{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NH\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-end-of-us-combat-mission-in-afghanistan", "Kuster Statement on End of U.S. Combat Mission in Afghanistan", "2014-12-29", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the announced conclusion of the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan:\n\u201cFor more than 13 years, American men and women have served bravely in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban and to help bring peace, security, and liberty to the Afghan people.\u00a0 Today, the time has come to responsibly bring Operation Enduring Freedom to a close.\u201d\n\u201cWe must always honor the service members, veterans, and military families who sacrificed so much to make the world a safer place for their fellow Americans, our Afghan allies, and people across the globe.\u00a0 And we must never forget the more than 2,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the cause of freedom.\u00a0 As men and women in uniform continue to come home, we must redouble our efforts to serve these returning heroes as they served us, and ensure they receive the benefits and respect they have earned as they transition to peaceful and productive civilian lives.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-helps-deliver-meals-on-wheels-to-seniors-during-visit-to-st", "Kuster Helps Deliver Meals on Wheels to Seniors during visit to St. Josephs Community Services", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, NH\u00a0\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited St. Joseph\u2019s Community Services to help deliver meals to seniors in the area and learn more about their other programs. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver meals to each senior\u2019s home, helping to ensure their safety and well-being. The visit also provided an opportunity for Congresswoman Kuster to hear about ways she can help support programs for seniors and hunger relief efforts at the federal level.\n\u201cIt is so inspiring to see the incredible work of the staff and volunteers at St. Joseph Community Services, as well as the positive impact it has for so many seniors in Nashua and the surrounding towns,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cFood insecurity can have devastating effects on our communities, and the Meals on Wheels program at St. Joseph\u2019s is crucial in ensuring our seniors stay healthy and happy. In Washington, I have worked to maintain federal funding for Meals on Wheels and will continue to advocate for hunger relief programs to protect the most vulnerable Granite Staters.\u201d\nKuster has been a strong supporter of federal efforts to support nutrition assistance and seniors programs, including the Meals on Wheels program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In October, she helped pass the Older Americans Act, which provides funding for Meals on Wheels, senior centers, caregiver support, and other services for the elderly. She also introduced the Wild Game Donation Act with Congressman Don Young (AK-AL), a bipartisan bill that would provide a tax credit to hunters who donate game to food charities. In 2013, Kuster successfully fought against dangerously high cuts to SNAP in the Farm Bill.\nSt. Joseph Community Services is a regional nonprofit that seeks to build independence for seniors through a range of programs, including nutrition assistance and support services. The organization was founded in 1977 and provides an average of 1,688 meals a day to local residents in Nashua and 30 other towns in southern New Hampshire.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shaheen-kuster-urge-resolution-of-fairpoint-labor-dispute", "Shaheen, Kuster Urge Resolution of Fairpoint Labor Dispute", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) in a letter today called on FairPoint Communications Chief Executive Officer Paul Sunu and the FairPoint Communications management team to return to the bargaining table and resolve the ongoing labor disagreement that has led to 2000 FairPoint employees striking across New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. The strike that began October 17 has led to disrupted service for customers throughout the region, including for police departments, fire departments, health care providers and schools, jeopardizing emergency communications and critical public safety services.\u00a0\n\u201cWith the onset of winter weather increasing the potential for further damage to FairPoint\u2019s network, we strongly urge you to return to the negotiating table and finalize a new contract,\u201d Shaheen and Kuster\u00a0wrote. \u201cReaching a new contract agreement with the striking workers will enable experienced, dedicated FairPoint personnel to return to their jobs and begin the critical task of repairing the telecommunications infrastructure that is vital to public safety in New Hampshire.\u201d\u00a0\nSince the strike started more than two months ago, the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission has received nearly 500 complaints from customers in New Hampshire reporting service issues.\nThe full text of Shaheen and Kuster's letter is included below:\nDecember 22, 2014\nPaul H. Sunu  \n\tChief Executive Officer  \n\tFairPoint Communications  \n\t521 E Morehead Street, Suite 500  \n\tCharlotte, NC 28202\nDear Mr. Sunu:\nWe write to encourage you and your management team to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a reasonable compromise with FairPoint workers in northern New England that will bring an end to their two-month long strike.\nSince FairPoint workers went on strike on October 17, the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission has received nearly 500 complaints from FairPoint customers around the state about service outages, lack of information and unduly long waits for repairs.\u00a0 Clearly, FairPoint\u2019s impasse with its workers is having a negative impact on both the company and its customers.\u00a0 In fact, problems with FairPoint\u2019s network since the strike began have not only affected residential customers, but have also caused service outages for police departments, fire departments, health care providers and schools throughout the state, jeopardizing emergency communications and critical public safety services.\u00a0\nWith the onset of winter weather increasing the potential for further damage to FairPoint\u2019s network, we strongly urge you to return to the negotiating table and finalize a new contract.\u00a0 Reaching a new contract agreement with the striking workers will enable experienced, dedicated FairPoint personnel to return to their jobs and begin the critical task of repairing the telecommunications infrastructure that is vital to public safety in New Hampshire.\u00a0\nWhen FairPoint took over Verizon\u2019s New Hampshire network in 2008, the company made repeated, public commitments to work collaboratively with its unionized workforce and to maintain their benefits and compensation.\u00a0 We urge you to continue to uphold these commitments, to resume contract negotiations, and to reach a fair agreement that ends this strike and enables FairPoint\u2019s employees to resume earning good wages and providing quality service to customers in New Hampshire.\nSincerely,\nJeanne Shaheen  \n\tUnited States Senator\nAnn McLane Kuster  \n\tMember of Congress\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-and-colleagues-submit-amicus-brief-to-support-military-sexual", "Kuster and Colleagues Submit Amicus Brief to Support Military Sexual Assault Victims", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Last night, Congresswoman Annie Kuster joined with 23 other Members of Congress to submit an Amicus Brief to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit supporting the rights of victims of military sexual assault (MST). In the brief, Kuster and her colleagues assert that military members who suffer from PTSD as a result of sexual trauma that occurred during their time in service should have the same access to VA benefits as other PTSD survivors.\nWhen veterans file for VA benefits due to PTSD, they are typically allowed to waive a rule requiring \u201cthird-party evidence\u201d proving their PTSD was triggered by events that occurred during the veteran\u2019s service. Most veterans are simply allowed to provide their own testimony in lieu of this type of evidence. However, veterans filing for benefits to treat PTSD that occurred as a result of sexual trauma are not given this same allowance, and they must provide third-party evidence in order to qualify for their benefits. This greatly hinders MST victims\u2019 ability to receive the VA benefits they need and deserve, particularly because the vast majority of MST cases are not reported at the time of the assault. The Service Women\u2019s Action Network and the Vietnam Veterans of America have filed a suit in the U.S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to protest this unfair treatment of MST victims.\n\u201cOur military men and women make great personal sacrifices to serve and protect our nation, and none of them should ever be forced to undergo the trauma of sexual assault in the military. The fact that some MST victims are then forced to jump through more hoops than other veterans in order to receive treatment for their PTSD when they return home is absolutely egregious,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cI am appalled that victims of military sexual trauma who are suffering from PTSD are not given equal treatment at the VA, and I was proud to join my colleagues in submitting an Amicus Brief to the U.S Court of Appeals to protest this grave indignity. I urge the Court to immediately rectify this wrongdoing, so we can ensure that every eligible service member can access high-quality care for their PTSD when they return home.\u201d\nAs a member of the U.S. House Veteran\u2019s Affairs Committee and the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, Congresswoman Kuster has continuously pushed the Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs and the Department of Defense to address and eradicate instances of sexual assault in the military. Along with Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Kuster is a sponsor of legislation that would provide travel benefits to victims of military sexual assault so they can access the appropriate medical services they need to recover. Last year, Kuster helped pass bipartisan legislation to enhance whistleblower protections for service members who report instances of sexual assault in the military, which was signed into law.\u00a0 She also fought for a number of provisions aimed to reduce sexual assault in the military that were included in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law earlier this month with strong bipartisan support.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-delivers-holiday-cards-for-heroes-to-residents-of-new-hampshire", "Kuster Delivers Holiday Cards for Heroes to Residents of New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tilton, NH\u00a0\u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today delivered student-made holiday cards to residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton as a way of thanking them for their service to our country.\u00a0 Kuster delivered the cards as part of her second annual \u201cHoliday Cards for Heroes\u201d Drive; through this program, Kuster partners with local schools to help New Hampshire students make holiday cards for New Hampshire veterans.\u00a0\n\u201cI was so honored to get a chance to visit the New Hampshire Veterans Home, where I handed out lovely holiday cards made by local New Hampshire students and visited with the courageous veterans who reside there. Our veterans sacrificed so much to protect the rest of us, and I\u2019m happy to have the opportunity to give a small token of our appreciation back to them,\u201d said Kuster. \u201cI\u2019m proud that so many students helped spread holiday cheer to these men and women who bravely served our country. During the holidays, it is inspirational to see our young people showing such generosity of spirit, and commitment to honoring our state\u2019s veterans.\u201d\nOver the past few weeks, the students made holiday cards to honor New Hampshire veterans. Congresswoman Kuster recently stopped by schools in Nashua and Concord to visit classes and encourage students that participated in the program.\nThe daughter of a WWII veteran, Congresswoman Kuster currently serves on the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. She is an outspoken advocate for veterans\u2019 rights in the U.S. Congress, and she will continue to prioritize issues that affect New Hampshire veterans in the new legislative session.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-annie-kuster-brings-together-democrats-and-republicans-for", "Congresswoman Annie Kuster Brings Together Democrats and Republicans for United Solutions End of Year Meeting", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted an end-of-year meeting for members of the United Solutions Caucus. Congresswoman Kuster helped found the Caucus last year in order to bring together Democratic and Republican members of the freshman class and help end the partisan gridlock in Washington.\nDuring today\u2019s gathering, Kuster met with members of the Caucus to discuss goals for the upcoming year, including plans to encourage new members to join. Since its founding last year, United Solutions members have successfully worked together on a variety of issues, and they will continue to tout a bipartisan approach in the new legislative session.\n\u201cI was so pleased to bring together many of my fellow Caucus members from both sides of the aisle to recap our work this year and to discuss future plans. When I came to Washington, I pledged to work across the aisle to end the gridlock plaguing Congress,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cAs a founding member of United Solutions, I\u2019ve been thrilled to see members of both parties work together to fight for the issues that matter to our constituents back at home. I look forward to involving our newest class of members in our bipartisan approach, so we can work together to have a successful legislative session next year.\u201d\nSince taking office, Congresswoman Annie Kuster has pushed her fellow members in Congress to put aside partisan differences in order to end the gridlock in Washington. In early 2013, she helped found the United Solutions Caucus, a group that brought together Democrats and Republicans from the freshman class to find common ground on challenging problems facing Congress. Since then, Congresswoman Kuster has worked with a number of colleagues from across the aisle to push for and pass legislation that matters to her constituents in the 2nd District of New Hampshire.\u00a0 The Caucus has introduced over\u00a0 20 bipartisan bills with support from both Democrats and Republicans, including the SAVE Act, which would eliminate duplicative programs and cut over $330 billion dollars in wasteful spending, and the Partnership to Build America Act, which supports efforts to bolster our country\u2019s transportation infrastructure. Caucus members also supported Congresswoman Kuster\u2019s CLEAN Act, which would save taxpayers money by closing long-empty federal bank accounts.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-addresses-veteran-homelessness-during-house-veterans-affairs", "Kuster Addresses Veteran Homelessness During House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) attended a House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing to address veteran homelessness, and to discuss the VA\u2019s progress in reaching its goal of ending homelessness among our nation\u2019s veterans.\nDuring the hearing, Congresswoman Kuster got a chance to hear from Chief Executive Officer John Downing of Solider On, an organization that provides housing and supportive services to help veterans in need become self-sufficient. Soldier On is currently in the process of setting up a new housing facility in Plymouth, New Hampshire.\u00a0\n\u201cOur veterans made great personal sacrifices to serve and protect our nation, and no veteran should ever be forced to live on the streets while making the extremely challenging transition back to civilian life. We must ensure they always have the support and services they need, \u201csaid Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cThat\u2019s why I was very pleased to get a chance to hear from Soldier On this morning about plans to build a veterans housing and supportive services facility right in Plymouth New Hampshire. Grafton Country veterans will greatly benefit from the services offered by Soldier On, including transportation to appointments, employment placement services, and financial assistance.\u00a0 During this morning\u2019s hearing I was grateful to get a chance to offer my assistance to the organization as it moves forward with the building process.\u201d\nCongresswoman Annie Kuster has served on the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee since first taking office. The daughter of a World War II veteran and former POW, she is a strong advocate for veterans all across New Hampshire. When the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee uncovered instances of mismanagement at the Phoenix VA and other medical centers across the country, Congresswoman Kuster helped lead the charge in completely overhauling the VA to ensure all veterans could access medical care in a timely manner. Kuster continues to fight for veterans\u2019 rights, and she believes we must do more to ensure not only that all veterans can access the medical services they need, but also that the VA is taking all necessary steps to completely eradicate veteran homelessness.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-vote-to-avert-a-government-shutdown", "Kuster Statement on Vote to Avert a Government Shutdown", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 This evening, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding her vote on the so-called \u201cCRomnibus,\u201d an end-of-year funding bill to keep the federal government running:\n\u201cWhile I remain concerned about certain aspects of the so-called \u201cCRomnibus,\u201d including a troublesome campaign finance provision that increases the donation-limits for party conventions and political parties, I believe that first and foremost it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to work across the aisle to keep the government running. Last year\u2019s government shutdown was devastating for Granite State families; it put approximately 800,000 Americans out of work and wasted tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. Congress should never allow politics to get in the way of doing what\u2019s right for our constituents at home, so I\u2019m pleased Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to pass this legislation and provide the certainty our country needs moving forward into the new year.\u201d\n\u201cAdditionally, this bill contains important provisions that I\u2019ve championed, including enhanced programs to reduce sexual assault in the military, and the renewal of critical job training programs that many Granite Staters rely on.\u00a0 It also includes legislation I fought for to establish a Network for Manufacturing Innovation to support the creation of new high-tech manufacturing jobs across the country.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cIn the new year, I will carry on my fight to reform our country\u2019s campaign finance system and reduce the role of big money in politics.\u00a0 As we continue these funding discussions, I will work across the aisle to support New Hampshire priorities like 21st century job training, affordable higher education, transportation infrastructure, and other investments to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-applauds-passage-of-bill-she-helped-introduce-to-prevent-veteran", "Kuster Applauds Passage of Bill She Helped Introduce to Prevent Veteran Suicides", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u00a0This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) applauded the passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. She helped introduce the legislation after hearing from families during a House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing who lost their loved ones due to suicide. The Clay Hunt Act will provide oversight at the DOD and VA to help ensure all veterans can access the comprehensive mental health services they need.\n\u201cWe must ensure every veteran has access to high-quality mental health services, which are just as crucial for recovery as physical health services,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cMany of our men and women in uniform experience extremely traumatic situations while serving in the military, and mental health services are critical for helping these veterans move forward so they can integrate back into civilian life when they return home. I was proud to push for passage of this legislation, and I will continue to fight to ensure no veteran ever has trouble accessing the mental health services he or she needs and deserves.\u201d\nThe Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, is named after Clay Hunt, an Afghanistan and Iraq war veteran who tragically faced barriers to receiving mental health care at the VA, and whose Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome led to his suicide. In his honor, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act will implement a comprehensive, community-based approach to suicide prevention among former service members, and will increase oversight at the VA. The bill will require a third party to annually evaluate both the Department of Defense and the VA mental health and suicide prevention programs, and it will require the VA to develop an interactive website for mental health services that is integrated with the National Guard Bureau. The bill also addresses the deficiency of mental health professionals at the VA by creating an education loan repayment pilot program to recruit new practitioners to the VA.\nAfter the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee uncovered gross instances of mismanagement at the Phoenix VA and other VA centers across the country, Congresswoman Kuster helped lead the investigation into the scandal. She worked across the aisle to push for much-needed reforms, including comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to completely overhaul the VA and help ensure no veteran ever has to wait for care.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-the-anniversary-of-pearl-harbor", "Kuster Statement on the Anniversary of Pearl Harbor", "2014-12-07", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the 73rd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor:\n\u201cToday, we mark the 73rd anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in American history, when our nation was plunged into a war that ultimately ended in the preservation of the ideals and values we live by today. As the daughter of a WWII veteran and former POW, I know we owe a great debt of gratitude to all the men and women who perished on this day 73 years ago, and to all the veterans who bravely served to protect our freedom and stand up against tyranny and oppression during one of the darkest periods in our world\u2019s history. Let us take today to honor their service, and to thank them for everything they have done to fight for the values we all hold dear.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-holiday-cards-for-heroes-drive-to-honor-nh-veterans", "Kuster Announces Holiday Cards for Heroes Drive to Honor NH Veterans During Elementary School Visits in Nashua and Concord", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, N.H.\u00a0\u2013Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced her second annual \u201cHoliday Cards for Heroes\u201d Drive during visits to Charlotte Avenue School in Nashua and Beaver Meadow School in Concord. During the visits, she met with elementary school students who are participating in this year\u2019s drive and talked to them about the men and women who serve in the military to protect our country.\n\u201cIt is such an inspiration to see our students help bring holiday cheer to those at the New Hampshire Veterans Home who courageously served our country,\u201d said Kuster. \u201cOur veterans often gave up the opportunity to spend the holidays at home with their families so that the rest of us could. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so wonderful that these children understand how important it is to thank and honor the men and women who fought to preserve our freedom, and I was thrilled to meet with students this morning and help them prepare their cards.\u201d\nThe students will make holiday cards over the next week to thank New Hampshire veterans for their brave service. Congresswoman Kuster, a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee and a strong advocate for veterans\u2019 rights, will personally deliver the cards to Granite State veterans at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton later this month.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-applauds-passage-of-legislation-she-championed-to-help-provide", "Kuster Applauds Passage of Legislation She Championed to Help Provide Financial Security for Individuals with Disabilities", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Last night, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined colleagues from both parties to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which would help reduce costs and provide financial security for individuals with disabilities by creating tax-preferred savings accounts. Kuster is a cosponsor of the bipartisan legislation, which passed the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 404 to 17.\n\u201cIndividuals with disabilities and their families should have the opportunity to build savings and invest in the future, just like every other American family,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThis bill will allow people with disabilities to better afford a range of everyday expenses, including medical care, employment training, housing, and transportation. I was proud to reach across the aisle and work with my colleagues from both parties to pass this common sense, bipartisan legislation that bolsters the priorities that matter to Granite Staters with disabilities.\u201d\nThe ABLE Act was designed to establish parity for individuals with disabilities and their families by establishing tax-preferred savings accounts that can be used to cover basic, essential expenses. These qualified expenses include health care, education, housing, and transportation. The legislation also ensures that the funds from these accounts would supplement other benefits from private or employer insurance, not replace them. The bipartisan ABLE Act helps to provide economic security to Americans who often face significant financial burdens.\nSince taking office, Congresswoman Kuster has been a strong supporter of Granite Staters with disabilities. She has advocated for maintaining educational opportunities and fair wages for people with disabilities, and has fought to improve benefits and services for disabled veterans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act", "Kuster Statement on Passage of National Defense Authorization Act", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\u201cToday, we voted to continue to fund our brave men and women serving in our military by passing the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2015. I was pleased this bill included important provisions I championed to help protect victims and prevent against instances of sexual assault in the military, and I believe we must continue to work together for additional reforms to ensure that no military officer is ever forced to experience sexual trauma while courageously serving our nation.\u201d\n\u201cI was, however, very concerned with the lack of debate over this bill. While reauthorizing funding for our military is crucial to protecting our homeland security and our troops, we must also continue to have an open and transparent conversation about how best to protect our national interests moving forward. I look forward to reopening the debate over U.S. involvement in the Middle East on the House floor this January, when I will continue to oppose any proposals to put boots on the ground in Iraq or other volatile areas in the region.\u201d\nThe NDAA passed today includes new efforts to address and curb instances of sexual assault in the military. It eliminates the \u201cgood soldier defense,\" which allows a military officer to be presumed innocent based on his or her \u201cgeneral military character\u201d; it gives victims more power to choose how their offenders will be prosecuted (through court-martial or civilian channels); and it increases oversight and partially ties performance evaluations to the way in which commanding officers\u2019 handle military sexual assault cases.