{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"KY\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-distillery-excise-tax-relief-included-omnibus-spending-bill", "Yarmuth Statement on Distillery Excise Tax Relief Included in Omnibus Spending Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman John Yarmuth, Co-Chair and Founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, released the statement below regarding inclusion of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the year-end omnibus spending bill. The measure, cosponsored by Yarmuth, will make permanent the excise tax relief for distilled spirits producers, craft brewers, and winemakers.\nThis is a major victory for American jobs and the entire distilled spirits and craft beverage industries. As Founder of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I've fought for the inclusion of this provision that will significantly benefit America's native spirit and the lives and livelihoods that depend on its production, distribution, and consumption. To finally provide certainty on what would have been a costly tax burden will allow producers to invest in their businesses, invest in their workers, and continue to produce some of the most celebrated spirits around the world. We can all say cheers to that.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-house-passage-bipartisan-covid-relief-omnibus-spending-package", "Yarmuth Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan COVID Relief-Omnibus Spending Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package:\nFor so many Kentuckians and tens of millions of Americans, this compromise relief bill is woefully insufficient. For months, my Democratic colleagues and I have fought to get as much as we could from Mitch McConnell's Senate majority, and as families suffered, all they could ask is what was in it for them. Unfortunately, at this point, this is the most we could get for families in need.\nWe got some direct payments for those in need and were able to extend critical emergency unemployment benefits and rental assistance for Americans who've lost their income through no fault of their own  though this isn't nearly enough. This package provides new money for schools, hospitals and vaccine distribution, and will make badly needed investments in government operations, small and mid-sized businesses, and industries that were ravaged first by the pandemic and then by the failed federal response. We also withstood Republican demands to shield corporations from total legal liability when they harm or kill their workers, as well as efforts to hamper President-elect Biden's ability to help those in need next year.\nI am glad that we were able to pass something to help the American people today, but as governments around the world rise to meet the needs of their struggling citizens, I am frustrated and angry that the richest country in the world is hamstrung by a Senate majority content to let the American people suffer.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-president-trump-and-republicans-continued-attack-american-democracy", "Yarmuth Statement on President Trump and Republicans' Continued Attack on American Democracy", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the statement below regarding President Trump, the Trump Administration, and Congressional Republicans' continued attack on our democracy in refusing to accept the results of the 2020 election and begin the necessary transition process:\nWe face a worsening pandemic and a weak economic recovery that is now slowing. This is when government can be the difference between life or death for hundreds of thousands. But instead of helping Americans in crisis, the GOP is propping up a made-for-tv coup with no chance of success. Aside from the crises we face, Republican officials have betrayed their oaths to the constitution and continue to undermine the most sacred pillars of American democracy in the eyes of the world for nearly nothingto send fundraising emails and appease Trump's fragile ego.\nWhat would be devastating for our nation at any time is deadly for our citizenry today. These are the once-in-a-generation moments when our leaders must rise above pettiness for the good of a country. Instead, Mitch McConnell and his minions are showing just how low they're willing to sink.\nWe need the White House and Congress focused on saving lives, jobs and businesses; keeping families in their homes. We need all hands on deck. Americans cannot afford us to delay, to give unjustifiable credence to the hollow gripes of the world's sorest loser. The families we serve deserve to have every federal employee working to keep them safe and healthy to protect our country and make it stronger. Every day and every hour matters.\nAnd while it is truly disgraceful for Republican leaders to allow a defeated President to shred our constitution and democracy with their blessing, that they would do so as the pandemic rageswith so many Americans' livelihoods and lives on the lineis psychopathic. Cooperation and a seamless transition of power can provide the President-elect's team vital support to save lives. Denying reality and forcing federal agencies to stand in the way instead of helping in every way is delusional, dangerous, and deadly.\nThe GOP can and must stop the delusion and return to reality. Lives, livelihoods, and American democracy depend on it.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-economic-experts-across-ideological-spectrum-agree-we-need-more-relief", "Chairman Yarmuth: \"Economic experts across the ideological spectrum agree - we need more relief\"", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, the House Budget Committee released areporthighlighting statements from economic experts across the ideological spectrum on the urgent need for additional federal COVID relief. Thereportoffers a thorough rebuke of Republican fearmongering around the federal debt and calls out GOP efforts to block aid to American families, communities, and small businesses as counterproductive and detrimental to recovery efforts. Since Republicans refused to pass the Heroes Act back in May, eight million more Americans have fallen below the poverty line, a third of families with children are suffering from food insecurity, and the unemployment rate remains at record highs,said House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth.Yet Senate Republicans continue to hide behind bogus debt arguments to deny families and communities the help they desperately need. Economic experts across the ideological spectrum agree - we need more relief, we need it now, and we have ample fiscal space to provide what is necessary. Enacting a relief package that truly meets our nation's needs would speed up our economic recovery byyears anddeliver the aid American families need to survive this crisis. The expiration of key CARES Act provisions and abrupt cutoff of support caused by GOP inaction has been detrimental to Americans' health and economic security and has put a strain on our recovery. It is imperative that we enact the updated Heroes Act, which includes crucial federal COVID relief that Americans need to avoid eviction, feed their families, and pay the bills, support for testing, tracing, and treatment to defeat the coronavirus, relief for state and local governments, and more. Text of the report can be found here. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-economic-experts-across-the-ideological-spectrum-agree-we-need-more-relief/", "Chairman Yarmuth: \"Economic experts across the ideological spectrum agree - we need more relief\"", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, the House Budget Committee released areporthighlighting statements from economic experts across the ideological spectrum on the urgent need for additional federal COVID relief. Thereportoffers a thorough rebuke of Republican fearmongering around the federal debt and calls out GOP efforts to block aid to American families, communities, and small businesses as counterproductive and detrimental to recovery efforts.\r\n\r\n\tSince Republicans refused to pass the Heroes Act back in May, eight million more Americans have fallen below the poverty line, a third of families with children are suffering from food insecurity, and the unemployment rate remains at record highs,said House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth.Yet Senate Republicans continue to hide behind bogus debt arguments to deny families and communities the help they desperately need. Economic experts across the ideological spectrum agree - we need more relief, we need it now, and we have ample fiscal space to provide what is necessary. Enacting a relief package that truly meets our nation's needs would speed up our economic recovery byyears anddeliver the aid American families need to survive this crisis.\r\n\r\n\tThe expiration of key CARES Act provisions and abrupt cutoff of support caused by GOP inaction has been detrimental to Americans' health and economic security and has put a strain on our recovery. It is imperative that we enact the updated Heroes Act, which includes crucial federal COVID relief that Americans need to avoid eviction, feed their families, and pay the bills, support for testing, tracing, and treatment to defeat the coronavirus, relief for state and local governments, and more.\r\n\r\n\tText of the report can be found here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-on-september-jobs-report-were-seeing-a-significant-and-troubling-slowdown-in-our-recovery/", "Chairman Yarmuth on September Jobs Report: We're seeing \"a significant and troubling slowdown in our recovery\"", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, Kentucky Representative John Yarmuth, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)reportedthat the economy added 661,000 jobs  less than half the gains seen in August and a clear signal of a significant slowdown in the recovery. The unemployment rate remains exceedingly high at 7.9%, with the unemployment rate for Black and Hispanic workers at 12.1% and 10.3%, respectively. The report also showed that nearly 700,000 people left the labor force in just the last month, with four times as many women leaving the labor force than men.\r\n\r\n\tToday's job report shows a significant and troubling slowdown in our recovery, with the largest one-month increase in long-term unemployment on record, a rise in permanent job losses, and concerning disparities across groups,said Chairman Yarmuth.Seven months into this crisis, we are still down nearly 11 million jobs from before the pandemic hit and the unemployment rate remains historically high. Economists have been clear and consistent that additional federal aid is needed to secure our recovery and prevent more needless suffering. House Democrats are committed to providing this critical relief and passed the updated Heroes Act yesterday, making good on our offers to compromise with Republicans while still meeting the needs of the American people. For the good of our nation, its people, and our economy, Republicans must abandon their stall tactics and take this crisis seriously  they can start by passing the updated Heroes Act.\r\n\r\n\tAdditional numbers of note:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tJob growth continues to slow, dropping from 4.8 million net new jobs in June to 661,000 net new jobs in September.This followed a massive loss of more than 22 million jobs in March and April. The economy has recovered about half of the jobs lost, but there are still 10.7 million fewer jobs than in February.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tAs of September, 2.4 million people have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer, up 781,000 from August  the largest one-month increase on record.The long-term unemployed now compose 19% of all unemployed people compared to 12% in August.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tIn addition to the 12.6 million U.S. workers counted as unemployed, 4.4 million have left the labor force since February.Moreover, among those counted as employed, 6.3 million are working part-time even though they would prefer full-time work, an increase of 2.0 million since February.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tThe unemployment rate could be higher than we think.Additionalanalysesfind that when accounting for the labor force dropouts since February and the misclassification error in the BLS survey, the unemployment rate in September would be several percentage points higher than the 7.9% reported.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tThe labor force shrunk by nearly 700,000 people in September.Among people aged 20 years and older, the labor force participation rate for women fell by 0.8 percentage points (865,000 fewer women) compared to a 0.2 percentage-point decline for men (216,000 fewer men). The labor force participation rate among women aged 35-44 years old  those most likely to have school-aged children  plummeted by 1.6 percentage points, suggesting that school closures and lack of childcare are leading women to drop out of the labor force.