{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"OH\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-releases-statement-on-survey-sent-to-her-constituents", "Rep. Sykes Releases Statement on Survey Sent to Her Constituents", "2024-12-31", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement regarding a survey that was mailed to her constituents by the Council for Retirement Security, a 501(c)(4) with no affiliation with the congresswoman\u2019s office:\n\n\u201cI would like to state clearly that this survey was not sent by me or my office and that neither I nor my office have any affiliation with this group. My team and I are here to serve you and we will never request payment for services rendered by the Congressional office for Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.\u201d\n\nWKYC verified that the survey sent by the Council for Retirement Security is not associated with Congresswoman Emilia Sykes\u2019 office.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/sykes-statement-on-the-passing-of-jimmy-carter-the-39th-president-of-the-united-states", "Sykes Statement on the Passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States", "2024-12-30", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Akron, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement on the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States:\n\n\u201cPresident Carter embodied grace, humility, and service to our nation. From his time serving in the Navy, as Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States, to winning the Nobel Prize as a private citizen following his time in the White House, President Carter always strived to help those in need. His legacy will live on through his humanitarian work around the world. I share my deepest condolences with his family and loved ones and I join the scores of people across the globe who mourn the loss of a truly great man.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-s-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter", "Congresswoman Beatty\u2019s Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 I join the nation in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter and in praying for his family. President Carter served the country with tireless dedication to building a better world, exemplifying what it means to lead with intention and compassion. He will be remembered as a global peacemaker who showed that peace is not only forged through historic agreements and support for democracy around the world but also through advancing human dignity in areas like housing, healthcare, and more.\n\nMay he rest in peace and power.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-passing-president-jimmy-carter", "Kaptur Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, OH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Congresswoman Kaptur served as a domestic policy advisor to President Carter. During his Administration, she helped maneuver 17 housing and neighborhood revitalization bills through Congress.\n\n\u201cAlongside a grateful nation, I mourn the loss of former President, great humanitarian, and a man I was honored to serve, James Earl Carter Jr. of Plains, Georgia. Jimmy Carter truly was among the most honorable men to serve in the office of the Presidency in our nation's history.\n\n\u201cWith high intentions to heal our nation and set it on a course for prosperity and opportunity for all following pathbreaking Civil Rights progress of the 1960\u2019s, he faced the onslaught of deep recession following the first Middle East oil embargo and then the Iranian hostage crisis. Through it all, President Carter remained clear eyed and resolute.\n\n\u201cHe not only achieved establishment of the US Departments of Energy and Education, he brokered the most significant Middle East Peace agreement in modern history, between Israel and Egypt.\n\n\u201cA proud veteran of the nuclear Navy, President Carter and his foreign policy team engineered the enhanced set of relationships in Europe that led to the eventual and profound collapse of the tyrannical Soviet Union a decade later.\n\n\u201cUpon retirement, alongside his beautiful wife Rosalynn, he returned to Georgia and embarked upon establishing the Carter Center, which has continued to pursue their many objectives focused on human development they were not able to achieve while in office.\n\n\u201cThese included major breakthroughs in community health at home and abroad, especially neglected regions of Africa and enhancing the capacity of Habitat for Humanity organizations across our nation to build housing for the most underserved.\n\n\u201cMay the spirit and memory of President Carter and his loving wife comfort their family, staff, and all the millions of people the Carter family touched with healing and inspiration. Rest in Peace President Carter. Our grateful nation is indebted to your service and to your life\u2019s example of utterly selfless humanity.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/social-security-fairness-act-passes-senate-heads-to-president-bidens-desk-to-be-signed-into-law", "Social Security Fairness Act Passes Senate, Heads to President Biden\u2019s Desk to be Signed into Law", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Sykes Voted to Pass the Legislation out of the House with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) applauded the U.S. Senate\u2019s passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The Social Security Fairness Act will eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act. Currently, public service employees are unable to receive their full Social Security benefits if they also receive other forms of retirement benefits, such as a pension. In November, Rep. Sykes voted in favor of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. The legislation now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThe passage of this important legislation not only provides relief to thousands of my constituents who are frustrated they can\u2019t receive their full Social Security benefits \u2013 it demonstrates what Congress is capable of when we work together in bipartisan fashion,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cThere\u2019s no good reason why teachers, firefighters, and other public service employees who have earned their retirement benefits should not receive them.\u201d\n\nRep. Sykes has worked in Congress to protect and expand Social Security benefits for Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-votes-avert-government-shutdown-advance-american-relief-act", "Kaptur Votes To Avert Government Shutdown, Advance American Relief Act\u00a0 to Senate", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee voted to pass the American Relief Act, 2025, to avert a shutdown of the federal government and extend assistance to Ohio farmers, producers, and growers after a season with severe drought conditions and crop loss. The bill passed the House by a vote of 366 to 34, and will now move to the Senate for passage, before heading to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cTonight I voted to keep our government open, and to help the people I represent across our region of Northwest Ohio. Whether it is farmers that need help due to a season of exceptional drought, Americans suffering from disasters including tornados and hurricanes, or those in need of help putting food on the table, we delivered.\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cWhile this only extends funding through March of next year, I will continue to push for full funding of programs that make life easier for the hardworking people of Northwest Ohio. I am glad we were able to get this done so that everyone traveling this holiday season can be with family and friends and ensure that our troops will not have to miss a paycheck. I also remain disappointed by the removal of key negotiated provisions for year round nationwide E-15 fuel sales, funding for childhood cancer research, other key health measures including PBM Reform, my own bill which ensures health coverage follows children in military families wherever they go, and efforts that would block maligned investment and Chinese influence. A return to regular order, where we pass all 12 regular Appropriations bills to fund our government on-time and in-budget, would be a real gift for the American people going forward. Absent that this year, we did what we were able with extremists and outsized egos trying to manipulate the process.\"\n\nThe legislation includes key provisions including:\n\nA clean 1-year extension of the Farm Bill through September 2025\n\n$100 Billion in disaster relief funding, including:\n\n$1.5 Billion for Corps of Engineers\n\n$74 Million for the Bureau of Reclamation\n\n$64 Million for the Department of Energy\n\n$31 Billion in Farm Aid, including:\n\n$10 Billion for farmers crop losses due to drought conditions\n\n$2 Billion for producers of livestock\n\nClean extension of health programs\n\nSpecial diabetes program\n\nTelehealth flexibility\n\nMedicare dependent hospital programs\n\nNo extension of the debt limit\n\nNo cost of living raise for Members of Congress\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-votes-fund-government-and-avoid-shutdown", "Congresswoman Brown Votes to Fund the Government and Avoid a Shutdown", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman voted for a Continuing Resolution to fund the government and avoid a damaging and unnecessary government shutdown.\n\nCongresswoman Brown releases the following statement:\n\n\u201cI voted to keep the government open, avoid a shutdown, and ensure that services continue, agencies remain open, and federal employees and servicemembers are paid. A Trump-Musk shutdown would have caused chaos at Hopkins Airport, led to more than 11,000 federal workers in Northeast Ohio spending the holidays with a missing paycheck, and jeopardized the needed nutrition benefits of people across Cuyahoga County. I voted for the hardworking families in my district who can\u2019t afford that dysfunction this holiday season.\n\n\u201cI am frustrated that House Republicans have again behaved as if doing the bare minimum is an impossible challenge, but once again House Democrats have delivered the votes to keep us functioning. This is not a perfect bill, but it is better than the alternative. House Democrats rejected Elon Musk\u2019s demand for a blank check for Trump\u2019s tax cuts for the wealthy. When Congress returns next year, I will get right back on the floor to fight for working families with my voice, my vote, and my power.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-hosts-naturalization-ceremony-in-akron", "Rep. Sykes Hosts Naturalization Ceremony in Akron", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "39 New American Citizens Take Oath of Allegiance and Complete Their Paths to Citizenship\n\nAKRON, OH \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a naturalization ceremony at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, where 40 naturalized American citizens took the Oath of Allegiance and completed their path to citizenship. Judge John. R. Adams of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio presided over the proceeding and Candice Gage, Managing Attorney at the International Institute of Akron, was the keynote speaker.\n\n\u201cOhio\u2019s 13th District has long been shaped by the contributions of immigrants. Immigrants from all over helped build the foundation of the district's economy and community. They brought with them the values of resilience, ambition, and dedication that are now integral to the very identity of this region,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cCongratulations to America\u2019s newest citizens on this monumental achievement. I wish them the best of luck as they embark on this new journey. I am proud to now call them my fellow citizens, and I look forward to serving them, and everyone in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, in the years ahead.\u201d\n\nTo become a U.S. citizen, these individuals had to comply with certain requirements including English language proficiency, proof of residency, knowledge of U.S. history, moral character, and other requirements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-votes-against-partisan-musk-trump-giveaway", "Congresswoman Brown Votes Against Partisan Musk-Trump Giveaway", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown voted against H.R. 10515, legislation to give President-elect Trump, Elon Musk, and radical Republicans a blank check to cut taxes for the wealthy, while removing previously agreed upon bipartisan provisions providing support for families in need and investments in health care, research, and agriculture.\n\nYesterday, Congress reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to fund the government, prevent a shutdown, and address the critical needs of farmers, families, children, seniors, veterans, and the men and women in uniform. After Republican Speaker Mike Johnson released the bipartisan agreement, President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk forced House Republicans to back out of the bipartisan deal to fund the government and extend vital programs.\n\nToday, House Republicans undermined the very deal they negotiated, hastily bringing a new partisan proposal to the floor. The legislation, which failed to pass the House, would have suspended the debt ceiling until January 2027, removing any fiscal check on President-elect Trump\u2019s policies.\n\nCongresswoman Brown releases the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday, I joined my House Democratic colleagues in standing up for the hardworking people of my district and this country. This is one of those moments where it comes down to who you are fighting for: working people or the billionaires.\n\n\"We reached a bipartisan agreement yesterday to fund the government and prevent a shutdown, securing vital support for farmers, families, seniors, veterans, and our men and women in uniform. Now, House Republicans have undermined the very deal they struck, egged on by Donald Trump and his unelected billionaire co-President Elon Musk.\n\n\u201cTheir new partisan proposal would give President-elect Trump a blank check for the next two years, freeing him up to reward the rich on the backs of hardworking Americans. Republican leadership also gutted crucial provisions to help SNAP recipients, much-needed additional farm aid, and necessary investments in medical treatment and research.\n\n\u201cIn their reckless rush to cut taxes for the rich, Republicans are harming the well-being of working people in my district and across America. A government shutdown will devastate families, disrupt holiday travel, hurt small businesses, hurt veterans and children, and leave essential services like border security and TSA staffing unpaid. This is a reckless and avoidable crisis manufactured by partisans in the Republican party more concerned with holding our government hostage than fulfilling their basic duty to fund services that millions of Americans rely on.\n\n\u201cI won\u2019t stop fighting for the working class and I urge my colleagues across the aisle to come back to the table and put forth the bipartisan agreement that they negotiated.\"\n\nLegislative Losses \u2013 Key Provisions Removed from the Bipartisan Spending Agreement", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-applauds-governor-dewine-signing-her-anti-digital-tracking-legislation-into-law-continues-push-for-federal-action", "Rep. Sykes Applauds Governor DeWine Signing Her Anti-Digital Tracking Legislation Into Law, Continues Push for Federal Action", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Sykes Introduced the Legislation that is Expected to be Signed into Law by Governor DeWine Before the New Year\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) applauded Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for signing into law legislation that she introduced to prohibit a person from knowingly installing a tracking device or tracking application on another person\u2019s property without the other person\u2019s consent. The state legislation was originally introduced as H.B. 672 by then-Ohio Representative Sykes with bipartisan support and was her final bill introduction before being elected to Congress representing Ohio\u2019s 13th district. She has since introduced multiple pieces of legislation that will support H.B. 672 at the federal level.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that the Ohio Legislature has passed my legislation to protect Ohioans from an insidious \u2013 and previously legal \u2013 form of stalking,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cGeotracking devices are meant to be used to locate and keep track of property like luggage or keys, but when I served in the Ohio House of Representatives, a constituent from Akron made me aware that anyone can use this technology to secretly track or stalk people. The fact that there hadn\u2019t been any recourse for those who have had this technology used to track their location without their consent is unacceptable. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to pass a version of this important legislation so that no one has to live in fear of being electronically tracked without their consent.\u201d\n\nThough personal tracking devices like Apple AirTag and Tile are intended to track property, crimes have been reported across the country involving the use of these devices to stalk victims, specifically women being stalked by former spouses or relationship partners. The current federal stalking law does not explicitly ban unwanted location tracking using an electronic device.