\u00a0\nAs a member of the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee and the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, Congresswoman Kuster has continuously pushed the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to address and eradicate instances of sexual assault in the military. Kuster has introduced legislation along with Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) to provide travel benefits to victims of military sexual assault so they can access the medical services they need to recover. And just last year, Kuster helped pass crucial, bipartisan legislation that enhances whistleblower protections for service members who report instances of sexual assault in the military.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-annie-kuster-pushes-for-expanded-caregiver-services-during", "Congresswoman Annie Kuster Pushes for Expanded Caregiver Services During House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 This morning during a House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) questioned VA officials about the effectiveness of the VA\u2019s Family Caregiver Program, and pushed for information regarding possible expansion.\n\u201cThe VA\u2019s Family Caregiver Program allows injured veterans to recuperate at home and provides much-needed support for family members who act as caregivers. However, in recent years the program has failed to adequately address the increased need for caregiver support,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cCaregivers enable millions of veterans across the country to live at home rather than in institutions, which greatly enhances their ability to successfully transition back to civilian life. During today\u2019s hearing, I asked VA officials to pinpoint deficiencies in the program so Congress can take action. We must help more of our veterans heal from the comfort of their own homes, so they can be surrounded by friends and family and remain active members of their communities.\u201d\nThe VA\u2019s Family Caregiver Program provides financial support for family members serving as caregivers for post-9/11 veterans with serious injuries.\u00a0 The program was established in 2010 through the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. A September 2014 GAO report found that the program was not sufficiently meeting demand for caregiver assistance, which was the basis for today\u2019s hearing.\nThroughout her time in office, Congresswoman Annie Kuster has been a leading advocate for veterans\u2019 rights. She helped lead the investigation on mismanagement at the Phoenix VA and other VA medical centers across the country, and she worked across the aisle to push for passage of bipartisan VA reform legislation that completely overhauled the faulty system. She continuously fights for better access to care for New Hampshire veterans, and last year she successfully helped secure the opening of two new VA clinics in Colebrook and Berlin, so fewer North Country veterans would be forced to drive extremely long distances to receive care.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-fairpoint-communications-and-service-outages", "Kuster Statement on FairPoint Communications and Service Outages", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the strike at FairPoint Communications:\n\u201cAs Granite Staters continue to experience service outages after our latest storm, we are reminded of the important role FairPoint plays in our public safety network. Telecommunication services allow many of our residents to remain connected to their families and loved ones during dangerous weather events, and FairPoint must maintain a fully functional staff-base in order to adequately respond to outages and other service interruptions. FairPoint employees are extremely valuable to both the company and our\u00a0communities, and as we continue to head into the stormy winter months, I urge FairPoint to negotiate in good faith with their workers in order to reach a mutually satisfying agreement.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pregnant-workers-fairness-act-cosponsor-annie-kuster-statement-on", "Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Cosponsor Annie Kuster Statement on Supreme Court Case Young V. UPS", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the start of opening arguments in the Supreme Court case, Young V. UPS:\u00a0\n\u201cNo woman should ever be discriminated against in the workplace simply because she is pregnant, and I was proud to help send an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court supporting Peggy Young, whose treatment by her employer clearly violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cAs a cosponsor of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which additionally prohibits employers from treating pregnant workers unfairly, I urge the Supreme Court to fall on the right side of the law and rule against UPS for its unacceptable, discriminatory treatment of Peggy Young.\u201d\u00a0\nCongresswoman Annie Kuster is a strong advocate for fair treatment in the workplace for both genders. She joined 123 Members of Congress in submitting an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court outlining UPS\u2019s violation of the law as set by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. According to this Act, employers must make reasonable adjustment for workers with medical limitations arising out of pregnancy \u2013 just like they would for workers with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Earlier this year, Kuster also cosponsored the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which further solidifies the intent of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-recognizes-national-adoption-day-on-house-floor", "Kuster Recognizes National Adoption Day on House Floor", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) spoke on the House Floor to recognize the importance of National Adoption Day, which is taking place this Saturday. The New Hampshire Bureau of Community and Family Support Services as well as a variety of other organizations across the nation celebrate National Adoption Day to help build awareness about the many children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families.\n\u201cAs a longtime adoption attorney, I know firsthand how important it is to adopt and provide a stable environment for children in foster care, and I\u2019m proud to join the New Hampshire Bureau of Community and Family Support Services in celebrating National Adoption Day and recognizing the true heroism of the many families across New Hampshire who have opened their homes and hearts to children in need of permanent homes,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cStill, so many more children are in need of care, and National Adoption Day gives us an important opportunity to raise awareness about adoption, and to encourage families who are considering adoption to learn more about the process.\u201d\nCongresswoman Annie Kuster served as an adoption attorney for 25 years before taking office. She is a member of the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the Foster Youth Caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-capitol-corridor-project-preliminary-feasibility", "Kuster Statement on Capitol Corridor Project Preliminary Feasibility Study Results", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH \u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement after meeting with local transit officials regarding preliminary results from a feasibility study on the Capitol Corridor rail project:\n\u201cI'm very pleased that the preliminary findings of the Capitol Corridor rail study show a feasible option for expanded rail that could create thousands of jobs for our workers and lead to greater economic development in the state. After meeting with local stakeholders this morning, I look forward to learning more about the various options for new rail lines, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to provide support and funding for expanded transportation options across our communities. We must continue to invest in our public infrastructure in order to support our local businesses and help our economy grow.\u201d\nCongresswoman Kuster has been a strong advocate for federal funding for projects to repair and expand New Hampshire\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u00a0 She is a cosponsor of the\u00a0Partnership to Build America Act, bipartisan legislation to leverage private investments to fund an Infrastructure Bank for financing public works projects like the Capitol Corridor project.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-volunteers-at-nashua-soup-kitchen-and-shelter", "Kuster Volunteers at Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, NH\u00a0\u2013 On Friday, November 21, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter to volunteer, tour the agency\u2019s new facility, and learn about the organization\u2019s work to ensure that every Nashua resident has a warm place to find food and shelter this holiday season. The visit also provided an opportunity for Congresswoman Kuster to hear about ways she can help support hunger relief efforts at the federal level.\nThe Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter has been helping serve the local Nashua community since its founding in 1981. The shelter offers both hunger relief programs and services to help individuals get back on their feet.\n\u201cDuring the holiday season, it\u2019s truly incredible to see so many volunteers giving their time and energy to support their community and help people in need. I applaud the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter for creating a safe place where vulnerable people in Nashua can come to stay warm and get a good meal,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI feel lucky to have the opportunity to help out and see the inspiring work they do here. In Washington, I will continue to work to ensure organizations like this have the support they need to keep serving the people of this community.\u201d\nKuster has been a strong supporter of federal efforts to benefit food banks and soup kitchens, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, programs that support local farmers and farmers markets, and the Meals on Wheels program. She also introduced the Hunters Feeding the Hungry Act with Congressman Don Young (AK-AL), a bipartisan bill that would provide a tax credit to hunters who donate game to food charities. Additionally, Kuster supported the America Gives More Act to permanently extend the food donation tax deduction, which rewards small businesses that donate excess food to qualified nonprofits.\nCongresswoman Kuster is the first New Hampshire Representative to serve on the Agriculture Committee in decades, which has jurisdiction over many hunger relief programs. \u00a0She worked across the aisle to successfully pass a Farm Bill last year, and she continues to fight for our local farmers in Washington, many of whom assist in the Granite State\u2019s hunger relief efforts by donating fresh, nutritious food to local food charities and farmers\u2019 markets that serve low-income populations.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206015023/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/release-shea-porter-house-democrats-call-for-strong-blm-action-to", "Shea-Porter, House Democrats Call For Strong BLM Action to Protect the Environment and Taxpayers by Stopping Methane Leaks", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington \u2013 Today, a group of key Democrats urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to expeditiously propose strong rules to crack down on methane waste from oil and gas projects. In a letter to the bureau, Representatives Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) joined House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Subcommittee Ranking Member Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ) to call for robust action to prevent further methane leaks. The letter comes on the heels of several studies showing that recent increases in natural gas production have caused an unprecedented rise in emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas and a valuable fuel that oil and gas producers on public lands would otherwise be paying royalties to capture.\nIn the letter, the representatives state that while the \u201cnatural gas boom has ushered in a new era of energy independence and security,\u201d with record production levels and lower prices for consumers, \u201cthe potential climate benefits of natural gas\u2026could prove to be a mirage if there are significant methane losses associated with its production.\u201d\u00a0\nThe letter calls BLM\u2019s attention to a recent study that used satellite data to estimate the amount of methane leakage from unconventional oil and gas production. From the Bakken region alone, the amount of methane lost could heat more than 750,000 homes each year, enough to serve the entire Nashville, TN metro area. Such fugitive methane emissions exacerbate global warming, cause local air quality problems, and cheat the American taxpayers from royalties that would otherwise be paid on that gas.\nThe letter continues, \u201cControlling methane emissions is not just critical for the environment, it\u2019s also good for jobs and the economy,\u201d highlighting the existing methane mitigation industry that currently supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country. \u201cRequiring companies to fight leaks and minimize flaring will create even more methane mitigation jobs, while providing additional revenue to the production companies and additional royalties for the American taxpayers.\u201d\nIn May 2014, Ranking Member DeFazio, Rep. Shea-Porter, and Rep. DeGette requested that GAO assess BLM\u2019s ability to detect and measure fugitive methane emissions, and what steps can be taken to address those emissions. That study is currently underway.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206013154/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-office-transition-announcement", "Shea-Porter Office Transition Announcement", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today announced that the Committee on House Administration has informed her that her Washington, D.C. office will close for normal operations on November 25th. Her Manchester and Rochester offices will close at a later date determined by the General Services Administration (GSA).\u00a0\nWhile casework staff will keep working to secure resolutions to as many cases as possible, unresolved cases will be transferred according to constituent preference to either of the New Hampshire Senate offices or to the incoming Congressman\u2019s office. Due to confidentiality issues, casework files cannot be transferred without the constituent\u2019s explicit permission. Caseworkers are in the process of communicating with constituents to determine their preferences.\nBecause the Congresswoman\u2019s office will not be able to keep physical copies of casework files past the end of her term, constituents with closed cases may pick up casework correspondence records by request. All remaining physical records will be destroyed.\nConstituents with resolved cases who would like to request such records, as well as constituents with questions about their open cases, are encouraged to contact Congresswoman Shea-Porter\u2019s Manchester District Office at 603-641-9536 or to contact District Director Olga Clough by emailing olga.clough@mail.house.gov.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-isil-murder-of-peter-kassig", "Kuster Statement on ISIL Murder of Peter Kassig", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH \u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement condemning the murder of U.S. veteran and aid worker, Peter Kassig:\n\u201cMy deepest condolences go out to Mr. Kassig\u2019s family in the wake of this horrific crime, committed by one of the most extreme, barbaric terrorist organizations of our time. Mr. Kassig bravely served our nation in the military and traveled to Syria to provide humanitarian relief for victims of war. His kidnapping and murder were acts of pure evil. We must continue to work with international allies in the region to vanquish ISIL once and for all, and put an end to the brutal murders of innocent civilians.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-encourages-farmers-and-consumers-to-attend-upcoming-fda-fsma", "Kuster Encourages Farmers and Consumers to Attend Upcoming FDA FSMA Listening Session in Vermont", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster today applauded the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\u2019s decision to hold an open listening session in New England next week. The session will give local farmers and food production workers a chance to provide comment on newly revised Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules.\u00a0\nA member of the House Agriculture Committee, Kuster brought FDA officials to New Hampshire last August for one of three listening sessions across New England so that local farmers and consumers could have an opportunity to express their concerns about the original FSMA rules.\u00a0 As originally drafted, the rules would have imposed unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations on small New Hampshire farms.\u00a0 Kuster led the fight to change the original FSMA rules, and she was pleased to announce revisions to the rules earlier this year.\n\u201cI was pleased to bring the FDA to New Hampshire last August for an open forum, and I applaud FDA, NEASDA, and Vermont officials for holding another forum, which will give our local farmers a chance to weigh in on the revised Food Safety Modernization Act rules before the final public comment period closes in early December,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve worked closely with farmers across the district to ensure these proposed rules will not hurt our local farmers and consumers, and I urge all members of the agricultural community to attend this listening session so they can share their thoughts and concerns with the FDA on the newly revised rules.\u201d\nIn early 2013, the FDA issued the first two of seven proposed rules implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), a 2011 law revamping food safety laws to increase the safety of our food supply.\u00a0 As originally proposed, the rules threatened to place burdensome requirements on New Hampshire farmers that could have forced many farms out of business. Kuster successfully partnered with the New Hampshire congressional delegation to lead a bipartisan, bicameral group of New England Representatives and Senators to engage with the FDA and call for revisions to the rules to protect small New England farms. The FDA released the newly revised rules in September of this year.\nThe upcoming FDA listening session will be hosted jointly by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets and the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) on November 17th. It will take place from 9:00 AM \u2013 1:00 PM at the Vermont Law School Chase Center in South Royalton, Vermont. Click here for more information.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141115025316/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-tomorrow-s-open-enrollment-launch", "Shea-Porter Statement on Tomorrows Open Enrollment Launch", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Marjorie Connolly, 202-225-5456\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today highlighted the open enrollment period for health coverage. Starting tomorrow, Granite Staters seeking to renew coverage, find affordable coverage, or to enroll for the first time will be able to shop among more than 40 plans offered by five insurers.\n\u201cGranite Staters now have more options than ever to gain affordable, accessible health coverage. I am pleased that my office was able to secure more competition and choice in New Hampshire for this year\u2019s enrollment period,\u201d said Shea-Porter.\nThe Congresswoman encourages constituents who would like to know more to browse healthcare.gov and discuss their options with one of New Hampshire\u2019s many in-person assisters.\nThis year\u2019s enrollment period will remain open for four months, until February 15, 2015. For more information, consumers may refer to Covering New Hampshire, the state\u2019s official enrollment resource.\nBACKGROUND\nCongresswoman Shea-Porter worked tirelessly to expand options for her constituents when last year\u2019s Marketplace had plans from a single insurer, Anthem, which offered an unacceptably narrow network. Shea-Porter\u2019s successful work to increase competition and choice is summarized here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141115025347/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-hr-5682-legislation-to-fast-track-keystone", "Shea-Porter Statement on H.R. 5682, Legislation to Fast-Track Keystone Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Marjorie Connolly, 202-225-5456\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) issued the following statement after voting \u201cno\u201d on H.R. 5682, a bill to fast-track Keystone Pipeline approval that would stop environmental review of the pipeline and could leave taxpayers on the hook for oil spill cleanup, which passed the House by a vote of 252-161:\n\u201cThis legislation to fast-track the Keystone Pipeline project is a political ploy that would result in a huge giveaway to TransCanada. Under current law, the United States would bear all the risk of spills and leaks without a guarantee of receiving any of the oil.\u00a0 Right now, the companies responsible for piping diluted bitumen (tar sands oil) through pipelines do not have to pay into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. This means that, when there\u2019s a spill, the taxpayer will have to bail out TransCanada for the cost of the cleanup, because TransCanada doesn\u2019t have to pay into the fund.\n\u201cHistory has shown that these pipelines are notorious for springing leaks, and middle class American homeowners, farmers, and ranchers stand to lose the most if there is a spill. The sections of the Keystone Project that are already in use suffered over thirty spills in their first year of operation.\n\u201cWhat\u2019s more, there is no evidence that the oil carried by this pipeline would actually improve North American energy independence. The endpoint of the pipeline will be an international trade port, where the fuel will be processed and shipped to whoever in the world is the highest bidder. In testimony before Congress, the executives of TransCanada have refused to guarantee that the fuel would be used here in the United States.\u00a0\n\u201cIn order to create jobs and boost the economy, Congress should stop delaying legislation to address our nation\u2019s infrastructure and clean energy needs and pass comprehensive bills now. This country needs infrastructure, and men and women need jobs\u2014now.\n\u201cI remain convinced that, without significant changes, this project is too risky, and I oppose this bill and any other proposals that would circumvent the State Department\u2019s ongoing process.\u201d\nBACKGROUND\nLast year, when the House voted on a nearly-identical bill, H.R. 3, Congresswoman Shea-Porter offered two amendments: the first would have clarified that nothing in H.R. 3 approves or authorizes any proposed pipeline activity between Portland, Maine and Montreal, Canada, and the second would have required that TransCanada disclose its campaign contributions and other electioneering expenditures over the previous five years to the public before the Act would take effect.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-provides-oversight-on-implementation-of-the-veterans-access", "Kuster Provides Oversight on Implementation of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act at House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 This morning during a House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials about the implementation of the bipartisan Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act that she helped pass into law earlier this year. A Member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Kuster continues to provide strict oversight of the VA in order to ensure that all veterans across the country can receive timely access to care.\nDuring this morning\u2019s hearing, the Congresswoman heard testimony from VA officials about new measures to ensure accountability at the VA, decrease wait times, and provide immediate access to health services for our nation\u2019s veterans. Kuster also questioned officials about the rollout of a new Veterans Choice Card, a measure she fought to have included in the VA reform legislation, which allows veterans to be reimbursed for private medical care if regional VA services are not available in a timely manner or veterans have to travel long distances to the closest VA medical facility.\n\u201cAs we celebrate Veterans Day and continue to honor the brave service of our military men and women, we must provide every veteran with access to the resources and health services he or she needs to make a successful transition back to civilian life. I was proud to help pass into law a bipartisan, comprehensive VA reform bill this summer to help ensure that no veteran ever has to wait for care, and I was very pleased with the inclusion of a Veterans Choice Card, which is particularly helpful for New Hampshire veterans who do not have access to a full-service VA medical hospital in the state,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI was encouraged to receive this update on the implementation of these crucial reforms during today\u2019s hearing, but I continue to urge the VA to act quickly to overhaul their system, immediately hold negligent employees accountable, and quickly implement these new reforms so we can provide every American veteran with the high quality level of care they deserve.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0A Member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Kuster has fought for timely access to services for veterans both in the Granite State and across the nation. She helped lead the investigation into the scandal at the Phoenix VA and other VA centers, and pushed for new reforms that were ultimately included in the bipartisan VA reform bill. A strong advocate for veterans in New Hampshire, Kuster also successfully fought for the opening of two new VA clinics in Colebrook and Berlin, to help ensure North Country veterans would have easier access to care, and she advocated for the inclusion of the Veterans Choice Card in the bipartisan reform bill.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-honors-granite-state-veterans-at-nh-veterans-cemetery-in-boscawen", "Kuster Honors Granite State Veterans at NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Boscawen, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped honor veterans, active duty servicemen and women, and their families by speaking at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery.\u00a0 Kuster joined Adjutant General William Reddel, Governor Maggie Hassan, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Kelly Ayotte, among others, to commemorate the occasion.\n\u201cOn Veterans\u2019 Day, we gather to commemorate the bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice of our veterans. We are so proud of your commitment to our state and country, and we are grateful for your service,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe dedication shown by our veterans, active duty servicemen and women, National Guard and reserves, their families, and those who help support our military, represents what makes this country truly great.\u201d\nKuster, a member of the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, regularly meets with Granite State veterans to learn more about how Congress can best support their needs. In August, Kuster met with local veterans in Keene to hear about their experiences at the local VA medical centers, and met with veterans, VA leaders, and local advocates during tours of the Keene Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and Keene Vet Center.\u00a0 Earlier that month, she held a Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair at Harbor Homes in Nashua to help connect local veterans with employment opportunities and community resources.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-veterans-day-0", "Kuster Statement on Veterans Day", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH \u2013Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which is Tuesday, November 11.\n\u201cToday, we come together to show our deep respect and gratitude to our nation\u2019s veterans, who have made grave sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life.