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWhile the number of people on temporary layoff has fallen sharply from its record-high level in April, the number of people who have been permanently laid off continues to rise, increasing by 10% last month to 3.8 million  up by 2.5 million from February.These trends suggest that more unemployment is shifting from temporary to permanent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-september-jobs-report-were-seeing-significant-and-troubling-slowdown-our", "Chairman Yarmuth on September Jobs Report: We're seeing \"a significant and troubling slowdown in our recovery\"", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, Kentucky Representative John Yarmuth, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)reportedthat the economy added 661,000 jobs  less than half the gains seen in August and a clear signal of a significant slowdown in the recovery. The unemployment rate remains exceedingly high at 7.9%, with the unemployment rate for Black and Hispanic workers at 12.1% and 10.3%, respectively. The report also showed that nearly 700,000 people left the labor force in just the last month, with four times as many women leaving the labor force than men. Today's job report shows a significant and troubling slowdown in our recovery, with the largest one-month increase in long-term unemployment on record, a rise in permanent job losses, and concerning disparities across groups,said Chairman Yarmuth.Seven months into this crisis, we are still down nearly 11 million jobs from before the pandemic hit and the unemployment rate remains historically high. Economists have been clear and consistent that additional federal aid is needed to secure our recovery and prevent more needless suffering. House Democrats are committed to providing this critical relief and passed the updated Heroes Act yesterday, making good on our offers to compromise with Republicans while still meeting the needs of the American people. For the good of our nation, its people, and our economy, Republicans must abandon their stall tactics and take this crisis seriously  they can start by passing the updated Heroes Act. Additional numbers of note: Job growth continues to slow, dropping from 4.8 million net new jobs in June to 661,000 net new jobs in September.This followed a massive loss of more than 22 million jobs in March and April. The economy has recovered about half of the jobs lost, but there are still 10.7 million fewer jobs than in February.As of September, 2.4 million people have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer, up 781,000 from August  the largest one-month increase on record.The long-term unemployed now compose 19% of all unemployed people compared to 12% in August.In addition to the 12.6 million U.S. workers counted as unemployed, 4.4 million have left the labor force since February.Moreover, among those counted as employed, 6.3 million are working part-time even though they would prefer full-time work, an increase of 2.0 million since February.The unemployment rate could be higher than we think.Additionalanalysesfind that when accounting for the labor force dropouts since February and the misclassification error in the BLS survey, the unemployment rate in September would be several percentage points higher than the 7.9% reported.The labor force shrunk by nearly 700,000 people in September.Among people aged 20 years and older, the labor force participation rate for women fell by 0.8 percentage points (865,000 fewer women) compared to a 0.2 percentage-point decline for men (216,000 fewer men). The labor force participation rate among women aged 35-44 years old  those most likely to have school-aged children  plummeted by 1.6 percentage points, suggesting that school closures and lack of childcare are leading women to drop out of the labor force.While the number of people on temporary layoff has fallen sharply from its record-high level in April, the number of people who have been permanently laid off continues to rise, increasing by 10% last month to 3.8 million  up by 2.5 million from February.These trends suggest that more unemployment is shifting from temporary to permanent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/house-democrats-introduce-landmark-reforms-package-protecting-our-democracy-act", "House Democrats Introduce Landmark Reforms Package, the Protecting Our Democracy Act", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, House Democrats introduced theProtecting Our Democracy Act a landmark reforms package that will prevent future presidential abuses, restore our system of checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency, and protect our elections. Earlier this year, Speaker Pelosi directed Committee chairs to write a package of sweeping reforms to ensure that no president can abuse the powers of their office, as Trump has done. The result is theProtecting Our Democracy Act. Together, the reforms in this bill reflect the House's determination to defend our democracy from foreign and domestic attacks, and to ensure that the vision of the Founders lives on for generations to come. After introducing the legislation, Chairman Adam Schiff, Chairman Jerrold Nadler, Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairman John Yarmuth, Chairperson Zoe Lofgren, Chairman Eliot Engel, and Chairman Richard E. Neal said: Since taking office, President Trump has placed his own personal and political interests above the national interest byprotecting and enriching himself, targeting his political opponents, seeking foreign interference in our elections,eroding transparency, seeking to end accountability, and otherwise abusing the power of his office. Our democracy is not self-effectuating  it takes work and a commitment to guard it against those who would undermine it, whether foreign or domestic. It is time for Congress to strengthen the bedrock of our democracy and ensure our laws are strong enough to withstand a lawless president. That's why we are acting today to introduce the Protecting Our Democracy Act. This reforms package will prevent future presidential abuses, restore our checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency, and protect our elections. These reforms are necessary not only because of the abuses of this president, but because the foundation of our democracy is the rule of law and that foundation is deeply at risk. This is just the beginning because we need to obtain more information so that we can continue to refine and develop these and other reforms. It is our responsibility to ensure that our democracy carries on for generations to come. Specifically, theProtecting Our Democracy Actwill: Prevent Presidential Abuses: Prevent Abuse of the Pardon Power:Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and White House to provide materials to Congress concerning any self-serving presidential pardon or commutation in cases involving the President or his/her relatives, contempt of Congress, or obstruction of Congress; clarifies that the President and Vice President are public officials and pardons are official acts and things of value for purposes of the federal bribery statute; and prohibits self-pardons by the President.Ensure No President is Above the Law:Suspends the statute of limitations for any federal offense committed by a sitting president or vice president, whether it was committed before or during their terms in office, to ensure that presidents and vice presidents can be held accountable for criminal conduct just like every other American and not use their offices as a shield to avoid legal consequences.Enforce the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution:Codifies the Constitution's Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses by prohibiting federal officials from accepting of foreign emoluments without Congress's consent and prohibiting the President from accepting domestic emoluments; strengthens the process for civil actions brought by Congress for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause; enhances financial disclosure requirements related to emoluments; and provides enhanced enforcement mechanisms for Congress and for entities within the Executive Branch. Restore Our System of Checks and Balances, Strengthen Accountability, and Transparency: Enforce Congressional Subpoenas:Strengthens Congress' tools to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas; codifies a cause of action for Congress to enforce its subpoenas, including those issued to government officials; expedites the judicial process for congressional subpoena enforcement actions; empowers courts to levy fines on government officials who willfully fail to comply with congressional subpoenas; and specifies the manner in which subpoena recipients must comply.Reassert Congressional Power of the Purse:Strengthens Congress' power of the purse by enhancing the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), including by adding penalties for failure to comply; increasing transparency and reporting requirements for the Executive Branch; and strengthens congressional budget oversight tools under the ICA and Antideficiency Act (ADA) to prevent federal agencies from misusing federal funds.Strengthen Congressional Oversight of Presidential Emergency Declarations: Imposes a limit on Presidential declarations of emergencies and any powers triggered by such declarations unless extended by a vote of the Congress; requires the President to provide all Presidential Emergency Action Documents (PEADs) to Congress.Provide Security from Political Interference in Justice:In order to limit political interference in criminal and civil enforcement matters, requires the Attorney General to maintain a log of certain communications between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the White House; requires the Attorney General to provide the log to the DOJ Inspector General (DOJ IG) bi-annually; and requires the DOJ IG to report to Congress any inappropriate communications or communications evidencing improper political interference.Protect Inspector General Independence:Permits only the President or the head of an agency to remove or place on administrative leave any Inspector General (IG), including IGs of the Intelligence Community (IC), and only for cause; clarifies that IGs of the IC have sole authority to determine matters of urgent concern, which include foreign interference in our elections; enhances congressional reporting requirements when an IG of the IC is removed or there are disagreements between an IG of the IC and heads of agencies; and requires the President to provide to Congress documentation of cause before removing an IG.Protect Whistleblowers:Enhances protections for federal whistleblowers, including measures to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers; clarifies the right of government employees, including those in the IC, to provide information directly to Congress;creates a private right of action for whistleblowers who are publicly outed by government officials; reauthorizes the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and provides for whistleblower training for MSPB administrative judges; and limits the conditions under which a government official or employee may disclose a whistleblower's identity or other whistleblower information, including limitations on the sharing of IC whistleblower complaints with persons named as subjects in the complaint.Provide Accountability for Acting Officials:Makes a series of changes with respect to the appointment, tenure, and qualifications of acting officials of executive agencies; limits the tenure of acting heads of agencies to no more than 120 days.Strengthen Hatch Act Enforcement and Penalties:Strengthens the Office of Special Counsel's (OSC) ability to investigate violations of the Hatch Act; clarifies that employees of the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President can be investigated for Hatch Act violations; authorizes OSC to issue civil fines for Hatch Act violations committed by political appointees; and increases the maximum fine for Hatch Act violations by political appointees to $50,000. Protect Our Elections: Ensure Reporting of Foreign Interference in Elections:Requires that political committees report to the FBI and the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) certain foreign contacts; requires that each political candidate and immediate family member of a candidate notify a designated campaign committee official of certain foreign contacts; requires the FBI to report to the congressional intelligence committees any reporting received pursuant to these provisions.Prevent Foreign Interference in Elections:Clarifies that the definition of a thing of value in the Federal Election Campaign Act prohibition on foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates includes information sought or obtained for political advantage; enhances criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition; requires that political campaigns certify that they understand the prohibition. TheProtecting Our Democracy Actis sponsored by Chairs Adam Schiff, Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, John Yarmuth, Zoe Lofgren, Eliot Engel, and Richard Neal. It is also sponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen, Gerry Connolly, Madeline Dean, Hakeem Jeffries, Ted Lieu, Katie Porter, Jamie Raskin, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jackie Speier and Eric Swalwell. To read the full bill,click here. To read the fact sheet for the bill,click here. And to read the section-by-section of the bill,click here. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/house-democrats-introduce-landmark-reforms-package-the-protecting-our-democracy-act/", "House Democrats Introduce Landmark Reforms Package, the Protecting Our Democracy Act", "2020-09-23", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, House Democrats introduced theProtecting Our Democracy Act a landmark reforms package that will prevent future presidential abuses, restore our system of checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency, and protect our elections.\r\n\r\n\tEarlier this year, Speaker Pelosi directed Committee chairs to write a package of sweeping reforms to ensure that no president can abuse the powers of their office, as Trump has done. The result is theProtecting Our Democracy Act. Together, the reforms in this bill reflect the House's determination to defend our democracy from foreign and domestic attacks, and to ensure that the vision of the Founders lives on for generations to come.\r\n\r\n\tAfter introducing the legislation, Chairman Adam Schiff, Chairman Jerrold Nadler, Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairman John Yarmuth, Chairperson Zoe Lofgren, Chairman Eliot Engel, and Chairman Richard E. Neal said:\r\n\r\n\tSince taking office, President Trump has placed his own personal and political interests above the national interest byprotecting and enriching himself, targeting his political opponents, seeking foreign interference in our elections,eroding transparency, seeking to end accountability, and otherwise abusing the power of his office.\r\n\r\n\tOur democracy is not self-effectuating  it takes work and a commitment to guard it against those who would undermine it, whether foreign or domestic. It is time for Congress to strengthen the bedrock of our democracy and ensure our laws are strong enough to withstand a lawless president. That's why we are acting today to introduce the Protecting Our Democracy Act.\r\n\r\n\tThis reforms package will prevent future presidential abuses, restore our checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency, and protect our elections. These reforms are necessary not only because of the abuses of this president, but because the foundation of our democracy is the rule of law and that foundation is deeply at risk. This is just the beginning because we need to obtain more information so that we can continue to refine and develop these and other reforms.\r\n\r\n\tIt is our responsibility to ensure that our democracy carries on for generations to come.\r\n\r\n\tSpecifically, theProtecting Our Democracy Actwill:\r\n\r\n\tPrevent Presidential Abuses:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tPrevent Abuse of the Pardon Power:Requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) and White House to provide materials to Congress concerning any self-serving presidential pardon or commutation in cases involving the President or his/her relatives, contempt of Congress, or obstruction of Congress; clarifies that the President and Vice President are public officials and pardons are official acts and things of value for purposes of the federal bribery statute; and prohibits self-pardons by the President.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tEnsure No President is Above the Law:Suspends the statute of limitations for any federal offense committed by a sitting president or vice president, whether it was committed before or during their terms in office, to ensure that presidents and vice presidents can be held accountable for criminal conduct just like every other American and not use their offices as a shield to avoid legal consequences.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tEnforce the Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution:Codifies the Constitution's Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses by prohibiting federal officials from accepting of foreign emoluments without Congress's consent and prohibiting the President from accepting domestic emoluments; strengthens the process for civil actions brought by Congress for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause; enhances financial disclosure requirements related to emoluments; and provides enhanced enforcement mechanisms for Congress and for entities within the Executive Branch.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\r\n\tRestore Our System of Checks and Balances, Strengthen Accountability, and Transparency:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tEnforce Congressional Subpoenas:Strengthens Congress' tools to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas; codifies a cause of action for Congress to enforce its subpoenas, including those issued to government officials; expedites the judicial process for congressional subpoena enforcement actions; empowers courts to levy fines on government officials who willfully fail to comply with congressional subpoenas; and specifies the manner in which subpoena recipients must comply.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tReassert Congressional Power of the Purse:Strengthens Congress' power of the purse by enhancing the Impoundment Control Act (ICA), including by adding penalties for failure to comply; increasing transparency and reporting requirements for the Executive Branch; and strengthens congressional budget oversight tools under the ICA and Antideficiency Act (ADA) to prevent federal agencies from misusing federal funds.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tStrengthen Congressional Oversight of Presidential Emergency Declarations: Imposes a limit on Presidential declarations of emergencies and any powers triggered by such declarations unless extended by a vote of the Congress; requires the President to provide all Presidential Emergency Action Documents (PEADs) to Congress.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tProvide Security from Political Interference in Justice:In order to limit political interference in criminal and civil enforcement matters, requires the Attorney General to maintain a log of certain communications between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the White House; requires the Attorney General to provide the log to the DOJ Inspector General (DOJ IG) bi-annually; and requires the DOJ IG to report to Congress any inappropriate communications or communications evidencing improper political interference.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tProtect Inspector General Independence:Permits only the President or the head of an agency to remove or place on administrative leave any Inspector General (IG), including IGs of the Intelligence Community (IC), and only for cause; clarifies that IGs of the IC have sole authority to determine matters of urgent concern, which include foreign interference in our elections; enhances congressional reporting requirements when an IG of the IC is removed or there are disagreements between an IG of the IC and heads of agencies; and requires the President to provide to Congress documentation of cause before removing an IG.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tProtect Whistleblowers:Enhances protections for federal whistleblowers, including measures to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers; clarifies the right of government employees, including those in the IC, to provide information directly to Congress;creates a private right of action for whistleblowers who are publicly outed by government officials; reauthorizes the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and provides for whistleblower training for MSPB administrative judges; and limits the conditions under which a government official or employee may disclose a whistleblower's identity or other whistleblower information, including limitations on the sharing of IC whistleblower complaints with persons named as subjects in the complaint.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tProvide Accountability for Acting Officials:Makes a series of changes with respect to the appointment, tenure, and qualifications of acting officials of executive agencies; limits the tenure of acting heads of agencies to no more than 120 days.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tStrengthen Hatch Act Enforcement and Penalties:Strengthens the Office of Special Counsel's (OSC) ability to investigate violations of the Hatch Act; clarifies that employees of the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President can be investigated for Hatch Act violations; authorizes OSC to issue civil fines for Hatch Act violations committed by political appointees; and increases the maximum fine for Hatch Act violations by political appointees to $50,000.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\r\n\tProtect Our Elections:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tEnsure Reporting of Foreign Interference in Elections:Requires that political committees report to the FBI and the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) certain foreign contacts; requires that each political candidate and immediate family member of a candidate notify a designated campaign committee official of certain foreign contacts; requires the FBI to report to the congressional intelligence committees any reporting received pursuant to these provisions.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tPrevent Foreign Interference in Elections:Clarifies that the definition of a thing of value in the Federal Election Campaign Act prohibition on foreign donations to political campaigns and candidates includes information sought or obtained for political advantage; enhances criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition; requires that political campaigns certify that they understand the prohibition.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\r\n\tTheProtecting Our Democracy Actis sponsored by Chairs Adam Schiff, Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, John Yarmuth, Zoe Lofgren, Eliot Engel, and Richard Neal. It is also sponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen, Gerry Connolly, Madeline Dean, Hakeem Jeffries, Ted Lieu, Katie Porter, Jamie Raskin, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jackie Speier and Eric Swalwell.\r\n\r\n\tTo read the full bill,click here. To read the fact sheet for the bill,click here. And to read the section-by-section of the bill,click here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-on-august-jobs-report-additional-federal-support-needed-to-help-millions-of-americans-still-out-of-work/", "Chairman Yarmuth on August Jobs Report: Additional federal support needed to help millions of Americans still out of work", "2020-09-04", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Kentucky Representative John Yarmuth, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)reportedthat the economy added 1.4 million jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.4 percent. Despite these gains, the economy has recovered less than half of the 22.2 million jobs lost since the coronavirus pandemic hit our nation and hiring continues to slow. The number of jobs added in August was down by approximately 360,000 from July and 3.4 million from June, and the numbers of workers who have been permanently laid off surged.\r\n\r\n\tAs we head into Labor Day weekend, we must recognize that, despite this welcome decrease in unemployment, more than 1 million American workers have filed unemployment claims each week for 24 weeks straight,said Chairman Yarmuth.We are six months into this crisis and still tens of millions of Americans are out of work through no fault of their own, more and more job losses are becoming permanent, 1 in 8 households are going hungry, millions of families are under the threat of eviction, and the unemployment gap between Black and white workers is now the largest we've seen since 2014. Without additional federal support, this is an emergency with no end in sight.