\n\nThat\u2019s why, in 2023 Rep. Sykes introduced the Stop Electronic Stalking Act, which would prohibit the use of personal tracking devices to track people without their consent. This legislation, which is based on Ohio\u2019s H.B. 672, would amend the federal criminal code\u2019s definition of stalking to codify that the unauthorized tracking of an individual by a GPS device qualifies as stalking to prevent victimization and penalize bad actors who use these devices for nefarious purposes.\n\nThe Stop Electronic Stalking Act is part of a comprehensive legislative package introduced by Rep. Sykes to prevent domestic violence, empower and support survivors, and keep families safe. In addition to banning the use of electronic devices to track people without their consent, the full Safer Homes and Families Actwould:\n\nExpand access to Social Security spousal benefits for individuals who divorce due to domestic abuse;\n\nTrain healthcare providers to better identify and treat individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence; and\n\nAllow individuals who are experiencing dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault to break their lease without adverse costs.\n\nRep. Sykes first became aware of this issue while serving in the Ohio House of Representatives after a constituent from Akron and an investigation from WKYC Cleveland 3 brought it to her attention. This constituent\u2019s former partner put a personal tracking device on her car and tracked her location for several months without her knowledge. Eventually with the help of the Akron Police Department, the constituent was able to locate and remove the tracking device but was surprised to learn that tracking someone electronically without their consent was not illegal under Ohio law. Rep. Sykes subsequently introduced Ohio H.B. 672, bipartisan legislation that would have prohibited a person from knowingly installing a tracking device or tracking application on another person\u2019s property without the other person\u2019s consent.\n\nIn addition to the Stop Electronic Stalking Act, Rep. Sykes also introduced an amendment to H.R. 4755, the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act, to support research to protect individuals from being tracked electronically without their consent. The House passed H.R. 4755, with Rep. Sykes\u2019 amendment, and it is awaiting action in the Senate.\n\nA longtime advocate for protecting survivors of domestic violence, Rep. Sykes\u2019 work on domestic violence issues has earned bipartisan praise and resulted in her priority legislation, Ohio H.B. 1, to be signed into law when she was in the Ohio House of Representatives. Ohio H.B. 1 gives victims of dating violence the ability to obtain civil protective orders against their attacker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-calls-on-house-republicans-to-safeguard-the-services-and-relief-american-families-need", "Rep. Sykes Calls on House Republicans to Safeguard the Services & Relief American Families Need", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued the following statement after a partisan government funding bill failed in the House of Representatives. This follows House Republicans\u2019 decision to go back on the bipartisan agreement to temporarily fund the government, threatening a shutdown.\n\n\u201cOnce again, House Republicans are partaking in petty politics that threaten a government shutdown without regard for the people who will feel the strain of their faux gamesmanship \u2013 the people who we\u2019re sworn to serve \u2013 right before the holiday season.\n\n\u201cDemocrats and Republicans in the House and Senate negotiated legislation and reached bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded and provide essential services and relief for those who need it most, including those in Ohio\u2019s 13th district, but the majority reneged because of a tweet and now, we\u2019re on the brink of a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cI am imploring House Republicans to immediately clean up the mess that they\u2019ve made and safeguard the services American families depend upon and I\u2019m ready to work with anyone who is serious about helping Ohio\u2019s 13th district and the American people.\u201d\n\nDemocrats and Republicans negotiated a continuing resolution to temporarily fund our government and keep critical services running for people and families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District through March 14, 2025. The temporary funding bill would extend funding levels for federal agencies and programs set to run out of funds at 12:00 A.M., December 21, 2024.\n\nA government shutdown would hurt working families in Ohio\u2019s 13th District, damage our economy, interrupt vital services, endanger our national security, and force millions of our troops and government employees to work without pay.\n\nThe Impacts of a Republican Shutdown on Families in Ohio and OH-13\n\nIn OH-13, If House Republicans Shut Down The Government:\n\nApproximately 11,296 people, including 2,756 infants and 5,860 children, in OH-13 would lose access to Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits in a prolonged shutdown.\n\n6,137 federal workers in OH-13 would be furloughed or forced to work without pay during a total government shutdown, in addition to the many employees of businesses with government contracts who could be laid off, furloughed, or see their hours cut.\n\nIn Ohio, If House Republicans Shut Down The Government:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kaptur-announces-usda-support-help-power-pioneer", "Congresswoman Kaptur Announces USDA Support to help Power Pioneer", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-and-deluzio-labor-caucus-co-chairs-norcross-pocan-dingell", "Kaptur and Deluzio, With Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Norcross, Pocan, Dingell, Horsford, Lead Letter To President Biden Calling To Block Nippon Steel Acquisition of US Steel", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Vice Chairs of the Congressional Labor Caucus Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) together with the Co-Chairs of the Labor Caucus Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) led a letter to President Biden calling for him to block the sale of American owned US Steel to a foreign buyer, Japanese owned Nippon Steel. This follows a previous letter in January 2024 led by Congresswoman Kaptur and Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Mark Pocan, Donald Norcross, Steven Horsford, and Debbie Dingell along with Representatives Chris Deluzio, Emilia Sykes, Nikki Budzinski, and 45 other bipartisan Members of Congress urging the Biden Administration to ensure a comprehensive regulatory review of Nippon Steel\u2019s acquisition of US Steel.\n\nOther signers include Representatives: Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Andre Carson (IN-02), Greg Casar (TX-37), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-06), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Katie Porter (CA-47), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Emilia Sykes (OH-13).\n\n\u201cAmerican steel manufacturing has been a cornerstone of our nation\u2019s industrial might for decades. Our ability to manage our production and domestic supply of steel is paramount to American national security and the stability of our economy. The proposed acquisition continues to raise serious concerns about how it might threaten the viability of US steel manufacturing,\u201d said the Members.\n\n\u201cGiven the thorough reviews of Nippon Steel\u2019s past trade practices that have unfairly endangered US steel manufacturing and steel worker jobs, as well as the known national security implications of its proposed acquisition of US Steel, we call for your strong repudiation of the merger on or before the December 22, 2024 end of CFIUS\u2019s third 90-day review period. The decision is critical to the stability of our industrial base and economic security as well as the guaranteeing of our steel supplies which are essential to our defense production,\u201d continued the Members.\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here, or reading below:\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe are writing with regards to the Administration\u2019s review of the announced acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel. American steel manufacturing has been a cornerstone of our nation\u2019s industrial might for decades. Our ability to manage our production and domestic supply of steel is paramount to American national security and the stability of our economy. The proposed acquisition continues to raise serious concerns about how it might threaten the viability of US steel manufacturing.\n\nWe welcome your statements since the announcement of the deal expressing your shared concern about the takeover and your inclination to prevent the deal from moving forward. As many of us signed the January 3, 2024 letter calling on your administration to \u201cuse all available tools to ensure comprehensive regulatory review of this deal and implications for US workers and our industrial base\u201d, we were pleased to see the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States\u2019s (CFIUS) deliberative investigation into the matter. The reported preliminary findings of CFIUS\u2019s investigations affirm our shared concerns regarding the deal\u2019s national security implications and the danger it poses to our domestic steel supplies, which remain so critical to our manufacturing and defense industries.\n\nDespite Nippon Steel\u2019s press releases and verbal reassurances in response to CFIUS\u2019s review that it will invest billions of dollars in US steel manufacturing while guaranteeing no related jobs will be transferred outside of the US, they have failed to put forth any enforceable commitments in writing to hold them to their word. In addition, recent findings by the Department of Commerce raise questions about the company\u2019s commitments to the US steel industry. On November 13, 2024, the International Trade Administration preliminarily determined that Nippon Steel dumped hot-rolled steel products on the US market by a margin of 29.03 percent during the period between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. The substantial increase in the dumping margin from the previous level of 1.39 percent is a worrisome trend that strongly suggests the company, while publicly promising to protect US steel workers, continues to embrace anti-competitive trade practices which will harm those same workers.\n\nGiven the thorough reviews of Nippon Steel\u2019s past trade practices that have unfairly endangered US steel manufacturing and steel worker jobs, as well as the known national security implications of its proposed acquisition of US Steel, we call for your strong repudiation of the merger on or before the December 22, 2024 end of CFIUS\u2019s third 90-day review period. The decision is critical to the stability of our industrial base and economic security as well as the guaranteeing of our steel supplies which are essential to our defense production. Thank you for your historic and continued support for American manufacturing and steel workers.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-winners-2024-9th-congressional-district-congressional", "Kaptur Announces Winners Of The 2024 9th Congressional District Congressional App Challenge", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2013 On Friday, December 16 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), hosted a reception at the National Museum of the Great Lakes to honor winners and other outstanding submission for the 9th District Congressional App Challenge. Twenty applications from five schools in Ohio\u2019s 9th Congressional District competed this year including students from: Bryan Middle School, Sandusky High School, The Bounty Collegium, Sylvania Northview High School and Sylvania Southview High School. Erie, Lucas and Williams Counties were each represented. The top 3 finalists included representatives from Bryan Middle School, Sandusky High School, and Sylvania Southview High School, and were announced and presented certificates of achievement as part of the reception.\n\nThis year\u2019s 1st Place honorees were Luke and Harrison Spitnale of Bryan Middle School in Williams County, Ohio. Luke and Harrison are brothers in 8th and 7th grade and submitted the mobile application, \u201cThe Bee Keeper\u201d which is designed to assist beekeepers to check weather conditions for inspection and predict how much honey their hive will produce. Luke and Harrison were inspired to create their \u201capp\u201d because their family harvests bees. The winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge will be invited to attend a #HouseofCode reception in Washington, DC in the Spring of 2025. Luke and Harrison\u2019s app will be on display in the US Capitol Building and will be featured on House.gov for one year. In addition to this, their app will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Luke and Harrison Spitnale of Bryan Middle School in Williams County, Ohio for winning Ohio\u2019s 9th District 2024 Congressional App Challenge. The Spitnale brother\u2019s mobile application, \u2018The Bee Keeper\u2019 is buzzing,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThis \u2018app\u2019 allows beekeepers to check weather conditions for inspection and predict how much honey their hive will produce. I appreciate all 20 submissions in this year\u2019s competition. Each team has shown passion and creativity through their work. They have also built critical computer science, engineering, and coding skills that prepare them for the workforce. I also want to extend special thanks to the outstanding computer science professionals and scholars from Northwest State Community College, University of Toledo, Lourdes University and Bowling Green State University- Firelands Campus for judging this year\u2019s competition.\u201d\n\nThis year\u2019s 2nd place honoree was Ishan Chopra of Sandusky High School in Erie County with his new financial literacy app, \u201cBuck$.\u201d Last year his his soccer App \u201cGOALS\u201d took first place. This year\u2019s 3rd place honorees were David Liu & Henry Shao of Sylvania Southview High School in Lucas County with their app \u201cSQUAREONE.\u201d Outstanding submissions were also received from The Bounty Collegium, Sylvania Northview High School and Sylvania Southview High School.\n\nA panel of judges selected winners and included administrators and professors specializing in computer science, engineering and the arts from higher education academic institutions within the 9th Congressional District. Judges included: Dr. Todd Hernandez, President of Northwest State Community College, Dr. Mary Robinson of Lourdes University, Dr. Nathan Percival of Bowling Green State University- Firelands Campus, and Dr. Robert Langenderfer and Dr. Ahmad Javaid of the University of Toledo.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a yearly competition available to every Congressional District across the United States. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage students from schools across Congressional districts to compete by creating and submitting a mobile application. The competition is an opportunity for young adults to explore coding and computer sciences as a STEM education field. The engagement gives them an opportunity to learn and expand new skills that are advantageous to their future careers.\n\nIn 2013, leaders of the House of Representatives and the Internet Education Foundation sought avenues to acknowledge and celebrate computer science and STEM education. Later that year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Resolution 77 \u2013 Academic Competition Resolution of 2013. This resolution was the architect for designing a computer science, or \u201capp\u201d competition that each House member could compete in. The inaugural Congressional App Challenge was held in 2015. Ohio\u2019s 9th Congressional District has participated in the Congressional App Challenge since 2019. In 2024, 20 teams registered for the 9th District challenge. In the first seven years of the Challenge, the Congressional App Challenge has inspired over 40,000 students across all 50 states to code for Congress.\n\nMore information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found by clicking here. Information about the 2023 9th District Congressional App Challenge winners and participants can be found by clicking here. Photos of the 9th Congressional District Congressional App Challenge recognition ceremony including of 1st and 2nd place winners can be found by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-federal-awards-boosting-utoledo-cancer-research", "Kaptur Announces Federal Awards Boosting UToledo Cancer Research", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Cancer Treatment Research ($524,419): Funding will support groundbreaking research aimed at advancing therapeutic options for cancer patients. This project underscores UToledo\u2019s commitment to tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.\n\nBiological Response to Environmental Health Hazards ($156,250): This award will enable researchers to explore the complex relationships between environmental factors and health outcomes, with potential implications for preventing cancer and other diseases.