\u00a0 My father and father-in-law were both veterans of World War II, so I have seen firsthand the incredible courage and dedication of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with those we\u2019ve lost, our veterans, active duty service members, and their families and friends.\u00a0 Thank you all for your patriotism, your commitment, and your valor.\n\u201cThe dedication shown by our veterans, their families, and those who help support these families, represents what makes this country truly great.\u00a0 Their commitment symbolizes the spirit of fortitude and community at the core of our nation.\u00a0 As a people, we have the sacred responsibility of honoring our men and women in uniform and of supporting them during the transition back to civilian life.\u00a0 When these brave service members return home, they must have access to quality health care, good jobs worthy of their skills and talents, and the support and services they need.\n\u201cAs a member of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I will continue to work every single day to serve those who have served us.\u00a0 Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices and put themselves into terrible danger to protect our country.\u00a0 Today, and every day, we thank and honor them for everything they\u2019ve done and continue to do to protect our great country.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141031214214/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-fairpoint-communications-and-union-negotiatio-0", "Shea-Porter Statement on FairPoint Communications and Union Negotiations", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tOctober 31, 2014  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nManchester, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) released another statement regarding the ongoing contract dispute between FairPoint Communications and two unions representing its workers, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI am disturbed that after all this time, and at the point that health benefits are being suspended, there are still no negotiations between FairPoint Communications and those who represent the workers, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It is simply impossible to come to an agreement that is acceptable to all if all parties are not at the table to hammer out an agreement. Solid, middle class jobs and wages are essential to our economy in New Hampshire and New England.\u00a0 For that reason, I urge all parties to return to the table now and negotiate in good faith to reach a fair agreement.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-honors-easter-seals-nh-and-veterans-count-at-salute-our-soldiers", "Kuster Honors Easter Seals NH and Veterans Count at Salute Our Soldiers Breakfast", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manchester, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) applauded Easter Seals NH and Veterans Count for their work on behalf of veterans, active duty servicemen and women, and their families at the 7th annual \u201cSalute our Soldiers\u201d breakfast in Manchester.\u00a0 Kuster joined Governor Maggie Hassan, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Kelly Ayotte, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter to commemorate the occasion.\n\u201cOur veterans and their families make grave sacrifices to protect the freedom of all Americans. It is our responsibility to help ensure their transition back to civilian life is as smooth as possible, and Easter Seals and Veterans Count work toward that important goal every single day,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe employment, housing, and mental health services they provide are essential in the effort to support our servicemen and women. I am honored to have the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for everything that they do.\u201d\nVeterans Count is an Easter Seals program that was created in 2007 to provide a full range of services to veterans and their families who are affected by deployments. Together, Easter Seals NH and Veterans Count work to provide crucial services to veterans and their families, including employment counseling, housing support, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other programs.\nKuster, a member of the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, regularly meets with Granite State veterans to learn more about how Congress can best support them. In August, Kuster met with local veterans in Keene to hear about their experiences at the local VA medical centers, and met with veterans, VA leaders, and local advocates during tours of the Keene Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and Keene Vet Center.\u00a0 Earlier that month, she held a Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair at Harbor Homes in Nashua to help connect local veterans with employment opportunities and community resources.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-4-million-federal-loan-to-rds-machine-in-newport", "Kuster Announces $4 Million Federal Loan to RDS Machine in Newport", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newport, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that RDS Machine, a high tech manufacturing firm in Newport, has received a $4 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will help the company to preserve nearly 70 jobs for the region.\u00a0\n\u201cAs a member of Congress, it is my top priority to help create jobs and opportunity for middle class families all across New Hampshire\u2019s Second District,\u201d Kuster said. \u201cThis USDA loan will not only help nearly 70 people to keep their jobs, but it will also help RDS Machine to expand and add jobs into the future. This is great news for RDS and for the Newport region as a whole.\u201d\nHeadquartered in Newport, RDS Machine manufactures precision components for the aerospace, military, and defense industries, among others. The USDA loan, awarded through agency\u2019s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program, will allow company executives to purchase assets of a former division of Premier Precision Group. The new entity will continue to employ 66 workers.\n\u201cMy partners and I were very impressed with RDS Machine's technical capabilities and are excited about our acquisition of the company,\u201d said Michael Monroe, one of the company partners.\u00a0\u201cWe appreciate USDA Rural Development's loan guarantee, which enabled us to secure the long-term financing necessary to keep the company in its Newport facility while also providing the company with enough flexibility to pursue growth and improvement initiatives.\"\nThe USDA Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program aims to improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities by providing quality loans that will provide lasting community benefits. Additional information about the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-applauds-new-federal-rules-to-better-address-campus-sexual", "Kuster Applauds New Federal Rules to Better Address Campus Sexual Assault", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) applauded new rules enacted by the U.S. Department of Education to more effectively address and reduce sexual violence on college campuses.\nThe new rules, changes to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, amend the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 to require colleges and universities to disclose incidents of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, and other violence both on and off campus, among other changes.\nThe final rules were published today in the Federal Register.\n\u201cSexual violence does not just impact the victim; it impacts the fabric of our colleges and universities, and our communities as a whole,\u201d Kuster said. \u201cI have worked hard to address this issue in Congress, and I am happy to see the Department of Education enact these new rules to further address the issue.\u201d\nIn addition to expanding reporting requirements, the new Clery rule requires colleges and universities to better record incidents of stalking on campus.\nAmong other provisions, the rule also requires schools to:\u00a0\n Add gender identity and national origin as two new categories of bias that serve as the basis for a determination of a hate crime.\u00a0\n\tDescribe each type of disciplinary proceeding used by the institution in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, including the steps, anticipated timelines, and decision-making process for each, and how the institution determines which type of disciplinary proceeding to use.\n\tInclude in their annual security report a statement of policy regarding the institution\u2019s programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as well as the procedures that the institutions will follow when one of these crimes is reported.\n\tProvide that an institution\u2019s\u00a0 disciplinary proceeding will afford the accuser and the accused the same opportunities to have others present during the institutional disciplinary proceeding, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by an advisor of their choice.\u00a0\n Throughout her time in Congress, Kuster has worked across the aisle to address the issue of sexual violence on college and university campuses. In July, she helped introduce the bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act, which aims to strengthen accountability and transparency for institutions of higher learning, and to establish penalties for non-compliance with the legislation\u2019s new standards for training, data, and best practices. In August, Kuster hosted a campus assault roundtable discussion in Concord to hear directly from students, administrators and community leaders about how to best to address the issue moving forward.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-celebrates-new-manufacturing-program-in-development-at-nashua", "Kuster Celebrates New Manufacturing Program in Development at Nashua Community College", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today celebrated the development a new advanced manufacturing program at Nashua Community College (NCC).\nSet to open in 2015, NCC\u2019s Advanced Manufacturing by Innovation and Design program, developed in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University\u2019s College for America, will create a path for students to transition from a certificate in advanced manufacturing to an associate or bachelor\u2019s degree in precision manufacturing and mechanical design. The program, funded in part by a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, will include traditional, experiential, and online project-based learning that will make higher education accessible to more students and more applicable to the workplace.\n\u201cAdvanced manufacturing jobs are key to the New Hampshire economy, now and for the future,\u201d Kuster said. \u201cAll around the state, I hear high tech manufacturers talk about how difficult it is to find qualified workers to fill their open positions. This new program will help provide our students the advanced training and experience they need to land these high-paying jobs, to support their families, and to push the New Hampshire economy forward.\u201d\nUnder the program model, students will engage in online projects under College for America\u2019s competency-based curriculum, and area businesses will join with program administrators to help students gain real world experience working in NCC\u2019s state of the art Advanced Manufacturing Lab. \u00a0By working with local manufactures, the program will not only produce graduates with science, technology, engineering, and math skills but also the tactical experience to meet the growing demands of our innovative workforce. \u00a0\nUnder the unique partnership, students will receive the benefits of both a competency-based general education curriculum by completing online projects, and learning hands-on skills in the classroom, interactive simulations, and experiential learning opportunities at Nashua Community College.\u00a0\u00a0 The College for America model will be customized to the Advanced Manufacturing programs of study at NCC.\nCongresswoman Kuster has been proud to advocate for federal funding to support the manufacturing program. Last year, she wrote to Eric Seleznow, the Department of Labor\u2019s acting assistant secretary for employment and training, in support of NCC\u2019s grant application. The grant was awarded in June as part of DOL\u2019s Trade Adjustment Assistance \u2013 Community College and Career Training grant program.\n\u201cNashua Community College is so grateful for Congresswoman Kuster\u2019s support and efforts to secure this vital funding and launch this great unique program,\u201d said Lucille Jordan, the school president. \u201cLooking forward, our Advanced Manufacturing by Innovation and Design program will give students the general education background and the hands on manufacturing skills necessary to meet the demands of New Hampshire manufacturers.\u00a0 With the help of our industry partners, we can develop the new workforce, help our graduates to find good, well-paying jobs in Advanced Manufacturing, and move the New Hampshire economy forward. \u00a0We thank Congresswoman Kuster for everything she has done and look forward to continue to work with her to advance the Granite State economy.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-fairpoint-communications-strike", "Kuster Statement on FairPoint Communications Strike", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the strike launched this morning by FairPoint Communications workers:\n\u201cFairPoint Communications and its employees play a vital role in New Hampshire\u2019s communications infrastructure and in our state economy. I encourage both parties to return to the table and engage in good-faith negotiations, for the sake of our communities, our neighbors, and our state as a whole.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-honors-efforts-to-fight-substance-abuse-at-new-futures-annual", "Kuster Honors Efforts to Fight Substance Abuse at New Futures Annual Recognition Event", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Last night, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped honor leaders in the substance abuse prevention community, and spoke about the importance of prevention and treatment at New Futures\u2019 annual recognition ceremony. During the event, awards were given to members of law enforcement, the judicial system, and state government to recognize their tireless advocacy around this issue.\n\u201cAlcohol and substance abuse is a serious problem facing the Granite State, and its eradication will take the work of all of us and many more,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cWe need to treat more people suffering from substance abuse disorders, and we need to prevent alcohol and substance dependence and misuse at an early stage. I want to express my gratitude to all of those involved in this effort for your dedication to improving the lives of those burdened by alcohol and substance abuse, so that everyone can fulfill her or his potential and so that we as a state can continue to thrive.\u201d\nIn recent months, New Hampshire law enforcement officials have stated that drug abuse, in particular heroin usage, has reached epidemic levels in the Granite State. Congresswoman Kuster has prioritized efforts to address the crisis on the federal level. She has also cosponsored the Mental Health First Act, which provides federal funding for training programs around the country that teach emergency services personnel, police officers, teachers, and primary care professionals how to recognize, treat, and address symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. \u00a0She also held a roundtable discussion in May with a group of local law enforcement officials, medical providers, and other community leaders to discuss efforts to solve the drug abuse epidemic facing New Hampshire.\nNew Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates, educates, and collaborates to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug problems in New Hampshire.\u00a0 The organization is committed to a vision of New Hampshire and its local communities in which public policies support prevention, treatment, and recovery-oriented efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug\u00a0problems. It was founded in 1996, following a large anonymous donation to the NH Charitable Foundation to address the prevention and treatment of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems in New Hampshire.\u00a0 \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-reaffirms-support-for-women-leaders-and-social-security-at", "Kuster Reaffirms Support for Women Leaders and Social Security at Celebration of Eleanors Hope Initiative", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) continued her push for income equality at the launch ceremony for the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare\u2019s (NCPSSM) Eleanor\u2019s Hope initiative at Nashua Community College. During the event, Kuster spoke about her support for women\u2019s equality and Social Security, and thanked the organization for their commitment to these ideas.\n\u201cSince I first took office, I have been committed to fighting to preserve Social Security and Medicare for Granite State seniors, as well as equal rights and equal pay for women,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe Eleanor\u2019s Hope initiative could not come at a more critical time, as women continue to face huge economic challenges as workers and retirees. I applaud their efforts and look forward to our continued partnership to increase economic opportunity and retirement security for women in New Hampshire and across the country.\u201d\nCongresswoman Kuster has held a series of Senior Forums this year, including recent events in Salem and Peterborough, to hear directly from New Hampshire seniors about Social Security, Medicare, and other issues facing their community. She is a strong supporter of Social Security and Medicare, and has stood up to both Republicans and Democrats to fight to protect these programs. Kuster recently helped introduce a new bill to provide more support for caregivers who are helping take care of their elderly relatives or other individuals who need care.\nEleanor\u2019s Hope is a project dedicated to mobilizing women to advocate for income equality, income security, and health protection equal to their male counterparts. The initiative will focus on raising awareness, recruiting and training new activists, and highlighting female leaders in women\u2019s health and retirement security issues.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-reaffirms-support-for-manufacturing-and-applauds-employees-at", "Kuster Reaffirms Support for Manufacturing and Applauds Employees at OSRAM Sylvania in Hillsborough", "2014-10-09", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hillsborough, NH\u00a0 \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped to celebrate the launch of the innovative, energy-efficient LED headlamp system developed by OSRAM Sylvania for the new Ford F150 truck.\u00a0 To mark the occasion, Kuster addressed a crowd of hundreds of OSRAM employees, company officers, and local and state officials at the event, which also incorporated Employee Appreciation Day to thank and recognize the workers at the Hillsborough facility.\u00a0 \u201cI have made it my number one priority in Congress to help support job creation and opportunity for New Hampshire families,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cManufacturers like OSRAM Sylvania expand the manufacturing base and create good jobs for New Hampshire workers, helping to boost the Granite State economy. I was delighted to help celebrate this new project and express my appreciation for OSRAM Sylvania\u2019s dedicated workforce, and I will continue to advocate for New Hampshire\u2019s growing manufacturing industry. \u201d As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Kuster has focused on efforts to foster job creation and support New Hampshire\u2019s manufacturing industry. Last week, Kuster cosponsored legislation to help small manufacturers purchase new equipment, expand facilities, and improve workforce development programs. She has also supported a series of \u201cMake It In America\u201d proposals focused on restoring jobs and reviving the U.S. manufacturing economy, and has fought to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire. Headquartered in Hillsborough, OSRAM Sylvania is the largest manufacturer of automotive light sources in the world.\u00a0 The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets cutting-edge automotive light sources.\u00a0 OSRAM Sylvania produces over 400 lamp types for cars, trucks, and electronics in facilities around the globe.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/during-domestic-violence-awareness-month-kuster-urges-professional", "During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Kuster Urges Professional Sports Commissioners to Take Action to Prevent Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined a bipartisan group of House colleagues today in urging the commissioners of the five major sports leagues to hold pro athletes who are charged with perpetrating acts of domestic violence and sexual assault accountable for these crimes and to work to prevent such crimes from occurring. The group sent letters to the commissioners of the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS). \u201cAs we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must renew our efforts to hold the perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence accountable, improve prevention, and expand support services for survivors of abuse,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cAs the recent incidents involving professional athletes illustrate all too clearly, domestic violence and sexual assault remain a serious threat to American women.\u00a0 The leaders of our nation\u2019s professional sports leagues must take a stand and work to rid their organizations of domestic abuse and sexual violence.\u201d \u00a0 In recent months, multiple reports of domestic violence and assault involving professional athletes have arisen. In the letters sent to the league commissioners, the group called for each league to review its policies regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The group also urged these leaders to meet with survivors of domestic violence, victims\u2019 rights experts, and advocates. Congresswoman Kuster is a strong proponent of legislative measures to address domestic violence and sexual assault. As a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, she helped lead the effort to stamp out Military Sexual Trauma in the Armed Forces, partnering with Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) to pass a bill to strengthen protections for service members who blow the whistle on sexual assault in the military. Kuster has also taken action to address the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses. In August, she convened a roundtable discussion with college administrators, students, community leaders, and advocates to discuss how best to address and prevent sexual assault on school campuses. At the end of July, Kuster worked across the aisle to help introduce the bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act, which aims to address sexual assaults on college and university campuses by protecting and empowering students, strengthening accountability and transparency for institutions, and establishing stiff penalties for non-compliance with the legislation\u2019s new standards for training, data, and best practices.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-speaks-at-concord-feminist-health-center-s-40th-anniversary", "Kuster Speaks at Concord Feminist Health Centers 40th Anniversary Ceremony", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster appeared at the Concord Feminist Health Center\u2019s (CFHC) 40th Anniversary ceremony to commemorate the Center\u2019s work to provide access to quality reproductive health care for women in the Concord area. During the event, Kuster thanked the staff at CFHC for the work they do for Granite State women and reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring all women get the care and services they need.\n\u201cIt\u2019s great to be here today to celebrate four decades of the highest quality reproductive health care New Hampshire has to offer,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe Concord Feminist Health Center provides compassionate, non-judgmental, and top quality medical care, testing, and counseling to young women, adults, LGBTQ individuals\u2014anyone who\u00a0 wants reproductive health care in a personal, caring environment. As the Representative for New Hampshire\u2019s 2nd District, I will continue to fight in Congress for every woman\u2019s right to reproductive health care.\u201d\nSince taking office, Kuster has worked to protect access to affordable, quality health care for both men and women. In July, she helped introduce the Protect Women\u2019s Health from Corporate Interference Act, which would explicitly prohibit for-profit employers from using religious beliefs to deny employees coverage of contraception or any other vital health services required by federal law. Last year, Kuster cosponsored the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act, which would protect a woman's right to determine whether and when to bear a child or end a pregnancy by limiting restrictions on the provision of abortion services. The Concord Feminist Health Center is a non-profit health care facility serving primarily women across New Hampshire, and provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services.\u00a0 CFHC has operated since 1974, and is affiliated with Dartmouth Medical School and the Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency Program for Concord Hospital in Concord NH.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141010031415/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-congratulates-local-school-on-prestigious-national-blue", "Shea-Porter Congratulates Local School on Prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tOct 7, 2014  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\n\u00a0\nMANCHESTER, NH \u2013Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter announced that Hampton Centre School has been recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School by the U.S. Department of Education. Only 287 public and 50 private schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools this year, and during the past 32 years, fewer than 7,900 schools have earned this distinction.\n\u201cThis award is an impressive testament to the dedication of the faculty and staff, students and families, and their community,\u201d said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. \u201cThe success of the students proves that young minds thrive best when they have a supportive environment at home, in school, and in their community.\u201d\nRepresentatives from the National Blue Ribbon Schools will be invited to a recognition ceremony November 11th-12th in Washington, D.C. In addition, the schools will receive a plaque and a National Blue Ribbon School flag.\nBackground:  \n\tFrom http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/awardwinners/14nh101pu_hampton_centre_school.html:\nCentre School in Hampton, NH, has the distinction of being the first public school in the state of New Hampshire supported by taxation. Its doors opened on May 31, 1649. Its vision statement at that time read, \"to teach and instruct all the children of or belonging to our Towne, both mayle and femaile, which are capable of learning to write and read and cast accounts\". Centre school\u2019s present day vision for learners bears some resemblance to that of 1649. The school takes responsibility to provide students with the fundamental tools for learning and to instill behaviors that will become the cornerstones of future learning. This mission requires vigilance to ensure that all students are both acclimated to our school environment and secure in their learning. At Centre School, teachers foster a climate that encourages both colleagues and students to be risk takers. Staff learns from and supports one another and takes pride in delivering a curriculum that is rigorous, research based, engaging, and has real-life application. Centre School is a community of learners, both children and adults. This community celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. It nurtures the expression of individual talents and the understanding of the role and responsibilities of each individual in the family and in the local community. Professionals, parents, children, and community members working together, creates an environment that promotes a positive self-image, a willingness to take risks, and an ability to communicate effectively. These are all essential ingredients for success in learning and life.