\r\n\r\n\tWith their continued inaction, Republicans have demonstrated an inconceivable tolerance for Americans' suffering. House Democrats passed the Heroes Act more than 100 days ago and remain committed to fighting for America's working families, supporting our state and local communities, and hastening our recovery by getting the virus under control. We have a responsibility to see our nation through these crises, and the President and Republicans must start taking their jobs seriously.\r\n\r\n\tAdditional numbers of note:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tEmployment in government accounted for 25 percent of the total job gains in August, including the hiring of 238,000 temporary Census workers.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tState and local governments added 93,000 jobs on netbut remain down more than 1.1. million jobs from six months ago.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tUnemployment rates fell for each racial group but remain highly disparate.Unemployment among white workers fell to 7.3 percent  the only group with unemployment in the single-digits  compared to 10.5 percent for Hispanic Americans, 10.7 percent for Asian Americans, and 13.0 percent for Black Americans.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tLong-term unemployment continued to increase.As of August, 1.6 million people have been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer, up more than half a million since February. The long-term unemployed composed approximately 12 percent of all unemployed people, up from 9.2 percent in July.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\r\n\t# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-on-white-house-effort-to-block-funds-punish-states-cities-amid-a-pandemic/", "Chairman Yarmuth on White House Effort to Block Funds, Punish States & Cities Amid a Pandemic", "2020-09-03", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, Kentucky Representative John Yarmuth, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement condemning efforts by the White House, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to dictate state and local policy by withholding federal funds from jurisdictions the Administration deems unworthy of support. The White House's five-page memo directs OMB to provide guidance to federal agencies for restricting funding to cities that defund their police departments and any locality the Attorney General considers an an anarchist jurisdiction.\r\n\r\n\tWhile this new memo is clearly a campaign ad on White House letterhead, we cannot be so quick to dismiss it or naive enough to think that just because it has no legal merit, the Administration will not try to enforce it,said Chairman Yarmuth.The Trump Administration has a well-documented history of degradingour system of checks and balances and systematically weaponizingthe executive branch to consolidate power and advance the President's self-interests.\r\n\r\n\tThis White House's alarming threat to hold state and local funds hostage amid a pandemic and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression is an abuse of power, a slap to our federalist system, and a clear abdication of the President's responsibility to all Americans. The House Budget Committee will continue our work to protect Congress' power of the purse and ensure Americans' tax dollars are spent in accordance with the needs of the American people and the laws of our nation\r\n\r\n\tThis memo comes shortly after the White House pushed tosideline career officials at OMBin favor of political appointees, an action Chairman Yarmuth called a deliberate and disturbing step by the Trump Administration to consolidate power among political cronies, undermine Congress, and silence anyone who might stand in their way.\r\n\r\n\tChairman Yarmuth has already introduced legislation, theCongressional Power of the Purse Act, to protect Congress' constitutional spending authority and increase transparency of the executive branch. The bill will require OMB to make apportionments publicly available, as well as publish the positions of officials with delegated apportionment authority and explain reasons for any changes in delegated authority. The bill will also strengthen existing budget and appropriations law, adding teeth to deter lawbreaking.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-renewed-commitment-to-science-innovation-inclusion-key-to-recovery/", "Chairman Yarmuth: Renewed Commitment to Science, Innovation & Inclusion Key to Recovery", "2020-08-31", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.Today, the House Budget Committeereleased a reporton the necessity for increased federal investment in research and development (R&D) in order to address the crises we now face  systemic inequality, an ongoing pandemic, and an historic economic downturn  while better preparing our nation for the future. Thereporthighlights the value that government R&D investments add to our nation's economic growth and productivity, our health and quality of life, and our ability to solve pressing problems.\r\n\r\n\tThe President's relentless attacks on science and facts have made the impact of the coronavirus in the United States more devastating and the resulting economic free fall far worse,said House Budget Chairman John Yarmuth.Federal R&D investments have long helped our nation solve problems at home and abroad, andhave fueled our economic growth for generations. With a renewed commitment to science, innovation, and inclusion, we can supercharge our recovery and begin to make real societal changes that will set our nation on a path to becoming a healthier and more equitable nation.\r\n\r\n\tText of the report can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/reps-yarmuth-bacon-davis-young-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-help-children-youth-and-families-experiencing-homelessness-during-coronavirus-pandemic/", "Reps. Yarmuth, Bacon, Davis, Young Lead Bipartisan Effort to Help Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness During Coronavirus Pandemic", "2020-08-07", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Don Young (R-AK) introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation to provide $2 billion in flexible funding for community-based organizations to assist children, youth, and families experiencing homeless during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 7950, the Emergency Family Stabilization Act (EFSA), would create a new emergency funding stream overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The measure is the companion legislation to S. 3923, introduced in the Senate by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).\r\n\r\n\tThe turmoil brought on by this global pandemic is decidedly worse for those Americans who find themselves experiencing homelessnessespecially our children and young people, said Rep. Yarmuth. As we work to navigate our way through this pandemic and its economic fallout, we need comprehensive, dedicated funding aimed at combating homelessness and preventing exponential harm for already at-risk communities. I'm glad to help lead this bipartisan effort to eliminate as many barriers as possible to the health and safety of homeless youth and families in America.\r\n\r\n\tOur community-based organizations will be able to better serve the needs of youth and families experiencing homelessness with the flexible funding included in the Emergency Family Stabilization Act, said Rep. Bacon. As we work to restore and rebuild our communities, this legislation will help to stabilize youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent entrenched adult homelessness.\r\n\r\n\tMillions of young people, rural and urban, experience homelessness each year. These youth become homeless because they run away from abusive homes, are kicked out of their house, leave the juvenile justice system with nowhere to go, become orphans, or exit the child welfare system with no support to enable successful transitions to adulthood, saidRep. Davis. These youth experience a greater risk of health problems and becoming victims of sex and labor trafficking. This bill will provide grants to community-based, faith-based, and culturally-specific local agencies and organizations that serve homeless youth reducing housing and food insecurity, improving health, and promoting economic well-being.\r\n\r\n\t\"In Alaska and across the country, COVID-19 has affected nearly every area of our daily lives. Some of our nation's most vulnerable populations find themselves already facing housing instability, said Rep. Young. This pandemic has only made it harder for them to find work and put a roof over their families' heads. Housing not only brings improved health outcomes, but it also increases upward mobility and economic certainty. I am proud to join Congressmen Yarmuth, Bacon, and Davis on this crucial legislation to combat homelessness and ensure that the health, safety, and resiliency of our most vulnerable citizens are protected.\"\r\n\r\n\tThe Emergency Family Stabilization Act would:\r\n\r\n\t Create a new emergency funding stream through the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide flexible funding to meet the unique needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness (as defined by the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Act.)\r\n\r\n\t Ensure that local agencies that currently receive ACF grants or have experience in serving children, families, and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness would be eligible to receive funds.\r\n\r\n\t Allow funds to be used for a wide range of housing, health, education, employment, training, and safety-related needs.\r\n\r\n\t Provide that in awarding grants, special consideration is given to meeting the needs of pregnant women, pregnant and parenting youth, children under age 6, children with disabilities, families experiencing domestic violence, survivors of sexual assault or human trafficking, LGBTQIA individuals, and racial and ethnic minority populations.\r\n\r\n\t Include set aside funding for tribes and urban, rural, and suburban areas.\r\n\r\n\t Ensure that at least one agency in each state receives a grant.\r\n\r\n\tFull text of H.R. 7950, the Emergency Family Stabilization Act can be found here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-supreme-courts-daca-ruling/", "Yarmuth Statement on Supreme Court's DACA Ruling", "2020-06-18", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the statement below following today's Supreme Court decision to block President Trump's rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:\r\n\r\n\tToday's decision protecting Dreamers from deportation is another victory for human rights and basic decency in our country. We should all breathe a sigh of relief that those who've spent most of their lives as assets to our communities can now truly call America home. That even this conservative Supreme Court would again reject the administration is a clear sign that the cruelty that guides this president and his Republican enablers is radically dangerous and has no place in American law.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-gets-drivethru-covid19-test-urges-all-protest-participants-to-get-tested/", "Yarmuth Gets Drive-Thru COVID-19 Test, Urges All Protest Participants to Get Tested", "2020-06-11", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) was tested for COVID-19 at the drive-thru Norton Healthcare's Respiratory Illness Testing Center in Louisville. Yarmuthwho has no symptoms and is in good healthwas tested out of an abundance of caution after participating in mass gatherings over the weekend, including the vigil for Breonna Taylor and a visit to Jefferson Square Park.\r\n\r\n\tThe Congressman is using the opportunity to urge all Louisvillians who participated in recent protests to join him in also seeking testingin addition to continuing to wear a mask, practice proper hygiene, and employ safe social distancing measures.\r\n\r\n\tWhile so many of us have been compelled to take to the streets and raise our voicesin protest, in solidarity, and in griefit's important that we also remember that we still face a global pandemic that threatens us all, said Yarmuth. We can assemble and also stay safe. We can call out the injustices we see happening in our community without endangering those we stand with in this fight. I'm glad to be tested and to make sure that I'm not putting my loved ones, my constituents, and the most vulnerable in our community at risk by possibly transmitting this virus. I urge everyone on the front lines of our protests to join me in doing the same.