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-congratulates-the-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Rep. Sykes Congratulates the 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Today, during National Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced William Arrowood of Akron as the 2024 winner of the Congressional App Challenge for Ohio\u2019s 13th District.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to announce William Arrowood from Akron\u2019s NIHF STEM High School as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Ohio\u2019s 13th District. It is inspiring to see how William turned his interest in the stock market into a learning tool that can benefit others,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cThank you to every student who entered this competition \u2014 I\u2019m excited to see what you create next!\u201d\n\nWilliam is a student at National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) STEM High School in Akron. His app, \"How to Beat Bezos,\" is an innovative stock market simulator game that educates players on the nuances of buying and selling stocks for profit. You can watch a demonstration of William\u2019s app here: William Arrowood Congressional App Challenge Submission.\n\nEach year, the United States House of Representatives hosts the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide app building competition for middle and high school students. As the winner for Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, William\u2019s app will be proudly displayed in the Capitol, where visitors from across the country and the world can appreciate his innovation and creativity. He will also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. this spring for the annual #HouseOfCode event, which features winners from across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-hosts-girls-in-steam-app-building-bootcamp", "Rep. Sykes Hosts Girls in S.T.E.A.M. App Building Bootcamp", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Event aims to connect middle school students with opportunities in the S.T.E.A.M. field\n\nAKRON, OH \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a Girls in S.T.E.A.M. App Building Bootcamp at Stark State Akron. Girls from Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, from Nordonia to Canton, learned how to create their own apps, and heard from a local engineering firm president about her career.\n\n\u201cWhen we empower girls to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, we pave the way for innovation, diversity, and a brighter future for us all. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, one of my personal priorities is increasing diversity and representation in our S.T.E.A.M. workforce. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to host this event, so girls and young women in Ohio\u2019s 13th District can learn more about computer science and maybe be inspired to become the scientists, engineers, doctors, and software developers of the future,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nThe Girls in S.T.E.A.M. initiative, presented by Rep. Sykes, aims to enlighten and inspire girls and young women to pursue professions in science, technology, engineering, art, and math to solve real-world problems which will improve our communities. Girls in S.T.E.A.M. is open to middle school-aged girls from anywhere in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.\n\nDuring the event, Halle Jones Capers, the President of Halle\u2019s Engineering & Design, shared her journey to becoming an engineer and starting her own firm. Sam Appleby, the computer science teacher at NIHF STEM High School, taught the girls how to create their own apps.\n\n\u201cIt was such a joy to speak with the girls about my career journey and careers in engineering. Engineers use math and science to improve lives and our communities through our designs. I could see the intrigue and interest in their faces and hear it in their questions they posed to me after I spoke. I am so encouraged that this event has planted and watered seeds of interest in STEAM fields,\u201d said Halle Jones Capers, the President of Halle\u2019s Engineering & Design.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-backs-bipartisan-ndaa-fund-military-operations-and-provide", "Kaptur Backs Bipartisan NDAA To Fund Military Operations and Provide Unprecedented Pay Raise For American Troops", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act of 2025. The legislation passed by a vote of 281 to 140, and now moves to the United States Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cAs a senior Defense Appropriator, I greatly appreciate the work of the defense authorizing committees and their collaboration in working to support our servicemembers at home and abroad,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cOhio is home to over 31,000 servicemembers including those in the active duty, reserve, and National Guard and this legislation authorizes $121.1 Million for new projects to support them and our entire Northwest Ohio community. This legislation provides an unprecedented 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members, ensuring those who serve our nation are rewarded for their commitment to the cause of Liberty and defense of our grateful nation.\u201d\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a topline of $883.7 Billion in discretionary funding, including:\n\n$849.9 Billion for the Department of Defense\n\n$33.3 Billion for the Department of Energy\n\n$500 Million for defense-related activities\n\n$121.1 Million for defense related upgrades and projects at instillations across the State of Ohio\n\n14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members\n\n4.5% pay raise for all other service members\n\nAdditionally, the NDAA includes provisions designed to promote energy efficient practices and lessen environmental impacts while focusing on threats to the environment and the health of service members by requiring the Department of Defense to procure PFAS-free cleaning products to the extent practicable and repealing the limitation on procurement of drop-in biofuels/sustainable aviation fuels. In January, 2022, while serving as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Congresswoman Kaptur announced almost $250 Million to support research through projects and programs that reduce and eliminate lead and forever chemicals, PFAS, from drinking water. This research was funded through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Congresswoman Kaptur championed and helped pass into law in November 2021.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-introduces-legislation-expand-work-based-health-care", "Congresswoman Brown Introduces Legislation to Expand Work-Based Health Care Education Opportunities", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) introduced legislation to help more students pursue careers in health care and address the nation\u2019s health care workforce shortage. The Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act authorizes a new federal demonstration grant program to help hospitals create or expand work-based learning programs for high school students.\n\nCongresswoman Brown\u2019s legislation would allow hospitals and schools across the country to follow the blueprint established by MetroHealth and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). CMSD\u2019s Lincoln-West School of Science and Health is the only high school in America with classrooms located in a hospital. For more information on the partnership between Lincoln-West and the MetroHealth System, click here.\n\nIn 2023, Congresswoman Brown hosted a roundtable at MetroHealth highlighting this innovative program with US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and officials from MetroHealth and Lincoln-West.\n\nThe Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act, introduced with 19 cosponsors, authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award at least 20 demonstration grants across the country. Health care is one of the largest and fastest-growing employment sectors in the country, with widespread projections of a health care workforce shortage in coming years.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce the Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act \u2013 legislation that is good for students, good for patients, and good for our country. My new bill would allow hospitals and schools across the country to follow the blueprint that MetroHealth and Lincoln-West High School established in Northeast Ohio, creating a new federal grant program for work-based education programs at hospitals across the country. Earlier this Congress, I had the privilege of visiting the Lincoln-West and MetroHealth classrooms and to meet with recent graduates and educators. Thanks to this innovative program, hundreds of local students gain invaluable, hands-on experience that prepares them to enter the health care workforce, at MetroHealth,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. \u201cExpanding this model beyond Northeast Ohio would provide similar opportunities for students, while growing the workforce in the future so more care and service can be provided.\n\n\u201cFirst and foremost, I want to thank Congresswomen Shontel Brown for introducing this important legislation which will introduce more individuals to health care careers, help address the workforce shortages we face and strengthen the workforce pipeline,\u201d said MetroHealth President and CEO Christine Alexander, MD. \u201cLincoln-West School of Science & Health at MetroHealth, which opened in 2016, has been one of our proudest achievements and we are so honored that it is serving as a model for this proposal. We want other hospitals and school districts across the country to be able to take advantage of the tremendous benefits we have realized.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe strongly support The Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act of 2024 as a pathway to expand our school, and for other schools to follow our innovative model,\u201d said Lisa Farmer Cole, Cleveland Metropolitan School District\u2019s Chief of External Affairs. \u201cWe are teaching health care with an equity lens, Farmer Cole said. This bill supports CMSD\u2019s Core Value of Equity and Inclusion, by allowing our scholars to have hands-on learning opportunities and a pipeline to the workforce.\u201d\n\nThe Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act is cosponsored by: Rep. Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Rep. Erica Lee Carter (TX-18), Rep. Troy Carter Sr. (LA-02), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rep. Ted Leiu (CA-36), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) and Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05).\n\nBill text available here.\n\nThe Expanding the Health Care Workforce Act\n\nAuthorizes a new demonstration grant program for hospital systems to partner with schools to develop programs that address workforce shortages by exposing students to the field of health care and giving them hands-on learning opportunities.\n\nGrant program administered by Department of Health and Human Services.\n\nGrants would support programs allowing students to obtain high school diploma while placing them in health care focused work-based learning programs.\n\nGrants would be awarded to health care providers seeking to expand or develop work-based learning programs.\n\nGrant applications from hospitals serving a medically underserved population, located in a medically underserved community, or a community or rural hospital will be prioritized.\n\nGrants are to be awarded equally across ten geographic regions of the country.\n\nLegislation authorizes grant program for five years, requires at least 20 award grants.\n\nThe Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Education is required to report to Congress on the success of the demonstration program within five years of its implementation.\n\nHealthcare occupations make up approximately 10% of total US employment according to the Department of Labor.\n\nOver the next decade, employment growth for practitioners (nurses, dentists, therapists etc.) is projected to be 8% and healthcare support occupations (aides, assistants, etc.) is projected to be 15%. The average growth for all occupations is just 3%.\n\nThe American Hospital Association projects a workforce shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers by 2028.\n\nFor detailed shortage projections by field from the federal Bureau of Health Workforce, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-invites-constituents-to-attend-2025-presidential-inauguration", "Rep. Sykes Invites Constituents to Attend 2025 Presidential Inauguration", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) is inviting residents of Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to request tickets to the Presidential Inauguration on January 20th, 2025.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to offer residents of Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District an opportunity to witness the Presidential Inauguration in person and my team and I look forward to welcoming constituents to the nation\u2019s capital,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nResidents who are interested in submitting a request should contact the Congresswoman\u2019s Washington, D.C. office by Friday, December 13th at 5:00 p.m. by calling 202-225-6265. Rep. Sykes\u2019 office has a limited number of tickets available, which will be awarded through a lottery system. Rep. Sykes\u2019 office will begin notifying winners of the lottery on Monday, December 16th.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-to-authorize-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act", "Rep. Sykes Votes to Authorize Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan legislation responds to local water resources needs in Ohio\u2019s 13th District\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in support of S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). This bipartisan legislation authorizes projects to strengthen the flood protection and resiliency of our communities, invest in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to complete ecosystem restoration that maintains America\u2019s vital natural resources. The Water Resources Development Act now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to support this bipartisan legislation, which authorizes funding for a variety of local projects that will improve water quality and infrastructure throughout Ohio\u2019s 13th District,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cIn Congress, I\u2019ll keep working to ensure the water resource needs of our communities are met.\u201d\n\nRep. Sykes, the only member of Ohio\u2019s Congressional Delegation to serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is the Vice Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which has jurisdiction over matters relating to water resources development, conservation and management, water pollution control and water infrastructure, and hazardous waste cleanup.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act includes several provisions that Rep. Sykes advocated for on behalf of the people of Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, including:\n\nSummit County Environmental Infrastructure New Authority: Creates and authorizes Summit County Environmental Infrastructure New Authority at $25 million to fund projects such as Akron Water Main Replacement, Akron Lead Service Line Replacement, Castle Boulevard Storm Water Improvements in Akron, West Market Street Waterline Replacement in Fairlawn, New Franklin South Main Street Storm Water replacement in Village of New Franklin, Stratford Street Waterline in Barberton, Rosemont Preserve in Fairlawn.\n\nStark County Environmental Infrastructure New Authority: Creates and authorizes Stark County Environmental Infrastructure Authority at $23.9 million to fund projects such as the Cromer Water Storage Reservoir Replacement Project in Canton, Ohio Erie Canalway Lock IV Park updates, and the Sanitary Sewer Project for the Community of North Lawrence.\n\nCleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS): Requires that up to 70% of dredged materials need to be used for beneficial use so long as the material is not contaminated. This will ensure that the Port of Cleveland can use the dredged material to help develop their CHEERS project, which plans for additional parkland and habitat along Cleveland\u2019s Lake Erie shoreline in proximity to the St. Clair-Superior and Glenville neighborhoods.\n\nLock and Dam Remote Operations Protections: Requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain local on-site operations for locks and dams and prevent the jobs from being outsourced for 10 years.\n\nOhio's Environmental Infrastructure Program: Increases Ohio\u2019s Environmental Infrastructure Program authorization by $1.1 million to be used for projects such as wastewater treatment and related facilities, combined sewer overflow, water supply, storage, treatment, and related facilities, mine drainage, environmental restoration, and surface water resources protection and development.\n\nHarmful Algae Bloom Project: Address harmful algal blooms by prioritizing activities that reduce nutrient pollution, use natural and nature-based approaches, and protect wetlands.\n\nCorrosion Prevention: Encourages coordination with apprenticeship programs and National standard best practices when conducting corrosion prevention activities.