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-usda-farm-service-agency-assistance-for-new-hampshire", "Kuster Announces USDA Farm Service Agency Assistance for New Hampshire Farmers Impacted by Natural Disasters, Encourages Farmers to Apply", "2014-10-06", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONCORD, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today commended Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack\u2019s recent designation of nine counties in New Hampshire as primary natural disaster areas for two periods of extreme weather conditions in 2013 and 2014. Farmers in each of these counties are now eligible to apply for certain disaster assistance loans through USDA\u2019s Farm Service Agency (FSA).\n\u201cFollowing a harsh winter that took a toll on New Hampshire\u2019s small farmers, these natural disaster designations and the accompanying assistance programs will provide the agricultural community much-needed resources and support,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cRural communities across the Granite State will benefit from this assistance, which will help farmers to rebuild operations that were damaged by natural disasters. I encourage farmers who have been affected by extreme weather to contact the FSA and apply for these critical benefits.\u201d\nThe FSA\u2019s relief programs include emergency relief loans. Farmers have eight months from the disaster declaration to submit applications. FSA will consider each application individually, based on the extent of production losses and the repayment ability of the farmer. For more information, New Hampshire farmers may contact the state FSA office at (603) 224-7941 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/nh.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-advocates-for-legislation-to-eliminate-duplication-improve", "Kuster Advocates for Legislation to Eliminate Duplication, Improve Efficiency in the Federal Government", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) cosponsored a bill designed to save taxpayer dollars by eliminating duplication and inefficiency in agencies and programs across the federal government. The Unified Savings and Accountability Act will implement recommendations from the Government Accountability Office for cutting wasteful programs and taking steps to streamline practices, including promoting federal contract competition, cracking down on fraud, and consolidating data centers.\n\u201cPart of our responsibility in Congress is to cut spending and reduce the deficit by eliminating waste and duplication throughout the federal government,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThis bill would save billions of taxpayer dollars by eradicating inefficiency, while strengthening essential programs that grow the economy and create good middle class jobs. I\u2019m proud to support this common sense, bipartisan legislation that cuts unnecessary programs while bolstering the priorities that matter to Granite Staters.\u201d\nThe Unified Savings and Accountability Act aims to reduce duplication and inefficiency through a range of money-saving reforms to government agencies, including promoting federal bulk buying, cancelling passports of citizens who owe over $50,000 in taxes, and requiring agencies to better manage their information technology investments. The bill would also improve foreclosure mitigation efforts and enhance online taxpayer services, among other reforms.\nKuster is committed to cutting waste and inefficiency across the federal government while protecting important services for New Hampshire families. Last year, she introduced the Closing Long-Empty Accounts Now Act (CLEAN Act), legislation that would force federal agencies to close empty bank accounts that cost million to maintain despite serving no purpose. Kuster also helped form the United Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of first-term members of Congress who are focused on finding common sense solutions to our nation\u2019s fiscal challenges.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/on-national-manufacturing-day-kuster-pushes-legislation-to-boost-small", "On National Manufacturing Day, Kuster Pushes Legislation to Boost Small Manufacturers Seeking to Expand", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) cosponsored a bill designed to support manufacturers by helping them to purchase new equipment, expand facilities, and improve workforce development programs. The Manufacturing Reinvestment Account Act will allow small manufacturers to establish tax-free reinvestment accounts that would help them cover the cost of these expenses. Congresswoman Kuster supported the bill in response to a request from Williams & Hussey Machine Co., Inc., a woodworking tools manufacturer in Milford.\n\u201cI have made it my number one priority in Congress to help support the creation of jobs and opportunity for New Hampshire families,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cManufacturers like Williams & Hussey contribute to the Granite State economy by expanding the manufacturing base and creating good jobs for New Hampshire workers, and this bill will help small manufacturers throughout New Hampshire continue to grow.\u201d\nThe Manufacturing Reinvestment Account Act would create establish tax-exempt manufacturing reinvestment accounts (MRAs) for manufacturing businesses. It would allow these manufacturers to make tax deductible cash payments into an MRA, and then use MRA funds for equipment and property, as well as job training and workforce development.\n\u201cThe option to invest\u00a0in such MRAs for small manufacturing firms like Williams & Hussey Machine Co., Inc. and others small companies in NH and across the country will help them get a bigger return on their dollar and free up capital to invest in machinery, infrastructure, and job training, ensuring that they can succeed in both the short and long-term,\u201d said Steven Carter, President and CEO of Williams & Hussey Machine Co., Inc.\nAs a member of the House Small Business Committee, Kuster has focused on efforts to foster job creation and support New Hampshire\u2019s manufacturing industry. She has supported a series of \u201cMake It In America\u201d proposals focused on restoring jobs and reviving the U.S. manufacturing economy, and she has also fought to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-and-shea-porter-applaud-rockingham-county-designation-as-high", "Kuster and Shea-Porter Applaud Rockingham County Designation as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswomen Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today applauded the recent designation of Rockingham County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which will provide more resources for Rockingham County to combat the trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs, including opioids like heroin which have become especially widespread in certain areas of New Hampshire. The designation will also bolster cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.\n\u201cThe designation of Rockingham County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area is a major step forward in the effort to rid New Hampshire of illegal drug trafficking and to combat the addiction epidemic in New Hampshire,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe reports over the last few months about the massive rise in prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction across New Hampshire are extremely troubling. We must take action to stem the tide of illegal drugs into the Granite State, and this designation is a move in the right direction.\u201d\n\u201cI have been very concerned about the growing epidemic of drugs, particularly opioid abuse, in Rockingham County and across New Hampshire,\u201d said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. \u201cThis HIDTA designation will help combat illegal drugs in our state, and I am grateful to the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their daily efforts to fight this scourge.\u201d\nHIDTA program was created in 1988 to coordinate among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States. Law enforcement organizations working within regional HIDTAs work to develop initiatives to fight the production, transportation, distribution, and abuse of illegal drugs. Rockingham County will join New England HIDTA.\nEarlier this year, New Hampshire law enforcement officials stated that drug usage, in particular heroin abuse, has reached epidemic levels in the Granite State. Kuster and Shea-Porter have been outspoken in their support for efforts to end the heroin epidemic and drug trafficking in New Hampshire. In April 2014, Kuster and Shea-Porter urged the leaders of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government to maintain funding for the HIDTA program.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141003030814/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-295393-grant-for-northeast-passage", "Shea-Porter Announces $295,393 Grant for Northeast Passage", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  \n\tOctober 2, 2014  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0\nDurham, NH- Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) is pleased to announce that the University of New Hampshire\u2019s Northeast Passage (NEP) Program will receive a $295,393 grant to provide adaptive sports opportunities for veterans and service members with disabilities. Adaptive sports are those sports that have been created or modified for persons with disabilities.\nShea-Porter said, \u201cThe University of New Hampshire\u2019s Northeast Passage Program does an excellent job of helping the men and women who have served our country and now live with extra challenges to reintegrate.\u201d\u00a0\n\"Northeast Passage, a program of the University of New Hampshire, has worked extensively with Veterans over the last 12 years. This grant will allow us to expand our current services to encompass Veterans and members of the Armed Services with all types of disabilities, from all eras. This grant will allow us to meet a Veteran in their home to develop a strategy for community involvement or help them train for the Paralympics and everything in between. We are honored to receive this grant and thankful for the support from Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter,\" said Jill Gravink, Director, Northeast Passage.\nOn August 15, 2014, Shea-Porter wrote a letter of support to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to express her support for the Adaptive Sports Program grant.\u00a0 Shea-Porter said, \u201cThe program empowers these individuals by engaging them in sport, recreation, and healthy living in an environment where they can enjoy the same level of independence as their peers.\u201d\u00a0\nNEP specializes in therapeutic recreation and adapted sports for children, adults, and military personnel with disabilities. For ten years, NEP has worked to integrate both pre- and post-9/11 veterans and service members with disabilities into its recreational therapy programs. In a typical year, NEP provides direct services to over 200 veterans and service members, helping them make the difficult transition from non-disabled to disabled, and from military to civilian life.\nBackground:\nThe full text of the letter follows:\nAugust 15, 2014  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Honorable Robert A. McDonald, Secretary  \n\tU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  \n\t810 Vermont Avenue  \n\tNW Washington DC 20420  \n\tDear Secretary McDonald:\nI write to express my support for the Adaptive Sports Program grant (VA-ASP-2015-01) proposal submitted by the University of New Hampshire\u2019s Northeast Passage (NEP) Program.\nNEP specializes in therapeutic recreation and adapted sports for children, adults, and military personnel with disabilities. The program empowers these individuals by engaging them in sport, recreation, and healthy living in an environment where they can enjoy the same level of independence as their peers.\nBy helping our veterans and military personnel lead healthier lives, NEP provides a much-needed service to New Hampshire. Our state has one of the highest veterans populations per capita in the nation, including 25,200 veterans with disabilities. For ten years, NEP has worked to integrate disabled pre and post-9/11 veterans and service members into its recreational therapy programs. In a typical year, NEP provides direct services to over 200 veterans and service members, helping them make the difficult transition from non-disabled to disabled, and from military to civilian life.\nOver the last eight years, NEP has developed an outpatient therapeutic recreation program known as Promoting Access, Transition & Health (PATH). Through PATH, NEP, in partnership with the Manchester VA, engages with disabled veterans in their home communities to promote healthier living and prevent secondary disabilities.\u00a0 For three years, PATH has served as the Lead Adaptive Sports Program in New England.\nThis grant will allow NEP to continue providing top-quality programs and services to New Hampshire\u2019s veteran community. With this funding, NEP can expand the PATH program to include veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress and Depression, provide VA staff with additional training, and increase veterans\u2019 opportunities to participate in meaningful sport and recreational activities.\nI appreciate your full and fair consideration of the University of New Hampshire\u2019s application.  \n\t\u00a0\n  \n\tSincerely,\n\u00a0\nCarol Shea-Porter\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-230000-federal-grant-to-rivier-college", "Kuster Announces $230,000 Federal Grant to Rivier College", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that Rivier College has received a $230,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.\u00a0 Rivier will use the funding to expand nursing workforce diversity in the Nashua area by focusing on underrepresented students. The grant will support scholarships, stipends, educational enrichment programs, and cultural training activities. \u201cI applaud Rivier University for its sustained commitment to diversity and to providing an excellent education to all of its students,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cThe nursing program at Rivier will benefit from the inclusion of students from various backgrounds who will provide a variety of perspectives and academic strengths.\u00a0 I congratulate Rivier on this grant award and look forward to continuing to work with the university to increase diversity and serve the greater Nashua community.\u201d The HRSA Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant awarded to Rivier\u2019s Nursing Department is one of only 15 awarded across the country. The grant program is devoted to increasing nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities that are underrepresented among registered nurses. \u201cReceiving this grant is truly an honor and a privilege.\u00a0 We now look forward to welcoming and supporting many more students from diverse backgrounds into our programs,\u201d said Paula Williams, Dean of Nursing at Rivier. \u201cThe scholarships, stipends, and academic enrichment opportunities, which the grant will allow, open so many paths for students who otherwise might not have found their way to Rivier University and to the nursing workforce in the Nashua region and beyond.\u201d Rivier University offers a range of nursing programs, including an associate and a bachelor\u2019s degree in nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing with several track options, three post-master\u2019s certificates, a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Learning with a Nursing Education Specialization, and a new Bachelor of Science in Public Health.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141003030842/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-and-shea-porter-applaud-rockingham-county-designation-as-high", "Kuster and Shea-Porter Applaud Rockingham County Designation as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release  \n\tOctober 1, 2014  \n\tPRESS CONTACT:  \n\tMatt Miller, 603-226-1002 Congresswomen Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today applauded the recent designation of Rockingham County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which will provide more resources for Rockingham County to combat the trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs, including opioids like heroin which have become especially widespread in certain areas of New Hampshire. The designation will also bolster cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.\n\u201cThe designation of Rockingham County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area is a major step forward in the effort to rid New Hampshire of illegal drug trafficking and to combat the addiction epidemic in New Hampshire,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe reports over the last few months about the massive rise in prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction across New Hampshire are extremely troubling. We must take action to stem the tide of illegal drugs into the Granite State, and this designation is a move in the right direction.\u201d\n\u201cI have been very concerned about the growing epidemic of drugs, particularly opioid abuse, in Rockingham County and across New Hampshire,\u201d said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. \u201cThis HIDTA designation will help combat illegal drugs in our state, and I am grateful to the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their daily efforts to fight this scourge.\u201d  \n\tHIDTA program was created in 1988 to coordinate among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States. Law enforcement organizations working within regional HIDTAs work to develop initiatives to fight the production, transportation, distribution, and abuse of illegal drugs. Rockingham County will join New England HIDTA.\nEarlier this year, New Hampshire law enforcement officials stated that drug usage, in particular heroin abuse, has reached epidemic levels in the Granite State. Kuster and Shea-Porter have been outspoken in their support for efforts to end the heroin epidemic and drug trafficking in New Hampshire. In April 2014, Kuster and Shea-Porter urged the leaders of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government to maintain funding for the HIDTA program.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141003030940/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-fairpoint-communications-and-union-negotiations", "Shea-Porter Statement on FairPoint Communications and Union Negotiations", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tOctober 1, 2014  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0 Manchester, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) released the following statement regarding the ongoing contract dispute between FairPoint Communications and two unions representing its workers, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).\n\u201cI am disappointed that talks have stalled between FairPoint Communications and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), who represent the workers. There can be no resolution of differences if all parties are not at the table, hammering out an agreement. FairPoint and the union members who work at FairPoint are all important to our economy in New Hampshire and New England. For that reason, I believe it is essential that all parties return to the table and work together to reach a fair agreement.\u201d\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-25-million-federal-grant-to-nhti-concord-s-community", "Kuster Announces $2.5 million Federal Grant to NHTI, Concords Community College", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that the NHTI, Concord\u2019s Community College, has received a $2.5 million grant from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program.\u00a0 NHTI will use the funding to expand its \u201cGet IT! Growing the Economy through Information Technology\u201d program, which provides adult educational training for Granite Staters who aspire to work in industries that require information technology skills.\n\u201cNHTI and the \u2018Get IT\u2019 program are doing fantastic work training Granite Staters of all ages for 21st century jobs that rely on expertise in information technology,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cWhen we invest in our workforce, our students will be more competitive in the job market and our businesses will be more successful in the economy.\u00a0 I congratulate NHTI on this grant award and look forward to seeing their continued efforts on behalf of Granite State workers.\u201d The Get IT program is a project to develop a range of professional training pathways geared toward high-tech industries. Recipients will use the funding to hire and train instructors, expand online learning platforms, develop new classes and training models, and work with local employers to design programs that focus on relevant skills. \u201cThis award from the U.S. Department of Labor will allow NHTI to build capacity in its Information Technology associate degree and certificate programs to help fuel New Hampshire\u2019s many computer-based industries,\u201d said Pamela Langley, Vice President for Academic Affairs at NHTI. \u201cAlready a major producer of graduates in STEM fields, NHTI is very excited to have been awarded these federal funds to develop new and exciting options for students who will themselves become part of\u00a0New Hampshire\u2019s strong and growing technology workforce.\u201d Last year, Congresswoman Kuster introduced legislation to provide tax incentives to businesses that partner with community colleges and other educational institutions to strengthen workforce development for students. The Workforce Development Investment Act would provide tax credits to employers who collaborate with educational institutions to equip students with the skills they need to compete for 21st century jobs.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hosts-second-senior-forum-on-protecting-medicare-and-social", "Kuster Hosts Second Senior Forum on Protecting Medicare and Social Security", "2014-09-24", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Salem, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster hosted a senior forum at Silverthorne Adult Medical Day Center to learn about the programs offered at the Center, and to discuss how Congress can best support community-based care. Throughout the event, Kuster heard from Silverthorne clients and staff about the importance of preserving Social Security and Medicare as well as other issues facing senior citizens across New Hampshire.\n\u201cSince I first took office, I have pledged to always fight for our Granite State seniors and to protect Social Security and Medicare,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI hosted this forum to hear directly from local seniors about what more Congress can do to support adult day centers like Silverthorne, and to strengthen crucial programs that so many seniors rely on. It was wonderful to learn more about the care and services offered at Silverthorne, which encourage social engagement and community activities while allowing participants to continue living at home.\u201d\nThis is the second senior forum Congresswoman Kuster has held this year to hear directly from New Hampshire seniors. In August, she hosted a senior forum at the Peterborough Public Library to hear from Monadnock-area seniors about Social Security, Medicare, and other issues facing seniors.\nCongresswoman Annie Kuster is a strong supporter of Social Security and Medicare, and she has stood up to members of both parties to fight to protect these programs. Today\u2019s forum gave Salem seniors a chance to talk with Congresswoman Kuster, share their concerns, and hear about federal services available to seniors in the area.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-to-boehner-delays-on-sewalls-falls-bridge-unacceptable-long-term", "Kuster to Boehner: Delays on Sewalls Falls Bridge Unacceptable; Long-Term Highway Funding Bill Cant Wait Until Next Year", "2014-09-24", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) has called on Speaker John Boehner to work with both parties to pass a long-term reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund and other surface transportation programs before the end of this year.\u00a0 The Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which provides crucial funding to states for road and bridge projects like the Sewalls Falls Bridge and the I-93 expansion, nearly ran out of money this summer before Congress acted at the last-minute with a short-term funding patch.\nIn the letter to Speaker Boehner, Kuster highlights funding delays for the Sewalls Falls Bridge, a critical transportation link for East Concord residents, which were caused as a result of potential funding shortfalls in the HTF this summer.\u00a0 The aging bridge, which will turn 100 next year, is operating under a reduced weight limit which prevents emergency services vehicles from using the bridge.\u00a0 Structural problems will force the closure of the bridge on December 1, 2014, adding additional commuting time and costs for East Concord residents.\nFor more than a year, Kuster worked with Senator Jeanne Shaheen to secure the funding and approvals for the replacement project to move forward. \u201cBut then came the prospect of the Highway Trust Fund going broke by August, coupled with months of inaction by Congress to shore up the Fund and avert that crisis,\u201d Kuster says in the letter. \u201cThe result was a perfect storm that has delayed funding for the Sewalls Falls Bridge and forced the early closure of the aging structure.\u201d\nKuster has been urging the Speaker and her colleagues in Congress to address this transportation funding crisis since the beginning of this year, and she has repeatedly called on House leadership to take immediate action so that delays like the one facing the Sewalls Falls Bridge could be averted.\u00a0 In May, Kuster introduced the DRIVE Now Act, legislation which would have provided funding certainty for critical transportation projects and given Congress time to pass a full, six-year reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund and other surface transportation programs.\u00a0\nLast fall, Kuster joined Shaheen for a tour of the Sewalls Falls Bridge, and earlier this year, she toured the I-93 construction project in Windham and the Route 10 bridge replacement project in Winchester to highlight the urgent need to pass responsible legislation to save the Highway Trust Fund.\nThe full text of Congresswoman Kuster\u2019s letter is here and below:\n\u00a0\nSeptember 18, 2014\nThe Honorable John A. Boehner  \n\tSpeaker  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives  \n\tH-232, The Capitol  \n\tWashington, DC 20515  \n\t\u00a0\nDear Mr. Speaker:\nIn East Concord, NH, residents have to wait twice as long as normal for ambulances to respond when called.\u00a0 Soon, they will also have to drive more than 15 minutes out of the way to get to work.\u00a0 That is because the Sewalls Falls Bridge, a critical transportation link with a reduced weight limit, will be closing permanently on December 1, 2014.\nI bring this story to your attention because it didn\u2019t have to happen.\u00a0 The City of Concord, NH has been working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation on plans to replace the aging bridge, which will turn 100 next year.\u00a0 The proper approvals were granted and the design for the replacement bridge is nearly finished.\u00a0 The project was on track this summer to move forward with bidding, knowing that 80 percent of the $10 million project would be covered by funding from the federal government.\nBut then came the prospect of the Highway Trust Fund going broke by August, coupled with months of inaction by Congress to shore up the Fund and avert that crisis.\u00a0 The result was a perfect storm that has delayed funding for the Sewalls Falls Bridge and forced the early closure of the aging structure.\nThis is just one example of why the Highway Trust Fund is so important to New Hampshire and communities across our country.\u00a0 Without reliable funding we will continue to see our transportation infrastructure degrade, jeopardizing public safety and hurting our economy.\u00a0 More than 30 million people visit New Hampshire every year, making tourism one of our state\u2019s largest economic drivers.\u00a0 But without safe and efficient roads and bridges visitors won\u2019t come, and our economy will pay the price.\nThe extension of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) and authorization for the Highway Trust Fund is scheduled to expire on May 31, 2015.