\r\n\r\n\tMore than 300,000 Kentuckians have been tested for the virus statewide as of June 10, according to data compiled by the Kentucky Department for Public Health. This weekend alone, the Norton Testing Center and a separate testing location set up near the center of protests welcomed nearly 900 Louisvillians seeking tests after participating in mass gatherings over the past two weeks.\r\n\r\n\tNorton Healthcare is offering testing, which is available at no cost, to anyone in the community, but you must schedule an appointment. Appointments can be made by visiting their website or calling (502) 861-4611, option 1.\r\n\r\n\tCOVID-19 testing is also available through most area hospitals and health care providers in Louisville, as well at sites throughout the city and state. Those with additional questions about testing are urged to contact their health care provider for more information.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-congressional-democrats-introduce-comprehensive-policing-reform-legislation-to-address-misconduct-racial-bias/", "Yarmuth, Congressional Democrats Introduce Comprehensive Policing Reform Legislation to Address Misconduct, Racial Bias", "2020-06-08", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) joined with more than 200 members of the House and Senate in introducing the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, sweeping legislation to reform policing, address police misconduct, and combat racial bias in our justice system. Yarmuth is an original cosponsor of the bicameral legislation.\r\n\r\n\tAmong the many reforms found within the package, the legislation includes an end to no-knock warrants in drug cases, bans the use of chokeholds, reforms qualified immunity, and incentivizes states to create independent investigative processes for police-involved deaths.\r\n\r\n\tPeople in Louisville and across our nation are fed upthey've taken to the streets to make their voices heard in calling for equal justice for all, and today is a monumental day in that fight, said Yarmuth. I am proud to support the Justice in Policing Act and believe it is a strong step forward in bringing about real change in policing and providing a much-needed level of accountability for the American people. I've promised my constituents that I will use my voice, my time, and my vote to implement policies that adequately reflect the core truth that Black Lives Matter. Without structural change, our justice system will sadly continue to unfairly steal the lives and livelihoods of Black Americans. We have to change. I call on Senator Mitch McConnell to join with Congressional Democrats in calling for swift passage of this legislation.\r\n\r\n\tTheJustice in Policing Act of 2020:\r\n\r\n\t- Prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement from racial, religious and discriminatory profiling, and mandates trainingon racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling for all law enforcement.\r\n\r\n\t- Bans chokeholds, carotid holds and no-knock warrants at the federal level and limits the transfer of military-grade equipment to state and local law enforcement.\r\n\r\n\t- Mandates the use of dashboard cameras and body cameras for federal offices and requires state and local law enforcement to use existing federal funds to ensure the use of police body cameras.\r\n\r\n\t- Establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry to prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave on agency from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability.\r\n\r\n\t- Amends federal criminal statute from willfulness to a recklessness standard to successfully identify and prosecute police misconduct.\r\n\r\n\t- Reforms qualified immunity so that individuals are not barred from recovering damages when police violate their constitutional rights.\r\n\r\n\t- Establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations to create local commissions and task forces to help communities to re-imagine and develop concrete, just and equitable public safety approaches.\r\n\r\n\t- Creates law enforcement development and training programs to develop best practices and requires the creation of law enforcement accreditation standard recommendations based on President Obama's Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.\r\n\r\n\t- Requires state and local law enforcement agencies to report use of force data, disaggregated by race, sex, disability, religion, age.\r\n\r\n\t- Improves the use of pattern and practice investigations at the federal level by granting the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division subpoena power and creates a grant program for state attorneys general to develop authority to conduct independent investigations into problematic police departments.\r\n\r\n\t- Establishes a Department of Justice task force to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and enforcement efforts of federal, state and local governments in cases related to law enforcement misconduct.\r\n\r\n\tFull text of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 can be found here, a fact sheet can be found here, and a section-by-section summary can be found here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-the-passing-of-wes-unseld/", "Yarmuth Statement on the Passing of Wes Unseld", "2020-06-02", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), released the statement below on the passing of University of Louisville basketball legend Wes Unseld:\r\n\r\n\tMy earliest memory of Wes Unseld is as a lanky Seneca High School center, overshadowed by Mike Redd, but dominating games with his rebounding and defensive skills. Yet as great of an athlete as he was, he was an even better person. When my brother Bill broke his leg playing junior high basketball, Wes came to our house, signed his cast, and encouraged him. His career at Louisville was so impressive that he was a top draft pick and earned both the NBA's Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors with the Bullets in his first season. Most impressive, however, was his post-player career as a businessman and community leader in his adopted city of Baltimore. Too many younger Louisvillians will never appreciate his greatness, but he was a role model many would be wise to emulate.My thoughts are with his family and loved ones today.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-leads-bipartisan-push-for-increased-homeless-youth-funding-in-covid19-response/", "Yarmuth Leads Bipartisan Push for Increased Homeless Youth Funding in COVID-19 Response", "2020-05-18", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, in a bipartisan letter to House Leadership, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) and a bipartisan group of 34 Members of the House called for increased funding for programs assisting homeless and runaway youth. Yarmuth was joined in effort by co-leads Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE) and Danny Davis (D-IL), and members from throughout the nation.\r\n\r\n\tHomelessness harms the health, development, safety, and education of children and youth, the Members write. The longer a young child experiences homelessness, the more that negative outcomes are magnified, causing lifelong effects on the child, and in turn, the family and community. Now more than ever, these children and youth need our attention. The coronavirus outbreak has created even more barriers to their survival and to accessing the programs and services they need to regain their footing.\r\n\r\n\tWhile some funding for homelessness has been provided in previous federal relief packages, the group call for a targeted response of dedicated funding to assist young people facing homelessness amidst this pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tWhile we appreciate that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act included some funding related to homelessness, most children and youth experiencing homelessness are not eligible for a majority of services provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Solutions Grant, nor does this program meet their unique and complex needs, the members added. Dedicated funding is needed through the programs and systems that are best positioned to help them immediately and ensure their long-term stability.\r\n\r\n\tA copy of the letter can be found here, and full text can be found below:\r\n\r\n\tMay 18, 2020\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Kevin McCarthy\r\n\r\n\tSpeaker of the House  Minority Leader\r\n\r\n\tThe U.S. House of Representatives  The U.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\n\tThe Capitol, H-232 The Capitol, H-204\r\n\r\n\tWashington, D.C. 20515  Washington, D.C. 20515  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tDear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy:\r\n\r\n\tWe write to respectfully request that you include provisions to support children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness during this crisis in a supplemental package addressing the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). While we appreciate that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act included some funding related to homelessness, most children and youth experiencing homelessness are not eligible for a majority of services provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Solutions Grant, nor does this program meet their unique and complex needs. Dedicated funding is needed through the programs and systems that are best positioned to help them immediately, and ensure their long-term stability.\r\n\r\n\tHomelessness harms the health, development, safety, and education of children and youth. The longer a young child experiences homelessness, the more that negative outcomes are magnified, causing lifelong effects on the child, and in turn, the family and community. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, public schools determined a record 1.5 million homeless children and youth, aged preK-12, for the most recent year reported (2017-2018) within our school systems. The U.S. Department of Education also estimates that 1.4 million children under age six are experiencing homelessness and national research from the University of Chicago's Chapin Hall found that approximately 4.2 million youth ages 13-25 were homeless on their own during a 12-month period. The current economic crisis, and family stress related to shelter-in-place orders, are expected to create new waves of youth and family homelessness.\r\n\r\n\tThe experience of homelessness also has a damaging impact on academic achievement. Based on reporting from 49 states, the 2017-2018 national average graduation rate for homeless students was 67.8 percent; more than 10 percent below other low-income students (79.5 percent). The low graduation rate of homeless students is of particular concern because lack of a high school degree or GED is the single greatest risk factor for homelessness as a young adult. Finally, homeless youth and young adults are at great risk of victimization and assault. Recent data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows that being a homeless youth and living in unstable housing are two of the top risk factors for human trafficking.\r\n\r\n\tNow more than ever, these children and youth need our attention. The coronavirus outbreak has created even more barriers to their survival, and to accessing the programs and services they need to regain their footing. We urgently request the following:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tAt least $300 million for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has 45 years of expertise in holistically preventing and serving young people experiencing homelessness by building relationships with youth, meeting their immediate needs, providing short and long-term residential services, and conducting prevention and outreach efforts to move youth out of homelessness. Of this amount, $150 million will be disbursed to existing RHYA grantees and the remaining funds will be used to expand services through new grants.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAt least $500 million for the McKinney-Vento Act's Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education and reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, removes barriers to school enrollment, attendance, and success caused by homelessness. Under the law, every local educational agency must designate a local liaison to ensure the identification of homeless children and youth, as well as school access, stability, and coordination of services. School closures have been devastating for homeless children and youth; they have lost one of the safest and most stable places in their lives. In considering this request, it is noteworthy that Congress has provided supplemental support through the EHCY program in the past, both in response to the recession in 2008, as well as three different disaster-related spending bills.