", "Cleaver, Blunt, Kaine, & Stivers Negro Leagues Centennial Commemorative Coin Act Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Steve Stivers (R-OH), along with United States Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), announced the Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act passed the Senate and is on its way to be signed by the President. The bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the centennial of Negro Leagues Baseball.\nAs we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Negro Leagues, I'm ecstatic we were able to get this bill safely across home plate and on its way to the President's desk, said Cleaver. Not only will this honor the legends of the Negro Leaguessome of the greatest ballplayers to ever step on a fieldbut it will also raise significant funding for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City so that future generations can learn about the players, the history of the Negro Leagues, and their significance to the civil rights movement in America.\nI am glad this legislation is headed to the President's desk, sending an important message that the athletes' courageous efforts to end systemic racism undeniably bettered our nation, said Stivers. These Americans created a lasting impact in the fight for equality. Their unwavering commitment to making sure all Americans have equal opportunities, on and off the field, will continue to make a difference for generations to come.\nThe incredible ability, excitement, and sportsmanship that baseball icons like Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Buck O'Neil brought to the game helped break down the barriers of segregation, said Blunt. This commemorative coin will honor the leagues' players and support the National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's great work to preserve the legacy of African-American baseball and its impact on our nation's history. I'm glad we were able to get this bill through Congress and to the President's desk as we mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the leagues.\nFor forty years, the Negro Leagues offered people the chance to see some of the country's greatest ballplayers at a time when African American and Hispanic players were barred from Major League teams, including Virginia-born stars and Baseball Hall of Famers Ray Dandridge, Leon Day, Pete Hill, and Jud Wilson, said Kaine. I'm proud these players and teams will be honored for their historic contributions both on the field and to our country.\nThe Negro National League was created in 1920 during a meeting of team owners at a YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to 1920, teams barnstormed around the country playing whomever they could. The creation of the league brought some structure to the playing schedule, and other regional leagues were soon formed.\nThe coin comes at no cost to taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury will be reimbursed for the costs of issuing the coins. After the U.S. Treasury has recouped all of its costs for designing and minting the coins, funds will be distributed to the National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which was founded in 1990 in Kansas City.\nIn addition to Cleaver and Stivers, the House bill is cosponsored by 300 representatives. In addition to Blunt and Kaine, the Senate bill is cosponsored by 77 senators.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-tlaib-introduce-respond-act-to-protect-federal-pensions", "Reps. Cleaver, Tlaib Introduce RESPOND Act To Protect Federal Pensions, Measure Economic Impact of Climate Change", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) introduced the Restructuring Environmentally Sound Pensions in Order to Negate Disaster Act of 2020 (RESPOND Act) to protect federal pensions from the economic impact of climate change by establishing a Federal Advisory Panel on Climate Change within the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB). The bill would also require the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue an annual report projecting and accounting for the economic costs caused by the impacts of climate change.\nClimate change is not only a long-term threat to the health of our planet, but also a current threat to Americans' retirement portfolios, said Congressman Cleaver. With the RESPOND Act, Congresswoman Tlaib and I are calling on financial regulators to examine the economic costs of a changing climate and to utilize this data to make sound investments on behalf of more than 5.5 million federal employees. As the world continues to evolve and transition from the fossil fuel industry, it only makes sense for the investment portfolios of federal retirees to do the same in order to avoid catastrophic losses in the future.\nOur federal workers do not deserve to be set up to fail by being forced to invest their hard-earned savings in corporate polluters that endanger our public health, Congresswoman Tlaib said. Communities like the ones I represent deserve to have the Federal Reserve and other financial systems address the economic costs of climate change. Lives of countless people around the world and the life of our planet depend on it. That's why I'm proud to introduce the RESPOND Act with Congressman Cleaver. I thank him for his partnership in this and look forward to working together to see this much-needed legislation is made law.\n\"Forcing federal employees to invest their savings in the fossil fuel industry threatens both the future of our planet and the bottom line for these workers saving for retirement,\" said Kelly Martin, Director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign. \"We applaud Representatives Cleaver and Tlaib for their leadership in recognizing the serious financial risks associated with the climate crisis and protecting workers from those risks.\"\n\"It is high time that the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission properly account for the real cost of climate change on our economy, said Natalie Meban, U.S. Policy Director of 350.org. Climate change has always been the biggest economic threat to this country and our world. It is time to follow the science and know that we cannot have a healthy economy without a healthy climate.\"\nClimate change presents numerous near and long-term risks to financial systems worldwide and, in turn, pension holdings and public sector portfolios. The RESPOND Act of 2020 does just thatrespondby illuminating risks that would remain invisible without special inquiry, thereby taking another step toward protecting the underlying value of investments on which so many hard-working people depend, said Paula DiPerna, Special Advisor, Carbon Disclosure Project.\n\"The RESPOND Act will address important issues for federal pension plan and financial regulators to address climate risks and climate opportunities. We congratulate Congressman Cleaver and the other sponsors for moving this vital legislation forward,\" said Steven M. Rothstein, Managing Director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets.\nThe FRTIB currently oversees $565 billion in retirement benefits for over 5.5 million federal employees. In order to protect the pensions of these retired federal workers, the RESPOND Act would commission the FRTIB to establish a Federal Advisory Panel on Climate Change, consisting of a combination of climate finance experts and labor representatives, to conduct a thorough examination of the financial risks posed by climate change. After examining the report issued by the Panel, if the FRTIB determines pension yields would be both financially profitable and consistent with the FRTIB's fiduciary duties should they implement low-carbon investment strategies, then the FRTIB is instructed to immediately set a plan in place to transition their investment practices accordingly.\nSeparately, to ensure the federal government is doing its due diligence to fully understand and account for costs and risks of climate change, the RESPOND Act would also require the Federal Reserve and SEC to jointly issue annual reports to Congress that account for the financial risks of climate change to the American economy. Critically, this information would also be made public to financial institutions across the country as they seek to adjust their investment strategies to account for climate change, something the Federal Reserve has recently called for.\nThe RESPOND Act is endorsed by Sierra Club, Center for International Environmental Law, Ceres, 350.org, World Wildlife Fund, the Center for Biological Diversity, Catholic Network U.S., Rapid Shift Network, Earth Guardians, Mazaska Talks, Giniw Collective, Fossil Free California, Climate Hawks Vote, Texas Campaign for the Environment, and Zero Hour.\nYou can find the official text of the RESPOND Act here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-bill-stop-fema-clawbacks-assistance-passes-house", "Graves Bill to Stop FEMA Clawbacks of Assistance Passes House", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Sam Graves' (MO-06) bipartisan bill to stop the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from clawing back assistance mistakenly awarded to disaster victims that applied for it in good faith.\nThe Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act (H.R. 5953) updates current law by requiring FEMA to waive the debt of someone who received FEMA assistance, in cases where no fraud has been committed, after the agency later determines it mistakenly granted the assistance. Under the current process, FEMA can come back weeks, months, or even years later to seek repayment of funds it awarded victims, even when the agency made the initial error.\nRevictimizing those who have already been devastated is unthinkable and this bill puts a stop to it, said Rep. Graves. If FEMA makes a mistake, the disaster victims that they are supposed to be helping should not have to pay for it. It happened last year in North Missouri, but this bill ensures it doesn't happen again. We owe this certainty to disaster victims, and I'm thrilled that the Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act passed the House today.\nGraves introduced the bill after a Holt County resident, who lost his family home to the 2019 flooding, was mistakenly provided over $12,000 in FEMA Individual Assistance money to help him get back on his feet, only to be told later he didn't qualify and would have to pay it back.\nThe bill also ensures that FEMA reports to Congress on the number of mistakes it makes in individual assistance award determinations and the agency's efforts to minimize similar errors in the future.\nClick here to see Rep Graves' remarks on the bill on the House floor.\nClickhereto read the original bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400435", "Blaine's Bulletin: Thanking Our Veterans", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Just recently while in Franklin County, I passed by the Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office in Pacific. Like many of you who live near that area, I've been by that building countless times. It's a fine building and a good post office with great postal workers. But the name of post office always catches my attention and serves as a sobering reminder of one of the many Missouri veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Like so many before him and too many since, Specialist White gave his life in defense of this nation while serving in the U.S. military. I was proud to pass the bill to rename the post office in his honor, but much more importantly I am eternally grateful for his sacrifice and the service of all our veterans.\r\nMissouri is home to over 400,000 veterans. This week, we celebrated Veterans Day and the millions of brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping this country safe and preserving the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. You'll be hard pressed to find a veteran who is looking for a thank you; the same mentality that led them to serve often prevents them from seeking any credit. That is the reason Veterans Day and making a point to thank veterans is so important. It is also the reason I continue to support and advocate for legislation that provides our veterans the services they have earned and most certainly deserve. In a year that has limited access to VA hospitals and many veterans, due to their service, are a part of our high-risk population, increased services and support are more important than ever.\r\nOne of the most enjoyable initiatives my office leads every year is our Valentines for Veterans program. Each year, we ask classrooms across the Third District to create valentines for the veterans in our community to let them know we're thinking about them and thankful for their service. We have received and delivered tens of thousands of valentines over the years. Receiving encouraging notes from children and adults alike at our office is always heartwarming and a great reminder of how kind and caring our community really is.\r\nMost importantly, my job is to be a resource to veterans looking for help. We are able to help with a wide array of issues like pension, survivor, life insurance, and education benefits. We are also able to help with issues dealing with the VA, from problems getting proper care to helping obtain documentation. The Missouri Department of Public Safety Veterans Commission is also a great resource for getting help with things like benefits, connecting with your local military community and enrolling in VA health care. These and more helpful resources can be found on their website,mvc.dps.mo.gov.\r\nMissouri veterans have given so much for this country. Veterans Day is a reminder of that, but every day is a good opportunity to honor the incredible men and women who are currently serving our country, retired from duty, the souls we have lost, and the families they left at home. This week and every week, we thank you for protecting our country and for keeping us free.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/celebrating-our-veterans", "Celebrating Our Veterans", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The United States continues to be the beacon of freedom in the world. The only reason that remains the case 244 years after its founding is because of the continued sacrifices of our veterans in service to our country. Every year, we take time to celebrate our veterans, and rightfully so. Serving our country is a great sacrifice. Whether it's time away from family and friends, not being present for milestones, mental healththe list goes on. For many who have served, it has meant the ultimate sacrificelaying one's life down in service to our country. We could not function as a country without a strong military and we can't have a strong military without well-trained, devoted individuals who choose to serve. It's their blood, sweat, and tears that keep this nation free. It's their choice to serve that keeps us safe and keeps our country secure from foreign enemies. The number one thing we can do on Veterans Day is say thank you. It's a simple thing that goes a long way. We've also got to make sure that we're taking care of our veterans, both those currently serving and those who have served.\nThat's why we've got to make sure our military is well-funded, our service men and women are well-paid and our veterans get the help they need. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I've proudly supported pay increases for our troops over the years and will continue to do so. The VA Choice program is another improvement that has helped improve the access and delivery of our veterans' healthcare. However, there's no doubt that, whether its troop pay, healthcare or anything else that helps our veterans, we can always do better. The bottom line is that we have to invest in our service members, because our military and our country are only as strong as the brave individuals that make up our Armed Forces. If we don't take care of them, it makes it that much harder for them to protect our freedom.  While it's important to ensure our military men and women are supported in Congress, it's also critical that our veterans get the support they need in North Missouri when they need it. My office is always available to assist any veteran trying to navigate the bureaucracy of the federal government. In fact, it's one of the main things I do and I'd encourage anyone needing help to reach out. Because of our veterans and the sacrifices they've made, our freedoms and the very existence of our democratic republic continue to endure. Today we celebrate all of our veterans because they have put it all on the line to ensure that the greatest nation on earth remains free. Sincerely,    \n\tSam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400434", "Blaines Bulletin: Continuing to Serve", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, I was extremely honored to be re-elected to serve the people of Missouri's Third Congressional District. My family has called this area home for generations, and it is a great privilege to continue representing you in Congress. I do not take this privilege lightly and pledge to do everything in my power to maintain Missouri values and advance our priorities in Washington, D.C.\r\nThrough the end of the year and into 2021, Congress will continue fighting the coronavirus and supporting the ongoing economic rebound. As a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, I assure you we will continue working hard to put our economy in the best position possible, get students back to full time in-person learning, seek the latest advancements in health care and ensure businesses have the tools they need to make a full recovery from the shutdown.