\n\nMiami Conservatory District Study: Develops a risk-based prioritization of recapitalization and rehabilitation of the 100-year-old integrated flood protection system along the Great Miami River and in the Miami Valley. This feasibility study is a proactive step in maintaining the safety of residents, the uninterrupted activities of commerce, and the preservation of critical recreational space and local natural ecosystems.\n\nSt. Marys River Study: Examines deepening the upbound channel of the St. Marys River in the vicinity of Neebish Island.\n\nBank Stabilization and Protection Projects: Increases funding authorization for projects to protect public and non-profit infrastructure from flood and storm damages due to erosion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-to-pass-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Sykes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan Legislation Includes Key Ohio Priorities, Pay Raise for Service Members\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the country\u2019s annual national defense bill. The legislation contains $122.1 million for key military construction projects that will deliver for Ohio military installations and the communities that support them. This final version of the bill was negotiated with the U.S. Senate, and is expected to pass the Senate before heading to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to sign this bipartisan legislation that includes critical investments to improve Ohio\u2019s military facilities, creating jobs for Ohioans across the state,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cI\u2019m disappointed that the majority used this bipartisan bill as an opportunity to play politics with our service members and their families. However, the legislation also includes a significant \u2013 and well earned \u2013 pay raise for junior enlisted service members, which will bolster recruitment and retention across our branches of military.\u201d\n\nThe annual defense package includes investments to improve Ohio\u2019s military installations, and create jobs for Ohioans, including:\n\nWright-Patterson Air Force Base: Total $83.1 million\n\nAdvanced Materials Research Laboratory: $9.2 million\n\nSpace Force Intelligence Center (Design): $1.9 million\n\nArmy National Guard Lima: $26 million for a Readiness Center\n\nRickenbacker International Airport: $6 million for a Small Arms Range\n\nYoungstown Air Force Reserve Station (YARS): $25 million for Fire Station construction.\n\nAlong with Ohio\u2019s military construction priorities, the NDAA also includes provisions that will support the objectives of the National Defense Strategy, strengthen the all-volunteer force, support servicemembers and military families, and equip our servicemembers to protect the country from any threat. Those provisions include:\n\nPay and Compensation\n\nA 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members.\n\nReevaluating how cost-of-living allowances are calculated so they include the appropriate costs of location-specific items such as food, tolls, and other fees that may be charged in the continental United States or outside the continental U.S.\n\nHealth Care\n\nRequiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide access to specialty medical providers.\n\nEstablishing a program to prevent and manage perinatal mental health conditions.\n\nProviding tele-mental health care services to service members and their dependents regardless of the location of the provider or patient.\n\nChildcare", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-led-legislation-renaming-us-route-20-national-medal-honor", "Kaptur Led Legislation Renaming US Route 20 As \u201cNational Medal of Honor Highway\u201d Passes House, Heads To President\u2019s Desk To Be Signed Into Law", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cRenaming US Route 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway is an important step to recognize and memorialize the contribution of those who have earned the highest honor our armed forces have to offer,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cI was honored to support this effort at the state level in Ohio, and am even more gratified to have my House colleague\u2019s support to pass it in the House today. Three hundred thirty-one Ohioans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, several of whom hail from communities along US Route 20. With this bill\u2019s passage, I know Northern Ohio \u2014 from Williams to Ashtabula County \u2014 will join the nation in paying tribute to the valor of its Medal of Honor recipients. It was an honor to help lead this legislation. I look forward to it being signed into law by the President.\u201d\n\nRedesignating US Highway 20 \u2014 the longest continuous highway in the United States \u2014 as the \u201cNational Medal of Honor Highway\u201d will honor each state\u2019s current and future Medal of Honor recipients and recipients from any state who travel it. Jacob Parrott of Kenton, Ohio was the first Medal of Honor recipient for his role as a Union soldier in the Civil War operation known as Andrew\u2019s Raid. Ultimately, 22 soldiers who volunteered for the Andrews Raid of April, 1862 were honored including William J. Knight who was captured in the Raid and later escaped. Knight was awarded the Medal of Honor in September, 1863 and lived the rest of his life in Williams County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-honors-shirley-chisholm-house-floor", "Congresswoman Brown Honors Shirley Chisholm on House Floor", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) delivered remarks celebrating the legacy of the Honorable Shirley Chisholm and the House passed legislation to award Chisholm the Congressional Gold Medal. Chisholm made history as the first Black woman to serve in Congress in 1969 and as the first Black woman to run for President as a major party candidate in 1972.\n\nCongresswoman Brown delivered her remarks as part of a Congressional Black Caucus Special Order Hour Tuesday recognizing Chisholm\u2019s 100th Birthday. On Wednesday the House unanimously passed The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 4243). This legislation, which passed the Senate last week, posthumously awards Chisholm the Congressional Gold Medal. It now heads to President Biden for his signature.\n\nSince 1776, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.\n\nCongresswoman Brown\u2019s Remarks as Delivered (Youtube):\n\nThank you, thank you, thank you Shield Cherfilus-McCormick, the gentlelady from Florida for your recognition.\n\nAnd thank you for pulling the CBC together for this Special Order Hour, along with my colleague from Illinois, Mr. Jonathan Jackson.\n\nI am honored to join my CBC colleagues in recognition of the 100th Birthday of the great Shirley Chisholm here in the House Chamber.\n\nAnd it\u2019s so appropriate that we are here, because this is one of the places where Shirley made history.\n\nOn January 3, 1969\u2026 she was the first Black woman to walk into this Chamber as a member of Congress.\n\nThat was the 91st Congress of the United States.\n\nMeaning that the first 90 Congresses\u2026 dating back to 1789\u2026 had not featured a Black woman.\n\nAnd of course, most Congresses had not featured many women\u2026 or many Black representatives at all.\n\nIn fact, the same day that Congresswoman Chisholm was sworn in\u2026\n\n\u2026my predecessor representing Northeast Ohio, the Honorable Louis Stokes\u2026 another founding member of the CBC\u2026 also took office\u2026\n\nBeing the first Black member of Congress from Ohio, after 166 years of statehood.\n\nThat is why I have so much pride when I look at my colleagues.\n\nBecause we are here now.\n\nAnd it started with Shirley Chisholm.\n\nAnd Shirley Chisholm served, legislated, and lived, like she was making up for lost time.\n\nMaking up for all the times that people like her had been shut out of the conversation\u2026 or left out of the room.\n\nThat\u2019s why her legacy is so strong today.\n\nShe wasn\u2019t just A First\u2026 she wasn\u2019t just a historical footnote\u2026 she was a fighter.\n\nShirley Chisholm was someone who came here on Day One and demanded to be heard and demanded that her constituents be heard.\n\nSo she fought, unbought and unbossed\u2026\n\nFor nutrition benefits for people in need\u2026\n\nFor child care...\n\nFor universal health care\u2026\n\nAnd for justice for Black women and Black Americans and all people in this country.\n\nAnd these fights are not over.\n\nAs we head into a new Congress next year, along with a new President\u2026 it is clear that many of these same battles will be fought anew.\n\nTherefore, as we celebrate Congresswoman Chisholm\u2019s 100th Birthday, let us also all draw strength from her example and the courage to carry on her legacy.\n\nAnd with that Mr. Speaker, I yield back.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-celebrates-house-passage-of-bill-to-name-akron-post-office-after-judge-james-r-williams", "Rep. Sykes Celebrates House Passage of Bill to Name Akron Post Office After Judge James R. Williams", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement celebrating the passage of her bill to rename the 675 Wolf Ledges Parkway Post Office in Akron, Ohio as the \u201cJudge James Williams Post Office Building.\u201d The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cJudge Williams was a legal luminary, whose unwavering dedication to justice paved the way for future generations of leaders in Akron and across the country,\u201d said Rep. Sykes on the House floor. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead the effort to rename the Wolf Ledges Post Office in Akron to honor his memory and to serve as a reminder of the ongoing impact of his legacy on our community.\u201d\n\nWATCH: Rep. Sykes spoke on the House floor in support of passing her bill to rename the post office.\n\nMr. James Williams was a University of Akron alumnus, a civil rights leader, a former Akron City Councilman, the first African American to serve as a Summit County Court of Common Pleas Judge, and was among the first African Americans to graduate from the University of Akron School of Law after it became affiliated with the University in 1959. Judge Williams passed away on Friday, November 6, 2020 and is survived by his wife, Jewell Cardwell-Williams; two children, Michael and Jacqueline Walton; and four grandchildren.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-over-2-million-nfwf-environmental-awards-toledo-and", "Kaptur Announces Over $2 Million in NFWF Environmental Awards for Toledo and Sandusky Bay to Strengthen Coastal Resilience and Ecosystem Restoration", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, OH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced two major environmental awards for a total of $2.453 Million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) aimed at advancing coastal resilience and restoring critical wetlands in the Great Lakes region. These NFWF awards will support critical projects in Toledo and Sandusky Bay, both essential to safeguarding the region\u2019s natural habitats and boosting climate resilience for local communities.\n\nThe first award, Advancing Nature-based Coastal Resilience across the Great Lakes Region, will support ongoing restoration projects in Toledo and five other Great Lakes cities in partnership with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. The $1.94 Million award will help implement nature-based solutions to restore habitats and enhance resilience along the region\u2019s vulnerable shorelines. In Toledo, this initiative will be carried out in partnership with TMACOG, and focus on addressing streambank erosion and improving wetland, aquatic, and riparian habitats along the Ottawa River, critical areas threatened by climate change and severe weather.\n\n\u201cBy using nature-based solutions to address the impacts of climate change, we are ensuring that our communities, natural ecosystems, and local economies remain resilient in the face of increasing storm events and lake level fluctuations,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThis award will further enhance our environmental assets while safeguarding Toledo\u2019s waterfront for future generations.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, the Inner Sandusky Bay Wetlands Restoration project will receive a $513,500 award in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to restore 500 acres of critical wetlands within Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie\u2019s largest drowned river mouth. These wetlands have been severely degraded by high water levels, increased storm frequency, and excess nutrient runoff from agricultural practices. This restoration will not only help reduce wave energy and coastal flooding but will also revitalize essential habitats for wildlife, including fish, birds, and aquatic species.\n\n\u201cThe Sandusky Bay wetlands are an ecological treasure, but they have suffered due to decades of degradation,\u201d continued Congresswoman Kaptur. \u201cRestoring these wetlands will have far-reaching benefits, from reducing flood risks to revitalizing habitats that support local biodiversity. This award will help transform Sandusky Bay into a more resilient and vibrant ecosystem, ensuring it remains a valuable, arable resource for our Northwest Ohio region.\u201d\n\nBoth projects administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are coordinated in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the environmental grantee organizations. The restoration efforts will provide environmental and economic benefits by improving water quality, supporting local wildlife, and enhancing recreational opportunities throughout our Great Lakes.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ohio-celebrates-congresswoman-beatty-s-lifelong-fight-for-equality-with-hall-of-fame-honor", "Ohio Celebrates Congresswoman Beatty\u2019s Lifelong  Fight for Equality with Hall of Fame Honor", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "COLUMBUS, OH \u2014Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Commission\u2019s 15th Civil Rights Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Lincoln Theatre. Alongside ten fellow honorees, Congresswoman Beatty was celebrated as a pioneering leader in civil and human rights and a champion of equality and inclusion.\n\nThe Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to civil rights, cultural awareness, and understanding, advancing a more just society.\n\n\"It is a profound honor to be recognized alongside such remarkable individuals,\" said Congresswoman Beatty. \"This induction is not just a reflection of my journey but a testament to the power each of us holds to stand up for equality. Civil rights isn\u2019t just a chapter in history\u2014it\u2019s a commitment to justice that each of us must carry forward.\"\n\nCongresswoman Beatty has been a trailblazing leader in civil rights throughout her career. She has marched alongside Martin Luther King III, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Reverend Jesse Jackson. As a state legislator, she established Ohio\u2019s Rosa Parks Day, making Ohio the first state to recognize this civil rights icon. Breaking barriers, she became Ohio\u2019s first female Democratic House Leader.\n\nIn Congress, Beatty is known as the powerful and productive Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). She spoke at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, co-sponsored the bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday, and helped President Joe Biden pass the $1.3 trillion Infrastructure Bill. She also advised the President on his 2022 Executive Order addressing police brutality and chaired Congress\u2019s first Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee. Currently, Beatty leads the CBC Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.\n\nHer dedication to civil rights has earned her various accolades, including the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Award. Congresswoman Beatty serves as a National Campaign Advisor for Vice President Kamala Harris and has been included on EBONY magazine's \"Power 150\" list of influential African Americans.\n\nThe Ohio Civil Rights Commission commended Congresswoman Beatty and the other inductees for their enduring contributions to equality and inclusion.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-1-million-small-community-air-service-development", "Kaptur Announces $1 Million Small Community Air Service Development Award for Toledo Express Airport", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2013 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that the US Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $1 Million to the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport in federal investment through its Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) for a revenue guarantee and associated marketing plan to recruit, initiate, and support new service to a large hub. Congresswoman Kaptur wrote a letter of support for this project that can be found by clicking here.\n\nThis award will fund the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to pursue agreements with new service providers to return service to large hubs that will allow for connecting flights to worldwide destinations. A similar SCASDP award secured by Congresswoman Kaptur in 2011 allowed for service between Charlotte and Chicago. Congresswoman Kaptur previously represented the airport from 1983-2013, and resumed representation of the airport under new Congressional district lines in 2023. Service to Charlotte and Chicago was lost in 2022 under previous Congressional representation.