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAt least $2 million for an online curriculum that will train parents, teachers, and students how to recognize the indicators of trafficking. This is needed now when students are spending even more time online with their peers.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAt least $25 million in supplemental funding for existing Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) trafficking grantees to provide direct survivor support and operate the National Human Trafficking Hotline.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAt least $2 billion for a Family Stabilization Fund to provide flexible funding for community organizations to meet the unique needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. This funding would allow youth- and family-serving agencies to provide immediate support to children, youth, and families, no matter where they happen to be staying  including those who are ineligible for HUD homeless assistance because they do not meet HUD's narrow definition of homelessness. Providing housing-related and other services to children, youth and families experiencing homelessness as early as possible will reduce transmission of COVID-19, and mitigate compounding trauma and negative lifelong impacts of homelessness.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tIn combination, this request will bolster and expand the vital work of key federal programs to help move homeless children, youth, and families from crisis to stabilization, healing, and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. This holistic approach will help ensure that prolonged homelessness does not result from the coronavirus outbreak, and that we protect the futures of our most vulnerable children, youth, and families.\r\n\r\n\tWe urge you to prioritize their needs in the supplemental package that Congress approves. This will help to stabilize and support vulnerable children and youth during the outbreak and recovery, and also help to prevent entrenched chronic adult homelessness in the future. Thank you for your time and attention on this important matter.\r\n\r\n\t Sincerely,\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tJohn Yarmuth Don Bacon Danny K. Davis\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tJoyce Beatty Susan Wild Jimmy Panetta\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tDarren Soto Don Young Adam Smith\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tEleanor Holmes Norton Derek Kilmer Dave Loebsack\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tJahana Hayes Pramila Jayapal Steven Horsford\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tBrian Fitzpatrick Earl Blumenauer Gwen S. Moore\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tBill Foster Ted Deutch Thomas R. Suozzi\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tBrendan F. Boyle Joe Neguse Josh Harder\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tSuzanne Bonamici Chellie Pingree Andr Carson\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tFrederica S. Wilson Mary Gay Scanlon Andy Levin\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress  Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tRo Khanna Tony Crdenas Suzan K. DelBene\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tDwight Evans Debbie Dingell\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress  Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-heroes-act/", "Yarmuth Statement on House Passage of the Heroes Act", "2020-05-15", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), released the statement below on House passage of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act:\r\n\r\n\tToday, the House took a substantive step forward in the ongoing federal response to COVID-19 that will provide meaningful economic relief to millions of working families, much-needed resources to frontline workers, support to state and local governments experiencing drastic revenue cuts, and a serious investment in testing, tracing, and treatment of this virus. I'm glad at least one House Republican was willing to put country above party and join Democrats in supporting this vital next step. I hope Senator Mitch McConnell will find the same courage.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-the-death-of-breonna-taylor/", "Yarmuth Statement on the Death of Breonna Taylor", "2020-05-13", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), released the statement below on the death of Breonna Taylor:\r\n\r\n\tI did not know Breonna Taylor, but the horrifying public reports of how her life so tragically ended are deeply troubling and deserve the most thorough review they can be given. As the ongoing investigation continues and the facts surrounding this heartbreaking event are uncovered, it is my hope that some form of justice can eventually be delivered: to Breonnaa brave and selfless public servantand her family, to a concerned community, and to a nation sick and tired of seeing and hearing of black and brown lives being taken so wantonly and so coldly.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-calls-for-trumpkushner-project-air-bridge-effort-to-be-used-solely-to-replenish-national-stockpile/", "Yarmuth Calls for Trump-Kushner \"Project Air Bridge\" Effort to Be Used Solely to Replenish National Stockpile", "2020-05-06", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, in a letter to the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on President Trump to instruct FEMA to direct all incoming equipment from Project Air Bridge to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). FEMA's Project Air Bridge effort was set up to expedite the shipment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the United States, but so far all of the equipment brought here has been directed to the private markets, where half of the shipments are distributed for sale within so-called hot spot areas and the other half is sold as distributors see fit. As a result, health care providers are being forced to pay exorbitant prices in the open market for necessary, life-saving supplies.\r\n\r\n\tYarmuth's letter calls for all goods and supplies shipped via Project Air Bridge to instead be used to replenish the now-depleted SNS and ensure these materials are being distributed in the most efficient and cost-effective way throughout the United States, not just to the highest bidders.\r\n\r\n\tThe problem with this system is that health care providers that are treating COVID-19 patients, but are not in hot spots,' have been unable to procure needed PPE for their patients and medical professionals, writes Yarmuth. The private market supply chain they are forced to rely on is completely broken, with hospitals in every state throughout the country bidding against each other, and against states, for very limited supplies of PPE. As a result, prices for masks, gowns, and other desperately needed equipment have increased in cost by as much as 1,000 percent. The fact that taxpayers' dollars are being used to fund Project Air Bridge and that half of those medical supplies are going into the private market where health care providers are forced to pay for these mark ups is nonsensical.\r\n\r\n\tRecent news reports have detailed the lack of oversight and accountability within the programled by the President's son-in-law Jared Kushnerand also raised questions about where the supplies are being directed and what prices are being paid for them.\r\n\r\n\tAs our health care professionals fight to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must also do all we can to ensure that these individuals are equipped with everything they need, Yarmuth continues. That should include using the effectiveness of the SNS to allow hospitals across the nation to more easily acquire critically needed medical equipment. By resupplying the SNS with equipment arriving through the taxpayer funded Project Air Bridge, you will help our states and providers quickly receive the supplies they desperately need to keep their communities safe.\r\n\r\n\tA copy of the letter can be found here, and full text can be found below:\r\n\r\n\tMay 6, 2020\r\n\r\n\tThe President  \r\n\tThe White House  \r\n\t1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\n\tDear Mr. President,\r\n\r\n\tAs a Member of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation, I am writing you to express my concerns over the continued issues surrounding the supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical medical supplies. Through Project Air Bridge, and their coordination with private companies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has helped deliver essential medical equipment from other countries. States and health care providers, however, are still struggling to obtain these life-saving resources. Now that the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is depleted and not being replenished it is imperative that the federal government take additional steps to more effectively combat this COVID-19 pandemic. I, therefore, ask that you instruct FEMA to direct all incoming equipment from Project Air Bridge to the Strategic National Stockpile.\r\n\r\n\tAccording to FEMA, supplies arriving through Project Air Bridge's efforts are evenly distributed between areas severely impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak and private markets. The problem with this system is that health care providers that are treating COVID-19 patients, but are not in hot spots, have been unable to procure needed PPE for their patients and medical professionals. The private market supply chain they are forced to rely on is completely broken, with hospitals in every state throughout the country bidding against each other, and against states, for very limited supplies of PPE. As a result, prices for masks, gowns, and other desperately needed equipment have increased in cost by as much as 1,000 percent. The fact that taxpayers' dollars are being used to fund Project Air Bridge and that half of those medical supplies are going into the private market where health care providers are forced to pay for these mark ups is nonsensical.\r\n\r\n\tThe SNS has been the most dependable source of critical equipment during this crisis. Unfortunately, it is depleted, and FEMA is not replenishing it. I believe this is a mistake, and one that can be remedied by sending all the supplies from Project Air Bridge to the stockpile where its established and highly effective distribution system can be used to help solve both issues with distribution and exorbitant prices.\r\n\r\n\tWith reports that the next wave of the coronavirus will be far more dire, it is critical that we ensure our SNS is sufficiently replenished before that happens. CDC Director Redfield recently noted that the second round will be even more difficult than what we are currently going through because it will likely coincide with the start of flu season. We need to do everything in our power to ease the strain on health care system, which includes having a fully stocked SNS.\r\n\r\n\tAs our health care professionals fight to slow the spread of COVID-19, we must also do all we can to ensure that these individuals are equipped with everything they need. That should include using the effectiveness of the SNS to allow hospitals across the nation to more easily acquire critically needed medical equipment. By resupplying the SNS with equipment arriving through the taxpayer funded Project Air Bridge, you will help our states and providers quickly receive the supplies they desperately need to keep their communities safe.\r\n\r\n\tThe results would be a safer medical workforce and a stronger national response. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\r\n\r\n\t Sincerely,\r\n\r\n\t John Yarmuth\r\n\r\n\t Member of Congress\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-sen-mcconnells-remarks-urging-state-and-local-governments-to-go-bankrupt/", "Yarmuth Statement on Sen. McConnell's Remarks Urging State and Local Governments to Go Bankrupt", "2020-04-24", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), issued the statement below regarding Senator Mitch McConnell's recent remarks making clear that he'd rather state and local governments go bankrupt than provide them with federal aid:\r\n\r\n\tThe greatest internal crisis our country has ever known was a war between the states. Now, it seems, Senator McConnell intends to rival that with a war against the states. The deeply cynical suggestion that we let states go bankrupt is hardly an assault on blue states alone, as McConnell would have us believe. Make no mistake, this is an attack on Kentucky and Kentuckians by our own senior senator.