\r\nThose and other national priorities will and should get the majority of our attention. But my job is to make sure Missouri is represented in those efforts and our specific priorities receive the attention they deserve in Congress. I will continue my efforts to improve our roads, bridges and waterways to ensure Missourians and the products we sell travel safely and efficiently. Equally important is our digital infrastructure. Access to broadband is more important than ever  especially following the pandemic and distance learning. And while flooding season was a little bit more merciful this year than last, improved flood protection for all Missourians, especially farmers, is always at the top of my priority list.\r\nAs a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the financial recovery and ensuring government policies do not harm that rebound is my focus. During the 2008 financial crisis, government regulations actually mandated that financial institutions close lines of credit and literally forced small businesses into bankruptcy. I am spearheading legislation to ensure that does not happen again. Outside of recovery, updating our data security laws; reforming the flood insurance program so Missourians are no longer subsidizing coastal states; and giving every person access to the financial system will be my goals. Whether it's a home mortgage, retirement savings, a checking account, or just a small loan to get through until the next pay period, every American needs financial services which is the reason the committee is so impactful.\r\nServing you and your families in Congress has been and will continue to be the honor of my lifetime. This was not my first election, but the feeling of being elected to serve Third District constituents in the United States Congress never becomes less humbling. I am extraordinarily grateful for the faith and trust you have put in me and am excited to get back to work for Missourians here in the Third District and on Capitol Hill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/coronavirus-covid-19-update-free-covid-19-testing-available-north", "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Free COVID-19 Testing Available in North Missouri", "2020-11-05", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to take an opportunity to share some information about the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' continued partnership with the Missouri National Guard and local health departments across Missouri to conduct free COVID-19 community testing events. Testing is completely free and the only requirement to get a test is that you must be a Missouri resident. You don't have to be a resident of the county where the testing is being conducted or have any symptoms. Below is a list of upcoming community testing events in North Missouri. There are other events outside of the district that might be easier for some of you to get to. You can register for a testing event and find a complete list of upcoming community testing events at:https://dcphdo02redcap.azurewebsites.net/redcap/surveys/?s=XTLH7FCLD7or by calling 877-435-8411.  \n\t  November 6: Site: Shelby County Fairgrounds  \n\tCity: Shelbina  \n\tCounty: Shelby  \n\tTime: 9:00AM-2:00PM November 7: Site: Heritage Park Softball Complex  \n\tCity: St. Joseph  \n\tCounty: Buchanan  \n\tTime: 7:00AM-3:00PM\n\nNovember 7:\nSite: Scotland County Health Department-Home Health Agency  \n\tCity: Memphis\nCounty: Scotland\nTime: 9:00AM-2:00PM\n\nNovember 9: Site: NEMO Fairgrounds 4-H FFA Building  \n\tCity: Kirksville  \n\tCounty: Adair  \n\tTime: 8:00AM-1:00PM\n  \n\tI know that this is a difficult time for many, but please know that I am committed to continually fighting for the people of North Missouri. It's critical that we stay healthy and work to keep our economy and schools open. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns you might have. Sincerely,    \n\tSam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400433", "Blaines Bulletin: America Deserves a Biden Investigation", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For two and a half years, my Democratic colleagues put America through a fruitless, politically motivated investigation of President Trump and his family. Rather than accepting the results of the 2016 election, moving on, and serving the constituents who elected them, they jammed the legislative gears of Congress with investigations and impeachment proceedings in a four-year plan to displace the President.\r\nSpeaker Pelosi and Congressional Democrats have been searching for ways to overturn the results of the 2016 election since the day President Trump was sworn in. They have searched for evidence that the President illegally used his position for financial gain and insist any success his family has ever had, going back decades, is somehow tied to the Presidency. They turned the House Intelligence Committee and even the House Financial Services Committee into investigative tasks forces and abandoned all committee responsibilities. After the Mueller investigation produced absolutely no evidence of impropriety, Speaker Pelosi desperately threw a Hail Mary and began impeachment proceedings. Months of Congress' time and resources -- not to mention millions of taxpayer dollars -- went into their impeachment attempt that came up fruitless and actually exonerated the President of any wrongdoing. And while House and Senate Democrats were solely focused on impeachment proceedings and incessantly going through the Administration's every move with a fine-tooth comb, issues that actually affected American lives were completely overlooked, the biggest being COVID-19 which was spreading rapidly and taking lives throughout Asia and Europe.\r\nFast forward six months and we may finally have the evidence of money laundering and impropriety the Democrats were looking for. It's just like they said: massive amounts of money from Eastern Europe and Asia were being illegally sent into the United States to influence the very top of the United States government. Family members were making millions off their connections to the White House and middlemen were allegedly used to cover the tracks. House investigators may have finally caught the break they've been seeking for nearly four years. Of course, none of this evidence has anything to do with President Trump but points squarely at former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. \r\nIn light of the allegations and evidence of the former Vice President's and his son's suspicious activity with foreign governments, earlier this week I officially called on the House Financial Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to open an investigation. On Thursday I led a letter with eleven of my colleagues to Chairman Schiff and Chairwoman Waters urging them to take immediate action. These committees have stopped at nothing to find fault with the President under the guise of oversight and dismissed all suggestions of political motivation. If oversight is truly what they are seeking, they now have the chance to prove it to the American people by looking into the Biden family's potentially illegal behavior and ridding the country of the notion that their nonstop investigations into the Trump family was a politically driven witch hunt.\r\nRegardless of what happens Tuesday, the former Vice President of the United States and his family have been implicated in some very unsavory activity and America deserves an explanation. If Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff are to be taken seriously as anything other than partisans with zero regard for the committees they lead and the people they represent, they will immediately open an investigation into these very serious accusations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/protecting-court", "Protecting the Court", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court this week, becoming only the fifth woman confirmed to our nation's highest court and the first female justice ever confirmed with school-aged children. Regardless of your political persuasion, her confirmation is a historic moment in American history. It might have gotten lost in the noise of the presidential election, but today there are numerous cases headed for the Supreme Court that will have a lasting impact on the future of our country. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is critical that the Supreme Court is filled with justices that will interpret our laws and Constitution impartially, fairly, and as they were written, without interjecting their own personal beliefs. That is exactly what Justice Amy Coney Barrett will do. Some have cried foul, claiming that President Trump and the Senate's decision to fulfill their constitutional duty in filling this Supreme Court seat is illegitimate, and that's a load of nonsense. As the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg put it, the President is elected for four years, not three. The powers of the presidency and of the Senate extend until Inauguration Day, not some arbitrary deadline set by political pundits before Election Day. That's why President Obama had every right to nominate Merrick Garland in 2016 and the Senate had every right to refuse to take up his nominee. More recently, we've been hearing calls to pack the Supreme Court, adding additional Justices beyond the 9 that the Court has traditionally had, undoubtedly trying to fill those new seats with a slew of activist justices to correct the perceived injustice of the President and the Senate fulfilling their constitutional duties. This short-sighted approach is a direct assault on the separation of powers our Founding Fathers sought in creating three separate, coequal branches of government. It is nothing more than a selfish political ploy to turn the impartial, independent Supreme Court into some sort of super legislature wherein the chosen few dictate their superior knowledge and wisdom unto the American people. This isn't a new tactic; it's been tried before. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt tried packing the Court in 1937, the American people loudly and rightfully rejected his plan. Although many supported the President and would continue to for years, they were not afraid to stand up and speak out against such a direct assault on our constitutional republic. Leaders from across the political spectrum heeded that advice for nearly a century, but today it seems some have forgotten the lessons of history. Now is the time for the American people to remind them that we will not tolerate packing the Supreme Court with additional justices to bend it to the will of one political party. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400431", "Luetkemeyer Urges Chairs Waters and Schiff to Investigate Bidens", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) was joined by eleven of his colleagues in sending a letter urging House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff to investigate potential money laundering involving foreign governments and the Biden family. Excerpts and the link to the full letter can be found below.\r\nBecause you have dedicated the majority of your respective committees' time and resources to investigating administrations, which you claim is neither partisan nor political in nature, you have a duty to the members of the committees and the American People we represent to investigate Former Vice President Joe Biden and Hunter Biden's alleged connections to companies in China and Ukraine.\r\nFurther, allegations that a deal between Hunter Biden and the Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy Co included, 10 held by H for the big guy' suggests the Vice President was receiving payments directly from a foreign country. The Vice President's knowledge of the alleged arrangement should be a focus of the investigation.\r\nIf your Committees truly are committed to investigating money laundering, an FBI probe centered around money laundering involving foreign governments and high-ranking American officials must be a top priority.\r\nThe full letter can be foundHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-joins-missouri-kansas-delegation-to-invite-toronto-raptors-to", "Cleaver Joins Missouri, Kansas Delegation to Invite Toronto Raptors to Kansas City", "2020-10-27", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, along with U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), encouraged the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Toronto Raptors to select Kansas City as the team's host city should they seek a temporary home for the 2020-2021 NBA season.\nIf there are three things I know about Kansas City, it's that we love our jazz music, we love our barbecue, and we absolutely love our sports, said Congressman Cleaver. What we may lack in market size, we more than make up for in location, loyalty and fanatical fervor, which is why I sincerely believe Kansas City is the right choice should the Toronto Raptors need a temporary home next season. I am proud to join Mayor Lucas and my congressional colleagues in putting this stake in the ground and letting the world know: Kansas City is open, and the NBA should give us our shot.\nIn a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Toronto Raptors Ownership, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the lawmakers wrote:\nKansas City sports fans are unmatched, already providing an avid fanbase for the Chiefs, the Royals, Sportingand would be eager to extend that support to the Raptors. Our T-Mobile Center, a first-class arena located in the heart of downtown, would make a great home for the Raptors as they look to match last season's impressive winning record.\nKansas City is well-suited to host the Toronto Raptors for the 2020-2021 NBA season and our dynamic fans would be thrilled to adopt the team as our own. On behalf of our bi-state region, we thank you for your consideration of Kansas City as you move forward in the selection process.\nYou can find the lawmakers' official letter here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400432", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Judge Amy Coney Barretts Confirmation", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Confirmation  \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      October 26, 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  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released a statement following the Senate's vote to confirm President Trump's nominee for the United States Supreme Court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett.\r\nPresident Trump has made another outstanding choice to serve this country and defend conservative values on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Amy Coney Barret is an extremely well-qualified nominee who is widely known for her brilliant legal mind and fidelity to the Constitution. I am pleased she has received a swift and fair confirmation in the Senate and am confident she will be an exemplary addition to our nation's highest court.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-applauds-inclusion-northeast-missouri-ports-new-port-statistical", "Graves Applauds Inclusion of Northeast Missouri Ports in new Port Statistical Area", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded the recent announcement that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the Mid-America Port Commission Port Statistical Area and several Port Authorities along the Mississippi River in Northeast Missouri will be included.\nThe Mississippi River plays a major role in getting our goods to market. Federally recognizing these ports is critical to their success and existence. The new Port Statistical Area will go a long way towards ensuring that we have an accurate assessment of what is being shipped out of Northeast Missouri, potentially opening the door to more economic development. Congratulations to the folks who have worked hard to establish these ports over the years and to everyone involved in getting this PSA approved by the Corps of Engineers, said Graves.\nNorth Missouri public ports in the Mid-America Port Commission Port Statistical Area will include the Lewis County Port Authority, Marion/Ralls County Port Authority, and the Pike/Lincoln County Port Authority. A port statistical area helps the Corps of Engineers gather shipping data and rank ports based on that data.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-celebrates-agency-approvals-little-otter-creek-lake-project", "Graves Celebrates Agency Approvals for Little Otter Creek Lake Project", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City, MOCongressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today celebrated the announcement that all agencies involved have lent their approval to the Little Otter Creek Lake Project so it can begin construction. The project has been in the works for nearly 25 years.\nThis is great news for Northwest Missouri. Droughts in recent years made it more clear than ever that this water supply is desperately needed. Folks have put in countless hours of work to see this come to fruition and I'm glad it has finally gotten through the bureaucratic hurdles so they can start construction. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to move this project forward and I look forward to seeing the lake completed,said Graves.\nGraves has worked to help get the federal government to commit over 16 million dollars to the project, in addition to pushing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with local officials and contractors to move the project along. Once completed, LittleOtterCreekLake will provide a source of drinking water to communities in Caldwell County and surrounding areas, with the secondary purpose of providing flood control and recreational opportunitiessuch as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking, and the enjoyment of nature. Construction is expected to begin next Summer.