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to announce this $1 Million award that will help to restore greater passenger services to and from Toledo Express Airport. With unprecedented challenges facing our aviation community, this award will provide much needed support to strengthen commercial air service for residents of Northwest Ohio and our surrounding region,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThe expansion of commercial service to Toledo Express Airport is one of my top priorities after updated congressional districts brought it back into OH-09. We are now one step closer to making that dream a reality. I look forward to continued conversation and partnerships with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to boost our region\u2019s economic competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for this Small Community Air Service Development Grant, as it directly supports our efforts to expand and improve air service at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport,\u201d said Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. \u201cThis funding will provide us with additional resources to secure new routes out of TOL, ultimately making air travel more accessible for the residents of Northwest Ohio. We are excited for what this means for the future of additional air service out of Toledo\u2019s local airport.\u201d\n\nThe Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), is a grant program designed to help small communities address air service and airfare issues, and is managed by the Associate Director for Small Community Air Service Development under the Office of Aviation Analysis. SCASDP\u2019s provides a grant applicant the opportunity to self-identify its air service deficiencies and propose an appropriate solution. SCASDP can involve, among others, revenue guarantees, financial assistance for marketing programs, start-up costs, and studies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-support-toledo-lucas-county-port-authority-small-community-air", "Letter of support for Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program  Application", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "October 31, 2024\nPress Release\nDocument\nPort authority airport 24.pdf\n(60.99 KB)\nIssues\n:\nJobs and the Economy", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-840480-for-infrastructure-improvement-in-the-city-of-akron", "Rep. Sykes Announces $840,480 for Infrastructure Improvement in the City of Akron", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the Federal Railroad Administration awarded the City of Akron a grant totaling $840,480 to upgrade its infrastructure.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce this federal investment in our community, which will help make everyone more safe by increasing the visibility of railroad crossings. As the only Ohioan on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue working to bring federal funding home to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to upgrade our infrastructure,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\"Public safety is the top priority for my administration and this funding will undoubtedly make our city's rail crossings safer for everyone,\" said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. \"I am thankful to Representative Sykes for her continued advocacy on behalf of our community.\"\n\nThe grant will be used to continue to improve high-level rail at-grade crossing and bridge improvements throughout the City of Akron. This will improve the safety of our community by making crossings more visible. This grant is a part of the Federal Railroad Administration\u2019s Railroad Crossing Elimination program, which invests in projects to construct grade separations, upgrade safety devices at crossings, or close at-grade crossings where roads and train tracks intersect.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-over-31-million-for-rail-infrastructure-improvements-for-the-ohio-rail-development-commission", "Rep. Sykes Announces over $3.1 million for Rail Infrastructure Improvements for the Ohio Rail Development Commission", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Federal Railroad Administration awarded the Ohio Rail Development Commission a grant totaling $3,166,384 to upgrade rail infrastructure in Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. Rep. Sykes is the only Ohioan on the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\n\n\u201cIt is vital that we upkeep our rail lines to make our railroads and the communities surrounding them safer. These funds will do just that, and will even re-open several miles of rail in our region that is in need of repair. I will continue working to bring federal funding home to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to upgrade our infrastructure, thereby bolstering our economy,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nThis money will fund the final design and construction for track rehabilitation and grade crossing improvements on the RJ Corman Cleveland line in Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties. The project will rehabilitate over 24 miles of track, including the re-establishment of service on three miles of track in eastern Ohio. Completion of the project will result in the removal of numerous slow orders and enhance the economic competitiveness of Appalachian communities along the line.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-over-32-million-for-technological-innovations-for-the-ohio-department-of-transportation", "Rep. Sykes Announces over $3.2 million for Technological Innovations for the Ohio Department of Transportation", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Federal Highway Administration awarded the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) a $3,292,000 grant for further development of iModel technology, which will be used to improve the management of construction sites and engineering activities for ODOT statewide.\n\n\u201cThis funding will not only benefit ongoing ODOT projects in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District but the entire state of Ohio. Emerging technologies give us the opportunity to innovate, improve our systems, protect workers, and use resources efficiently, and these funds will ensure ODOT can do just that,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nThis funding was awarded under the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems Program, which funds projects for digital technologies and processes for management of construction and engineering activities. This grant allows ODOT to implement advanced digital modeling technologies, which will enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of its infrastructure projects. By using data-rich models and advanced project delivery technologies, ODOT can better design, construct, inspect, and maintain roads and bridges, thereby reducing project costs, improving timelines, and enhancing public involvement. This innovation translates to a safer, longer-lasting infrastructure system for the public.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-shontel-brown-secures-500000-federal-funding-may-dugan-center", "Congresswoman Shontel Brown Secures $500,000 in Federal Funding for May Dugan Center Expansion and Renovation", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland, OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) is excited to announce that the May Dugan Center has been awarded $500,000. The funding, secured through Congresswoman Brown\u2019s Community Project Funding (CPF) request, was signed into law in March 2024 and will enable the expansion and renovation of the center\u2019s facilities, allowing it to expand its essential programming for Cleveland\u2019s communities.\n\nLast week, Congresswoman Brown visited the May Dugan Center to celebrate this investment and highlight its significance for the community. This grant will support the May Dugan Center\u2019s service to more than 23,000 individuals and families across Cleveland. The Center provides food assistance, clothing, behavioral health counseling, adult education, job placement services, victim support, trauma counseling, and more.\n\nPhotos for Media Here\n\n\u201cThe May Dugan Center has been a lifeline for countless families and individuals in our community,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. \u201cI am proud to have secured this funding to ensure that they can continue their mission and reach even more residents with the support they need to thrive.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-beatty-nadler-williams-urge-cms-to-protect-pregnant-patients-rights-in-drug-testing", "Reps. Beatty, Nadler & Williams Urge CMS to  Protect Pregnant Patients\u2019 Rights in Drug Testing", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05) led a group of House members in sending a letter requesting that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) include guidance on informed consent prior to drug testing of pregnant patients in the proposed obstetric care Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) included in the proposed CY2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). The letter was consigned by Reps. Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Brown (OH-11), DeGette (CO-01), Schakowsky (IL-09), and Watson Coleman (NJ-12).\n\nThe risk of arrest, prosecution, or family separation following a positive toxicology test makes patients afraid to access health and medical services during pregnancy, putting them and their fetus at an increased risk of harm. While the Supreme Court determined in 2001 that diagnostic tests on pregnant patients without the patient\u2019s consent constitutes an unreasonable search, drug testing of pregnant patients without their consent is still a relatively common practice.\n\nThe members write: \"As members of Congress committed to improving the health and safety of our pregnant, birthing, and postpartum constituents, we write to commend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for promulgating a thoughtfully considered proposed rule that establishes obstetric care Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs). As part of our efforts to advance the health and safety of all patients, we encourage CMS to incorporate guidance into the final rule that reduces roadblocks for pregnant patients with substance use disorder (SUD) seeking prenatal care.\n\nSUD is a leading cause of maternal death and can also have severe health consequences for infants. However, research has shown that increasing prenatal care for pregnant people with SUD can improve both maternal health outcomes and birth outcomes.\"\n\nIn an effort to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, the letter requests that CMS:\n\nProvide guidance for providers on how to obtain informed consent for drug testing during the prenatal period and during labor and delivery.\n\nProhibit drug testing of people during pregnancy and labor and delivery without the patient\u2019s informed consent.\n\nEnhance provider training requirements regarding SUD during pregnancy.\n\nThe members continued:\"CMS should include guidance for medical providers in the obstetric care CoPs on obtaining informed consent for drug toxicology testing during the prenatal period and during labor and delivery. The risk of arrest, prosecution, or family separation following a positive toxicology test makes patients afraid to access health and medical services during pregnancy, putting them and their fetus at an increased risk of harm.\n\nMaternal toxicology testing often takes the form of a verbal screen or urine test to monitor for conditions such as diabetes or preeclampsia. However, many pregnant patients are not informed that the urine tests can also be used to screen for substance use. Additionally, doctors have reported that because urine tests are regularly provided in prenatal care, patients are not given an option to refuse urine drug testing...\n\n...This high occurrence of drug testing of people during pregnancy and labor and delivery without informed consent is concerning, as experts warn that nonconsensual drug testing can undermine trust between patients and providers. In fact, research found that the most common strategy that pregnant patients with SUD employ to avoid their provider detecting their substance use is to skip medical visits or avoid prenatal care altogether...\n\n.... Ensuring that pregnant patients are aware of all potential ramifications that could result from any medical test in advance of a patient consenting to that test will assuage fears and encourage patients to seek essential prenatal care. Therefore, CMS should incorporate guidance into the obstetric care CoPs that specifically prohibits drug testing of pregnant, birthing, and postpartum patients without their informed consent. CMS should ensure that any updated guidance related to informed consent and drug testing of pregnant patients is not redundant with or in conflict with current requirements mandated by existing state or federal policy.\"\n\n\"Hospitals must be places of care and comfort, not fear. Our research shows that the majority of pregnancy-related criminal cases begin in a health care setting,\" said Pregnancy Justice President Lourdes A. Rivera. \"Ensuring that providers obtain informed consent before unnecessarily drug testing patients is one important step in building trust and improving maternal health outcomes. We are thrilled that Reps. Nadler, Beatty, and Williams are urging this vital guidance to protect pregnant people from criminalization and family separation.\"\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-announces-94-million-awarded-port-cleveland-thanks", "Congresswoman Brown Announces $94 Million Awarded to Port of Cleveland Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announce that the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority has been awarded $94,261,128 thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.\n\nThe Port Authority has been awarded a Clean Ports Program grant, which was supported with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, and provides funding for zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. The Port of Cleveland was one of 55 applicants to be awarded a Clean Ports grant. For a full list, click here.\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce that over $94 million in federal funding is coming to the Port of Cleveland thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Port of Cleveland is an essential economic engine for Northeast Ohio and this funding will help ensure the Port is more sustainable, supporting good jobs and a cleaner environment. The competitive grant award reflects the strength of the Port of Cleveland\u2019s commitment to climate action and the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s commitment to giving communities the resources they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nThe grant will support electric cargo handling equipment and vessels, charging infrastructure and solar generation, and vessel shore power at the Port of Cleveland.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-over-36-million-for-infrastructure-improvements-to-akron-canton-regional-airport", "Rep. Sykes Announces Over $3.6 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Akron-Canton Regional Airport", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GREEN, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Akron-Canton Regional Airport two grants totaling $3.6 million to upgrade its infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThe Akron-Canton Regional Airport is an important economic driver in Northeast Ohio, and these funds will ensure this airport can continue to grow and serve our community safely and efficiently. I will continue working to bring federal funding home to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to upgrade our infrastructure, thereby bolstering our economy,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cWe are immensely grateful to Congresswoman Sykes for her continued advocacy and support of the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK),\u201d said Ren Camacho, President and CEO of CAK. \u201cThe Federal Aviation Administration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants will allow us to make significant improvements to our facilities, enhancing both safety and the overall customer experience. These investments are crucial to our commitment to serving the community and ensuring the airport remains a vital asset to the region\u2019s growth and connectivity.\u201d\n\nBoth grants are in the amount of $1.8 million and are part of the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Terminal Program. One grant will be used to replace and install two passenger boarding bridges and associated pre-conditioned air units. The second grant will be used to replace four baggage carousels that are past their useful life and require replacement of outdated parts that are extremely difficult to attain from current industry vendors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-ohio-speaker-of-the-house-jo-ann-davidson", "Rep. Sykes Statement on the Passing of Former Ohio Speaker of the House Jo Ann Davidson", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Akron, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement recognizing former Ohio Speaker of the House Jo Ann Davidson, who was the first woman to be elected to this position.