\r\n\r\n\tBankruptcy would have devastating consequences on the very people we've asked to fight on the front lines of this crisis  police, firefighters, public health workers. And it doesn't stop there. Every Kentuckian would quickly notice that local governments would not have funds to police the streets, pick up garbage, or respond to emergencies. Pensions would be slashed, if not eliminated for government employees, including public school teachers. Pensions they depend on, pensions they've earned.\r\n\r\n\tI suppose after three years of spending so much time with Donald Trump, bankruptcy may seem like a viable business strategy. But Kentucky isn't a grown trust fund baby with a billion-dollar inheritance. Kentuckians' lives and livelihoods are on the line, and our Commonwealth deserves a senator who gives a damn about them.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-returns-to-washington-supports-increased-funding-for-hospitals-small-businesses-and-national-covid19-testing/", "Yarmuth Returns to Washington, Supports Increased Funding for Hospitals, Small Businesses, and National COVID-19 Testing", "2020-04-23", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) returned to Washington to vote in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, the next phase of COVID-19 response legislation to increase funding for health care providers, small business loan programs, and expanded testing capacity.\r\n\r\n\tThere's still much work to be done, but I'm glad we were able to reach yet another bipartisan agreement that will provide much-needed funding for those on the front lines, replenish our small business lending programs, and provide the necessary financial resources to finally start a thorough national testing system, said Yarmuth. My heart continues to break for the families of the tens of thousands of lives lost and the millions more whose lives have been upended by this virus. We are making some progress, but cannot stop until we are saving every life, every business, and every American institution.\r\n\r\n\tThat includes addressing the dire economic realities faced by our state and local governments, added Yarmuth. Throwing up your hands and telling them to declare bankruptcy is not a solution, it's an abdication. I will continue to fight for this vital funding to be included in the next phase of relief so our state and local leaders have the resources and flexibility they need to successfully lead us out of this crisis.\r\n\r\n\tThe Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act includes:\r\n\r\n\t $310 billion in additional Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding, with $30 billion reserved for community-based lenders, small banks and credit unions, and $30 billion reserved for medium-sized banks and credit unions. The legislation also expands small business support beyond PPP by providing $50 billion for SBA disaster lending, translating into more than $350 billion in loans, and $10 billion in SBA disaster grants.\r\n\r\n\t $75 billion in hospital and health care funding to provide resources to the frontlines, including Personal Protective Equipment. The Administration has also agreed to key improvements to be made in CARES 2, including significantly lowering the interest rate on advance payments, lengthening the repayment schedule, and distributing payments from general revenues, not the Hospital Insurance Fund.\r\n\r\n\t $25 billion for testing, which is the key to reopening the economy and resuming our lives. The Administration has agreed to a national strategic testing policy that will focus on increasing domestic testing capacity, including testing supplies.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-calls-on-trump-to-fully-invoke-dpa-to-protect-kentuckians-on-front-lines-of-covid19-battle/", "Yarmuth Calls on Trump to Fully Invoke DPA to Protect Kentuckians on Front Lines of COVID-19 Battle", "2020-04-09", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on President Trump to fully invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) to meet the dire need for personal protective equipment (PPE) here in Kentucky and across the country. In a letter to the President, Yarmuth noted the chaos in the current supply chain, with states bidding against each otherand FEMAfor critical medical equipment like facemasks, respirators, protective gowns, and ventilators. Yarmuth also notes that, in some cases, FEMA is redirecting supplies previously secured by local health care providers.\r\n\r\n\tThe private market is driven by high demand, low supply and panic in the market, Yarmuth writes. As a result, hospitals across the country and even within the same state are bidding against each other, states are bidding against each other and against providers, and everyone is bidding for PPE that has increased in cost by as much as 1,000 percent. When providers do secure a contract, it is often redirected by FEMA at the last minute leaving the hospitals to start over in their search for urgently needed equipment.\r\n\r\n\tThis situation is untenable and risks the lives of our constituents, Yarmuth continues. That is why I urge you to fully and more effectively invoke the DPA to drastically increase our supply of critical medical equipment.  Our nation's frontline health care providers have been working tirelessly to identify and treat the rapidly growing number of COVID-19 cases. We must do our part by ensuring that the federal government uses every option available to support their life-saving work. The lives of people in Kentucky and throughout the nation depend on it.\r\n\r\n\tA copy of the letter can be found here, and full text can be found below:\r\n\r\n\tApril 9, 2020\r\n\r\n\tThe President\r\n\r\n\tThe White House\r\n\r\n\t1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tDear Mr. President,\r\n\r\n\tAs a Member of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation, I am writing with profound concern over the current supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE) and the potentially dire consequences for our constituents. The effectiveness of our response to the Coronavirus pandemic directly depends on the effectiveness of our PPE supply chain. I, therefore, ask that you fully and more effectively invoke the Defense Production Act to ensure that our health care providers have a dependable source for these lifesaving supplies.\r\n\r\n\tThe most reliable and consistent source of our PPE for hospitals across the Commonwealth has been the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), but providers are only receiving a fraction of what they need. The private market is driven by high demand, low supply and panic in the market. As a result, hospitals across the country and even within the same state are bidding against each other, states are bidding against each other and against providers, and everyone is bidding for PPE that has increased in cost by as much as 1,000 percent. When providers do secure a contract, it is often redirected by FEMA at the last minute leaving the hospitals to start over in their search for urgently needed equipment. Providers cannot fairly compete for PPE when the federal government is bidding against them, willing to pay the highest price, and able to redirect contracts at any point. When providers are outbid for contracts with known suppliers, they are forced to turn to unknown brokers who often are unfamiliar with medical supplies at best or unscrupulous con-artists at worst.\r\n\r\n\tThis situation is untenable and risks the lives of our constituents. That is why I urge you to fully and more effectively invoke the DPA to drastically increase our supply of critical medical equipment. The DPA authorizes significant presidential authorities during public health emergencies, including calling on industries to assist in specific product production. I recognize that the federal government has taken some steps through the DPA to address supply shortages, but we have to do more. By harnessing the full power of our nation's manufacturing sector, you will help our states and health care providers assemble the necessary equipment, medical devices, and testing materials needed to protect their workers and treat their patients. It is the only viable option to fixing our currently broken supply chain and ensuring our health care providers have the resources needed to respond to this crisis. This full DPA would only be for the short term until the private market can be restored after the peak of this pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tOur nation's frontline health care providers have been working tirelessly to identify and treat the rapidly growing number of COVID-19 cases. We must do our part by ensuring that the federal government uses every option available to support their life-saving work. The lives of people in Kentucky and throughout the nation depend on it. Thank you.\r\n\r\n\tSincerely,\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tJohn Yarmuth\r\n\r\n\tMember of Congress\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-barr-lead-strong-bipartisan-effort-to-cut-red-tape-for-distilleries-producing-hand-sanitizer/", "Yarmuth, Barr Lead Strong Bipartisan Effort to Cut Red Tape for Distilleries Producing Hand Sanitizer", "2020-03-29", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Reps. John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Andy Barr (R-KY) are spearheading a bipartisan effort to cut red tape at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and allow producers of distilled spirits to continue to manufacture hand sanitizer with current supplies in response to shortages created by the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.\r\n\r\n\tThis week, Yarmuth and Barr coauthored a lettersigned by 87 members of Congress in total, representing districts across the nationthat was sent to FDA Administrator Hahn urgently requesting that the agency update its guidance to recognize the use of undenatured alcohol in sanitizers. Undenatured alcoholwhich distillers have readily available is compliant with the World Health Organization's hand sanitizer formula and has the same effectiveness as denatured alcohol. Yarmuth and Barr's request for clarification of the guideline would allow these distilled spirits producers to continue the charitable efforts they started immediately to help meet the demands of health workers, public servants, and those on the front lines of this public health crisis.\r\n\r\n\tThrough the current guidance, the members write, the FDA is standing in the way of hundreds of thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer from being produced and given to those on the front lines battling this pandemic. We have a responsibility to provide more resources to help flatten the curve and alleviating this burden would allow distilleries the opportunity to step up and help their communities. We strongly urge the agency to update its guidance to recognize the use of undenatured alcohol in the production of hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 health crisis and work with industry on reasonable safeguards to keep hand sanitizer out of the hands of children. This will ensure distillers do not face a tax bill for filling a vital need in their communities.\r\n\r\n\tA signed copy of the letter is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-on-passage-of-historic-families-workersfirst-coronavirus-legislation/", "Chairman Yarmuth on Passage of Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation", "2020-03-27", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released the statement below following House passage of H.R. 748, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support:\r\n\r\n\tAs our nation faces this ongoing health crisis and its impact on our economy, the American people need their federal government to lead and provide support, said Yarmuth. The bipartisan bill passed by the House today makes unprecedented investments in protecting the health of our families, workers, and communities, while also strengthening programs that will help stabilize our economy. It includes nearly $2 billon for our efforts in Kentucky to fight the coronavirus, which will be key to flattening the curve in the Commonwealth and keeping families safe. This legislation is major progress, but there is still far more work ahead.