\u00a0 This will be right as states and businesses are planning and starting construction projects, and I am already hearing from businesses in my district who are concerned that uncertainty leading up to the end of May will result in many important projects being put on the shelf for the year.\u00a0 We simply cannot afford to let this happen.\nI urge you to work with Republicans and Democrats to craft a common sense, long-term reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund and our surface transportation programs by the end of this year.\u00a0 Too much is at stake if we let time run out.\u00a0 We cannot kick the can down the road any further.\nThank you for your attention to this issue of significant importance to the people of my district.\u00a0 I appreciate your consideration of my request and I stand ready to work with both parties to find common ground on a full six-year reauthorization of our surface transportation programs.\u00a0 The people of East Concord, NH and families all across this great nation are counting on us to get this done.\nSincerely, Ann McLane Kuster  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140926031014/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-presents-war-medals-to-local-vietnam-veteran", "Shea-Porter Presents War Medals to Local Vietnam Veteran", "2014-09-23", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\n  Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, Armand Thibault, and Diane Thibault\nMANCHESTER, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter hosted a medal presentation ceremony for Vietnam veteran Armand Thibault of Goffstown. Mr. Thibault served in the Army from 1964 to 1970. The medals he was presented with are the Air Medal with \u201cV\u201d Device and Numeral \u201c3,\u201d Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and two Loops, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Korea Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle and Pistol Bars and Marksman Badge with Tank Weapons Bar. Mr. Thibault also earned the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device. This award is a foreign award and is not distributed by the United States Army.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tMr. Thibault enlisted in the Army in 1964 at the age of 20. He served in the Army, earning the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged. Mr. Thibault served overseas in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. The medals he earned include the Air Medal with \u201cV\u201d Device and Numeral \u201c3,\u201d which is awarded to a service member for an act of heroism.\u00a0\n\u201cMr. Armand Thibault served our country during wartime and then came home, never receiving the recognition nor the medals he deserved. \u00a0It was my honor to present his medals and thank him on behalf of a grateful nation,\u201d said Shea-Porter.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-annie-kuster-discusses-efforts-to-boost-manufacturing", "Congresswoman Annie Kuster Discusses Efforts to Boost Manufacturing during Congress at your Company Visit to Cirtronics in Milford", "2014-09-22", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Monday, September 22, 2014 | Congresswoman Kuster hears from Cirtronics employees)\nMILFORD, NH \u2013\u00a0This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) toured and met with workers at Cirtronics, a woman-owned electronics manufacturing business in Milford. During the tour, Kuster reaffirmed her support for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies like Cirtronics, discussed legislation she supports that would eliminate barriers that currently limit the formation of certain types of ESOPs, and answered questions from employees.\n\u201cCompanies like Cirtronics contribute so much to the Granite State economy by expanding the manufacturing base and creating high-skilled jobs for New Hampshire workers,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cI have made it my number one priority in Congress to help support the creation of jobs and opportunity for New Hampshire families.\u00a0 I was so pleased to tour the facility and hear from employees directly about how Congress can continue to support their success.\u201d\nKuster recently cosponsored the Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act, which would streamline the process of establishing a new S corporation ESOP or expanding the employee-ownership stake in an S corporation.\nKuster\u2019s visit to Cirtronics was part of her ongoing \u201cCongress at Your Company\u201d series. \u00a0Since taking office, Kuster has visited New Hampshire businesses all over the state to hear how Congress can best support their success. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Kuster has focused on efforts to foster job creation and support New Hampshire\u2019s manufacturing industry. She has supported a series of \u201cMake It In America\u201d proposals focused on reshoring jobs and reviving the U.S. manufacturing economy, and she has also fought to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-163000-in-usda-grants-for-solar-projects-at-five-new", "Kuster Announces $163,000 in USDA Grants for Solar Projects at Five New Hampshire Small Businesses", "2014-09-22", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONCORD, NH \u2013 Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that five small businesses in New Hampshire have received $163,000 in grants from the Department of Agriculture.\u00a0 The grants were awarded to L.A. Brochu, Inc. in Concord, Furlone in Spofford, Conner Bottling Works in Newfields, The Storage Barn in Newington, and 959 Boys in Portsmouth.\n\u201cIn the 21st century economy, renewable energy systems are becoming increasingly important for small businesses as the cost of traditional energy is on the rise,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cIn many rural communities in New Hampshire and across the country, small businesses are turning to energy sources like solar power and focusing on energy efficiency as they expand. These grants will help these businesses thrive and will benefit the Granite State\u2019s economy.\u201d\nThe Rural Energy for America Program, which awarded the grants, helps small businesses in rural areas offset the cost of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades. The grants cover up to 25 percent of a project\u2019s cost, and will be matched by over $500,000 in other funds.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-welcomes-assistant-secretary-of-defense-wightman-to-new-hampshire", "Kuster Welcomes Assistant Secretary of Defense Wightman to New Hampshire, Reaffirms Support for Care Coordination Program", "2014-09-22", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Manchester, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) welcomed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Richard O. Wightman Jr. to New Hampshire to discuss the New Hampshire National Guard\u2019s Care Coordination Program. \u00a0Kuster joined Senator Kelly Ayotte and New Hampshire Adjutant General William Reddel for a meeting with Assistant Secretary Wightman at the Manchester National Guard Armory.\n\u201cIt was an honor to host Assistant Secretary Wightman in the Granite State today to discuss a unique program that provides crucial support services for National Guardsmen and women and their families,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cMembers of the New Hampshire National Guard set an example of service, courage, and dedication when they choose to wear the uniform, and when they are deployed overseas, it is our responsibility to ensure they and their families get the care and services they deserve. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support this unique New Hampshire program, which provides the comprehensive counseling, employment, and child care services that our brave Guardsmen and their families deserve.\u201d\nThe Deployment Cycle Support Care Coordination Program is a pilot program in New Hampshire that provides comprehensive, free, and confidential support services to National Guard and Reserves members and their families. These services include counseling, employment assistance, child care, financial, and other services, which are provided before, during, and after deployment.\nAs Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Richard Wightman is responsible for all matters of the National Guard and Reserve. There are almost 1.1 million members of the Guard and Reserves across the country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140926031058/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-24996-grant-for-moffatt-ladd-house", "Shea-Porter Announces $24,996 Grant for Moffatt-Ladd House", "2014-09-20", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0  PORTSMOUTH, NH \u2014 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) announced that the Institute of Museum and Library Services has awarded the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Hampshire a $24,966 grant to be used for a comprehensive project to develop onsite and online learning experiences and resources for students in grades 9-12, centered on the issues addressed by the 1779 Petition of Freedom.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI am proud to support funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services so museums such as the Moffatt-Ladd House can receive grants to continue their work. The museum is a historical treasure to our community. This project will provide high school students a valuable learning opportunity,\u201d said Shea-Porter.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"We are really excited about having the funding for this project. \u00a0The topic is an important one, and this project reaches out and involves students on the high school level in grappling with difficult historical issues that continue to have relevance for us in today's society.\" \u00a0Barbara M. Ward, director/curator, Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fda-proposes-revised-food-safety-rules-in-response-to-bipartisan-request", "FDA PROPOSES REVISED FOOD SAFETY RULES IN RESPONSE TO BIPARTISAN REQUEST FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE LAWMAKERS", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Hampshire\u2019s Congressional delegation welcomed an announcement\u00a0today from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revising four proposed Food Safety Modernization rules and initiating a 75-day public comment period on the new proposals. The FDA agreed to issue a second draft of these rules for public comment in response to a bipartisan letter led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-2) and signed by Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) and more than 70 other bipartisan members of Congress to the FDA calling for changes to the proposed rules and an additional comment period.\n\u201cNew Hampshire\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers are vital contributors to our state\u2019s economy, and they should not be burdened with unnecessary and harmful regulations,\u201d the New Hampshire delegation said. \u201cWe appreciate that the FDA is taking the concerns of farmers, agriculture experts, and other stakeholders seriously, and we will continue to work collaboratively to strive for flexible and pragmatic regulations that ensure food safety without hurting small farmers and local agriculture.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nThese updated rules are intended to reflect concerns the agency received from\u00a0farmers, consumers and other stakeholders.\u00a0The delegation encourages interested parties to read the full revised proposed regulations and provide comments to the agency. The regulations and instructions for how to leave a comment can be found here.\nThe FDA will accept comments on the changes to the four proposed rules for 75 days.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fda-proposes-revised-food-safety-rules-in-response-to-concerns-raised-by", "FDA Proposes Revised Food Safety Rules In Response to Concerns Raised by Kuster", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A successful bipartisan effort led by Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) has resulted in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposing revised Food Safety Modernization Act rules to better protect small farmers in New Hampshire.\n\u201cI am pleased that the FDA has revised these rules to better reflect the reality of agriculture in New England,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cI have worked closely with farmers across New Hampshire for more than a year to ensure that these proposed rules won\u2019t hurt Granite State farmers and consumers, and this new proposal shows that the FDA has listened to our concerns and learned from their visit to New Hampshire last summer.\u00a0 I look forward to reviewing the proposals in-depth, and I urge agricultural producers to submit comments on this important issue before the final public comment period closes in early December.\u201d\nIn early 2013, the FDA issued the first two of seven proposed rules implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), a 2011 law revamping food safety laws to increase the safety of our food supply.\u00a0 As originally proposed, the rules threatened to place burdensome requirements on New Hampshire farmers that could have forced many farms out of business.\nIn response to these issues, Kuster partnered with the New Hampshire congressional delegation to lead a bipartisan, bicameral group of New England Representatives and Senators to engage with the FDA and help the agency understand the unique nature of New England agriculture.\u00a0 Kuster called on the FDA to visit New Hampshire, and joined the New Hampshire and Vermont departments of agriculture to host an open forum with FDA staff in Hanover last August.\u00a0 Based on Kuster\u2019s advocacy and the input of thousands of farmers and consumers across New Hampshire, FDA agreed to revise the proposals and allow for additional public comment on the revisions.\n\u201cWe are encouraged by FDA\u2019s proposed changes to the produce and preventive controls rules to better meet the needs of New England\u2019s diverse agricultural sector, said Roger Noonan, President of the New England Farmers Union. \u201cWe are very thankful for the leadership of Congresswoman Kuster and other members of our New England delegation in getting us to this point, and we look forward to continued engagement as we dive deeper into the revised proposals.\u201d\nAdditional information on the revised proposals, as well as other actions related to implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act can be found on the FDA\u2019s website, www.fda.gov/FSMA.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-161670-northern-border-regional-commission-grant-to-the", "Kuster Announces $161,670 Northern Border Regional Commission Grant to the Womens Rural Entrepreneurial Network in Berlin", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BERLIN, N.H. \u2013 Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that the Women\u2019s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) has received a $161,670 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission.\u00a0 WREN will use the funding to purchase a building that will house office space, an entrepreneurial training center, and \u201cmaker space.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe Women\u2019s Rural Entrepreneurial Network is doing excellent work helping North Country women business owners expand their businesses,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cThis grant will help WREN continue to support Granite Staters who are driving their local economies forward.\u00a0 I congratulate WREN on this grant award and thank them for all of their work on behalf New Hampshire women.\u201d\nIn April, Congresswoman Kuster held a Women\u2019s Business Leadership roundtable discussion at WREN about the issues facing women professionals across the Granite State.\u00a0 She met with a diverse group of female business leaders who discussed the Congresswoman\u2019s recently released Women\u2019s Economic Agenda. Participants shared their own personal experiences with some of the issues outlined in Kuster\u2019s Agenda, including pay equity, family leave time, and access to capital. In addition to this grant award to WREN, the Northern Border Regional Commission also awarded the following grants:\n A $250,000 grant to the Town of Littleton for the\u00a0construction of a multi-use bridge as part of Littleton's\u00a0Downtown project.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $250,000 grant to the Coos Economic Development Council for a cell tower on Cummings Mountain.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $200,000\u00a0grant to the Northern Community Investment Corporation for the improvement of the NH Grand website project.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $106,695 grant to the\u00a0University of New Hampshire, to expand the broadband mapping program in Coos County.\n The Northern Border Regional Commission was established to support and promote economic growth projects within the northern portions of the four\u2010state region of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-250000-northern-border-regional-commission-grant-to-the", "Kuster Announces $250,000 Northern Border Regional Commission Grant to the Town of Littleton", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LITTLETON, N.H. \u2013 Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that the Town of Littleton has received a $250,000 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission.\u00a0 Littleton will use the funding to build a downtown bridge for pedestrians, bicycles, and other off-road vehicles.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe redevelopment of Littleton\u2019s River District will continue to boost the city\u2019s economy and culture,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cThis grant will allow Littleton to build a bridge that will drive the redevelopment project forward and benefit Littleton\u2019s Main Street businesses.\u00a0 I congratulate Littleton on this grant award and look forward to seeing this exciting project make progress.\u201d\nLast winter, Kuster toured the redevelopment project and met with local planners and business leaders to discuss its impacts on the Littleton economy.\nIn addition to this grant award to Littleton, the Northern Border Regional Commission also awarded the following grants:\n A $161,670 grant award to the Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network in Berlin for the purchase of a storefront building to serve as office space, entrepreneurial training center and \"maker space.\"\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $250,000 grant to the Coos Economic Development Council for a cell tower on Cummings Mountain.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $200,000\u00a0grant to the Northern Community Investment Corporation for the improvement of the NH Grand website project.\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tA $106,695 grant to the\u00a0University of New Hampshire, to expand the broadband mapping program in Coos County.\n The Northern Border Regional Commission was established to support and promote economic growth projects within the northern portions of the four\u2010state region of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-fairpoint-communications-labor-negotiations", "Kuster Statement on Fairpoint Communications Labor Negotiations", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement today regarding the ongoing contract dispute between FairPoint Communications and two unions representing its workers, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW):\n\u201cI have met with FairPoint workers and with FairPoint management, and for months my staff and I have been in contact with both.\u00a0 I know that negotiations between labor and management can be contentious, and I recognize that both sides in this disagreement have distinctly different viewpoints.\u00a0 But we can all agree that workers, employers, and our entire economy benefit from continued, productive dialogue between management and labor.\u00a0 I am therefore disappointed that negotiations have been suspended, and I urge all parties to come together to negotiate a new contract in good faith.\n\u201cWorking men and women are the backbone of our country, and our economy depends on a strong and secure middle class.\u00a0 I remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached, and I urge all parties to continue working towards a resolution that supports the success of FairPoint, its workers, and its customers here in New Hampshire and across New England.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bipartisan-resolution-to-honor-slain-journalists-james", "House Approves Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Slain Journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution honoring the lives of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and condemning the actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Representative Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), along with her colleagues Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), and Ted Deutch (FL-21) introduced the resolution.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tJames Foley, a New Hampshire native, and Steven Sotloff, a Florida native and graduate of Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, were working in Syria when they were brutally murdered by the terrorist organization.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe resolution recognizes the substantial achievements Foley and Sotloff made \u201cthrough their courageous reporting of events in Libya, Syria and elsewhere,\u201d and calls on ISIL to release all other hostages.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cOur resolution expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and condemns the terrorist acts of ISIL. We will always remember their courage and unwavering pursuit of journalist excellence under the most difficult and dangerous of conditions,\u201d said Kuster and her colleagues, Shea-Porter, Ros-Lehtinen, Bilirakis, Hastings, Wasserman Schultz, Wilson, and Deutch in a joint statement.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-vote-to-combat-isil-terrorists", "Kuster Statement on Vote to Combat ISIL Terrorists", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) issued the following statement after voting for a bipartisan amendment to counter the ISIL terrorist group:\n\u201cThe rise of ISIL and the brutal murders of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff underscore the horrific developments in Syria and Iraq which are reverberating throughout the Middle East and around the world,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe legislation passed today makes clear that it does not authorize sending U.S. Armed Forces into combat, and I continue to firmly oppose putting American boots on the ground.\u00a0 I believe this action is necessary to bring ISIL to justice, and that we must work with our international allies to bring this terrorist group's barbaric actions to an end.\u201d\n\u201cWe must take decisive action to address this threat before more American lives are lost.\u00a0 The President should not make these critical decisions unilaterally, and Congress must play a leading role in setting foreign policy and ensuring our national security.\u00a0 I will continue to work with my colleagues in both parties to provide rigorous congressional oversight as we work to combat ISIL and keep our country safe.\u201d\nLast week, Kuster joined the entire New Hampshire congressional delegation in introducing a resolution to honor the lives of James Foley and Steven Sotloff and condemn ISIL.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140919081522/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bipartisan-resolution-to-honor-slain-journalists-james", "House Approves Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Slain Journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456 WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution honoring the lives of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and condemning the actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Representative Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), along with her colleagues Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), and Ted Deutch (FL-21) introduced the resolution.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tJames Foley, a New Hampshire native, and Steven Sotloff, a Florida native and graduate of Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, were working in Syria when they were brutally murdered by the terrorist organization.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe resolution recognizes the substantial achievements Foley and Sotloff made \u201cthrough their courageous reporting of events in Libya, Syria and elsewhere,\u201d and calls on ISIL to release all other hostages.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cOur resolution expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives to the families of James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and condemns the terrorist acts of ISIL. We will always remember their courage and unwavering pursuit of journalist excellence under the most difficult and dangerous of conditions,\u201d said Shea-Porter and her colleagues, Kuster, Ros-Lehtinen, Bilirakis, Hastings, Wasserman Schultz, Wilson, and Deutch in a joint statement.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-helps-introduce-resolution-honoring-wilderness-act-on-50th", "Kuster Helps Introduce Resolution Honoring Wilderness Act on 50th Anniversary", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped introduce a resolution to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, which became law in 1964. The Wilderness Act created the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Wilderness Preservation System, which allowed Congress to permanently protect natural areas around the country as wilderness.\n\u201cFifty years ago, the Wilderness Act gave Congress the ability to protect America\u2019s most spectacular and unique places for all time,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cIn New Hampshire, we are blessed with incredible mountains, lakes, and forests, and it is important for us to maintain this natural beauty for generations to come. I was proud to help introduce this resolution celebrating the Wilderness Act, which established the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other important programs to safeguard our country\u2019s wilderness.\u201d\nWilderness areas protect wildlife, habitats, and natural resources such as clean air and water, and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation activities. Tourism is New Hampshire\u2019s second largest industry, generating $4.2 billion and directly supporting 49,000 jobs every year. Nationally, the outdoor recreation economy generates $646 billion annually and supports six million jobs across the country.\u00a0\nSince she took office in January 2013, Congresswoman Kuster has been a strong advocate for protecting the natural environment. She supported robust funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund, and is a member of the National Park Caucus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140919001903/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-mckeon-amendment-on-syria-train-and-equip", "Shea-Porter Statement on McKeon Amendment on Syria Train and Equip", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0  WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting against the McKeon Amendment to train and equip the Free Syrian Army.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI despise the group, ISIL, and I support air strikes and arming some, such as the competent and reliable Kurds, \u00a0but I joined 71 Republicans and 85 Democrats to vote against arming and training the so-called Syrian \u2018moderates\u2019 because, after attending many briefings, I don\u2019t believe that we have the necessary level of support we need from allies in the region who should be standing up to this threat, I don\u2019t believe that we can properly identify the recruits to determine if they are trustworthy and won\u2019t turn on us and our allies using our own weapons, and I don\u2019t believe that we should step into the Shia-Sunni and other battles and into a civil war where allegiances shift and groups unite and divide constantly.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI believe we need a more comprehensive plan that requires a real commitment of resources from those countries in the region. \u00a0Zbigniew Brzezinski, Director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has written, \u2018There must be a large ideological component, a large law enforcement component, and an even larger political component\u2026.over time, they present the only path to victory: crippling the organization\u2019s networks, denying the group safe haven, and undermining the conditions that make it attractive to potential recruits.