\n\n\u201cJo Ann Davidson was a trailblazer whose service to her community and our state spanned decades. From her time serving as a Reynoldsburg City Council member to being elected as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Ohio House, Speaker Davidson\u2019s commitment to service was evident and earned her numerous honors, including being named Legislator of the Year. I will continue to keep her family and loved ones in my thoughts as they honor her extraordinary life. Though Speaker Davison and I did not share the same political party affiliation, we shared a dedication to bettering the communities we represent, and I will remember her example, and her advice, fondly for many years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-1857-million-awards-federal-rail-administration", "Kaptur Announces $18.57 Million in Awards From the Federal Rail Administration to  Northern Ohio & Western Railway and Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced a total of $18.57 Million in awards from the Federal Rail Administration secured alongside the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) for Northern Ohio & Western Railway and Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway.\n\nThe first award for critical safety upgrades for Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway totals $12.17 Million and was secured alongside the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The project involves final design and construction activities to replace deteriorating and broken rail and ties and expanded capacity along the eastern half of the Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway. The project is the third and final phase of the full corridor rehabilitation of Napoleon, Defiance & Western track. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety as the project will improve safety, resilience, and operational efficiency with added benefit to Paulding and Defiance Counties. The Ohio Rail Development Commission and Napoleon, Defiance & Western Railway will contribute 25 percent of the total project cost.\n\nThe second award for major rail upgrades for Northern Ohio & Western Railway totals $6.4 Million and was secured alongside the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) also through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. This involves construction to upgrade track infrastructure across the approximately 24-mile rail line owned by the Sandusky County, Seneca County, and the City of Tiffin Port Authority and is operated by the Northern Ohio & Western Railway. The project aligns with the selection criteria by enhancing safety and improving system and service performance as the project will return the line to FRA standards. The Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Sandusky County-Seneca County-City of Tiffin Port Authority will contribute 20 percent of the total project cost.\n\n\u201cI am encouraged to see these new investments in rail coming to Northern Ohio, and I know that this will be transformative for the people of Defiance County, Sandusky County, and so many across our region. This funding continues the lasting impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as an engine of economic development for the state of Ohio,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cRail safety was a major impetus for our desire to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and now we are seeing investment and opportunity coming back to our region in transformational ways. We are working together to make our communities safer, and bring back major investment that underscores rail as the spine of our Northern Ohio economy. I will never stop fighting to deliver for the people of Northern Ohio.\u201d\n\nThese investments follow a $10,792,157 award Congresswoman Kaptur announced on October 3, 2023 for major rail upgrades for Napoleon, Defiance, & Western Railway. On September 22, 2023 Congresswoman Kaptur hosted a roundtable discussion on the future of passenger rail in Northern Ohio and the Great Lakes Region with participants including international, national, regional, and local transit, labor, and civic leaders and included FRA Administrator Amit Bose, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, and Eddie Hall, President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-highlights-federal-support-lead-pipe-removal-cleveland", "Congresswoman Brown Highlights Federal Support for Lead Pipe Removal in Cleveland Thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Cleveland Water Wednesday to highlight lead pipe removal efforts in Cleveland.\n\nCongresswoman Brown, Bruno Pigott, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, U.S. EPA, City of Cleveland officials Martin Keane, Director of Public Utilities, and Alex Margevicius, Commissioner of Water, and others visited lead pipe removal work on Brookside Road in Cleveland. To date, Cleveland Water has received over $61 million in financial support for lead pipe removal and replacement thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for.\n\nPhotos for Media\n\n\u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities like Cleveland are receiving the critical resources needed to protect the health of their residents,\u201d said Congresswoman Brown. \u201cLead exposure can have severe mental and physical health impacts, especially for children. This investment will help reduce those risks and ensure safer, cleaner drinking water for all Cleveland residents.\u201d\n\nThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever, including $15 billion to replace lead pipes. For more information on the EPA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement efforts click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-statement-on-court-ruling-ohios-abortion-ban-unconstitutional", "Rep. Sykes Statement on Court Ruling Ohio\u2019s Abortion Ban Unconstitutional", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement after a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge ruled that Ohio\u2019s ban on most abortions is unconstitutional. Last year, voters approved a reproductive rights amendment to the state constitution protecting access to abortion, contraceptives, and other reproductive decisions.\n\n\u201cFinally, Ohioans will have the freedom to decide when, if, and how to start a family. Ohio\u2019s women are no longer accepting second-class citizenship where politicians insert themselves into the most intimate decisions we make.\n\n\u201cThe voters have been clear: Ohioans passed the reproductive rights amendment to ensure they have the freedom to control their bodies and make their own reproductive decisions, without interference from politicians. Today, the court reaffirmed that right by striking down the harmful and dangerous six week abortion ban.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-hails-169-million-from-epa-as-a-win-for-equitable-clean-water-access", "Beatty Hails $169 Million from EPA As   A Win for Equitable Clean Water Access", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Earlier this week, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) announced over $169 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for upgrades to Ohio's water infrastructure.\n\nThis funding is part of $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Combined with the $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country safely manage wastewater, protect local freshwater resources, and deliver safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.\n\nThese Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. The announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds for Ohio ($140,084,000), Emerging Contaminant funds ($12,092,000) and $17,253,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.\n\nThe new funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law \u2013 the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce this $169 million investment in Ohio\u2019s water infrastructure, particularly for communities long marginalized by poor water systems and pollution,\u201d said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.\u201cThis funding not only improves quality but also promotes justice and equity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law remains a transformative force, and I\u2019m honored to have helped secure this critical support for those who need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cWater keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people\u2019s health, peace of mind, and the environment,\u201d said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. \u201cWith the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\u2019s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges\u2014from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.\u201d\n\nEPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.\n\nFor more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.\n\nThe State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation\u2019s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-waters-lead-call-for-stronger-more-accountable-ifis", "Beatty & Waters Lead Call for Stronger, More Accountable IFIs", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "October 23, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee announced plans this week to introduce a legislative package aimed at strengthening and reforming the International Financial Institutions. With the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group underway, this bill will help initiate reforms related to transparency, accountability, and institutional management. Specifically, this bill seeks to hold accountable the persons involved in the child sexual abuse scandal at the Bridge Academies project in Kenya, eliminate onerous loan conditions on developing or distressed countries, improve the debt forgiveness efforts of the IFIs, reduce reliance on Russian agriculture, combat corruption, and more.\n\n\u201cCountries around the world continue to face significant social and economic challenges, from corruption and human rights abuses to debt sustainability crises and the disastrous effects of climate change,\u201d said Congresswoman Beatty. \u201cInternational Financial Institutions (IFIs) have done substantial work to promote financial stability, poverty reduction, and economic development, but they can do more to address systemic inequities and facilitate debt relief for distressed countries. I am proud to join Ranking Member Waters in introducing this package of meaningful reforms to increase transparency and accountability at the IFIs, strengthen support for low-income countries, and establish robust human rights protections.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the years, our International Financial Institutions (IFI) have played a crucial role in establishing international order and addressing some of the most pressing economic challenges across the globe,\u201d said Congresswoman Waters. \u201cDespite this success, there have been troubling instances of child abuse, corruption, discrimination, and mismanagement that has hindered IFIs from reaching their full potential. I am eager to advance this bill to the President\u2019s desk and look forward to working across the aisle on ways to strengthen the IMF, World Bank and other Development Banks so that they can create a more equitable and prosperous global economy.\u201d\n\nKey provisions in the legislative package include:\n\nTreasury Report on Accountability of the World Bank in Child Sexual Abuse \u2013 This provision would mandate that Treasury report to Congress on a quarterly basis on actions completed by the World Bank to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse, including with financial compensation and other relief, and to hold accountable those involved in the Bridge Academies project. The quarterly report to Congress must also include details of reforms adopted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to prevent such failures in the future, as well as any steps taken by the IFC to impede Treasury from sharing any information around this report or the Bridge Academies case with Congress.\n\nAnti-corruption measures in lending agreements \u2013 This provision states that the US press for the incorporation of anti-corruption measures in lending agreements at the IMF to build sustainable economies. Such measures must include ensuring that governments receiving loans make specific, measurable, and time-bound commitments as part of the loan agreements, with consequences for noncompliance.\n\nProtections for human rights, including LGBTQ+ persons \u2013 This provision would mandate that Treasury oppose the World Bank providing financial assistance to countries that engage in the human rights abuses as reported in the State Department\u2019s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, including those of people who identify as LGBTQ+.\n\nLoan Conditions \u2013 This provision states that the U.S. encourage the reduction or elimination of loan conditions that: limit spending on key social needs such as health, education, or climate action; weaken environmental, labor, public health regulations; or increase taxes or reduce subsidies in such a way that falls regressively on recipient country populations.\n\nReporting on Human Rights Abuses in For-Profit Healthcare \u2013 This provision mandates that Treasury report to Congress on a biannual basis on any known accusations made by community groups, CSOs, media, or other credible actors, of human rights abuses at MDB-funded, for-profit hospitals, included those funded by the IFC, and on actions completed by the MDB private sector arms to investigate and address or respond to these accusations. This provision also mandates that the U.S. advocate for the MDBs to examine their investments in healthcare to determine contribution to universal health coverage, the strengthening of national health systems, and the reduction of health inequities.\n\nResilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) Financing \u2013 This provision would amend the most recent appropriations law so that U.S. money could be used to finance loans to the RST in addition to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust. This is important because the Republicans cut the RST out from potentially receiving loans.\n\nQuota Increase \u2013 This provision would authorize an equiproportional increase in quota at the IMF consistent with the increase Treasury negotiated with the IMF Member countries. If Congress passes this provision the US would retain its veto power and percent of shareholding at the IMF and China\u2019s share would not increase (even though it probably should based on its growth). At the IMF, Member countries\u2019 maximum financial commitments to the Fund are called \u201cquota.\u201d Quota is broadly matched to a Member country\u2019s relative position in the world\u2019s economy, and voting shares at the IMF are in line with how much quota a country pays. This was in President Biden\u2019s most recent budget request.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\nRead the Section by Section here.\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-joins-community-leaders-for-project-2025-roundtable", "Rep. Sykes Joins Community Leaders for Project 2025 Roundtable", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) joined local leaders for a roundtable discussion on what Project 2025 is and how it would impact everyday Americans, if implemented.\n\n\u201cProject 2025 contains dangerous and radical policy proposals that would disrupt the way our democracy has functioned for centuries and hurt Northeast Ohioans by raising their taxes, taking away hard-earned benefits, gutting our public schools, and disenfranchising voters,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cI will not stand by and let American\u2019s rights and benefits be stripped away by extreme politicians; I will continue to work everyday in Congress to protect these important pillars of our democracy.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Veronica Sims (Ohio House District 33) and Pastor Jeffrey Dennis of Mount Calvary Baptist Church co-hosted the event. They were joined by panelists Rep. Sykes (OH-13), Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC-06), Reverend Dr. Charles Myricks Jr. of Arlington Church of God, and President Judi Hill of the Akron NAACP. Topics discussed included healthcare, voting rights, education, Social Security, and the economy.\n\n\u201cAs a former history teacher and a life-long student of history, I believe it is our duty to heed the words of George Santayana: \u2018Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.\u2019 Project 2025 is Jim Crow 2.0. We must stand together to avoid the worst mistakes of our past and stop right wing extremists from stripping hard-won rights away from millions of Americans,\u201d said Rep. Clyburn.\n\n\u201cHelping people understand the perils of Project 2025, particularly for Black and Brown communities, is crucial. This engagement helped paint a clear picture of the project\u2019s potential devastating impact and the ways in which our quality of day-to-day life would be severely, adversely impacted on every front from healthcare, education, employment, the environment, senior support, and more. It is imperative that the implementation of Project 2025 never comes to fruition,\u201d said Rep. Sims.