\r\n\r\n\tThis legislation builds on top of the swift action that House Democrats have already taken to move two critical pieces of coronavirus response legislation into law. Below are just a few of the numerous initiatives in this historic piece of legislation that will benefit American workers and families and strengthen our nation's response:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tA $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund, Including Nearly $2 Billion in Dedicated Funding for Kentucky:Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, including $1.732 billion in dedicated funding for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t$260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits:Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tImmediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower- and Middle-Income Americans:Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower- and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tMore Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief:Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tApproximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research:Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tMore Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:\r\n\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tCDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards: Provides about $750 million in CDC State, Local, and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards to help agencies cope with the public health emergency. The minimum award for the Commonwealth of Kentucky is $8.29 million in funding through this provision. In addition, states can apply for additional funds above their minimum award, based on their needs.\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tHUD Emergency Solution Grants: Provides $2 billion for HUD Emergency Solution Grants to states that will be distributed by formula. These grants are designed to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance. The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $25.9 million funding for this provision. In addition, the bill provides an additional $2 billion for these grants that will be allocated by HUD to the most hard-pressed areas.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tChild Care and Development Block Grant:Supports childcare and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant.The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $67.2 million in funding through this provision.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tByrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program: Provides $850 million for this program, giving additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies, thereby allowing them, for example, to obtain the personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency.The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $10 million in funding through this provision.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tPublic Transit Systems:Provides $25 billion to transit agencies, which have all seen a drastic drop in revenues as social distancing has been implemented. This funding is to be used to protect the jobs of the employees of the transit agencies, funding their paychecks during this public health emergency. The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $132.7 million in funding for this provision.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tLow-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills.The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $17.9 million in funding through this provision.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tElection Assistance:Provides $400 million for Election Assistance Grants for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections. Coronavirus is already resulting in the postponement of some primaries and this funding can help states make voting safer for individuals. Funding can be used, for example, to increase the ability to vote by mail, expand early voting, and expand online registration. The Commonwealth of Kentucky will receive an estimated $6 million in funding through this provision.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\tSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:The bill includes $15.5 billion in additional funding for SNAP to ensure all Americans, including seniors and children receive the food they need. The bill includes $8.8 billion in additional funding for Child Nutrition Programs in order to ensure children receive meals while school is not in session.\r\n\t\r\n \r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-calls-on-fda-to-allow-distillers-to-produce-hand-sanitizer-with-current-supplies/", "Yarmuth Calls on FDA to Allow Distillers to Produce Hand Sanitizer with Current Supplies", "2020-03-24", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3), Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately clarify their guidelines to allow America's distilled spirits industry to produce hand sanitizer and disinfectant sprays to combat the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tUnder current guidelines, the FDA allows only denatured alcohol to be used in the production of hand sanitizer and disinfectant sprays. America's distilleries are able to rapidly produce undenatured alcohol and have hundreds of gallons at the ready to manufacture sanitizers and sprays that meet necessary World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, but bureaucratic roadblocks at the FDA are preventing distillers from providing this life-saving product to communities.\r\n\r\n\tAs we face this global pandemic, everyday Americans are stepping up to answer the calls of those on the frontlines in our communities in needand the same goes for America's distilled spirits producers, said Yarmuth. They've swiftly worked to begin manufacturing hand sanitizer and other products to ensure the safety of our medical professionals, first responders, and essential workers that are at the forefront of this public health emergency. I have worked with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and other members of the Kentucky delegation to urge the FDA to act immediately. Today, I publicly call on the agency to stop standing in the way of getting these life-saving products to the communities that desperately need them.\r\n\r\n\tOnce the FDA updates its guidelines, Congress can then move to update the tax code to ensure that distiller-produced sanitizers and sprays are not taxed at the rate of alcohol.\r\n\r\n\tFor a map of U.S. distilled spirits producers working to manufacture hand sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States' websitehere.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-announces-sba-approval-of-disaster-loan-assistance-for-kentucky/", "Yarmuth Announces SBA Approval of Disaster Loan Assistance for Kentucky", "2020-03-20", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will now be offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Kentucky small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Kentucky.\r\n\r\n\tWith great uncertainty before us as we combat this global pandemic, it's absolutely vital that our local small businesses have the resources they need to take care of their workers and survive this crisis, said Yarmuth. The SBA worked swiftly to approve this request and make funds available to small businesses here in Louisville and throughout our Commonwealth. I'll continue to do my part to ensure that the federal government is doing everything possible to keep Louisvillians safe, quickly flatten the curve, and minimize long-term consequences to our community, public health, and economy.\r\n\r\n\tSBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.\r\n\r\n\tThese loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower's ability to repay.\r\n\r\n\tEligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.\r\n\r\n\tThe deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/chairman-yarmuth-statement-on-passage-of-the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act/", "Chairman Yarmuth Statement on Passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act", "2020-03-14", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\tToday's passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is an important step forward in providing a coordinated and comprehensive response to keep Americans safe. We are committed to doing all it takes to not only slow the spread of the virus and ensure access to affordable treatment, but to provide quick, effective, and well-targeted economic support to America's families hurt by the outbreak.\r\n\r\n\t# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-to-hold-louisville-town-hall-with-house-gun-violence-task-force-chairman/", "Rep. Yarmuth to Hold Louisville Town Hall with House Gun Violence Task Force Chairman", "2020-03-05", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Tonight at 6:00pm ET, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) will hold a Town Hall event to discuss gun violence prevention in the auditorium at Atherton High School. Joining Yarmuth for the event will be Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-5), who serves as Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in Congress.\r\n\r\n\tThe Congressmen will engage in a conversation about gun violence prevention, moderated by Sadiqa Reynolds of the Louisville Urban League, and take questions from the audience. Additional guest speakers will also participate.\r\n\r\n\tThis event is free and open to the general public and all members of the media. The event will also be livestreamed on the Congressman's Facebookpage.\r\n\r\n\tNOTE: All attendees must enter through the school's Emerson Entrance at the corner of Dundee Road and Emerson Avenue.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWHO:\r\n\r\n\tCongressman John Yarmuth\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Mike Thompson, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman\r\n\r\n\tMayor Greg Fischer\r\n\r\n\tSadiqa Reynolds, Louisville Urban League\r\n\r\n\tRashaad Abdur-Rahman, Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods\r\n\r\n\tWhitney Austin, Whitney/Strong Founder\r\n\r\n\tTerrell Williams, Gun Violence Survivor\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWHEN:\r\n\r\n\tThursday, March 5\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tTIME:\r\n\r\n\t6:00pm-8:00pm ET\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tLOCATION:\r\n\r\n\tAtherton High School Auditorium\r\n\r\n\tDundee Road & Emerson Avenue\r\n\r\n\tLouisville, KY 40205 Map it", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-president-trumps-state-of-the-union-address2/", "Yarmuth Statement on President Trump's State of the Union Address", "2020-02-05", "2020", "2020-02", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the statement below following President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union address:\r\n\r\n\t40 million Americans currently live in poverty, 53 million American workers44 percent of our workforcebarely make $18,000 a year, and the typical American family is worse off than they were 20 years ago. We did not hear about them tonight. We did not hear about families who are struggling day-to-day to pay the bills. We didn't hear from a President who understands or cares about the real challenges facing American families, we heard from a President who only cares about his friends.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/yarmuth-statement-on-military-strike-in-iraq/", "Yarmuth Statement on Military Strike in Iraq", "2020-01-03", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) issued the following statement regarding the Trump Administration's deadly airstrike that targeted Iranian military leaders at the Baghdad International Airport:\r\n\r\n\tI am deeply concerned by President Trump's rapid escalation of hostilities with Iran and the lack of any discernible concern for the consequences. Qasem Soleimani was an enemy of the United States, but the decision to assassinate him without the consultation, much less authorization of Congress, and without support from our allies shows this not to be part of a deliberate strategy but the whim of an impetuous commander-in-chief. Iran has made it clear that they will retaliate. The Trump administration must come before Congress to provide an explanation of what has happened thus far, what they believe might warrant further military action, and why they have brought us to the precipice of yet another deadly, open-ended war in the Middle East. Anything less would be a rejection of our Constitution and the foundation of our republic. I call on my Republican colleagues to stop looking the other way and join Democrats in fulfilling our constitutional obligation of ensuring our nation has a full understanding of President Trump's apparent push toward war.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 32, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "KY", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 32, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 32, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "KY", "label": "KY", "count": 32, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 32, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=KY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 140.94346901401877, "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"}