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-call-corps-prioritize-upper", "Graves joins bipartisan, bicameral call for Corps to prioritize Upper Mississippi Water Infrastructure Projects", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DCCongressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined a bipartisan, bicameral call for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include construction funding for the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) in the Fiscal Year 2021 Work Plan.\nIn a letter, the lawmakers urged the Corps to take this next step toward lock modernization and ecosystem restoration to strengthen water infrastructure along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The inland waterway system is critical to the transportation of a number of American products and plays a key role in the agriculture economy.\nNESP, which was authorized in Title VIII of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, would modernize and expand seven outdated locks and restore ecosystems. Including construction funding for NESP wouldbuild on the $4.5 million investment in preconstruction engineering and design (PED) for the projects in FY20.\nNESP is a critically important multi-purpose program that allows the Corps to address both navigation and ecosystem restoration in an integrated approach that construct new locks at seven existing sites, thereby opening the river up to two-way traffic,the lawmakers wrote.\nOur nation's water infrastructure plays a critical role in maintaining our competitiveness in the global economy by ensuring the safest, least expensive, most environmentally-friendly, and most efficient movement of goods to market, but the current backlog of outstanding water infrastructure projects pending before the Corps is putting that competitiveness at risk.\nText of the letter is below and can be foundhere.\n\nOctober 26, 2020\n\nThe Honorable R.D. James\nAssistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works\nOffice of the Assistant Secretary of the Army\n108 Army Pentagon\nWashington DC, 20310\n\nLieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon\nChief of Engineers and Commanding General\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\n441 G Street NW\nWashington, DC 20314-1000\nDear Assistant Secretary James and Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon:\nAs you prepare the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Civil Works, we urge you to include a new start for a construction project through the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). We appreciate that the Corps included $4.5 million for preconstruction engineering and design (PED) of the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System projects in the FY20 Work Plan. A new start will allow the momentum of this work to continue; it is our understanding that, with a new start, the Corps would be ready for a construction award worth several million dollars for a project under NESP.\nAuthorized in 2007, NESP is a critically important multi-purpose program that allows the Corps to address both navigation and ecosystem restoration in an integrated approach that construct new locks at seven existing sites, thereby opening the river up to two-way traffic. Additionally, NESP provides a comprehensive ecosystem restoration for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Our nation's water infrastructure plays a critical role in maintaining our competitiveness in the global economy by ensuring the safest, least expensive, most environmentally-friendly, and most efficient movement of goods to market, but the current backlog of outstanding water infrastructure projects pending before the Corps is putting that competitiveness at risk.As this infrastructure continues to age (currently well past its intended lifetime) the risk of catastrophic failure grows. It is imperative that we address this issue before  not after  such a failure occurs.\nNESP maintains broad, bipartisan support in Congress, and, in recent fiscal years, both the House and Senate Energy and Water Appropriations bills and reports have included continued funding for PED and called for the Corps to advance projects authorized in Title VIII of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (PL 110-114).\nWe urge the Corps to move forward with a new construction start for NESP in the FY21 Work Plan. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important request.\n\n\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400429", "Blaines Bulletin: Small Business Recovery Continues", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Small businesses are the perfect example of the notion that with hard work, resourcefulness and an entrepreneurial spirit, anything is possible in America. They have always played a unique role in our local economy and have been a major source of jobs in our communities. Just like all of us, this year has been extremely difficult for small businesses. But these entrepreneurs have gotten creative and figured out ways to keep their doors open in the face of adversity. From restaurant owners driving meals to homes themselves to fulfill orders, to creating a home office in the kitchen while simultaneously teaching their children school, small business owners have gone to exceptional lengths to stay afloat and keep their employees in a position to support their families. It has been incredible to witness their fighting spirit and that is why this year especially, I am proud to be named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business.\r\nWhile it has unfortunately not been possible to save every small business from shuttering, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been able to keep millions of businesses afloat. Since the PPP began accepting applications in April, more than 4.9 million loans that supported over 51 million American jobs have been approved. That's 51 million Americans who would otherwise be forced onto unemployment or unable to make ends meet. While the overwhelming majority of feedback we've heard from businesses who have received PPP loans has been positive, no government program is perfect. In the case of PPP, the biggest need for improvement is in the loan forgiveness process. \r\nRecently, I wrote a letter to the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration urging them to simplify the loan forgiveness process for the smaller businesses who received Paycheck Protection Program loans up to $150,000, which represents 87 percent of all PPP recipients. These loans played a critical role in helping them stay afloat in the precarious economic climate, but the forgiveness process has proved burdensome and expensive in some cases. Some estimates indicate the current forgiveness reporting requirements will cost $2,000-$4,000 for each business, requiring 20 -100 hours to complete  time and money that should be spent on business sustainability and growth. It is so important that we streamline the forgiveness process so that these businesses can make up for lost revenue and get back to serving their communities.\r\nThe PPP has been able to help millions of small businesses continue operations, but many of them are still suffering from months of losses earlier this year. There is still $138 billion in unused funds that has already been allocated to the PPP, but just this week Senate Democrats unanimously blocked a bill that would give small businesses access to this funding. I am confident we are on that path to full recovery, but in the meantime please continue supporting your local restaurants, coffee shops, florists, barbers and hardware stores. While I am proud to have been named a Guardian of Small Business, it is important to remember that small businesses have been the real guardians of our jobs, economic success, and the economic freedom throughout our great history.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/small-business-aid-still-being-blocked", "Small Business Aid Still Being Blocked", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COVID relief for businesses still hangs in the balance this week as Senator Schumer and his caucus blocked critical aid for American workers and small business owners, not once, but twice. On Tuesday, they blocked a plan to get the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program back up and running and on Wednesday, they blocked a broader measure that would provide increased unemployment benefits, resources to help our schools reopen and stay open safely, and continued funding for testing and vaccines. Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi claim that they only oppose these efforts because they want more coronavirus relief. Let me repeat that, they're actively blocking coronavirus aid for American workers and small businesses because they want more of it. If that doesn't twist your brain in a knot, I'm not sure what will. It appears that the driving force behind their broken logic isn't a desire to help Americans in need, but a cold political calculation that they believe will help them in November. In exchange for a few billion dollars to help American workers and small business owners, they're demanding trillions to fund new stimulus checks for illegal immigrants and massive bailouts for states. Not federal funds to help states and cities patch short-term budget troubles brought on by this pandemic, but unprecedented, enormous bailouts for states that have been failing to properly balance their budgets for decades. Meanwhile, American workers and small business owners are being left in the lurch. While the Paycheck Protection Program helped support 51 million American jobs and 5.2 million American small businesses, the program shut its doors to new applicants on August 8th and it wasn't for a lack of funding. The program still has more than $130 billion in its coffers, money that could be used today to help small businesses and workers struggling to get by during this pandemic. When the program was originally created, few imagined that the shutdowns and difficulties faced by small business owners would last for months, and certainly not well into November or later. While I'm glad that Missouri hasn't locked down and kept businesses closed like other states continue to do, it's obvious that business is still slow in some places. We've got to ensure that they are able to continue operating in the midst of the pandemic. Enough is enough, it's time to put the politics aside and do what's right. We need to reauthorize the Paycheck Protection Program and get targeted aid to Americans in need now and we need to do it without bankrupting our country. American workers and small business owners simply can't wait any longer. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-applauds-75-million-grant-for-rural-broadband", "Congressman Cleaver Applauds $7.5 Million Grant For Rural Broadband Expansion in Saline County", "2020-10-22", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO) Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) allocation of $7.5 million to Saline County to expand broadband access. Theinvestment is part of $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program through the USDA,which is aimed at expanding broadband access and connectivity in rural areas. In March, Congressman Cleaverdelivered aletterin support of the Saline County Commission's ReConnect grant application.\nNow, more than ever, access to dependable broadband internet is vital for rural communities,said Congressman Cleaver. The economic success and growth of these communities depend on this critical access, which is why I was happy to join in supporting the Saline County Commission's recent grant application submitted to the USDA. Today, I am thrilled to report that the federal government has announced a seven and a half-million-dollar grant to the Saline County Commission. With this funding,approximatelyninety percent of Saline County will have access to quality broadband internetopening the doors to greater economic growth and providing an undeniably crucial resource to many individuals and families at a time when so many aspects of our lives are being conducted online. While I celebrate this momentous step, I am recommitted to working towards expanding broadband infrastructure to all of the rural communities that I serve.\nI want to thank our state and federal legislators for all of their support in obtaining this grant from the USDA,said Stephanie Gooden, Saline County Commissioner. Receiving this grant for Saline County will help move our county into the 21st-century when this year has proven that we need connectivity more than ever. Not only for distance learning for students but also in agriculture. I'm so happy on behalf of Saline County that Marshall Municipal Utilities is able to receive the USDA ReConnect grant, I'm thankful for the team, and I'm looking forward to implementing broadband throughout Saline County!\nWe would like to thank USDA Rural Development, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, the Saline County Commission and everyone else who supported us in this endeavor,said Jeff Bergstrom, General Manager of Marshall Municipal Utilities. With the current COVID-19 environment, there has been a spotlight put on distance work and learning. The ReConnect grants will give 90% of rural Saline County broadband internet access and allow for our students and workers to weather these types of storms in the future.\nThe grant will be used by Marshall Municipal Utilities to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure, which will connect 3,890 people, 433 farms, 63 businesses, two public schools, a fire station, and a post office to high-speed broadband internet in Saline County, Missouri.\nEmanuel Cleaver,II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone,Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, pleasecontact Haydin Brady at 202-538-4326 orHaydin.Brady@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400428", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Regulators Guidance Announcement", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement on prudential regulators' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to codify the Interagency Statement Clarifying the Role of Supervisory Guidance issued by the agencies on September 11, 2018.\r\nPrudential regulators are taking an important step toward ending the abuses and misuses of guidance that were rampant during the Obama Administration. For too long, regulators sidestepped Congress and used guidance as a tool to inappropriately force private industry to behave in a way that appeased the ideals of bureaucrats.\r\nThe Trump Administration has largely put an end to that practice, and I applaud their effort to formalize the end with this rule. I urge my Congressional colleagues to follow suit and pass a law to prevent future administrations from carrying out these abuses ever again.\r\nBackground:Guidance documents are intended to clarify an agency's policy or interpretation of a regulation but do not carry the weight of finalized rule or law. The official rulemaking process includes numerous steps that must be taken before final enactment. These steps can include public notice and comment, submission to Congress pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, and additional provisions to ensure the input of all stakeholders is included in the formation of a rule. Guidance documents skip over many of these checks and balances and can be published without review or comment.\r\nIn December 2018, Congressman Luetkemeyer introduced theGuidance Clarity Actto require all federal agencies to include a guidance clarity statement that states the guidance is not issued in accordance with the rule-making process and therefore is not legally binding.\r\nFullGuidance Clarity Acttext can be foundhere.\r\nFDIC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ann-wagner-introduces-legislation-to-protect-victims-of-trafficking", "Wagner Introduces Legislation to Protect Victims of Trafficking, Child Exploitation, Identity Theft, Financial Crimes", "2020-10-21", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act to codify and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program (VAP) to ensure victims of federal crimes have access to the assistance and support they need. In January 2020, the Department of Homeland Security issued the Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor, and Child Sexual Exploitation. Acting Secretary Chad Wolf called for the expansion of the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Program as a core part of implementing this strategy and putting victims first.\nI'm proud to introduce theHomeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Actto improve support of victims of crimes investigated by DHS's Homeland Security Investigations, including human trafficking, child exploitation, identity theft, human rights violations, and financial crimes, said Congresswoman Wagner. This bill would formally establish the Victim Assistance Program and fund trained victim assistance specialists so that HSI offices in Missouri and throughout the country have experts on hand to support victims. We must make sure victims of federal crime have their rights protected and are referred to support services as they move through the investigation and prosecution process.\nHuman trafficking and exploitation have no place in our society. As we work to fight against these heinous acts, we must also protect and support the thousands of men, women and children who fall victim each year, said Congressman Cuellar. This bipartisan legislation will expand community and victim services to survivors so they are able to rebuild their lives. As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fund programs that support the needs of victims and survivors of these horrible crimes. I look forward to working Congresswoman Wagner in passing this important legislation.