\n\n\u201cOur purpose for this gathering is to provide accurate information and answer important questions, both of which are essential to community empowerment. Trusted voices in the urban community play a key role in equipping individuals to make informed and wise decisions that positively impact their lives,\u201d said Pastor Dennis.\n\nProject 2025, officially titled \u201cMandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,\u201d is an extremist blueprint crafted by the Heritage Foundation to guide a far-right presidential administration. This 900-page manifesto outlines sweeping policy proposals that would upend nearly every aspect of American life. At its core, Project 2025 seeks to unravel the system of checks and balances that has been foundational to American democracy for nearly 250 years.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-financial-chains-beatty-casten-s-new-bill-helps-women-in-abusive-situations", "Breaking Financial Chains: Beatty & Casten\u2019s New Bill Helps  Women in Abusive Situations", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, legislation aimed at removing barriers to the financial information often necessary for women to safely leave abusive relationships.\n\nUnder the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, mortgage lenders, landlords, utility providers, and childcare providers would be required to offer joint accounts for cohabitating or co-parenting couples. Oftentimes, abusive partners use financial limitations as a method of control to prevent a victim from leaving the situation. This means that people leaving abusive relationships may have limited access to pay their own bills; and may lose access to housing, childcare, and transportation. Domestic violence shelters report that information about these accounts is commonly withheld during the dissolution of abusive relationships. This legislation aims to circumvent this, allowing victims equal access and visibility into their household finances.\n\n\"Financial control is often used to trap women in abusive relationships by limiting their economic and physical independence,\u201d said Congresswoman Beatty. \u201cThis bill provides crucial protection by ensuring equal access to and control over shared household finances, empowering women to make decisions for their wellbeing and future. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Casten in introducing this bill to help protect and support women, especially those in crisis, in building secure, independent lives.\"\n\n\u201cFar too often, we hear stories of victims of abuse who feel trapped in their situation due to limited or no insight into their household finances,\u201d said Congressman Casten. \u201cThis legislation, which came out of one such story from a constituent who called in, aims to take away that lever of control from an abuser, empowering women to make their own financial decisions.\u201d\n\n\"For too long, financial abuse has been used by abusers to hold on to power and control over women\u2014with laws on the books that allow them to withhold financial information women need to leave abusive relationships and build security of their own,\u201d said Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women. \u201cRep. Casten\u2019s bill will finally correct this dangerous gap in our laws and unlock doors to financial freedom women urgently need.\"\n\n\u201cSurvivors of domestic violence deserve safeguards that sustain their financial stability and security. Maintaining survivors\u2019 access to shared accounts, such as cell phone, utility and mortgage accounts, is one of many policy solutions needed to better preserve their economic well-being,\u201d said Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. \u201cThe Financial Empowerment and Protection Act would give power back to survivors by providing them with the tools to regain or retain their independence. We are grateful to Representatives Casten and Beatty for their tremendous efforts to support survivors and their families.\u201d\n\nThis bill has endorsements from the National Partnership for Women & Families, National Organization for Women (NOW), the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.\n\nText of the legislation can be found here.\n\nOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities and work together to create change.\n\nFor more media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-shontel-brown-secures-795950-federal-funding-murtis-taylor", "Congresswoman Shontel Brown Secures $795,950 in Federal Funding for Murtis Taylor Community Center Expansion", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland, OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) is pleased to announce that Murtis Taylor Human Services System\u2019s Community Center has been awarded $795,950 in federal funding. The funding, secured through the Congresswoman\u2019s Community Project Funding (CPF) request signed into law in March 2024, will help increase the center\u2019s capacity to provide vital services to children, adults, and seniors in the Cleveland area. Read Brown\u2019s letter requesting funding here.\n\nLast Thursday, Congresswoman Brown visited the Murtis Taylor Community Center on Union Avenue to congratulate them and met with President & CEO Lovell Custard, and Board Members Darian Johnson and Cynthia Sullivan to learn more about the impact of the grant. The Murtis Taylor Community Center serves as a cornerstone for local residents, offering critical programs and resources that improve the well-being of the community. With this new federal support, the center will be able to improve its facility at 13411 Union Avenue in Southeast Cleveland and provide more support to those in need.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have secured this funding for the Murtis Taylor Community Center, an organization that plays a vital role in strengthening our community,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. \u201cThe investment will help Murtis Taylor serve those in need and continue to be a place where residents of all ages can access essential resources, from youth programs to senior care.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Brown requested the funding in March 2023, and advocated to ensure the project received the support it needed to further its mission of providing comprehensive human services and support to underserved communities across Cleveland.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-usda-drought-disaster-designation-ohio-counties", "Kaptur Announces USDA Drought Disaster Designation for Ohio Counties", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, OH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, announced that five additional Ohio counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to ongoing drought conditions. The affected counties include Defiance, Henry, Williams, Fulton, and Lucas, which have suffered from extreme and severe drought conditions during the critical growing season. On September 27th, Congresswoman Kaptur and Congressman Rulli (OH-06) led a bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers in urging USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to expand emergency haying and grazing measures under the Conservation Reserve Program.\n\nThis designation, announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, unlocks critical assistance for local farmers through USDA\u2019s Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan program and other relief options. The designation applies to counties that have experienced either a D2 (Severe) drought for eight or more consecutive weeks or a D3 (Extreme) or D4 (Exceptional) drought as indicated in the US Drought Monitor.\n\n\u201cOur farmers\u2019 stories are deeply personal and reflect the heart of our communities. This year\u2019s drought has tested them in ways few can imagine, but, in their resilience, they show us what it means to endure,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThis drought disaster designation is more than a federal response\u2014it's a recognition of their perseverance, and an opportunity to give them the support they need to recover. It\u2019s our duty to stand with them, and I encourage every eligible farmer to take advantage of these vital resources.\u201d\n\nFarmers in the designated counties have up to eight months from the date of the USDA disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans through their local FSA office. These loans can help farmers cover production losses, repair or replace essential property, and restore their agricultural operations. Eligibility for loans is based on the extent of loss, farm viability, and the applicant\u2019s repayment ability.\n\nFarmers in both the primary and contiguous counties will be able to apply for assistance and should reach out to their local FSA office for more details on available programs.\n\nThe designation also unlocks other federal programs that may be able to assist impacted farmers and rural communities.\n\nCounties designated as primary disaster areas:\n\nDefiance\n\nHenry\n\nWilliams\n\nFulton\n\nLucas\n\nContiguous counties:\n\nOttawa\n\nWood\n\nHancock\n\nPaulding\n\nPutnam\n\nOn October 9, 2024, Kaptur led 63 of her colleagues in urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve necessary funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fulfill their Hurricane Helene and Milton relief missions. Recent legislation has provided initial relief funds but falls critically short of what will be necessary to address the scale of destruction and the recovery needs for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nAdditionally, on October 8, 2024, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging Congressional leaders to include provisions from the Save Our Small Farms (SOS Farms) Act in the upcoming Farm Bill, advocating for critical reforms to crop insurance programs and disaster relief measures to better support small and mid-sized farmers.\n\nFarmers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office or visit the USDA website to inquire about the specific resources available to them and to begin the loan application process.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-shontel-brown-secures-959752-lakewoods-storm-and-wastewater", "Congresswoman Shontel Brown Secures $959,752 for Lakewood's Storm and Wastewater Pollution Prevention Project", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lakewood, OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) proudly announces that the City of Lakewood has received $959,752 in federal funding for its Storm and Wastewater Pollution Prevention Project, a key component of the Clean Water Lakewood Initiative. The funding secured through the Congresswoman\u2019s Community Project Funding (CPF) request signed into law in March 2024, and will support the construction of sewer and water infrastructure improvements in Lakewood.\n\nCongresswoman Brown met with Mayor Meghan F. George; Director of Public Works Chris Gordon; Police Chief Kevin Fischer; and City Engineer Mark Papke Thursday to celebrate the funding and discuss issues facing Lakewood.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see this vital investment in Lakewood\u2019s water infrastructure move forward,\u201d said Congresswoman Brown. \u201cNortheast Ohio depends on clean water for the health of our families, the safety of our environment, and the strength of our economy. This project is a significant step toward ensuring that Lakewood remains a community that values sustainability and resilience, and I am proud to have been able to secure this funding.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Brown requested the funding in March 2023, and advocated to ensure the project received the support it needed to move forward. The City of Lakewood is now able to advance its storm and wastewater pollution prevention measures, protecting local water sources from contamination.\n\nThe Clean Water Lakewood Initiative aims to enhance environmental safety and protect Lakewood\u2019s critical infrastructure from future climate-related risks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-over-138-million-for-lead-abatement-in-summit-county", "Rep. Sykes Announces Over $13.8 Million for Lead Abatement in Summit County", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $7,750,000 to the City of Akron and $6,098,902 to Summit County as part of the department's Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program.\n\n\u201cEvery American deserves to live in safe, clean homes, free from lead and other toxins, and this funding will help accomplish that for 370 households in our community. I will continue working to bring federal funding home to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to protect our community,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nWith this funding, the City of Akron will address lead and other housing hazards in 250 housing units and Summit County will address lead and other housing hazards in 120 homes. This will provide safer homes for low income families with children.\n\nApproximately 3.6 million American households have children under 6 years of age who live in homes with lead exposure hazards, according to HUD. The awards to Akron and Summit County are two of 73 grants totaling $395 million awarded to state and local governments under the Lead Hazard Reduction Program during this round of funding.\n\nAward recipients will develop comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing populations. Funding will also enhance lead-based paint hazard control activities by comprehensively identifying and addressing other housing hazards that could affect the health of occupants.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-hosts-inaugural-women-in-leadership-conference", "Rep. Sykes Hosts Inaugural Women in Leadership Conference", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted her inaugural Women in Leadership Conference. The theme for this year\u2019s conference was \u201cStanding in Our Truth,\u201d and featured Congressional leaders and local leaders from our community. Topics discussed included women in politics, women\u2019s health and safety, women in business, and uplifting the next generation of leaders.\n\n\u201cAs the first Black woman to represent Ohio's 13th Congressional District in Congress, I am honored to bring women from all backgrounds together for this conference. We heard from thoughtful speakers whose knowledge and experiences helped to teach and empower women in our community to lead in every space and place where decisions are made,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nCongresswoman Sykes was joined by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-9); Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2); Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11); Representative Veronica Sims (Ohio House 33); Julie Donant, CEO of the Domestic Violence Project, Inc.; Aimiee Wade, CEO of the Summit County ADM Board; Debbie Busby, President of the Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce; Allyson Strickland, Director of Outreach Ministry at Remedy Church; Jackie Hemsworth, Executive Director of ACCESS Shelter; Brianne Neal, Director of Development at ACCESS Shelter; Rachel Bridenstine, Vice President of Development Finance Authority; Yvette Lloyd, CEO of Fadia Young Women\u2019s Program; Towanda Mullins, Chair of the Sojourner Truth Project; and Tiera Kahli, spoken word artist and Dean of Arts at the Cleveland School of Arts.\n\nFollowing the discussion, there was a showing of the documentary, \u201cRatified,\u201d a feature documentary about the 100-year struggle for constitutional gender equality, an inspiring story of a multi-racial, multi-generational, bipartisan effort to make Virginia the 38th and final state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-announces-federal-funding-cleveland-north-coast-connector", "Congresswoman Brown Announces Federal Funding for Cleveland for North Coast Connector Thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) proudly announces that the City of Cleveland has received $59.7 million in federal funding for the North Coast Connector thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The North Coast Connector is a major infrastructure project transforming sections of State Route 3 into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, connecting downtown Cleveland to the lakefront.\n\nThis funding was via the Department of Transportation\u2019s INFRA Grant Program, a competitive grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Brown voted for in 2021.\n\nIn September, Congresswoman Brown led a bipartisan letter of support for the City of Cleveland\u2019s grant application.\n\n\u201cSignificant federal funding is headed to Cleveland thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Infrastructure is about making connections, but for too long some critical connections have been missing in Northeast Ohio. The North Coast Connector changes that - connecting downtown to the lake. This investment could spark important growth downtown that will make Cleveland an even better place to live, work, and visit. I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make the funding possible and to lead a letter of support for this project. Congratulations to Mayor Bibb and the City of Cleveland on receiving this federal funding. I will continue to fight for more resources for Cleveland and the entire region,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nBrown\u2019s letter of support was signed by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH), Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01).