\u2019  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI believe that this strategy is our best chance for success in the region, and I will carefully consider any proposal that offers any of this formula.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-207840-grant-to-new-hampshire-coalition-against", "Kuster Announces $207,840 Grant to New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today announced that the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has received a $207,840 grant from the Department of Justice.\u00a0 The Coalition will use the funding to continue its work to end domestic violence in New Hampshire.\n\u201cWe must ensure survivors of domestic and sexual violence have a safe place to turn, and I'm truly inspired by the crucial work the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence does on behalf of New Hampshire women and their families,\u201d said Kuster.\u00a0 \u201cNo one should be afraid to live in their own home, and that\u2019s why it\u2019s critical that we continue to support efforts like these to end domestic violence.\u00a0 Congratulations to the Coalition on this grant award and thank you to all the dedicated men and women who work day-in and day-out to support victims and end the violence.\u201d\nThe Grants to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions Program supports coalition efforts by coordinating victim services and responding to instances of violence against women. State coalitions provide rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters for victims of domestic violence with training, funding, and technical assistance.\n\u201cThe Violence Against Women Act has saved lives and helped millions of survivors find safety, security and independence from their abuser,\u201d said Maureen McDonald, Community Relations Director at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. \u201cThe grants to state Coalitions are critically important to supporting our statewide advocacy work here in New Hampshire. This is the only funding stream that supports policy work like the recent successful efforts to strengthen our laws around domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-announces-324960-federal-grant-to-support-hillsborough-county", "Kuster Announces $324,960 Federal Grant to Support Hillsborough County Drug Court", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NASHUA, N.H. \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that Hillsborough County will receive a $324,960 federal grant to support an alternative drug court for felony-level offenders. The grant, administered through the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant program, will help finance the diversion court, which enters non-violent, high-risk drug offenders into a court-supervised treatment program rather than traditional prison time. The program was launched last year in Hillsborough County Superior Court South in Nashua, and the grant will help fund the program for the next three years.\n\u201cInstead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Hillsborough County Drug Court focuses more on treatment and rehabilitation than on punishment,\u201d Kuster said. \u201cThe goal is to help more drug offenders treat their addiction, and this funding will help keep more people out of prison and in their homes. This model has worked well in drug courts around the country, and it\u2019s wonderful that this great program will be able to continue in Nashua.\u201d\nThe drug court program, similar to others adopted in Cheshire, Grafton, Rockingham and Strafford Counties, among others around the state, consists of substance abuse treatments, weekly court visits, community service and random drug testing, among other requirements. The grant will cover the costs of substance abuse treatment and testing services, among others.\n\u201cI firmly believe that we cannot arrest and incarcerate our way out of the current drug, and resulting crime epidemic,\u201d said Justice Jacalyn Colburn, who oversees the program for Hillsborough County Superior Court.\u00a0 \u201cWe know we won\u2019t have 100 percent success, but well-run drug courts have proven to reduce recidivism by 40 percent over traditional methods.\u00a0 That is good for community safety and good for the participants we serve.\u00a0 Getting this grant will take us one step closer to achieving those goals.\u201d\nSince taking office, Congresswoman Kuster has been a strong supporter of drug, mental health and other diversion courts around the Second Congressional District. Earlier this year, she spoke at the commencement ceremony for the Grafton County Drug Court in North Haverhill, and this spring she wrote to the U.S. Department of Justice in support of the Hillsborough County grant application.\nAdult Drug Court Discretionary grants are awarded by the Department of Justice\u2019s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Additional information on the program is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-13th-anniversary-of-september-11th-2001", "Kuster Statement on 13th Anniversary of September 11th, 2001", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement marking the 13th anniversary of the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001:\n\u201cOn this solemn anniversary, we come together as a nation to remember those we lost in the horrific terrorist attacks against our country 13 years ago, and to reaffirm our commitment to bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. We reflect on the terrible and shocking events of that morning, and commemorate the lives of those who perished as a result of these cowardly acts of violence. But we also recall the extraordinary courage of the servicemen and women, first responders, and everyday Americans who acted heroically in the face of tragedy. The fortitude and patriotism that brought us together in that time of desperation and fear demonstrated the best qualities of our national character.\nAs the brutal murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff remind us, terrorism remains a threat in our world. We must not rest until their murderers are brought to justice and ISIL is held accountable for these heinous acts. On the 13th Anniversary of September 11, we must again unite as a people and call on the spirit of resilience and solidarity that makes the United States the greatest country on earth.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-president-obama-s-strategy-to-combat-isil", "Kuster Statement on President Obamas Strategy to Combat ISIL", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Tonight, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s speech laying out his strategy to combat ISIL:\n\"The brutal murders of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, along with similar acts of despicable violence, have proven ISIL to be a group of purely evil fanatics intent on spreading terror around the globe. While I continue to oppose putting American boots on the ground in the region, I believe that we must hold ISIL accountable and work with our international allies to bring this terrorist group's barbaric actions to an end. James Foley and Steven Sotloff gave their lives in an effort to expose ISIL's horrifying human rights violations to the rest of the world, and we owe it to their memories to pursue their murderers and bring them to justice.\"\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912032947/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-13th-anniversary-of-september-11-attacks", "Shea-Porter Statement on 13th Anniversary of September 11 attacks", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement on the 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.\u00a0\n\u201cThirteen years ago today, our world changed forever when terrorists hit America. \u00a0We lost thousands of good people that day, killed by those who tried, but failed, to destroy America\u2019s great spirit and determination. \u00a0I pray for those citizens and first responders who perished or were injured, and for their families. \u00a0Their courage and heroism continue to inspire us all. \u00a0Our responsibility in Congress remains the same\u2014to protect the greatest country on Earth, the United States of America,\u201d said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912092746/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-president-s-speech-and-classified-briefings-on", "Shea-Porter Statement on Presidents Speech and Classified Briefings on ISIL", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\ufffd\ufffdNaomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WASHINGTON, DC \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement on the President\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds speech and classified briefings on ISIL:\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdI listened closely to President Obama\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds speech last night. I have attended several briefings and discussions on ISIL in the past few days, including a bipartisan classified briefing today on ISIL and President Obama's strategy to deal with this terrorist group and the threat it is posing. \ufffd\ufffdBriefers included General Martin Dempsey, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Tony Blinken, Deputy National Security Advisor, and others. \ufffd\ufffdI have listened to various opinions from experts, and I still believe what I have been saying from the beginning. \ufffd\ufffdI support air strikes, but I do not support American boots on the ground. President Obama is right about building a coalition. I believe countries in that region need to provide money and troops to fight ISIS, and there needs to be political reconciliation between Iraqis if they are to defeat this dangerous group. We also need to pursue those who are traveling to these regions from other countries to fight for ISIS. I believe we can win this battle against ISIS by building a strong coalition and working together, and I know we must destroy this threat. I am a member of the House Armed Services Committee and I will be monitoring this rapidly changing situation very closely.\ufffd\ufffd?  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912092816/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-and-colleagues-from-new-hampshire-and-florida-introduce", "Shea-Porter and Colleagues from New Hampshire and Florida Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Slain Journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nWASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representatives Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), along with her colleagues Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), and Ted Deutch (FL-21) introduced a resolution in the House honoring the lives of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and condemning the actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tJames Foley, a New Hampshire native, and Steven Sotloff, a Florida native and graduate of Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH, were working in Syria when they were brutally murdered by the terrorist organization.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe resolution will recognize the substantial achievements Foley and Sotloff made \u201cthrough their courageous reporting of events in Libya, Syria and elsewhere,\u201d and calls on ISIL to release all other hostages.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this terrible time,\u201d Shea-Porter said. \u201cWe must remember James Foley and Steven Sotloff and their courage and determination to show the world what was happening in Syria. \u00a0This resolution helps America do that. We also must work with other nations to stop the evil of ISIL.\u201d\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cIt is our solemn duty to honor the lives of James Foley and Steven Sotloff, two courageous journalists who lost their lives in the effort to bring us news and images of violent terrorism in the Middle East,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThis resolution mourns their passing, and reaffirms our nation\u2019s commitment to bringing their murderers to justice and holding ISIL accountable for these heinous acts.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tHouse cosponsor Rep. Hastings offered the following comment on the House Resolution honoring the memories of James Foley and Steven Sotloff: \u201cI am truly saddened by the heinous murders of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. \u00a0My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this most difficult time. \u00a0It is clear that ISIL poses a direct threat to the lives of innocent Americans, as well as peace and stability in the region. \u00a0James and Steven reported in the face of unspeakable danger. Their courage, compassion, and dedication to journalistic excellence will never be forgotten.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI join my colleagues Reps. Shea-Porter, Kuster, Hastings, Wasserman Schultz, Bilirakis, and Deutch in denouncing the despicable and criminal murders of journalists James Foley and South Florida native Steven Sotloff. ISIL is a terrorist organization with no regard for human life or any rules of civilized society. As ISIL\u2019s violence against women, children, and minorities increase, we must continue to condemn their disregard for human life and take immediate action to stop them with airstrikes and by taking decisive action to cut off their financial and material lifelines,\u201d said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.\n\t\u00a0  Debbie Wasserman Schultz said, \u201cAs a mother, I cannot imagine the heartache and anguish that the Foley and Sotloff families have endured, from James and Steven\u2019s abductions to their horrific killings. We all bear the responsibility of doing everything we can to prevent this kind of barbarism from happening to anyone's children, anywhere, ever again.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe ISIL terrorists who so brutally murdered journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff have shown a savage disregard for human life. When confronted with such brutal extremism, the free world must unite against terror and work arm in arm to defeat it,\u201d said Congressman Ted Deutch.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tU.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the Senate version of the resolution, and it passed the Senate on September 9th by unanimous consent.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-helps-advance-legislation-to-improve-veteran-care-va", "Kuster Helps Advance Legislation to Improve Veteran Care, VA Accountability", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This morning during a House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped advance a series of bills to improve veteran services and enhance accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including legislation to improve VA\u2019s performance system for senior executives, extend VA\u2019s pilot program to provide quality care to veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and expand mental health care services to veterans who participated in classified missions while on active duty.\u00a0 Among the bills approved by the Committee today was a bill cosponsored by Kuster, the Ask Veterans Act, which would require an annual, independent survey of veterans in each of the 151 VA Medical Center service areas examining wait times, access, and quality of care, among other issues. This legislation would provide a more accurate assessment of veterans\u2019 actual experiences with the VA, an essential tool to ensuring veterans are receiving the quality care they deserve.\n\u201cOur veterans have risked their lives to protect the freedom and democracy that are at the core of our state and nation. We owe every one of our veterans a debt of gratitude, and they should always have access to the top-quality care and receive the benefits they deserve,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThe Ask Veterans Act will give us a more accurate picture of care and services at the VA, and will help ensure that our nation\u2019s veterans all have access to excellent, high quality physical and mental health care services.\u201d\nAmong other bills considered during today\u2019s hearing, bipartisan legislation to ensure eligibility for federal VA benefits to all married veterans and their families failed to pass the Committee by one vote. Under current law, veterans in same-sex marriages who live in states where same-sex marriage is prohibited are not eligible to receive federal VA benefits.\n\u201cIt is long-past time that all married veterans and their families should be eligible for the benefits they have earned, and I am deeply disappointed that this legislation failed to pass the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee,\u201d said Kuster. \u201cThese courageous men and women who have bravely served our country should not be penalized because of who they love, and I will continue the fight to make sure they get the benefits they deserve.\u201d\nSince allegations of long wait times at the Phoenix VA were first discovered by the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Kuster has joined her fellow Committee members in leading an investigation into any and all allegations of mismanagement at VA centers across the nation. She has repeatedly called for increased oversight and immediate action at the VA to prevent any further mismanagement, and was one of the first members to call for a thorough, nationwide audit to uncover any other instances of abuse. Congresswoman Kuster recently held a roundtable discussion with local veterans and advocates in Keene to hear about their experiences at the VA medical centers and with receiving mental health services.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-urges-senate-to-pass-legislation-to-fight-human-trafficking", "Kuster Urges Senate to Pass Legislation to Fight Human Trafficking", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined House colleagues in urging Senate leadership to bring a series of bipartisan anti-human trafficking bills to a vote. These bills all passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support between May and July of 2014. Kuster was a cosponsor of many of these bills and a strong advocate for anti-human trafficking legislation in Congress. In May 2014, she held a roundtable discussion in Concord, N.H. to hear from victims and advocates.\n\u201cWhile many believe human trafficking only occurs in foreign countries, an estimated 293,000 American youth are at risk of sex trafficking and commercial exploitation in the United States every year. These statistics are completely stunning, and we must do more to combat this terrible practice,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cIt is also critical that we ensure victims of human trafficking get the support and resources they need to put their lives back together. That\u2019s why I fought for passage of many of these bills to put an end to human trafficking once and for all, and I urge the Senate to do the same.\u201d \u00a0\nCongresswoman Kuster is a strong proponent of legislative measures to address human trafficking. In May, she joined Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) in leading all women Representatives in the U.S. House in urging additional sanctions against Boko Haram, which has kidnapped hundreds of girls and engaged in human trafficking. Since May, she has signed on to both Republican- and Democratic-sponsored legislation that aims to stamp out human trafficking and provide support to victims in the United States and around the world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912033018/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-tiger-funding-for-sarah-mildred-long-bridge", "Shea-Porter Statement on TIGER Funding for Sarah Mildred Long Bridge", "2014-09-09", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement regarding the $25 million TIGER VI grant to replace the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.\u00a0\n\u201cThis is good government to invest in our infrastructure, and I am very pleased that $25 million in funds will come to the Seacoast to replace the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge,\u201d said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. \u00a0\u201cThe New Hampshire and Maine delegations supported this TIGER grant because we all understand that the Sarah Long Bridge is vital to our safety, our economy, and national security. \u00a0I congratulate the New Hampshire and Maine Departments of Transportation for their successful application.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912033046/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/photo-and-release-shea-porter-tours-manchester-airport-control-tower", "Shea-Porter tours Manchester Airport Control Tower", "2014-09-08", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nMANCHESTER, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter toured the control tower at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport with Andre Jean, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) A90 Legislative Representative for Boston Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON); Jeffrey Carpenter, the Manchester ATCT Union President; Barrett Brown, the Air Traffic Manager at Manchester ATCT; and Mark Brewer, Airport Director. \u00a0The airport services 2.45 million passengers each year and is New England's third largest cargo airport, processing more air cargo each year than all other regional airports in New England combined.\u00a0\n\u201cI strongly support investing in our infrastructure and I am always proud to advocate for the Manchester Airport,\u201d Shea-Porter said. \u201cI am grateful to the hard-working men and women that make air travel so safe.\u201d Congresswoman Shea-Porter has long been a supporter of investment in infrastructure. \u00a0In May, Shea-Porter announced that the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport received three separate grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) totaling over $1.8 million. In February, she and the rest of the state\u2019s Congressional delegation called on the FAA to keep the Manchester Air Traffic Control Tower open overnight. The Administration ultimately complied with the request and stated it would not close the tower overnight. In 2013, the Congresswoman and 19 House colleagues successfully pushed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to maintain control of airport exit lanes, which will save the airport approximately $225,000 annually. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912033125/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-joins-kc-46a-celebration-at-pease", "Shea-Porter Joins KC-46A Celebration at Pease", "2014-09-07", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nPORTSMOUTH, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, along with the rest of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, joined the 157th Air Refueling Wing to celebrate the news that Pease Air Force Base will be the Air Force\u2019s first Air National Guard-led KC46-A Pegasus main operating base. \u00a0Shea-Porter is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThis was a very happy celebration with the incredible men and women at Pease,\u201d Shea-Porter said. \u201cThe 157th Air Refueling Wing certainly deserves this. They are the reason that Pease was selected as the first main operating base. Now, we all look forward to welcoming the KC46-A to New Hampshire.\u201d\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  BACKGROUND:\nCongresswoman Shea-Porter has strongly supported bringing the KC-46A to Pease. In the 110th Congress, Shea-Porter secured almost $9 million in funding to build a new facility for the WING Headquarters Operations and Training facility at the base. In the 111th Congress, she also secured $10 million to help the 157th Operations Group, which is responsible for the air refueling mission, consolidate its components into a single building, thus improving its command communications and overall efficiency of operations. In March, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter toured the Pease Air National Guard base to meet with Air Force and Air Guard leaders and show her continued support for Pease and the 157th Air Refueling Wing as the Air Force evaluated final candidates to receive the KC-46A tanker. Prior to that, Congresswoman Shea-Porter joined New Hampshire\u2019s Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the Air Force Chief of Staff expressing support for the selection of Pease.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-touts-bill-to-cut-taxes-on-small-cider-producers-during-visit-to", "Kuster Touts Bill to Cut Taxes on Small Cider Producers during Visit to Poverty Lane Orchard & Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon", "2014-09-03", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lebanon, NH \u2013 Today Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) visited Poverty Lane Orchard & Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon to discuss her support for the Cider Industry Deserves Equal Regulation (CIDER) Act and hear about other ways Congress can best support job creation and economic growth in the Upper Valley. \u00a0The CIDER Act would benefit smaller cider producers like Farnum Hill by clarifying the application of the federal excise tax on hard cider.\n\u201cMy top priority in Congress is helping create jobs and opportunity for middle class families,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cThat\u2019s what the CIDER Act is all about. This bill would cut the federal excise tax on small cider producers like Farnum Hill, helping grow their businesses and create more, middle class jobs in the Granite State. I appreciate the staff at Farnum Hill bringing this critical issue to my attention earlier this year and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of rural small businesses around New Hampshire.\u201d\nUnder current federal tax law, the definition of hard cider only allows for up to 7% alcohol by volume before it is taxed at the more expensive rate for wine, and only a certain level of carbonation before it is subject to the even more expensive champagne tax. The CIDER Act would increase the allowable carbonation levels for hard cider and better align the allowable alcohol content with the realities of production, in order to account for the natural variables in production.\n\u201cWe were delighted to have the opportunity to show Congresswoman Kuster our apple orchard and cider making operation, and to discuss the CIDER Act, which she has supported in Congress,\u201d said Louisa Spencer and Steve Wood, co-owners of Poverty Lane Orchard and Farnum Hill Ciders.\u00a0 \u201cThe CIDER Act will help small businesses and the agricultural community in New Hampshire and all across the United States.\u201d\nA member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Small Business Committee, Kuster has prioritized efforts to foster job creation, grow the economy, and expand opportunity for middle class families.\u00a0 She has supported legislation to make permanent the federal research and development tax credit, helped lead the fight to prevent pending regulations from harming New England farmers, and worked to protect New Hampshire small businesses from burdensome online sales tax collection requirements. In August, Congresswoman Kuster convened a roundtable discussion on rural jobs with New Hampshire leaders in agriculture, forestry, and rural-based businesses.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140905035600/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-visits-portsmouth-naval-shipyard-with-vice-president-biden", "Shea-Porter Visits Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with Vice President Biden", "2014-09-03", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nPORTSMOUTH, NH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter visited and toured the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) with Vice President Joe Biden. Senator Shaheen, Congressman Mike Michaud, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree also participated in today\u2019s event. Captain William Greene, Commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Paul O\u2019Connor, President of the Metal Trades Council, and other shipyard management and labor leaders hosted the Vice President and the delegation members.