\nAbout the bill: TheHomeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Actcodifies the Victim Assistance Program (VAP) within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This legislation requires the VAP to provide at least one Forensic Interview Specialist and one Victim Assistance Specialist to each HSI Special Agent in Charge office, a Victim Assistance Specialist to every HSI office participating in a human trafficking task force or child sexual exploitation task force, and a Victim Assistance Specialist to every HSI regional attach office. Moreover, the VAP shall provide oversight, guidance, and training on topics such as victims' rights, victim-related policies, and the victim-centered approach to victim assistance personnel nationwide. These requirements are supported by an annual $25 million appropriation authorized from FY21 through FY25.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-announces-creation-of-the-tri-chambers-of-kansas", "Congressman Cleaver Announces Creation of the Tri-Chambers of Kansas City", "2020-10-19", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced the formation of the Tri-Chambers of Kansas City, a consolidation of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City to assist minority-, women-, and LGBT-owned small businesses in the Greater Kansas City Area. Last week, the chambers signed a joint contract to receive $250,000 in CARES Act funding to help Kansas City small businesses devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.\nAs we continue to see the economic fallout from this awful pandemic, it is abundantly clear that not enough has been done to protect diverse-owned small businesses, said Congressman Cleaver. With the formation of the Tri-Chambers and the pooling of additional resources from the CARES Act, we're hopeful that minority-, women-, and LGBT-owned small and micro businesses in Kansas City will now have easier access to the financial and legal knowledge needed to access funding from programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, which disproportionately left minority-owned businesses behind. I want to thank Kim Randolph, Carlos Gomez, and Suzanne Wheeler for their leadership in making this possible. As Congress continues to negotiate the next relief package for American families and small businesses, I will continue to push for significant, targeted funding for the small businesses who have been hit the hardest.\nFirst and foremost this funding allows us to help the small business community of Kansas City, Missouri, which is needing assistance, said Carlos Gomez, President, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City. But it is also bringing together 3 incredible organizations to leverage our resources and create synergy to be more impactful.\"\n\"We're thrilled to launch the Tri Chamber today with our friends and partners in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce, said Jeff Harris, Board President, the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Today's launch is the result of years of relationship building across our diverse organizations and business communities. Our Chamber's mission is to advocate for, promote, and facilitate the success of the LGBT business community and our allies. We are confident this unique collaboration will further our mission and extend our reach and services, not only through COVID-19 but for years to come.\"\nAccording to a study from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, only 341 of the 4,677 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of over $150,000 to small businesses in Kansas City were awarded to diverse-owned small businesses, defined as minority- or women-owned. According to a study from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, over 40 percent of Black-owned businesses; 32 percent of Latinx-owned businesses; 26 percent of Asian-owned businesses; and 25 percent of Women-owned businesses were shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic, higher than the national average of 22 percent of small businesses across the country.\nCongressman Cleaver has been advocating for more support to minority-owned businesses since the beginning of the pandemic, initially calling on the Fed to include minority-owned brokers and asset managers as partners in its capital markets and liquidity programs to ensure investment and lending would reach minority communities. Cleaver also joined several members from the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to call on the Fed Chair and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to temporarily take emergency measures to support Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in their ability to serve small businesses, low- and moderate-income communities, and communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Representative Cleaver also demanded the Treasury Department provide diversity data from the PPP and amend their guidance on the program to reaffirm the obligation that lending institutions must comply with fair lending laws.\nIt's critical for state, local, and federal entities to work together to reverse the disproportionate devastation COVID-19 has brought on minority-, women-, and LGBT-owned small businesses, said Congressman Cleaver. We believe the formation of the Tri-Chambers is a part of the solution for Kansas City, and we look forward to their work in keeping businesses afloat as we continue to battle the coronavirus.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400427", "Blaines Bulletin: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Susan G. Komen Foundation projects that over 260,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Here in Missouri, breast cancer has the fourth highest incidence and mortality rate of all cancers, and it claims more women's lives than any other form of cancer except for skin cancer. Education, early detection and regular screenings are critical for staying healthy and potentially saving lives. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness about prevention, cheer on our family, friends, and neighbors who are bravely fighting the disease, and remember those we have tragically lost to it.\r\nThis year especially, it is more critical than ever to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection. I sit on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis which gives me the opportunity to speak with dozens of medical professionals about both COVID related and non-COVID related health risks. We have heard over and over again from the nation's health experts about the unintended consequences of the nationwide shutdowns. Many Americans have been unable to visit the doctor for critical medical services like heart surgeries and chemotherapy treatments because of the virus. Most recently in our subcommittee, we heard from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar who testified about even more medical services people have forgone due to the shutdowns. People aren't getting CAT scans or even going to the hospital when they have a heart attack or stroke, and millions of children haven't gotten their pediatric vaccinations. One of the scariest facts we've learned is that mammograms are down 87%. That is a reduction of hundreds of thousands of mammograms this year. That is hundreds of thousands of lives at risk due to lost access to medical services, which means the fight against breast cancer is as serious as ever. \r\nFortunately, passed years have given us great cause to be hopeful. While the numbers of breast cancer diagnoses have remained consistent since 2004, the mortality rate is declining. From 1989 to 2017, the mortality rate for breast cancer has gone down 40%. Screenings and treatments have improved drastically over the years and with early detection and proper care, the chances are surviving breast cancer are better than ever.\r\nThe American Cancer Society recommends that women age 45-54 should be getting annual mammograms but can start as early at 40. Access to mammograms for all women is something that is extremely important to me and the reason I continue to push for support for mammovans, mobile mammography stations, in Congress. My bill would allow these vehicles to purchase fuel without federal excise tax and lower their operating costs so they can reach women everywhere  especially those in underserved and rural communities who may not otherwise have access to a mammogram. With tens of thousands of Missourians at risk, every extra mile and every extra stop a mammovan makes can save lives.\r\nIt is estimated that we will lose 850 women in Missouri to breast cancer in 2020. Please use this month to remember the loved ones we've lost, share the importance of early detection and screenings with your family and friends, and look for ways you can join the fight against cancer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/we-need-judge-amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court", "We Need Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "America lost a well-respected jurist when Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away last month. President Trump promptly and rightfully nominated the highly qualified Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat. One of the core functions of the executive branch is to nominate Justices to the Supreme Court and federal judges. President Trump has had the opportunity to nominate three individuals to the highest court in the land during his term in office. He's also appointed over 200 federal judges to the bench for lifetime appointments. The Constitution affords the President the opportunity to appoint Justices with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee has been engaged in that process this week, though several liberal Senators have clearly viewed the process as an opportunity to hear themselves talk as opposed to listening to the outstanding nominee that the President has put forth. Much of the time has been consumed with petty political posturing instead as some on the far Left try to avoid Judge Barrett's impeccable credentials. That's unfortunate, but not surprising, since Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a stellar choice for the lifetime appointment. She was confirmed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2017 and is a renowned legal scholar. She has more than held her own during the hearings, explaining her commitment to the Constitution and the original meaning of our founding documents, as opposed to judicial activism from the bench. While far less contentious than the confirmation hearings of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, these hearings haven't been lacking in ridiculous questions and assertions. Yet, Judge Barrett has shown incredible poise and grace which I know she will also bring to the bench. Judge Barrett has shown throughout both the Judiciary hearings and her law career the extent to which she is committed to equality under the law. Her grasp of the law is exceptional, and her impressive career and credentials further bolster the case for her appointment. Amy Coney Barrett is one of the finest jurists out there. I'm glad the Senate has quickly taken up her nomination and hope that they will promptly confirm her to the Supreme Court. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400424", "Blaines Bulletin: Recovery Efforts Continue", "2020-10-09", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Taxpayer-funded government checks and amnesty for illegal immigrants; $600 million decrease in funding for American law enforcement; legalized ballot harvesting nationwide; taxpayer bailouts for mismanaged state and local governments that had billion dollar deficits prior to coronavirus; and taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. These are just some of the outrageous items included in Speaker Pelosi's HEROES Act 2.0, the latest so-called coronavirus relief package. Most of us agree more support is needed, but I haven't had a single person here in Missouri tell me direct checks to illegal immigrants, cuts to law enforcement, and weakened election security are the answers to their concerns.\r\nWhen looking at the details of the bill that was forced through the House last week, it's clear that President Trump and the Administration know Speaker Pelosi is not negotiating in good faith, but rather pushing a partisan agenda to gain political points. What's worse is the Speaker knows there are bills in the House right now that would pass today and be signed into law tomorrow. In fact, the only reason she brought last week's bill to the floor was to prevent members of the Democrat caucus who face tough elections from joining with Republicans to force a vote on and pass a bill that actually provides relief.\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) still has $138 billion in unused funds that should be going to small businesses and their employees who continue to struggle. I cosponsored a bill with the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, Steve Chabot to restart the PPP and get that money to the American people. House members on both sides of the aisle strongly support the bill. It's straightforward and is free of earmarks and political poison pills. But Speaker Pelosi refuses to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote.\r\nYou're probably asking yourself, why? What is so hard about taking the things everyone agrees on and passing it? The answer is: nothing. That bill would pass almost unanimously. But the truth is anything less than the demands included in her bill could be considered a win for President Trump, and that is not a risk she is willing to take - no matter what. It's the worst of politics and Washington, D.C.\r\nI know as citizens it is often disappointing to watch these negotiations fail, and I assure you, I share in that frustration. America needs real relief and this is absolutely not the time for political games. The good news is despite the nonsense in Washington, I continue to meet people who are optimistic about the future. Vaccines and therapeutics are being developed as we speak and unemployment just dropped below 8% for the first time since the start of the pandemic. There is still plenty of work to do, but we are learning to live with the realities of the day and not let them control our lives. As long as we keep looking out for each other and remain vigilant, our country will be thriving once again very soon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400426", "Luetkemeyer Urges Treasury, SBA to Streamline the Loan Forgiveness Process for PPP Loans Up to $150,000", "2020-10-09", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) led a letter signedby 60 of his colleagues urging the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration to implement a streamlined loan forgiveness process for all PPP loans up to $150,000.\r\nDespite the overwhelming success of the PPP program, more can and should be done to help U.S. small businesses stay afloat during these unprecedented economic times. Countless small business owners who are facing the challenges of reopening local economies, retooling their businesses, and working to protect the health of both customers and employees have indicated that further action is required to streamline the burdensome PPP forgiveness process.\r\nAs the representatives of millions of small business owners and their employees, we write to express our strong support for a streamlined forgiveness process for all Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Small businesses across our districts and the country simply cannot afford to face the burdensome process of applying for PPP loan forgiveness. Some estimates indicate the current forgiveness reporting requirements will cost $2,000-$4,000 for each business, requiring 20-100hrs to complete.\r\nIn addition, financial institutions and businesses need certainty regarding forgiveness to ensure business will not have to repay PPP loans and financial institutions will not be forced to hold these loans on their balance sheets. By streamlining the forgiveness process, your agencies can ensure our small business owners and financial institutions can focus their time, energy, and resources back into their business and communities instead of allocating significant time and resources into completing complex forgiveness forms.\r\nRead the full letterhere.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/protecting-our-communities-and-our-way-life", "Protecting Our Communities and Our Way of Life", "2020-10-09", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It's been nearly 19 months since record flooding struck communities up and down the Missouri River, destroying centuries-old family farms, wrecking historic towns, and leaving a path of devastation and silt deposits behind. While the headlines faded quickly, it took months for the floodwaters to recede, and much of the damage to our flood control systems, communities, farms, and the river's navigation channel remains. We've got to get this damage repaired. At the same time, it's imperative that the river is usable. The bottom line is that we can and must do better to maintain and improve our waterways. In recent years, these top priorities have fallen by the wayside as millions have been spent on unproven wildlife experiments on the river while failing to properly maintain the river's navigation channel and the levee systems that protect our communities and family farms. In Congress, I've been working to fix this. While it's been difficult convincing some in Washington to care about what happens in flyover country, I've ensured that important steps have been taken to rearrange our priorities on the Missouri River. In the water resources bill we recently passed in the House, I successfully fought to halt the construction on Interception Rearing Complexes (IRCs) on the river that impede navigation and negatively impact flood control efforts. The bill streamlined the repair process for locally controlled levee systems that protect many communities in North Missouri and cleared a path for future improvements to better protect our communities that are all too often blocked by a mess of red tape, measures which help both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. That said, this fight is long from over. Many levees along our rivers remain only temporarily repaired and the Corps has only received $20 million in emergency funds to fix recent damages to the Missouri River navigation channel, damages that are estimated to cost more than $200 million to fix. It's clear that while we've made progress, we have a long way to go, particularly in ensuring the Missouri River remains navigable. This is an absolute must, not only to keep the ports in St. Joseph and Kansas City running, but also for the farmers, small businesses, and large industries throughout the region that depend on the river to get raw materials here and ship products out. We can better protect our communities and maintain river navigation, and we don't need a multi trillion-dollar Green New Deal to do it. We just need to take a hard look at how we're spending our money and start making people's lives and livelihoods the top priority. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400423", "Luetkemeyer on Treasury Departments PPP Loan Forgiveness Announcement", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding the Treasury Department's announcement of a streamlined forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans up to $50,000.\r\nUnder Secretary Mnuchin's and Administrator Carranza's leadership the PPP program has approved 5.2 million loans and helped preserve 51 million American jobs. While the program is an undoubted success, the forgiveness process has proven unnecessarily burdensome for countless small businesses and lenders. Today's announcement by the Treasury Department is a good step for those businesses that simply do not have the time and money to jump through legal and regulatory hoops.\r\nMy Congressional colleagues and I are pursuing even greater relief and calling for a simple, streamlined forgiveness process for PPP loans up to $150,000, which represents 87% of all PPP recipients. I look forward to working with Secretary Mnuchin in the coming days and weeks to achieve that goal.\r\nRead the Treasury Department's announcementhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-kennedy-release-report-following-inquiry-into-use-of", "Reps. Cleaver, Kennedy Release Report Following Inquiry Into Use of Diverse Asset Managers by College and University Endowments", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Joseph P. Kennedy, III (D-MA) released a report following their inquiry into the usage of women- and minority-owned asset management firms by college and university endowments. In July, Cleaver and Kennedy called for the twenty-five universities with the largest endowments to provide data on the asset managers administering their endowment assets as well as firm selection processes and practices.\nThis inquiry was an important first step in uncovering what kind of disparities we're seeing among asset management firms handling monumental university endowments, said Congressman Cleaver. Now that we have this data, we can see where and how some universities are succeeding in diversifying their asset managers and what challenges remain. As we look forward, we will use this report to help inform Congress on steps that need to be taken to facilitate greater diversity within an industry that has tremendous influence on the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars in assets, and let's be clear: there is certainly room for improvement.\nThe devastating lack of diversity among asset managers in this country has denied women and people of color a path towards building wealth for generations, said Congressman Kennedy. For too long, these institutions have touted diversity among their admissions, but turned a blind eye to it with their investments. With their massive endowments, universities are uniquely positioned to not just encourage gender and racial diversity among asset managers, but demand it. Though the findings of our report are troubling, it is encouraging that many of our nation's leading colleges and universities recognize they have a role to play in solving this problem by pursuing the recommendations outlined in this report.\nThe relentless commitment by Representatives Cleaver and Kennedy in their pursuit of endowment transparency and better overall diversity and inclusion practices through strong recommendations will help steer efforts in the right direction, said Rev. Al Sharpton. For the past several years, NAN has been committed to working with institutional investors across the corporate, labor, nonprofit, foundation and endowment sectors to tackle the issue of utilization of diverse-owned asset management firms. Having congressional focus will help move the needle. As I've said before, we are facing a time of deep moral crisis in this country and leaders of all stripes must do their part to close the equity and opportunity gaps that have negatively impacted members of marginalized communities too long.\nRobert Raben, Executive Director of the Diverse Asset Managers' Initiative, said, Kudos to Congressmen Cleaver and Kennedy for leadership here; getting universities to provide data is a big deal. The next step is for the Universities to release this data, to track and report it consistently, and to dig in to why of the people of color with whom they are working in their endowments so few are Black and Latino/a.\nSome key findings highlighted in the report include:\n Different Opinions on Tracking Ownership: Colleges and universities should build consensus around standards and procedures for defining and tracking firm ownership information.\n\tVariation in Percentage of Assets Managed by Diverse-Owned Firms: Reports of assets under management with diverse-owned firms ranged from 5.1 percent to 35 percent.\n\tLack of Publicly Available Data: Only 1 responding university made information about assets under management with diverse-owned firms publicly available prior to the inquiry.\n\tAmbiguity on Future Allocations: Only 3 responding universities detailed specific targets or projections for future allocations to diverse-owned firms.\n\tVariation in adoption of diversity and inclusion practices: Some institutions have implemented more diversity and inclusion practices than others. Many respondents were found to not be tracking investments with diverse-owned firms.\n After examining the differing practices from various institutions, Cleaver and Kennedy provided ten recommendations as general principles that should be adopted and scaled industry-wide:\n Commit to asset management diversity at the highest levels of your institution;\n\tHire, promote and retain diverse professionals on the university investment team;\n\tActively promote an inclusive environment in the university investment office;\n\tUse the university investment office to further develop the next generation of talent;\n\tStrengthen relationships with diverse asset management firms;\n\tEvaluate your institution's process for sourcing asset managers to partner with;\n\tDiscus diversity and inclusion values with external asset management firms;\n\tTrack university allocations to diverse asset management firms;\n\tUse your institution's voice to positively influence the financial services industry on diversity and inclusion and other important governance issues; and\n\tPublicly disclose information about your institution's efforts.\n Colleges and Universities participating in the inquiry include: Harvard University, The University of Texas, Yale University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, the Texas A&M University, University of Michigan, University of California, Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Duke University, The University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Emory University, Cornell University, University of Virginia, Rice University, Johns Hopkins University, Vanderbilt University, University of Southern California, Dartmouth College, and The Ohio State University.\nThe only institution to refuse to provide data for the inquiry was the University of Notre Dame.\nYou can find the official report from Reps. Cleaver and Kennedy here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-releases-statement-on-coronavirus-stimulus-legislation", "Wagner Releases Statement on Coronavirus Stimulus Legislation", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ballwin, MO  Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement on coronavirusstimuluslegislation: \"There is still room for bipartisan agreement on the nextstimuluspackage, and I am committed to show up to vote at any hour to support legislation that will help American families and small businesses. There are many items we all agree on and we must get done, including another round ofstimuluschecks for Americans, additional and more flexible Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for businesses, and more resources for testing and treatment. These priorities should not be politicized, and we must come to an agreement that helps America's families at what is an incredibly difficult moment. \"I have consistently been working for those who need my help during this pandemic, and have been proud to vote for four bipartisan coronavirus relief packages. Ensuring the health, safety, and economic security of my constituents is my top priorityand I will not stop working for them. \"Please, continue to follow CDC guidelines, social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. Together, we can defeat COVID-19, stay safe, and rebuild by doing our part to stop the spread.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400421", "Blaine's Bulletin: Filling the Seat", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's decades of public service left a lasting impact on America. Regardless of a person's political views, the vast majority of Americans respect and appreciate the late Justice's service to our country. It is my hope the judge who takes her place on the bench will receive the same respect. This is a pivotal time in our country, and President Trump now has the responsibility to appoint another well-qualified Justice to the Supreme Court who will uphold the rule of law and strictly adhere to the Constitution.\r\nFollowing the passing of Justice Ginsberg, President Trump fulfilled his Constitutional duty to the American people and nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett. While there have been countless attempts to undermine the nomination process and calls for it to be delayed, President Trump not only has the right to make a nomination, it is an obligation all Presidents are expected to fulfill. \r\nThe Senate has been fulfilling its duty to confirm the President's nominees for the Supreme Court since one of our Founding Fathers, John Jay, was the first Justice to be confirmed in 1789. But that is not to say that all nominees have been confirmed throughout history. There are instances when Supreme Court nominees were not confirmed during an election year while others were. For instance, Justice Anthony Kennedy was confirmed in 1988, the last year of President Reagan's term.The discrepancies throughout history have led to questions about precedent and what should be done in the last year of presidential term. The fact of the matter is, it is the President's duty to nominate qualified candidates to the court, and it's the Senate's right to decide whether or not they are confirmed  a right I trust they approach very seriously.\r\nOne of President Trump's biggest contributions to this country is his transformation of the judiciary. His appointment of judges who strictly follow the Constitution to the courts nationwide and potentially three Supreme Court Justices are contributions that will last for a generation. Judge Barrett has received widespread praise from both sides of the aisle. As a judge, she is known for her brilliant legal mind and fidelity to the rule of law. Prior to her public service on the Seventh Court of Appeals, she was a highly regarded law professor at Notre Dame known for putting personal beliefs aside to do what is right. I am grateful to President Trump for nominating another outstanding candidate for our nation's highest court, and I am hopeful she will receive a swift and fair confirmation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400422", "Luetkemeyer, Select Committee on the Coronavirus Hold Hearing with HHS Secretary Azar", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer, Select Committee on the Coronavirus Hold Hearing with HHS Secretary Azar \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      October 2, 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  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. Today in a hearing in theSelectCommitteeon the Coronavirus Crisis, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) discussed the unintended medical consequences America has faced during the pandemic with Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar.  \r\nClickHEREto watch.\r\nCongressman Luetkemeyer:We actually have about a 50% higher death rate among the [over 70] population for the lack of attention [to other healthcare needs] because of the total focus on COVID we need to be looking at both sides of this.\r\nSecretary Azar:It's what you said, there's got to be balance. We need to protect the vulnerable from coronavirus, but we also have to recognize that mammographies are down 87%... CAT scans down 39%... millions of kids haven't gotten their pediatric vaccinations because of the shutdown. Emergency rooms have seen dramatic drops in people coming in with strokes and heart attacks  they didn't stop having them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-for-updated-heroes-act-to-bring-relief-to", "Congressman Cleaver Votes For Updated Heroes Act to Bring Relief to Missouri Families, Workers and Small Businesses", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last night, the House of Representatives passed an updated version of the Heroes Act. United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the $2.2 trillion legislation to bring immediate relief to American families, essential workers, small businesses, and state and local governments in Missouri and across the nation.\nIn May, the House of Representatives passed a previous version of the Heroes Act, which would have provided over $3 trillion in relief to workers, families, small businesses, state and local governments and more. In a good-faith effort to negotiate a bipartisan, bicameral agreement, the House of Representatives has re-introduced a scaled-down version of the Heroes Act, shaving over $1 trillion off of the original proposal.\nWhile the Senate Majority Leader continues to sit on his hands as the American people struggle to make ends meet, the House of Representatives has demonstrated our commitment to bringing meaningful relief to the public, said Congressman Cleaver. This legislation provides desperately-needed funding to support essential workers and small businesses, ensure health care coverage, reopen our schools, restore unemployment benefits, strengthen housing assistance, and so much more. It's time for the Senate GOP to end the political brinksmanship and pass this stimulus package.\nAn analysis using data from the Congressional Research Service, Census Bureau, and HUD estimates the updated Heroes Act would award approximately $3.75 billion in state funding for the people of Missouri, in addition to critically-needed funding for municipalities in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri. Estimated funding for these municipalities include:\n Kansas City - $241,404,825;\n\tJackson County - $189,443,434;\n\tClay County - $67,354,576;\n\tIndependence - $30,869,318;\n\tLee's Summit - $26,231,198;\n\tBlue Springs - $14,547,983;\n\tLafayette County - $8,813,967;\n\tRaytown - $6,832,420;\n\tRay County - $6,202,761;\n\tSaline County - $ 6,133,506;\n\tMarshall - $3,047,995;\n\tRichmond - $1,327,695;\n\tOdessa - $1,225,891;\n\tLexington - $1,069,178.\n The revamped Heroes Act also addresses challenges that have arisen since the House of Representative first acted in May, including:\n Additional funding to strengthen education and child care, with $225 billion for educationincluding $182 billion for K-12 schools and nearly $39 billion for postsecondary educationand $57 billion to support child care for families.\n\tStronger, targeted support for small businesses, by improving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to serve truly small businesses and struggling nonprofits, providing hardest-hit businesses with secondary loans, and delivering direct assistance for the struggling restaurant industry.\n\tFurther Aid For Airline Workers, by extending the highly successful Payroll Support Program to keep airline workers paid.\n Additionally, the Heroes Act now includes the Save Our Stages Act, a bill cosponsored by Congressman Cleaver. The legislation would provide targeted relief to independent entertainment venues, which have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown of businesses. Considering independent entertainment venues contribute significant economic benefits to Kansas City, Congressman Cleaver has been strongly advocating for this kind of targeted assistance since May.