\u00a0\n\u201cI was very pleased that the Vice President had the opportunity to see the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard today. The incredible workforce is a model of excellence. The work they do is vital to our national defense and our local economy,\u201d Shea-Porter said. \u201cI am proud to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, where I will continue to work to protect the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and its essential defense mission.\u201d\nCongresswoman Shea-Porter has worked to protect New Hampshire\u2019s economy and PNSY workers from the reckless budget cuts of sequestration. She cosponsored legislation that would cancel sequestration, she held meetings with Shipyard leaders, and she spoke directly with the Secretary of Defense about furloughs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.\u00a0\nThis year, Shea-Porter also passed legislation through the House of Representatives that ensures the Department of Defense use its existing methodology to determine which workforce is the most cost-efficient for new work\u2014rather than to rely on informal arrangements or arbitrary decisions\u2014allowing it to reap the savings. \u00a0\nPortsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of four public shipyards in the United States. In 2010, Shea-Porter secured more than $11.9 million in funding for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to add to and reconstruct the Shipyard\u2019s Structural Shops, which will help the Shipyard remain competitive and efficient.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140905035642/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-the-death-of-steven-sotloff", "Shea-Porter Statement on the death of Steven Sotloff", "2014-09-02", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0  ROCHESTER, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement following the murder of American journalist Steven Sotloff, a graduate of Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire: \u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with journalist Steven Sotloff\u2019s family and friends at this terrible time. Nations must work together to stop the evil of ISIL.\u201d\u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hosts-roundtable-discussion-in-keene-with-local-veterans", "Kuster Hosts Roundtable Discussion in Keene with Local Veterans", "2014-08-29", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keene, NH\u00a0\u2013 This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with local veterans and advocates to discuss access to health care, mental health services, and other issues facing Granite State veterans. At the roundtable discussion, Kuster was also joined by staff members from Southwestern Community Services and other agencies, who shared information about counseling services and other community resources available for veterans across the Monadnock Region.\n\u201cI was so grateful to get a chance to hear from local veterans about their concerns at my roundtable in Keene today,\u201d said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. \u201cWe owe our veterans a great debt of gratitude for their service, and we must do everything possible to ensure they have access to the support and resources they need. I also thank Southwestern Community Services for hosting the roundtable and helping me to share information about services that are available to our veterans right here in their own community.\u201d\nKuster, a member of the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, routinely meets with Granite State veterans to learn more about how Congress can best support their needs. During today\u2019s roundtable, she heard from local veterans about their experiences at the local VA medical centers, and she will take their stories back to Washington when the U.S. House of Representatives reconvenes in September in order to ensure they are receiving the highest quality of care.\u00a0 Kuster is a cosponsor of the recently passed VA reform bill, so during today\u2019s roundtable she also gave roundtable participants an update about the specifics of the bill, which includes important new resources for Granite State veterans. Earlier in the day, she met with veterans, VA leaders, and local advocates during tours of the Keene Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and Keene Vet Center.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-meets-with-granite-state-veterans-at-her-veterans-jobs-and", "Kuster Meets with Granite State Veterans  at her Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair in Nashua", "2014-08-27", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, NH\u00a0\u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a public Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair to provide Granite State veterans with a chance to meet with employers and other representatives offering important services for our veterans, such as job-training, health care & mental health services, housing assistance, and more. The Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair was open to all Granite State veterans.\n\u201cI was honored to host this Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair in order to connect local veterans with important resources and\u00a0 employment opportunities,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cOur veterans made extreme personal sacrifices to serve and protect our great nation, and we must ensure they have the support they need when they return home.\u00a0 I was so pleased to see our local veterans making important connections during today\u2019s fair, and to get a chance to hear directly from them about other steps Congress can take to support their success.\u201d\nA member of the U.S. House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Annie Kuster is committed to ensuring Granite State veterans have the resources and support they need. She held this Veterans Jobs and Resource Fair to help Granite State veterans learn about important employment opportunities and other services in the state that can help them succeed. The fair gave New Hampshire veterans a chance to catch up with Congresswoman Kuster and share with her their thoughts and concerns about issues affecting the local veterans community, so the Congresswoman can take their stories back to Washington when the House reconvenes in September.\n\u201cWe thank Congresswoman Kuster and her staff for arranging this event. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with veterans and provide them with information about services, including employment opportunities, that may be helpful to them. The fair also provided us with a great opportunity to check in with other veteran service organizations to hear more about their programming and the services they offer, so we can all work together to best serve our veterans community,\u201d said Lynn Eaton, Information and Referral Specialist at ServiceLink Hillsborough County.\nCongresswoman Kuster is committed to expanding jobs and opportunity for New Hampshire\u2019s veterans\u2019 community and ensuring every Granite State veteran can access important health care, housing, and other services. She has held a series of job fairs across the state that she encourages veterans to attend, and she passed an amendment in the House Small Business Committee that would help increase contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses. She also hosts roundtable discussions with veteran service organizations and veteran advocates to hear directly from them about how Congress can better support Granite State veterans, and she successfully fought for the opening of two new VA clinics in Colebrook and Berlin, so fewer North Country veterans need to drive long distances to receive care.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140829043128/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-20545-grant-for-nh-white-nose-syndrome-projects", "Shea-Porter Announces $20,545 Grant for NH White-Nose Syndrome Projects", "2014-08-27", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nROCHESTER, NH\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) is very pleased to announce that New Hampshire Fish and Game will receive a $20,545 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support efforts to combat white-nose syndrome in the state. The Congresswoman has been deeply concerned about white-nose syndrome and its devastating impact on the bat population. \u00a0She has introduced legislation calling for better state and federal partnerships in addressing wildlife diseases and has supported funding for state conservation efforts through State Wildlife Grants.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Shea-Porter said, \u201cWildlife diseases like white-nose syndrome are a threat to our nation\u2019s food security and environmental health, which is why I introduced legislation in both 2010 and 2014 that would give our communities the tools they need to help these important species. By working together, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, New Hampshire Fish and Game, and their many partners and citizen scientists can tackle diseases like white-nose syndrome and help our bat populations.\u201d\n  Background:  \n\tWhite-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease that has decimated bat populations across 25 states and five Canadian provinces. Characterized by a white fungus that grows on the skin of hibernating bats, WNS has killed more than 5.7 million bats since 2007. To help state natural resources agencies prepare for and respond to WNS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will award a total of $1,276,088 to 30 states through the Endangered Species Recovery and Science Applications programs. New Hampshire Fish and Game will use its award to continue a number of activities addressing the effects of WNS. These activities include winter surveys of mines where bats hibernate, summer monitoring of little brown bat maternity colonies, and citizen science efforts in which Granite Staters participate by making acoustic bat recordings and counting bats on their own property.\nDiseases like WNS impact our nation\u2019s economy. Approximately 75% of our crops depend on pollinators like bats and bees, with bats alone providing at least $3.7 billion in pest control services to farmers each year. To respond to the threats posed by wildlife diseases, Congresswoman Shea-Porter recently reintroduced the Wildlife Disease Emergency Act of 2014 (WDEA). The WDEA gives the Department of the Interior the authority to declare and coordinate responses to wildlife disease emergencies. It also provides for the creation of a Wildlife Disease Committee to assist in preparing federal agencies, state governments, and tribal entities to respond to these diseases. Finally, it gives the Department of the Interior the tools to fund these important emergency response activities by authorizing a grant program to support state and tribal actions and establishing a Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund within the U.S. Treasury.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140829043159/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thursday-shea-porter-s-staff-to-hold-open-offices-hours-in-derry-auburn", "THURSDAY: Shea-Porters Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Derry, Auburn, Chester, and Hooksett", "2014-08-27", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\ufffd\ufffdNaomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nDERRY, AUBURN, CHESTER, and HOOKSETT, NH \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd On Thursday, August 28, members of Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds staff will hold open office hours at town halls in Derry, Auburn, Chester, and Hooksett. \ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\tMembers of Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds staff will be available to assist constituents with issues they may be facing with a federal agency or with local concerns. Congresswoman Shea-Porter is committed to hearing from and addressing the needs of all constituents in the First Congressional District.  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdIf you need help with issues related to the federal government such as veterans\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd benefits, Social Security, Medicare, or home mortgages, my office can help, and I encourage you to stop by on Wednesday,\ufffd\ufffd? Shea-Porter said. \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\tFor questions or additional information on services offered through the office hours, constituents should contact Elise Britton at Elise.Britton@mail.house.gov or 603-335-7700.\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\tMembers of the media interested in additional details should contact Naomi Andrews at Naomi.Andrews@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5456.  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t+++  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Derry  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHERE: \ufffd\ufffdDerry Public Library  \n\t64 E. Broadway  \n\tDerry, NH  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t+++  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Auburn  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHERE: \ufffd\ufffdGriffin Free Public Library\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t22 Hooksett Road\ufffd\ufffd  \n\tAuburn, NH\ufffd\ufffd\n+++\nWHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Chester  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHERE: \ufffd\ufffdChester Public Library  \n\t3 Chester Street  \n\tChester, NH  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t+++  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Office Hours in Hooksett  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHEN: Thursday, August 28, 2014 from 4 p.m. \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd 5 p.m.\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  WHERE: Hooksett Public Library\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t32 St. Mary's Way\ufffd\ufffd  \n\tHooksett, NH\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t\ufffd\ufffd  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-women-s-equality-day", "Kuster Statement on Womens Equality Day", "2014-08-26", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0On Women\u2019s Equality Day, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement calling for passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation Kuster has long advocated for in the House:\n\"As we mark Women\u2019s Equality Day, we must come together to close the wage gap and ensure that women and men receive equal pay for equal work. All across the nation, women continue to make an average of 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. This doesn\u2019t just hurt women, but hurts working Granite State families across New Hampshire. That\u2019s why I urge my colleagues in Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to help put an end to wage discrimination based on gender.\u201d\nCongresswoman Kuster is a strong advocate for equal pay and increased economic opportunities for New Hampshire women and their families. In addition to being a cosponsor of the\u00a0Paycheck Fairness Act, which would increase the effectiveness of remedies available to victims of pay discrimination on the basis of gender, Kuster recently unveiled her Women\u2019s Economic Agenda, a plan for Congress to prioritize initiatives to help level the playing field for Granite State women and their families. Kuster has also successfully pushed the President to issue executive orders to support fair pay for federally contracted employees, and she has hosted a series of roundtables to hear directly from women business owners and other professionals all across New Hampshire about what she can do on the federal level to help Granite State families succeed in this economy.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140829043230/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wednesday-shea-porter-s-staff-to-hold-open-offices-hours-in-gilford", "WEDNESDAY: Shea-Porters Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Gilford, Belmont, Strafford, Alton", "2014-08-26", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\ufffd\ufffdNaomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\nGILFORD, BELMONT, STRAFFORD, ALTON, NH \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd On Wednesday, August 27, members of Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds staff will hold open office hours at town halls in Gilford, Belmont, Strafford, and Alton.\nMembers of Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds staff will be available to assist constituents with issues they may be facing with a federal agency or with local concerns. Congresswoman Shea-Porter is committed to hearing from and addressing the needs of all constituents in the First Congressional District.\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdIf you need help with issues related to the federal government such as veterans\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd benefits, Social Security, Medicare, or home mortgages, my office can help, and I encourage you to stop by on Wednesday,\ufffd\ufffd? Shea-Porter said. \ufffd\ufffd\ufffd\nFor questions or additional information on services offered through the office hours, constituents should contact Elise Britton at Elise.Britton@mail.house.gov or 603-335-7700.\ufffd\ufffd\nMembers of the media interested in additional details should contact Naomi Andrews at Naomi.Andrews@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5456.\n+++\nWHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Gilford\ufffd\ufffd\nWHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.\nWHERE: \ufffd\ufffdGilford Town Hall  \n\t47 Cherry Valley Road  \n\tGilford, NH\ufffd\ufffd\n+++\nWHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Belmont\nWHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.\nWHERE: Belmont Town Hall  \n\t143 Main Street  \n\tBelmont, NH\n+++\nWHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Strafford WHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.\nWHERE: \ufffd\ufffdStrafford Town Hall  \n\t12 Mountain View Drive  \n\tStrafford, NH\ufffd\ufffd\n+++\nWHAT: Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds Staff to Hold Open Offices Hours in Alton\nWHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.\nWHERE: Alton Town Hall  \n\t1 Monument Square  \n\tAlton, NH\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hosts-roundtable-on-making-college-more-affordable-for-granite", "Kuster Hosts Roundtable on Making College More Affordable for Granite State Students & Families", "2014-08-21", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Plymouth, NH\u00a0\u2013 This morning at Plymouth State University, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a roundtable discussion on the importance of helping Granite State families afford high quality education so their children can move forward into successful careers. Kuster highlighted her own steps in Congress to make college more affordable.\n\u201cMy number one priority in Congress is creating more jobs and economic opportunity for Granite State residents, and we must ensure that every Granite State student has access to higher education and the job training they need to be prepared to join the 21st century workforce,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI was proud to bring together students, educators, college administrators, and local officials to discuss the importance of making college more affordable, and I call on my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation I\u2019ve cosponsored that would decrease student loan interest rates and ease the debt burden on Granite State families.\u201d\u00a0\nDuring this morning\u2019s roundtable discussion, she heard from local students, educators, and education officials about how Congress can best help Granite State families afford college. Kuster and the students were joined at the roundtable by representatives from the NH College and University Council, the NH Higher Education Commission, Campus Compact, and Granite State Management & Resources, among others. These participants shared information about other important state resources that can help students and their families pay for college and qualify for lower student loan rates.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Kuster is committed to ensuring that every Granite State student can afford college and further his or her career. Last year, Kuster successfully fought to prevent the doubling of student loan interest rates for Granite State families. This year, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative John Tierney, she helped introduce the Bank on Students Emergency Refinancing Act, which would allow Granite Staters to refinance their federal and private student loans to the lower rates that are currently available to new borrowers. This important piece of legislation would save thousands of dollars for Granite State students and their families.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-death-of-southwestern-community-services-leader-bill", "Kuster Statement on Death of Southwestern Community Services Leader  Bill Marcello of Keene", "2014-08-21", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the death of longtime leader of Southwestern Community Services Bill Marcello: \u00a0\n\"Bill Marcello\u2019s dedication to serving his community and helping our most vulnerable Granite State citizens has had a truly lasting impact. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, and I hope they find some solace in knowing that his contribution to his community has touched countless lives across the state, and has made the state a better place to live for so many of our residents.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140822043737/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-shea-porter-and-congressman-earl-blumenauer-or-3-host", "Congresswoman Shea-Porter and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Host Roundtable on Multimodal Transportation", "2014-08-21", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\u00a0  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\n  Courtesy photo.\u00a0\nPORTSMOUTH, NH \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) hosted a roundtable on the future of multimodal transportation and livable communities. \u00a0The event brought together State and Federal Department of Transportation staff, regional planning officials, business owners, and bike-walk activists. \u00a0\n\u201cI was proud to help secure TIGER grant funding that made the Memorial Bridge possible. \u00a0In order to rebuild our infrastructure and create a transportation system for the 21st Century, we need a public-private partnership. Federal investment in infrastructure spurs economic development. I support creating a National Infrastructure Development Bank and I am working in Congress to help states, communities, and businesses with transportation and infrastructure challenges.\u201d Shea-Porter said. \u00a0\n\u201cCongresswoman Shea-Porter is a leader in Congress in working to ensure that America\u2019s infrastructure remains world class. New Hampshire has always been a trailblazer in searching for new, innovative ways to face our country's challenges, and I\u2019m happy to see that tradition continuing. This roundtable shines a spotlight on the reasons we need multimodal transportation options if we want to build communities that are healthier, secure, livable, and economically viable. It\u2019s a pleasure to spend time with Carol and other experts and leaders who understand that,\u201d said Blumenauer.\u00a0\nIn Congress, Congresswoman Shea-Porter was instrumental in securing TIGER Grant funding to rebuild the red-listed Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth. The Memorial Bridge was successfully awarded $20 million in federal funding. The Congresswoman has repeatedly supported increased funding for transportation alternatives, and has fought to bring federal transportation funds to New Hampshire. \u00a0She is also a cosponsor of HR 2553, the National Infrastructure Development Bank Act, which would leverage private investments to create billions of dollars in infrastructure investment.\nCongressman Earl Blumenauer is a leading advocate for rebuilding and renewing America \u2013 from repairing the nation\u2019s roads and bridges, to modernizing our water and electrical infrastructure. Blumenauer is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, where he works to strengthen long-term infrastructure finance. \u00a0Since being elected to Congress in 1996, he has traveled to hundreds of communities across the country, supporting economic development and sustainable transportation options.\nParticipants at yesterday\u2019s roundtable included Paul Yarossi, President HNTB Holdings; Roger Bowers, VP Government Relations HNTB; Larry Major, Government Relations Pike Industries; Rad Nichols, Executive Director COAST Busses; Rick Taintor, City of Portsmouth Planning; Juliet Walker, City of Portsmouth- Bicycle coordinator; Mark Nelson, City of Portsmouth Public Works; Jeff Latimer, Owner of Gus\u2019 Bike Shop; Bob Spiegleman, Bike Walk Activist; Tim Blagden, Executive Director NH Bike-Walk Alliance; Rebecca Harris, Director Transport NH; David J. Preece, CEO Southern NH Planning Commission; Scott Bogle, Senior Transportation Planner, Rockingham Planning Commission (also the head of Seacoast greenway); Eric Weiss, Trail Coordinator for the East Coast Greenway Alliance; \u00a0Patrick McKenna, Deputy Commissioner NH DOT; Patrick Bauer, FHWA NH Division Administrator.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-death-of-new-hampshire-journalist-james-foley", "Kuster Statement on Death of New Hampshire Journalist James Foley", "2014-08-19", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0This evening, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the death of New Hampshire journalist James Foley:\n\"Words cannot express the horror of this vile act, which was committed by truly evil individuals who must be brought to justice. As a mother, I cannot imagine what Mr. Foley's family must be going through, and my thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.\"\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140822043818/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-on-the-death-of-james-foley", "Shea-Porter Statement on the death of James Foley", "2014-08-19", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456  \n\t\u00a0  ROCHESTER, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement after reading the statement from James Foley\u2019s mother:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with the Foley family at this terrible time. \u00a0I remember Jim Foley as a child and I will not allow evil to change the way I remember him. I will always choose to remember his goodness, his life, and his great family.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140822043849/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-tours-castle-in-the-clouds", "Shea-Porter Tours Castle in the Clouds", "2014-08-18", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456\n  Courtesy photo. \u00a0Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Charles Clark, Interim Executive Director, Castle in the Clouds.\nMoultonborough, NH \u2013 Last week, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter toured Castle in the Clouds. \u00a0\u201cInvite Congress to Visit Your Museum Week\u201d is for members of Congress to tour a museum in their district. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tCharles Clark, Interim Executive Director, gave Shea-Porter the tour. \u00a0During the tour, Shea-Porter spoke about visiting the Castle in the Clouds growing up. \u00a0Shea-Porter said, \u201cI am proud to support funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities so that museums such as Castle in the Clouds can receive grants to continue their work. Children and adults learn so much when they can see and touch the past. \u00a0Museums offer that unique learning experience. At Castle in the Clouds, visitors can immerse themselves in a particular time in history, and feel what it was like to be there. \u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tShea-Porter is a strong advocate for humanities funding and programs. \u00a0The Congresswoman fully supports funding the National Endowment for the Humanities in their $154.466 million FY15 request. \u00a0In the below joint congressional letter to the House Appropriations Committee, Shea-Porter said, \u201cNEH funding allocated through state humanities councils strengthens the cultural infrastructure of local communities in every state and territory across the nation.