\nThe Heroes Act also maintains critical priorities from the previous version passed 4 months ago. Some of the most notable provisions would:\n Honor our frontline heroes by providing $436 billion in assistance to state, local, territorial, and tribal governments whose budgets have been devastated by the pandemic and need additional funding to keep frontline workers like teachers, first responders, health workers, and others on payroll;\n\tSupport testing, tracing and treatment through $75 billion for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and isolation measures, including special attention to the disparities facing communities of color, ensuring every American can access free COVID-19 treatment, and supporting hospitals and providers. It would also include $28 billion for procurement, distribution and education campaigns for a safe and effective vaccine;\n\tProvide another round of direct payments to help American families cushion the blow of the coronavirus crisis, including $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 per dependent;\n\tBolster housing assistance by administering tens of billions of dollars to assist renters and homeowners to make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments;\n\tRestore unemployment benefits, ensuring weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January and preventing unemployed workers from exhausting their eligibility, giving a vital safety net to the record number of Americans who are unemployed due to COVID-19;\n\tStrengthen food security by increasing the maximum SNAP benefit by 15 percent and providing additional funding for nutrition programs that help families keep food on the table;\n\tProtect American farmers and producers impacted by the coronavirus crisis through targeted support programs;\n\tSafeguard our democracy with additional resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and preservation of the U.S. Postal Service.\n As every legitimate economist has clearly stated: This is a crisis. Failure to provide critically-needed stimulus will only further exacerbate the recession we're facing and make the road to recovery harder for working class Americans. I plead with my Republican colleagues in the Senate, stop being partisan, think with your heart again, and pass the Heroes Act for the people, said Congressman Cleaver.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-receives-friend-of-farm-bureau-award-from-american-farm", "Rep. Cleaver Receives Friend of Farm Bureau Award From American Farm Bureau Federation", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  This week, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) was notified of his selection as a recipient of the Friend of Farm Bureau award by the American Farm Bureau Federation.\nIt is impossible to overstate the pivotal role farmers and ranchers play in keeping food on the table for families in Missouri and across the country, said Congressman Cleaver. That is something I learned firsthand growing up in rural Texas, and the perspective through which I seek to find bipartisan solutions that will enable American agriculture to prosper. While I've always considered the Farm Bureau a friend, it is truly humbling to be recognized for this prestigious award, and it only reaffirms my commitment to working with any and all colleagues in Congress to protect our nation's proud farmers and ranchers.\nThe Friend of Farm Bureau award is given to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau's position on policy issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors.\nSome notable actions Congressman Cleaver has taken to protect the American agricultural industry in the 116th Congress include:\n Voting for the bipartisan U.S., Mexico, Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which would increase agricultural exports to the world by $2.2 billion;\n\tAdvocating for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to select Kansas City for the new headquarters of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA);\n\tHolding a hearing to examine U.S. trade policy and the negative impact of tariffs;\n\tHosting the Canadian trade consul for a community discussion in Higginsville, Missouri;\n\tCalling on the Administration to revoke tariffs and provide additional aid to farmers impacted by them.\n\tPushingfor congressional leadership to provide direct assistance to biofuels sector, which has been devastated from the COVID-19 pandemic.\n You can find the official letter from the American Farm Bureau Federation here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-hits-a-home-run-with-negro-leagues-coin-bill", "Rep. Cleaver Hits a Home Run with Negro Leagues Coin Bill", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Last Saturday, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill directing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins commemorating Negro League baseball's 100th anniversary. Introduced by Cleaver in July of last year, the Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act is projected to raise up to $6 million for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum located in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine district.\nI'm overjoyed to see this legislation earn a thumbs up from all my colleagues in the House, and it makes me ecstatic just thinking about the millions of dollars this bill will raise for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum back home in Kansas City, Cleaver said. This bill will help right some of the wrongs of our nation's past by honoring the players who never let prejudice or discrimination diminish their love for the game of baseball.\nBarred from joining the rosters of major and minor league baseball teams due to the color of their skin, African American ball players began forming their own professional teams in the latter half of the 1800s. By the dawn of the 20th century, efforts to establish an all-Black professional baseball league were being led by Andrew Rube Foster, a former pitcher for two African American teams who went on to manage Chicago's Leland Giants in 1907. Hoping to form a league of their own in February of 1920, Foster brought together eight independent African American baseball teams at the Paseo YMCA, located just one block away from the grounds of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in a red-brick building now recognized as the Buck O'Neil Center. From this seminal meeting emerged the Negro National League, the first successful, well-organized professional Black baseball league to take off in the United States.\nMany of the athletes who played in the Negro Leagues never received the praise and recognition they deserved, said Cleaver. The whole world knows the story of Jackie Robinson, but far fewer people know the extraordinary history and impact of the Negro Leagues.\nThe Negro National League lasted until 1931, thereby laying the groundwork for the next six African American baseball leagues that succeeded Foster's creation. At a time when Major League Baseball's race barrier was still fully intact, the Negro Leagues provided a playing field where more than 2,600 Black and Latino baseball players forged a glorious history in the midst of an inglorious era of segregation, according to Cleaver's bill. Taking the field with a sense of fervor and enthusiasm unmatched in the majors, the Negro Leagues' players soon began attracting large crowds in cities all across the United States. Unlike the teams competing, however, the stands did not reflect the racial segregation that was still being upheld even after Brown v Board. Remarkably, in an age when John Lewis was brutalized for taking a seat at a Woolworth's lunch counter, when Rosa Parks was arrested for taking a seat on a Greyhound bus, and when James Meredith was shot for taking a seat at the University of Mississippi, the Negro Leagues managed to bring fans of all races together, sitting them side-by-side to appreciate the talents of world-class athletes. Representing far more than just a game, the Negro Leagues players went to bat against the country's racial caste system, pushing America ever closer toward the founding promise that all men are created equal. Moreover, the Negro Leagues pioneered Night Baseball five years before the segregated majors began playing evening games, boosted local economies in the cities where all-Black teams competed, and introduced important innovations to the game of baseball, including batting helmets and shin guards.\nNotably, many of the brightest stars to earn their stripes in the Negro Leagues played right here in the heartland, donning the colors of the Kansas City Monarchs. Before pitching his first game for the Cleveland Indians, Leroy Satchel Paige took the mound as a Monarch. Before becoming the first Black coach in the majors and a scout for the Royals, Buck O'Neil manned first base as a Monarch. And before making history in 1947 for breaking baseball's longstanding color line with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson fielded second base as a Monarch. Standing out as the longest-running franchise in the Negro Leagues, the Kansas City Monarchs epitomized the spirit of triumph over adversity to which Cleaver draws attention in his successful bill.\nAs the birthplace of the Negro National League and the home of the league's most celebrated team, Kansas City was the ideal location for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which first opened its doors in 1990. Recognized by Congress in 2006 for being the only institution of its kind, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves the history of the league, highlights its role in advancing racial progress, and promotes the values of tolerance, diversity and inclusion. The museum has welcomed over two million visitors since its inception and played a central part in the revitalization of 18th & Vine.\nIn preparation for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Negro National League's founding, Cleaver introduced his bill to honor the Negro Leagues in July of 2019. By the time Cleaver's bill came up for a vote in the House of Representatives, it had earned an impressive 301 bipartisan cosponsors. The bill also garnered endorsements from the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Robert Manfred, along with the Major League Baseball Players Organization. Finally, on Tuesday, September 22nd, Cleaver's coin bill received unanimous support in the House of Representatives, a strong testament to the lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues, the legends it produced, and their broad impact on American society.\nNews of the bill's passage in the House was announced last Saturday during a press conference at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Joining Cleaver at the press conference was Mr. Bob Kendrick, President of the museum since 2011.\nThe Negro Leagues Baseball Museum tip our cap' to Congressman Cleaver, said Kendrick, for his tireless efforts in getting the required House of Representatives votes to move our dream of creating a commemorative U.S. Mint coin in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues another important step closer to becoming a reality.\nCleaver's bill must still be approved in the U.S. Senate before the Secretary of the Treasury begins minting coins in honor of the Negro Leagues' centennial anniversary, but lawmakers expect the bill to pass the Senate in the coming weeks. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are leading the bipartisan effort in the Senate.\nThe Congressional Budget Office estimates that Cleaver's bill will raise up to $6 million for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum while not costing any taxpayer dollars, as all funding will come directly from the sales of coins to private citizens. Cleaver's bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. The commemorative coins are expected to hit the market in 2022.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/coronavirus-covid-19-update-extend-paycheck-protection-program", "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Extend the Paycheck Protection Program", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the initial days of the pandemic, countless states and localities across the country declared some businesses essential, while shutting down the rest. At the time, we were told these shutdowns were necessary to bend the curve and slow the spread, to buy our healthcare providers time to stock up on personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, tests, and other critical supplies. We've done that, but shutdown orders are still in place for some businesses in various states across the country. Even in places that have reopened, small businesses are suffering. In some cases, because government orders prohibit their business from operating at full or even profitable capacity and, in others, because customers are still rightfully wary of the COVID-19 virus. Congress acted in record time to pass three important relief packages to help the American people weather the storm, including the bipartisan CARES Act, which authorized the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses keep the lights on and keep employees on payroll. The program was a massive success, supporting more than 5.2 million small businesses and 51 million American jobs throughout the early months of this pandemic. Originally, the program was set to expire on July 30, but when that deadline loomed, Congress once again took bipartisan action to extend the program through August 8th because we knew America's small businesses were still struggling and that this pandemic wasn't over. Those bipartisan efforts are a long-distant memory now. Since the program expired on August 8th, efforts have been made to pass additional relief measures, including a bill which would get the Paycheck Protection Program back up and running. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi has consistently blocked that effort at every turn. She's demanded a laundry list of completely unrelated partisan demands just to give the okay to much-needed assistance for American small businesses. Her latest $2.2 trillion wish list that has no chance of being signed into law offered stimulus checks to illegal immigrants and cut assistance to police to save money. That's why I signed a discharge petition to force Speaker Pelosi to stop the partisan political games and pass this needed assistance for American small businesses now. This legislation will reopen the Paycheck Protection Program to new applicants, simplify the loan forgiveness process, and allow some small businesses to apply for additional funding. The simple fact of the matter is that our small businesses need this help now, not next month or next year. There's still more than $130 billion left in the Paycheck Protection Program that we can use to help small businesses. We cannot continue waiting while American businesses close their doors permanently and American workers are laid off. Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-graves-bill-incentivize-timely-airport-project-construction", "House Passes Graves Bill to Incentivize Timely Airport Project Construction & Cost Savings", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.A bill introduced by Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) to ensure that Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds can be used by airports to incentivize the early completion of critical runway and airport projects was approved by the House of Representatives today. North Missouri airports depend on AIP funding to make needed improvements.\nThe Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020 (H.R. 5912) was introduced by Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Subcommittee on Aviation Ranking Member Garret Graves (R-LA). The bill makes incentive payments for early completion of projects an eligible cost under the AIP program, which provides grants to public agencies and other entities for the planning, development, and execution of infrastructure projects at public-use airports, such as runways and taxiways.\nTime is money in infrastructure project construction, and that includes at the Nation's airports, saidT&I Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves. This is a smart reform that already works for road and bridge project construction, and delivering airport projects ahead of schedule can help save money and essentially provide a similar impact as increasing investment without any additional federal resources.\n\nGraves speaks on the House floor in support of H.R. 5912\n\nClick here for video of Graves' floor remarks.\nUnder current law, airports cannot use AIP funds to incentivize early completion of airport projects, even if the early completion would result in significant capacity or efficiency gains for the airport. H.R. 5912 would allow airports, including those with short construction seasons or disruptive airfield projects, to use up to $1 million in AIP money to incentivize a contractor to complete the project early. Use of incentive payments would be left to the discretion of the airport operator. Similar incentives are common in the construction of surface transportation projects, and early completion of airport projects can similarly result in cost savings.\nThe bill has support from key infrastructure stakeholders as well.\nJoint statement from Airports Council International  North America and the American Association of Airport Executives: We commend Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves for spearheading legislation that would allow airports to use Airport Improvement Program funds to incentivize the early completion of critical infrastructure projects. Their proposal coupled with additional funds that airports need to pay for debt service, operations and a long list of other COVID-19-related expenses will help airports meet the enormous challenges they face during the current pandemic.\nStatement from James V. Christianson, Vice President, Government Relations, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): AGC of America fully supports H.R. 5912, the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020. Just like the benefit they have provided to the Federal-aid Highway Program for over 20 years, the usage of early completion incentives provided for in this bill would allow for more timely and efficient completion of crucial airport construction projects that benefit the traveling public.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-wagner-green-larsen-olson-commemorate-october-as-domestic-violence", "Reps. Wagner, Green, Larsen, Olson Commemorate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Special Resolution", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Congressmembers Al Green (TX-09), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Pete Olson (TX-22), and Ann Wagner (MO-02) released the following statement regarding their introduction of the Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2020:\nCongresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) stated,Domestic violence is a pervasive evil that affects so many people across Missouri, especially women and minorities. This October we work to raise awareness of this crime, and we pledge to provide necessary support and resources to survivors and vulnerable populations who urgently need our help.\nDomestic violence has seriously impacted people of all ages as well as racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and religious backgrounds across our nation. During this unprecedented coronavirus crisis, many hospitals have reported a near-doubling of the proportion of domestic violence cases that resulted in physical injury, which have become dramatically more severe, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) noted. This is why, now, even more than previous years, I am proud to be joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce the Original National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2020.\nCongressman Green added, Domestic violence victims often silently endure devastating abuses, including physical injury, psychological trauma, and, in the worst cases, death. This stain on the moral fabric of our nation is also known to create traumatizing generational impacts, with exposed children having a greater likelihood of attempting suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, running away, or becoming a human trafficking victim. I must thank my colleagues Representatives Wagner, Larsen, and Olson for serving as co-leads of this resolution as well as the many cosponsors. Together, we offer a resounding, NO MORE!'\nWe must commit to not only raising awareness and supporting much-needed programs for victims but also to intervening in and preventing domestic violence throughout our nation. One victim of domestic violence is too many.\nDomestic violence is a pervasive problem regardless of class, culture, age or ethnic background, said Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02). In the Second District, service providers offer wide-ranging services to all survivors of domestic violence, including those who experience traumatic abuse. I will continue to be a strong supporter of increasing federal resources and pandemic relief funding for these vital programs to ensure when survivors come forward for help and support, it will be available and safe.\nDomestic violence is a horrific cycle of abuse that devastates far too many people that must be stopped. Sadly, global pandemic restrictions have only intensified this nightmare, Congressman Pete (TX-22) Olson stated. As Co-Chair of the Victim's Rights Caucus, I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all of my House colleagues to join our effort so we can unite and raise awareness to end domestic violence once and for all. I thank my colleagues Al Green, Ann Wagner and Rick Larsen for their leadership on this critical issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-pushes-reauthorize-highly-successful-paycheck-protection-program", "Graves Pushes to Reauthorize the Highly Successful Paycheck Protection Program", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after signing the discharge petition calling for consideration of legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program through the end of the year.\nThe Paycheck Protection Program expired on August 8th, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and American small businesses are still hurting,said Graves. For months, we've engaged in good faith negotiations trying to get this critical program back up and running. We cannot continue to allow Speaker Pelosi to play politics with this critical assistance for American small businesses and workers.\nOnce it reaches 218 signatures, the discharge petition would force a vote on a bill that would utilize remaining money in the program to restart it and allow some businesses to receive a second loan. It would also expand eligibility to 501c6 organizations, expand eligible expenses, and simplify the forgiveness process for those who have received a loan.\nIn just over 4 months, the Paycheck Protection Program approved more than 5.2 million forgivable loans to small businesses to help them stay open and keep workers on payroll, including 95,599 loans to small businesses in Missouri. In total, more than 51 million American jobs have been supported by the Paycheck Protection Program, which still has $133 billion in unused funds that could be used to help American small businesses weather this pandemic.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hartzler-supreme-court-nominee-must-be-confirmed-without-delay", "Hartzler: Supreme Court nominee must be confirmed without delay", "2020-09-28", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Senate must not delay the nomination process to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States. The American people as a whole have already spoken on the issue, delivering a mandate to President Trump in 2016 to confirm originalists to the Supreme Court and expanding the Republicans' majority in the Senate in 2018. I commend Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley for their commitment to ensure the Senate fulfills that mandate.\nIn our nation's history, there have been 29 Supreme Court nominations occurring during a presidential election. According to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the norm has been set by the Senate to confirm the nomination of a qualified Supreme Court nominee during an election year in times when both the White House and the Senate are controlled by the same party, with 18 of the 19 nominations confirmed under this set of circumstances. The current vacancy arises under these circumstances.\nBy contrast, there have been 10 instances where a Supreme Court nomination was made in an election year when the White House and the Senate were controlled by opposing parties. Out of these 10 instances, only one was confirmed in 1888.\nUnder the Constitution, the President has the duty to nominate and the Senate has the duty to exercise its role of advice and consent. I commend Senator Blunt and Senator Hawley, as the individuals chosen to represent the great state of Missouri in the United States Senate, for standing firm in their commitment to ensure the vacancy on the court is filled judiciously and expeditiously within the process laid out by the Constitution.\nAs with every vacancy on the Supreme Court, each of us are called to consider what qualities we want to see in a Supreme Court justice. The Supreme Court must be comprised of justices who respect the Constitution and the processes of governing laid out in the Constitution. We have had far too many Supreme Court justices legislating from the bench and undoing the work of the people's representatives. We need jurists who understand that the American people get to decide those policies through democratic means by electing their local, state, and federal leaders, not by having these policies forced on them by a group of unelected judges.\nThe nominee should be willing to make decisions consistent with originalist and textual jurisprudence, even if it is a decision that they do not agree with on personal political and ideological merits. We can only expect the institution to absolve itself from political pressures if the justices are willing to do same.\nAdditionally, the Supreme Court nominee should also be someone who respects core American principles  life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This includes a nominee who will be a stalwart in defending the right to life and preserving religious freedoms for all.\nI thank both Senator Blunt and Senator Hawley for standing on the side of the Constitution, and for their commitment to ensuring a qualified, textual originalist nominee is placed on the Supreme Court. I look forward to having a Supreme Court nominee confirmed without delay so that the institution can continue to function in its full capacity with justice for all.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/stay-safe-harvest", "Stay Safe This Harvest", "2020-09-26", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Harvest season is officially upon us. Many have already started shelling corn, and those who haven't been able to get into the field are stuck in the shed fiddling with the combine, greasing machinery, and hoping that moisture content will drop soon. We're thinking about yield, counting our bushels before they hit the bin, and hoping the market picks up. Unfortunately, we're not always thinking about farm safety, but we should be. Last week was Farm Safety Week and now, as we're getting ready for harvest, is a good time to take a hard look at our operation and what we can do to make this harvest a safe one. While you're out there working on equipment, take some time to make sure all your safety features are still in place and functional. Just taking a little extra time to check PTO shields and ensuring the protective grates on your augers are still in good condition can save a limb or a life. Once you're in the field, remember those seatbelts are there for a reason, even if they aren't particularly comfortable or convenient. Perhaps most importantly, be safe and careful whenever entering a grain bin. For those that don't farm, it means something else entirely. Most just think of it as a whole lot more slow-moving machinery on our highways and back roads that are sometimes hard to get around and slow us down. While I know it can be frustrating, please remember to be patient and slow down. Whatever the reason for your hurry, it likely isn't worth your life. Every year, thousands of farmers are injured and hundreds more are killed in farming accidents. If we all take a little time out of our day to be more careful and safety-minded, we can save lives. That means a few more Thanksgivings, a few more Christmases, and yes, a few more harvests with the ones we love. For me, it's more time on the farm with my grandchildren and that's worth more than gold. Farming is a way of life for many in North Missouri. Protecting our way of life isn't just relegated to legislation. Everyone can do their part to make sure that our farmers can go home at night, no matter how late into the evening it may be during harvest. Stay safe this year and happy harvest! Sincerely,    Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-applauds-nomination-judge-amy-coney-barrett-serve-us-supreme", "Graves Applauds Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to Serve on U.S. Supreme Court", "2020-09-26", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), released the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:\nChoosing a Supreme Court Justice is one of the most important responsibilitiesthe Constitution bestows upon our President.Filling this open seat is even more critical at this important time in our Nation's history. Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a wise choice, a Constitutional conservative who will be steadfast in her pursuit of the original intent of our founding documents and the law. Judge Barrett has risen to the top of her profession while raising her children and caring for her family, just like her predecessor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I applaud President Trump for nominating Judge Barrett and I encourage the Senate to swiftly confirm her.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400420", "Blaines Bulletin: Commitment to America", "2020-09-25", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2020 has been a trying year. The coronavirus has taken American lives, shuttered businesses, caused children to fall behind in school and forced hardworking Americans who have lost their jobs to wonder how they will pay the rent and put food on the table. But we are a resilient nation, and despite the difficulties we have faced this year I have faith we will come back stronger than ever. House Republicans have a plan for getting this country back on its feet with our Commitment to America. The three pillars: Restore, Rebuild, and Renew, put us on a path to not only heal this nation but to quickly return to the historic prosperity we were experiencing prior to the virus.\r\nHere in Missouri, our numbers are improving every day and we're quickly returning to normal. But our vulnerable populations must still be careful, and we must continue providing support for the medical community. The number one priority of our plan is restoring the health and safety of the American people. We need rapid testing and further medical research to get every at-risk American quick access to medical treatment. Restoring doesn't stop at public health. The reckless, radical calls to Defund the Police and violent protests taking place across the country illustrate how badly we must also restore public safety, particularly in cities. This initiative will increase funding for police training, more body cameras and more equipment for the incredibly brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our neighborhoods safe.\r\nThe Commitment to America's pledge to rebuild the country means reinvestment in American businesses and American workers. This is the greatest country in the world; everything we need to heal our economy can be found right here. Our plan adds 10 million new jobs for hardworking Americans who have found themselves unable to work due to the pandemic. We would add to the Paycheck Protection Program to help every small business owner who needs a loan to keep their doors open and employees on payroll. The child tax credit would also be extended so families who may have faced unemployment over the last six months can catch up on bills and put food on the table, and we are focused on bringing supply chains back to the U.S. Interruptions in supply chains and manufacturing due to our dependence on other countries like China was a rude awakening to a fact we can no longer let stand. The only way to ensure we have the things we need is to make the things we need in America. The Commitment to America would increase our economic security and modernize our infrastructure so we will never again be put in a position to depend on anyone but ourselves.\r\nThe final pillar is a pledge to renew the American Dream. It has been heartbreaking to witness the closures of small businesses  the epitome of the American Dream  during the pandemic. We plan to renew America so these business owners can get back on their feet and Main Street America can thrive once again. This pillar is also a commitment to increasing funding for education and services for our veterans. American children, parents and teachers have faced an uphill battle with distance learning and making sure students don't fall behind while at home. The Commitment to America would bring high-speed internet to every household and invest millions in our country's education system. We also plan to renew our commitment to the veterans who have struggled with access to VA hospitals during the pandemic and pledge to get them the care, resources and support they need.\r\nI believe in America, and I believe in you. This country was built on hard work and determination  values we still hold dear today. The coronavirus was a crisis like nobody in over a century had ever experienced, but we will  and are already  coming back. It will take time, but House Republicans have a plan. The Commitment to America is our pledge to, with your help, pull this country up by its bootstraps, come back stronger than ever, and continue the American legacy of strength and success.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-s-tree-act-passed-by-house-of-representatives", "Rep. Cleavers TREE Act Passed By House of Representatives", "2020-09-25", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, by a vote of 220-185. Included in the bipartisan legislation that would help to build a clean energy economy, support job growth, and address climate change was United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II's (D-MO) Tackling Residential Energy burdens Efficiently Act (TREE Act), which was adopted as an amendment to the original bill text of H.R. 4447. The TREE Act, which would reduce residential energy bills across the nation by planting millions of trees in low-income and urban communities, was introduced by Congressmen Cleaver and David McKinley (R-WV) this month.\nI'm thrilled we were able to get this bipartisan, common sense legislation adopted into the House of Representatives' energy package before the end of the 116th Congress, said Congressman Cleaver. With this bill, we have an opportunity to bring down utility costs, noticeably improve air quality, and rectify some of the environmental injustices that have overburdened low-income and communities of color for far too long. While we've still got some work to do to ensure it becomes law, this is an important first step towards that goal.