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  Background:\u00a0\nApril 4, 2014  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Honorable Ken Calvert \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable Jim Moran \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \n\tChairman \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ranking Member  \n\tHouse Appropriations Subcommittee on \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0House Appropriations Subcommittee on  \n\tInterior, Environment & Related Agencies \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Interior, Environment & Related Agencies  \n\tB-308 Rayburn House Office Building \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a01016 Longworth HOB  \n\tWashington, DC \u00a020515 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Washington, DC \u00a020515  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tDear Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member Moran:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe are writing to thank the Subcommittee for its past support of funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and to respectfully request your continued support for NEH in fiscal year (FY) 2015.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tAs you know, NEH is the primary source of federal support for humanities research, teaching, preservation, public programming, and related activities in the U.S. \u00a0The Endowment provides competitive grant funding for research and scholarship in history, literature, foreign languages, and other fields that provide individuals with critical ethical, cultural, and historical perspective. \u00a0Additionally, NEH funding allocated through state humanities councils strengthens the cultural infrastructure of local communities in every state and territory across the nation.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tInvestment in the humanities advances vital U.S. interests by fostering a globally competitive workforce, strengthening civic engagement, preserving our cultural heritage, and protecting our national security. \u00a0As our world becomes increasingly more interconnected, building a solid foundation in the humanities becomes even more vital to U.S. interests. \u00a0That\u2019s why the majority of our CIA analysts, State Department officials and staff members and diplomats at embassies across the globe are graduates of the humanities \u2013 as are leaders ranging from the late Steve Jobs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey to Nobel Laureate and National Cancer Center Director Harold Varmus!  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tNEH has been an outstanding steward of the relatively small amount of federal support it receives annually. \u00a0Between 1965 and 2009, NEH successfully leveraged more than $2 billion in non-federal support, including private and institutional contributions. \u00a0However, current demand for humanities project support far exceeds funding availability and non-federal support for the humanities has declined sharply in recent years, in part due to the current economic downturn. \u00a0Each year, as billions of dollars are rightfully invested in research and education in science and technology, the relative federal investment in the humanities falls further behind. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe are aware of the many difficult choices your Subcommittee faces in crafting its FY 2015 bill, but we believe that strong federal support for the humanities is needed now more than ever to preserve America\u2019s place as a world leader in education and innovation for all fields of learning and help provide our nation's citizenry and workforce with the foundation necessary to tackle the challenges of today's globalized world. \u00a0We appreciate your past support of NEH and strongly urge your support for this request. \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hosts-nashua-roundtable-on-how-passenger-rail-expanded", "Kuster Hosts Nashua Roundtable on How Passenger Rail, Expanded Transportation Infrastructure Could Support Economic Development in New Hampshire", "2014-08-15", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nashua, N.H.\u00a0\u2013 This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted a roundtable at Nashua Community College to discuss the possible expansion of passenger rail into New Hampshire and other ways to support transportation infrastructure and foster job creation around the Granite State.\nDuring the discussion, Kuster heard directly from business and transportation leaders about current challenges and deficits in our state\u2019s transportation network, and about how expanded rail and other increased transportation options would benefit their businesses and the local economy. Roundtable participants included Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Nashua Chamber of Commerce President Chris Williams, State Senators Bette Lasky and Peggy Gilmour, as well as representatives from the NH Division of Economic Development, the Nashua Regional Planning Commission, the NH Rail Transit Authority, the NH Department of Transportation, and Nashua Municipal Airport. \u201cDuring today\u2019s roundtable, I was grateful to hear from so many business and community leaders about the importance of maintaining a strong transportation infrastructure to spur economic development and job creation in the region and across the Granite State,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cNew Hampshire can\u2019t lead in the 21st century economy with 20th century infrastructure, and I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure our local businesses have the infrastructure support they need to expand and create more jobs in the state. I sincerely thank today\u2019s participants for sharing their expertise, and I look forward to working together to strengthen our roads, bridges, and railways so we can meet the needs of residents, businesses, and tourists alike \u2013 and\u00a0protect vital construction jobs for our workers.\u201d\nCongresswoman Kuster has been a strong advocate for federal funding for projects to repair and expand New Hampshire\u2019s transportation infrastructure.\u00a0 She is a cosponsor of the Partnership to Build America Act, bipartisan legislation to leverage private investments to fund an Infrastructure Bank for financing public works projects like those discussed during today\u2019s roundtable. Kuster also introduced the DRIVE Now Act, legislation to help the state fix our roads and bridges and support vital construction jobs. She\u00a0supports expanded transportation options in southern New Hampshire, which would connect Granite Staters in New Hampshire\u2019s largest population centers to Boston (and vice-versa), and help boost the New Hampshire economy and create jobs.\nLast year, the New Hampshire Executive Council approved the acceptance of a $3.9 million federal grant for a feasibility study on the costs and benefits of expanded passenger rail in the Granite State. The report is due to state transportation officials by the end of 2014.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140822043928/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-67963-grant-to-the-city-of-laconia", "Shea-Porter Announces $67,963 Grant to the City of Laconia", "2014-08-15", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact: Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456 \u00a0\nLACONIA, NH \u2014\u00a0Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) is pleased to announce that the City of Laconia will receive a matching $67,963 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the Weirs Community Park Playground. This facility will include playground, picnic, and pavilion areas, along with an amphitheater, bathhouse facilities, walkways, and parking.\nShea-Porter said, \u201cMatching funds provided by the LWCF have supported countless state park and recreation projects in thousands of communities in every state in the nation, including right here in New Hampshire. I am proud to support funding that helps communities such as Laconia.\u201d \u00a0\nOn March 31, 2014 Shea-Porter signed onto a bipartisan letter to the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, urging the Subcommittee to provide robust funding for the LWCF in fiscal year (FY) 2015. \u00a0Shea-Porter said, \u201cInvestments in LWCF support public land conservation and ensure access to the outdoors for all Americans, in rural communities and cities alike.\u201d \u00a0\nThe LWCF has helped to ensure the permanent protection, recreational access, and maintenance of critical lands in our national forests, recreation areas, parks, wildlife refuges, Civil War battlefields, and historic sites. No taxpayer dollars are used for LWCF funds, with the money primarily derived from federal oil and gas receipts paid by energy companies that extract publicly-owned resources from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).\nBackground:\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter follows:\nMarch 32, 2014\u00a0\nThe Honorable Ken Calvert \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The Honorable James P. Moran  \n\tChairman \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ranking Member  \n\tSubcommittee on Interior, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Subcommittee on Interior,  \n\tEnvironment and Related Agencies \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Environment, and Related Agencies  \n\tCommittee on Appropriations \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Committee on Appropriations  \n\tU.S. House of Representatives \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. House of Representatives  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20515 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Washington, D.C. 20515\nDear Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member Moran,\nFifty years ago this September, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1964 established America\u2019s most successful conservation program. The bill was designed to assure our growing population that outdoor recreation lands would be secured, on a pay-as-you-go basis, for future Americans\u2019 requirements. \u00a0As we mark this anniversary, we are writing to express our strong support for LWCF and urge you to allocate robust funding to this valuable, time-tested program for the next generation in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.\nInvestments in LWCF support public land conservation and ensure access to the outdoors for all Americans, in rural communities and cities alike. It has created outdoor recreation opportunities in every state and 98 percent of counties across the country, opening up key areas for hunting, fishing, and other recreational access; supporting working forests and ranches; and acquiring inholdings and protecting critical lands in national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, Civil War battlefields, and other federal areas. The State and Local Grants Program provides crucial support for state and local park acquisitions in cities, counties, and rural towns as well as recreational facilities and trail corridors. \u00a0It is the government's primary investment tool for ensuring that children and families have access to close-to-home recreation, having funded over 41,000 projects including sports fields, outdoor recreation facilities, and trails. The Cooperative Endangered Species grants program provides states and counties with essential resources for habitat conservation that in turn allows for appropriate economic development. \u00a0And the Forest Legacy Program helps maintain critical jobs in the woods while protecting outdoor resources, recreation access, and local economies.\nAs you know, LWCF uses no taxpayer dollars. Instead, LWCF funds are primarily derived from oil and gas receipts paid to the federal government by energy companies that extract publicly-owned resources from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Congress created LWCF as a bipartisan promise to return precious resources back to the American public by using these funds specifically for conservation and recreation purposes. In addition, the Ryan-Murray Budget included a deficit neutral reserve fund supporting full funding of LWCF in FY 14. \u00a0Unfortunately, over the 50-year history of LWCF, over $18 billion of these funds have been diverted from their original conservation purpose. \u00a0This chronic problem has created a substantial backlog of conservation and recreation needs; has caused state, local, and federal land management agencies to postpone or cancel many important projects; and has created undue hardship for many property owners.\nDespite this history of underfunding, LWCF remains the premier federal program to conserve our nation's land, water, historic, and recreation heritage. LWCF funds support an entire suite of conservation tools to address national, state, local, and regionally-driven priorities across the country. \u00a0These include working lands easements that keep farmers and ranchers as stewards of the landscape that provides their livelihoods, working forest projects that keep timberlands forested and accessible and provide jobs in our rural communities, and vital recreation access projects \u2013 making public lands public \u2013 for hunting, fishing, and other activities.\nAs our nation continues down the path towards economic recovery, LWCF should be adequately funded to ensure that it plays the strongest possible role in revitalizing local communities. America's outdoor recreation, conservation, and preservation economies contribute $1.06 trillion to the nation's economy each year and support 9.4 million American jobs (1 out of every 15 jobs in the U.S.). \u00a0Support for public lands among the American public remains consistently and overwhelmingly strong.\nWe look forward to working with the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in the coming months to ensure that the suite of LWCF programs receive strong support in FY 2015 so that the federal government can maintain its commitment to conservation and recreation. \u00a0As Americans continue to visit forests, parks, historic battlefields, and wildlife areas across America, we urge you to provide the funding levels necessary to ensure these opportunities exist everywhere in our great Nation.\nThank you for your consideration of our request.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-applauds-distribution-of-fishery-disaster-funds-to-help-new", "Kuster Applauds Distribution of Fishery Disaster Funds to Help New Hampshire Fishing Industry", "2014-08-14", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) announcement that it will be distributing nearly $1 million in federal fishery disaster assistance this week to New Hampshire:\n\u201cNew Hampshire\u2019s fishing industry has suffered devastating losses due to declining fish populations and strict federal regulations, and I\u2019m glad the federal government is providing much-needed assistance for this vital New Hampshire industry. We must ensure our fisheries have the resources they need to recover and thrive, and I urge NOAA to release all remaining disaster-assistance funds to New Hampshire, so we can continue to support the economic success of Granite State fishermen.\u201d\nNew Hampshire will receive more than $2 million of disaster-assistance relief in total from NOAA. After this round of funding, $1.1 million in funding still remains to be distributed to the state.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hosts-seniors-forum-on-protecting-medicare-and-social-security", "Kuster Hosts Seniors Forum on Protecting Medicare and Social Security", "2014-08-14", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Peterborough, NH\u00a0\u2013\u00a0This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) invited local seniors to join her at the Peterborough Library to celebrate Social Security\u2019s 79th birthday, and to discuss how Congress can best protect Social Security and Medicare. Advocates and experts on senior issues also joined the seniors forum, and took questions from event participants about resources available to them through these federal programs.\n\u201cSince first taking office, I have pledged to always protect Social Security and Medicare for our Granite State seniors. I hosted this open forum to hear directly from local seniors about what more Congress can do to support these crucial programs that so many of them rely on,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI was also proud to bring together local experts on senior services who were able to take questions from participants about other ways Medicare and Social Security programs could help benefit Granite State seniors.\u201d\nCongresswoman Annie Kuster is a strong supporter of Social Security and Medicare, and she has stood up to members of both parties to fight to protect these programs. Today\u2019s forum gave Monadnock seniors a chance to catch up with Congresswoman Kuster, share their concerns about the programs, and hear about federal services available to seniors in the area. During the roundtable, Kuster also discussed a new bill she helped introduce to provide more support for caregivers who are helping take care of their elderly relatives or other individuals who need care.\n\u201cI was also pleased to share information with event participants about a new bill I helped introduce, the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act, which will help increase Social Security benefits for individuals who serve in a full-time caretaking role for their elderly relatives or other Granite Staters who need care,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI served as a caregiver for my mother when she suffered from Alzheimer\u2019s. I was lucky to have the support of my family, but I know firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll caretaking duties can have on those providing the care. I was proud to help introduce this bill, which will help ease the burden on the dedicated individuals who provide caretaking services to their loved ones.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140815040758/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-500000-grant-to-new-hampshire-asthma-control", "Shea-Porter Announces $500,000 Grant to New Hampshire Asthma Control Program", "2014-08-14", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456 \u00a0\nROCHESTER, NH\u00a0\u2014 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) is pleased to announce that New Hampshire\u2019s Asthma Control Program will receive $500,000 to support comprehensive asthma control services in New Hampshire.\nCongresswoman Carol Shea-Porter said, \u201cAs Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus, I\u2019m acutely aware that asthma is a significant public health challenge facing New Hampshire and our nation, but it can be managed through better treatment and education. \u00a0I was proud to support \u00a0this grant that will allow the New Hampshire Asthma Control Program to continue its mission to help the 130,000 New Hampshire residents who have asthma better control their condition.\u201d\u00a0\nThis year, the Caucus, founded by Shea-Porter in 2010, \u00a0has hosted briefings for Members of Congress and their staff on tackling childhood asthma through preventive care, the impact of air pollution on asthma and allergies, and reducing environmental asthma triggers. Guest speakers included Paul Garbe, Chief of the Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch at the Centers for Disease Control; Janice Nolen, Assistant Vice President of the American Lung Association; Tonya Winders, from the Asthma and Allergy Network, Mothers of Asthmatics; Charlotte Collins, Senior Vice President for Policy and Programs, Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America; and many others. \u00a0The Asthma and Allergy Caucus co-chairs also wrote a letter in May urging the Food and Drug Administration to protect asthma patients by requiring dose counters on all newly approved rescue inhalers. Earlier this year, she and her fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus, introduced a resolution to recognize May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, encouraging public awareness of the prevalence of these conditions.\u00a0\nThe Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is awarding 23 grantees a total of $13 million per year for five years. These grantees will implement strategies that better link primary care and public health control efforts in vulnerable communities, while expanding school and home-based strategies and conducting asthma surveillance. The New Hampshire Asthma Control Program, part of the state\u2019s Department of Health and Human Services, was previously awarded five-year funding in 2009.\nAccording to the CDC, asthma affects over 25 million Americans, with increased occurrence among children, women, minorities, and urban demographics. In 2007, asthma cost the U.S. about $56 billion in medical costs, lost school and work days, and early deaths. Comprehensive asthma control services are crucial.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140815040827/http://shea-porter.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shea-porter-announces-tiger-2013-grant-agreement-reached-for-northcoast", "Shea-Porter Announces TIGER 2013 Grant Agreement Reached for Northcoast Railroad", "2014-08-14", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tContact:\u00a0Naomi Andrews, 202-225-5456 \u00a0\nROCHESTER, NH \u2013 Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) announced that a Transportation Investment Generating Economy Recovery (TIGER) 2013 grant agreement has been formally reached for the New Hampshire Northcoast Rail Improvement Project. \u00a0The U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) has awarded $1.4 million to be used to make repairs and improve sections of the rail line between Ossipee and Rochester.\nIn 2013, Congresswoman Shea-Porter and the entire New Hampshire delegation urged then-DOT Secretary Ray LaHood to support NHDOT\u2019s competitive grant application for the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad Project, which will enable the railroad to expand its freight service on the line and operate it more efficiently. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe Northcoast line connects to the national freight rail network via Boston and is a vital transportation link for the Granite State. These repairs will complete a multi-year effort to modernize the rail line in partnership with local communities and the private sector,\u201d said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. \u00a0\u201cWe must invest in the transportation infrastructure necessary to move the New Hampshire economy forward, and I will continue to fight to bring more TIGER grant dollars to our state.\u201d\n  Background:\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n  \n\tMay 29, 2013\nThe Honorable Ray H. LaHood, Secretary  \n\tUnited States Department of Transportation  \n\t1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE  \n\tWashington, DC \u00a020590\nDear Secretary LaHood:\nWe write in support of the Transportation Investment Generating Economy Recovery (TIGER) V grant application submitted by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) for the upgrade and repair of 42 miles of main line rail between Rochester and Ossipee, NH in Strafford and Carroll Counties.\nThe New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad is a short-line freight railroad that provides service through Rochester, Ossipee and the southeastern and central regions of New Hampshire. \u00a0The Northcoast line connects to the national freight rail network via Boston and is a vital link for an economically-distressed area of our state. \u00a0Industrial sector companies depend on services from this railroad, but are impacted by low weight limits that necessitate additional shipments and deter some suppliers from using the line. \u00a0\nNHDOT is applying for support to repair this section of rail to allow car shipments of up to 286,000 pounds, the North American standard, to travel the full length of this corridor. \u00a0These repairs will complete a multi-year effort to modernize the rail line undertaken in partnership with the local community and the private sector. \u00a0The upgrades to the track will improve safety and reliability while enabling increased speeds for trains traveling through the corridor. \u00a0The higher weight limit will enable existing customers to more efficiently access markets and help spur economic growth in the region.\nWe support NHDOT\u2019s competitive grant application for the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad Project and urge your serious consideration of this proposal. \u00a0Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sincerely,\n  \n\t_______________________________ \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0_______________________________  \n\tJeanne Shaheen \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kelly A. Ayotte  \n\tUnited States Senator \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 United States Senator\n\u00a0\n_______________________________ \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0_______________________________  \n\tCarol Shea-Porter \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Ann McLane Kuster  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-continues-north-country-tour-discusses-job-creation-and-energy", "Kuster Continues North Country Tour, Discusses Job Creation and Energy Efficiency at Stops in Berlin, Bretton Woods", "2014-08-13", "2014", "2014-08", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As part of her August North Country tour, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) yesterday visited a number of projects and destinations in the North Country to hear from local residents about the importance of job creation, and supporting the local tourism and energy economies. The tour gave North Country residents a chance to hear directly from Congresswoman Kuster about her work in Washington, and to share with the Congresswoman their thoughts on how Congress can best help bolster the local economy. \n\u201cIt was wonderful to be back in the North Country, visiting with business, outdoor recreation, and tourism leaders from around the region,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cFrom the energy efficient Model Neighborhood Project in Berlin to the Tourism Roundtable and Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, I had the opportunity to discuss ways to support job creation and economic development in the North Country. The natural beauty, commitment to innovative solutions, and spirit of community throughout the area are an inspiration and I look forward to coming back soon.\u201d\nDuring her tour, Kuster held a roundtable discussion on the importance of tourism to the region\u2019s economy. At the roundtable, held at the AMC Highland Center in Bretton Woods, she heard directly from North Country outdoor recreation and tourism experts about the economic and environmental impacts of tourism in the North Country as a whole. Tourism is New Hampshire\u2019s second largest industry, and is especially critical to the North Country economy. The roundtable participants also discussed how Congress can help boost economic development and job creation in the tourism industry. Participants included community and outdoor recreation leaders including State Senator Jeff Woodburn and representatives from the Appalachian Mountain Club, the White Mountain National Forest, the Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods Ski Resort, the NH Department of Revenue and Economic Development, the Mount Washington Observatory, and the Northern Community Investment Corporation.\nKuster also toured the wood pellet boiler installations at the Northern Forest Center\u2019s Notre Dame Senior Housing Project, which uses federal funds to help Berlin and other communities transition from home oil heating systems to advanced, high-efficiency wood pellet boilers that save thousands of dollars for residents. To cap off her two-day North Country Tour, Kuster visited the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which has been an historic tourist destination for generations. The Cog Railway was built in 1869, and climbs all the way to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 344, "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": "NH", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NH&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "NH", "label": "NH", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-08-13,http~3A~2F~2Fkuster~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fkuster-continues-north-country-tour-discusses-job-creation-and-energy", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NH&year=2014&_next=2014-08-13%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fkuster~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fkuster-continues-north-country-tour-discusses-job-creation-and-energy&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 129.54912288114429, "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"}