\"\nThe TREE Act would create a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods throughout the United States through 2025. The TREE Act's grant program would prioritize projects that:\n Provide the largest potential reduction in residential energy consumption for households with a high energy burden;\n\tAre located in a neighborhood with lower tree canopy cover and higher maximum daytime summer temperatures;\n\tAre located in a neighborhood with high amounts of senior citizens or children;\n\tWill collaboratively engage neighbors and community members that will be closely affected by the tree planting; and\n\tWill employ a substantial percentage of the workforce locally, with a focus on engaging unemployed and underemployed persons.\n According to the U.S. Forest Service, urban/community forests reduce the energy used for heating and cooling homes by more than 7 percent, resulting in approximately $7.8 billion in annual savings from reduced energy costs. The U.S. Forest Service has also found that increased tree canopy can decrease morbidity and mortality for urban populationsparticularly in areas with lower socioeconomic status where existing tree canopies tend to be the lowest.\nOrganizations endorsing the TREE Act include: the Heartland Tree Alliance, Bridging the Gap, Citizens' Climate Lobby-Kansas City, American Forests, the National Audubon Society, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Evangelical Environmental Network, the American Institute of Architects, the Trust for Public Land, and the City of Kansas City Office of Environmental Quality.\nThe TREE Act was also introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).\nYou can find the official text of the TREE Act here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-to-avert-government-shutdown-amid-coronavirus", "Congressman Cleaver Votes to Avert Government Shutdown Amid Coronavirus Pandemic and Economic Crisis", "2020-09-24", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) This week, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 8319, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, to avoid a government shutdown in the middle of a global pandemic and economic crisis. The Continuing Resolution (CR) would extend funding for government agencies through December 11, 2020, provide billions in additional funding for nutrition assistance programs, and includes H.R. 8089, the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which was co-introduced by Congressman Cleaver.\nFailure to fund the government in the middle of a global pandemic and economic crisis unlike anything we've seen in decades would be a catastrophic failure in leadership from the Administration and Congress, said Congressman Cleaver. While I always prefer to avoid a continuing resolution, allowing the government to shut down in the midst of these crises would only further exacerbate the challenges we face as a nation. Now that we have funded the government, including critical programs like Pandemic EBT and SNAP, our next step should be to immediately pass a stimulus package to assist families and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.\nIncluded in the CR was the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, a bill co-introduced by Congressman Cleaver to avoid federal employee furloughs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by immediately increasing the agency's premium processing revenues. Last month, USCIS was scheduled to furlough over 13,000 of its 19,881 employees, including 2,000 of the 3,100 in the Greater Kansas City Area, which would have a devastating impact on workers and the agency's ability to provide immigration and naturalization services to American businesses and families for months, if not years, to come. While USCIS announced they would delay federal furloughs, the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act will ensure the agency has additional revenue needed to prevent furloughs of federal workers, while also providing more reliable and expanded services for premium processing applicants.\nWhile this is only a stopgap financing measure and we have more work to do to implement the guardrails needed to ensure efficiency and fiscal stability at USCIS, I'm proud we were able to put people before politics and pass this vital legislation to prevent thousands of federal furloughs, said Congressman Cleaver. As we move forward, I will continue to seek out solutions for the contractors who have been laid off due to reductions in workflow during the coronavirus so that our legal immigration system is operating at full capacity.\nOther notable provisions within the CR include:\n Extends the Pandemic EBT program, which provides resources to families with children who would have otherwise received free or reduced-price meals in school but for pandemic-related school closures or reduced attendance hours, through September 30, 2021. It also expands the program to include children at child care centers effected by COVID-19 closures and reduced attendance hours.\n\tExtends waivers for the National School Lunch Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that were included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act until September 30, 2021.\n\tAllows states to extend administrative flexibilities for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30, 2021.\n\tAllows the Food and Nutrition Service to spend at a higher rate to ensure the Summer EBT program is fully operational by May 2021.\n\tAllows the Food and Nutrition Service to spend at a higher rate to provide supplemental U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food to low-income seniors (age 60 and over) and some low-income women, infants and children.\n\tProvides further funding for the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) which provides payments for regular farm programs and the Market Facilitation Program.\n\tAllows USDA to continue requiring reports on prices, contracts, and other purchasing information from cattle, swine, and sheep packers and processors to facilitate informed marketing decisions.\n\tAllows USDA to continue to collect fees for grain inspection and weighing services, and to conduct activities related to grain export and domestic markets.\n\tExtends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30, 2021.\n\tExtends funding for Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program through December 11, 2020.\n\tExtends the Surface Transportation Program for one year.\n\tLimits any increase to Medicare Part B premiums in 2021 to approximately $4 per month.\n\tIncreases and Extending funding for the Medicare Improvement Fund through Fiscal Year 2023.\n\tDelays a scheduled $4 billion Medicaid DSH cut until December 12, 2021.\n \nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-gonzalez-unveil-bipartisan-bill-to-grant-name-image-and", "Reps. Cleaver, Gonzalez Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Grant Name, Image and Likeness Rights to College Athletes", "2020-09-24", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives and former college athletes Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act alongside Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Steve Stivers (R-OH). The bill grants student athletes the right to capitalize off their own name, image, and likeness while including important guardrails for the recruitment process and leveling the national playing field by pre-empting the patchwork of state laws that have been signed into law or are pending in state legislatures.\nI want to be unequivocally clear: This is a civil rights issue, said Congressman Cleaver. For far too long college athletes across the countrymany of whom are people of colorhave been denied the basic right to control their name, image and likeness. What we wanted to do from the outset was come to a bipartisan consensus that puts forth a national framework that gives college athletes the same rights every other American in the country is already afforded. That's exactly what this bill will do, and I'm proud we were able to put it together in a bipartisan way. As we know from our football days, it takes teamwork to make the dream work, and I want to thank Congressman Gonzalez for his willingness to put student-athletes first and work across the aisle in a way that will undoubtedly change lives for the better.\nI am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Rep. Cleaver today that delivers meaningful reforms and will make a difference in the lives of student athletes of all levels of competition across the country, said Congressman Gonzalez. This bill has strong bipartisan support, highlighting that Congress can find a way to reach a bipartisan agreement on this important issue. I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep the momentum going and continuing our bipartisan work to provide NIL rights to student athletes and improve the college athletics system that Americans across the country know and love.\nThe Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act promotes fairness for college athletes by granting student athletes the right to capitalize off their own name, image, and likeness including through contracts negotiated on their behalf by an agent. Furthermore, the bill safeguards the college athletics system as we know it by ensuring that universities cannot directly compensate student athletes from their name, image, and likeness. It also protects the recruitment process, and pre-empts existing and prospective state laws on name, image, and likeness that would create an uneven national playing field.\nI'm proud to represent many talented student athletes at colleges and universities throughout Ohio's 15th District, including The Ohio State University and Ohio University, said Congressman Stivers. I'm joining with Representatives Gonzalez and Cleaver to stand up for them, and ensure that they are rewarded for their hard work and talent.\nFor far too long corporate sponsors, universities and broadcast outlets have made money off of college sports. The ones not benefiting financially are the athletes, said Congresswoman Fudge. It is time for a change and we cannot leave it up to the NCAA. The Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act is a way to ensure that our young athletes obtain the right to capitalize off of their own name, image and likeness. This is an issue of civil rights, and it is only right that these players are compensated.\nI believe it's a matter of fairness that college athletes should be able to earn income off their own name, image, and likeness, said Rep. Davis. They put in a lot of time, training, and effort to be a part of our nation's college athletic system and deserve to be compensated for their work. That's why I'm co-sponsoring the bipartisan Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act.' Our legislation would pre-empt state laws on this issue and create one national standard for NIL policies governing student athletes. Student athletes should be entitled to earn a living off their hard work just like every other American.\nAs a former student athlete I've seen first-hand how college sports is lucrative for everyone but the players themselves, Rep. Allred said. Simply put, student-athletes, just like every other individual, should be able to financially benefit from their likeness and image. I am glad to join Congressman Gonzalez and Congressman Cleaver in this bipartisan bill to implement a national standard and ensure our student-athletes are treated fairly and not denied financial opportunities.\nAs a former Clemson football walk-on, I understand first-hand the need to create a fair system for student-athletes while maintaining the integrity and distinctiveness of college sports. I believe this bill does just that, and it does it in a way that is impartial for all athletes across the country, and not just a small group in certain states. I proudly represent both big and small athletic departments in the Third Congressional District, and I know this commonsense framework will move this issue in the right direction at these institutions, said Congressman Jeff Duncan.\n\"To help support the many student athletes who call North Jersey home, and all those throughout the country, I'm proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation that creates one national standard and congressional oversight to help student athletes benefit from their own name, image, and likeness  to help them achieve the American dream,\" said Congressman Gottheimer. \"Our country loves to support college sports, and the student athletes and players deserve our full support too.\"\nYou can find the full bill text here and one-page policy outline here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-applauds-missouri-senators-approach-scotus-confirmation-process", "Hartzler Applauds Missouri Senators Approach to SCOTUS Confirmation Process", "2020-09-24", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) sent a letter to Missouri Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley commending their commitment to ensuring a qualified Supreme Court Justice nominee is moved forward in the United States Senate through the constitutional process. In the letter, Hartzler explained the Constitution provides the President the power to nominate and the Senate the power to exercise its role of advice and consent, saying [The] Founding Fathers were clear and deliberate in insulating the judicial branch from the tumult of political pressures and national discourse. She further underscored the importance of judicial independence as a core tenet of the Supreme Court's constitutional role. Hartzler applauded both Blunt and Hawley for standing firm in [their] duty to ensure the vacancy on the court is filled judiciously and expeditiously within the process laid out by the Constitution. On behalf of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, I thank both of you for standing on the side of the Constitution. I look forward to having a Supreme Court nominee confirmed without delay so that the institution can continue to function in its full capacity, Hartzler concluded. For the full letter text, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400419", "Luetkemeyer, Select Committee on the Coronavirus Hold Hearing with Fed Chair Jerome Powell", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer, Select Committee on the Coronavirus Hold Hearing with Fed Chair Jerome Powell \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, D.C. Today in a hearing in theSelectCommitteeon the Coronavirus Crisis, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) discussed the economic effects of the pandemic on American businesses with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.  \r\n\r\nClickHEREto watch.\r\nIt seems to be there's a misunderstanding with how the economy works For instance, I've got Boeing right in my district One plane made in my district  1,800 small businesses provide parts for that. All of the employees of those small businesses are going to be affected. \r\nIt's important that we salvage these big businesses sowe can maintain those jobs that can be retained and also help the small businesses that feed into [the bigger ones].", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-blunt-lead-bicameral-push-improve-safety-navigability-lower", "Graves, Blunt Lead Bicameral Push to Improve Safety, Navigability on Lower Missouri River", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Republican", "Senate", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Yesterday, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) and U.S. Representative Sam Graves (Mo.) led a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide additional funding for projects that will improve safety and navigation on the Lower Missouri River. The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), and Jerry Moran (Kan.), along with U.S. Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.), and Ann Wagner (Mo.).\nCurrently, there is a critically dire situation related to navigation challenges in several areas along the Missouri River where serious barge traffic accidents have occurred and commercial activity has nearly come to an abrupt halt as we enter harvest season in the Midwest, the members wrote.\nMany farmers, industries, and small businesses in the Midwest rely on the Missouri River to transport goods. High water levels and record flooding in 2019 have prevented the USACE from completing repairs on water infrastructure projects, which has led to dangerous accidents that have significantly disrupted commerce on the river.\nThe members continued, We understand that the Kansas City District has received $20 million in emergency supplemental funds to conduct necessary work on the navigation channel. However, we understand that the need for resources between the Kansas City District and the Omaha District to fully address all the repairs is an estimated $200 million to ensure that the lower Missouri River is fully navigable. As this situation evolves, we request the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers utilize administrative flexibilities and direct additional resources to address these challenges along the Missouri River.\nClick here to read the letter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 87, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "MO", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 65, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 22, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 87, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 201.38168893754482, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}