\n\nThe City of Cleveland will receive grants of $38,537,761 and $21,181,506 from DOT for the North Coast Connector, for a total of 59,719,267. For information from the City of Cleveland on the North Coast Connector, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-highlights-federal-law-enforcement-grant-maple-heights", "Congresswoman Brown Highlights Federal Law Enforcement Grant for Maple Heights", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Maple Heights, OH \u2013 On Thursday, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) presented Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell and members of the Maple Heights Police Department with a check to recognize the recent federal grant awarded to the city. Meeting at the Maple Heights Police Department, Congresswoman Brown also spoke with Mayor Blackwell and the officers about their work to promote public safety in Maple Heights and support a diverse and engaged police force.\n\nIn September, Congresswoman Brown and the Department of Justice announced that the City of Maple Heights was awarded a federal grant of $250,000 from DOJ\u2019s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).\n\nPhotos for Media Here\n\n\u201cCongratulations to the City of Maple Heights and the Maple Heights Police Department for the award of a COPS Hiring Program grant. I was honored to join Mayor Blackwell and members of the Maple Heights Police Department to celebrate and learn more about the work they are doing. Improving public safety and preventing crime requires real resources and I am proud to join my fellow Democrats in supporting this grant program. Funding to support hiring and retention helps police departments maintain a trained and experienced workforce to protect and serve the community,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nThis COPS Hiring Program Award is a competitive grant designed to provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire additional career law enforcement officers in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.\n\nThe Republican Study Committee, which includes 80% of House Republicans, advocates for defunding the COPS program. (Fact Sheet) COPS Hiring Program grants, like the one awarded to Maple Heights, have supported the hiring or retention of approximately 609 police officers in Ohio since 2016. House Democrats have fought to protect COPS grants from Republican efforts to strip funding from the program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-introduces-bipartisan-gold-star-spouse-healthcare-enhancement", "Kaptur Introduces Bipartisan Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act to Extend Care For Spouses of Fallen Soldiers", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior member of House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee and Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation introduced the bipartisan Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act. Currently, surviving spouses retain healthcare coverage through TRICARE in the \u201cactive-duty family member\u201d category for just three years after their servicemember passes away. After three years, they automatically shift to \u201cretired family member\u201d status, which forces them to pay higher fees and out-of-pocket costs. This Act effectively removes the three-year limitation for spouses who meet criteria for the Gold Star lapel button. It enables them to remain in \u201cactive-duty family member\u201d status, reducing the costs and burden on those who have already sacrificed so much for our country.\n\n\u201cToday, I am joined by Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska to introduce a bipartisan bill that recognizes the sacrifice of Gold Star spouses by expanding their healthcare benefits. Military service requires our young men and women to risk their lives fighting and defeating America\u2019s enemies,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThey selflessly accept this risk to secure Liberty across the globe. We owe so much to those who answered the call to service and perished in defense of our nation and must ensure we take care of their surviving spouses. I encourage each of my colleagues to support the Gold Star Spouses Healthcare Enhancement Act as one small way we can honor the debt they and their spouses are owed by our grateful nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cGold Star spouses of servicemembers who sacrificed their lives overseas defending the United States' interests should still be treated as active-duty dependents in regard to their healthcare. We as a nation have a responsibility to these families our heroes leave behind, and this is a small step forward in honoring their sacrifice and caring for their families,\u201d said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). \u201cThousands of Gold Star spouses are paying the retiree rate for healthcare because of current law. The Gold Star Spouse TRICARE Act of 2024 will allow Gold Star spouses to be treated as \u201cactive-duty members\u201d instead of a family member of a retiree so they will no longer have to incur additional costs to either continue TRICARE Prime or transition to TRICARE Select.\u201d\n\nYou can find a full copy of the bill text for the Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act by clicking here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-presents-cleveland-metroparks-check-celebrate-federal", "Congresswoman Brown Presents Cleveland Metroparks with Check to Celebrate Federal Support for East Side Trails", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland, OH \u2013 On Thursday, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) presented Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman with a check celebrating the $19,500,000 federal grant the Department of Transportationawarded Cleveland Metroparks this summer for Cuyahoga Greenways: East Side Trails. Joining the presentation at the Metropark\u2019s East 55th Marina was City of Cleveland Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Teeuwen. Following the presentation Brown also heard more about how Metroparks and the City of Cleveland are working to expand recreational opportunities and park space for residents in East Side neighborhoods.\n\n**For event photos for media click here**\n\n\u201cI was honored to present Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman with a check to celebrate the receipt of federal funding to expand the Metroparks trail system across the East Side. I am excited to see the continued expansion connecting trails in Slavic Village and Garfield Park all the way to the lakefront. This federal funding is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the grant application was supported with a letter from my office to help make sure all our neighborhoods have access to parks and trails,\u201d said Congresswoman Brown.\n\nIn June, the Department of Transportation awarded Metroparks a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to expand and connect trails on the East Side. RAISE is a competitive grant program supported with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for which Congresswoman Brown proudly voted. Congresswoman Brown also supported the grant request with a letter to DOT in February. The grant fully funds construction of two key trail projects, the Slavic Village Downtown Connector North and the Morgana Run Extension. For more information, see the grant announcement from Cleveland Metroparks.\n\nThe $19.5 million dollar grant is the largest Metroparks has ever received from the Department of Transportation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-over-3-million-new-federal-funding-nw-ohio-fire", "Kaptur Announces Over $3 Million in New Federal Funding for\u00a0NW Ohio Fire\u00a0Departments", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2013 Today, during National Fire Prevention Week, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee and of the House Fire Caucus announced $3,052,523 in critical federal funding she helped to secure. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs will award 9 Fire Departments across Northwest Ohio new funding to ensure that first responders have the resources and manpower they need to protect local communities. These awards will provide essential funding for equipment, protective gear, vehicle acquisition, hiring, and training, enabling fire department to respond more effectively to emergencies and keep both the public and our emergency personnel safe.\n\nThe 9 Fire Departments in Northwest receiving AFG and SAFER funding are:\n\nVillage of Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department \u2013 $75,428\n\nThe AFG funds will help the Village of Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department in Defiance County to afford operations and safety improvements, including the purchase of 8 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA\u2019s) and replace outdated ones.\n\nCity of Wauseon Fire Department \u2013 $53,522\n\nThe AFG funds will allow the City of Wauseon in Fulton County to purchase a Three Drop Source Capture Exhaust System that will help ensure all Fire Apparatus can utilize the system when parked in the bay. This will minimize their staff\u2019s exposure to cancer causing exhaust contaminants. The City of Wauseon share of the cost is $2,676.14.\n\nVillage of Whitehouse Fire Department \u2013 $294,214\n\nThe AFG funds will be used by the Village of Whitehouse in Lucas County to upgrade operations and safety with new Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA\u2019s).\n\nCity of Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department \u2013 $302,182\n\nThe AFG funds will be used by the City of Vermillion in Erie County to upgrade operations and safety by replacing outdated air packs for firefighters to better and more safely protect residents\n\nVillage of Kelleys Island Volunteer Fire Department \u2013 $75,361\n\nThe AFG funds will be used by the Village of Kelleys Island in Erie County for operations and equipment, and will replace aged firehose, handline nozzles, and an additional ground monitor. This equipment will not only be an upgrade, but it will be major upgrades that meet current standards replacing outdated hoses that are 20-30 years old, many of which were donated by other fire departments.\n\nCity of Huron Fire Department \u2013 $135,523\n\nThe AFG funds will be used by the City of Huron in Erie County to replace bunker gear for the entire department. This will ensure the department is compliant with safety and equipment upgrades.\n\nMonclova Township Fire Department \u2013 $1,013,046\n\nThe SAFER funds will be used by Monclova Township in Lucas County for the hiring of additional full-time firefighters for their department, including wages and benefits.\n\nVillage of Oak Harbor, Portage Fire District \u2013 $163,428\n\nThe AFG funds will be used by the Village of Oak Harbor in Ottawa County for operations and safety improvements and upgrades, including the replacement of soon to be outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA\u2019s).\n\nCity of Northwood Fire Department \u2013 $939,819\n\nThe SAFER funds will be used by the City of Northwood in Wood County for the hiring of 3 additional full-time firefighters for their department, including wages and benefits.\n\n\u201cOur firefighters and first responders are the ones on the frontlines, running toward danger when others are running in the other direction. They deserve nothing less than the best tools and training to stay safe while protecting our communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThis funding will give them exactly that \u2014 critical gear, better pay, new vehicles, and equipment upgrades to better protect them as they respond to emergencies and safeguard lives across Northwest Ohio.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the purchase of the SCBA\u2019s this promotes safety for the public and especially for our firefighters by getting equipment we could not afford to replace. SCBA\u2019s are one of the most essential tools of personal protection for the fire rescue personnel, and will allow them to operate more efficiently,\u201d said Village of Sherwood Fire Chief Darrel Rock.\n\n\u201cThis additional Three Drop Source Capture System ensures that all Wauseon Fire Apparatus can utilize the system when parked in the apparatus bay, therefore, minimizing the exposure our staff have to cancer causing exhaust contaminants. It is important that when our staff come to work, they are provided with a work environment that minimizes any negative exposure that could harm them or be taken home to their families,\u201d said Wauseon Fire Chief Phil Kessler. \u201cThe Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program is extremely important to fire departments across the nation. These funds allow us to invest in our staff, the infrastructure and most importantly the community. Most departments would not be able to procure many of these much-needed items.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Assistance to Firefighters Grant significantly benefits The Village of Whitehouse by providing funds to upgrade Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses. This upgrade will impact Whitehouse and surrounding areas by improving Firefighter Safety, embracing new technology, and ensuring operational readiness including mutual aid responses,\u201d said Whitehouse Fire Chief Jason Francis. \u201cAs funding is challenging for some communities, this award allows us to replace our outdated equipment that would have been challenging based on our current financial situation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongresswoman Kaptur\u2019s FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $302,182 for the City of Vermilion Volunteer Fire Department was a true game changer for our community,\u201d said Vermillion Mayor Jim Forthofer. \u201cIt allows us to replace the outdated air packs to protect our firefighters as they protect our residents. It also releases funds back to the general community for other worthy purposes. Congresswoman Kaptur is a real friend of Vermilion, especially its first responders\u201d\n\n\u201cAbsolutely, we were very fortunate to receive the funding and it is a financial game-changer for the City,\u201d said Vermillion Fire Chief William H. Brown.\n\n\u201cFirst of all, I must express our appreciation of this award from not only from our fire department but also our community as a whole. Our community presents itself with unique fire suppression challenges,\u201d said Kelleys Island Assistant Fire Chief Charles Ehrbar. \u201cWe are on Kelleys Island on Lake Erie with a little over 120 year-round residences but our summertime population can near 5,000. We have a roster of only 17 volunteer firefighters. The area of the island is approximately 2 miles by 4 miles. We are now experiencing an influx of new builds of larger and taller residential and commercial structures. Being on an island that is accessed only by ferry and aircraft, in the event of a fire incident, our mutual aid is at best one and a half hours for response, if they can respond at all. That being said, we are on our own and must make the best of any situation. This new and updated equipment gives us an advantage of technology and dependability that we certainly did not have prior to this award.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant has allowed us to continue serving the citizens and businesses of our service area along with assisting other surrounding fire departments,\u201d said Portage Fire Chief Antonio Hand.\n\nThese new funding announcements follow a $671,428 award for Ney-Washington Township in August 2024, a $952,380 award to the City of Defiance in July 2023, and a $110,014.28 award to the City of Wauseon in June 2023 all secured through FEMA\u2019s AFG program.\n\nThe Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, established in 2001, provides funding to meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. AFG awards are designed to help these agencies obtain the necessary resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire-related hazards. In fiscal year 2023 alone, FEMA distributed 1,616 AFG awards, totaling $289.2 Million.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-manning-moskowitz-titus-stansbury-lead-letter-urging-speaker", "Kaptur, Manning, Moskowitz, Titus, Stansbury Lead Letter Urging Speaker Johnson To Call House Back Into Session To Vote On Emergency Disaster Relief Funding", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), led 63 of her colleagues in a letter alongside Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06), Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve necessary funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fulfill their Hurricane Helene and Milton relief missions. Recent legislation has provided initial relief funds, but falls critically short of what will be necessary to address the scale of destruction and the recovery needs for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\nOther signers of the letter include Representatives: Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Don Beyer (VA-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), Troy Carter (LA-02), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Lou Correa (CA-46), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jason Crow (CO-06), Diana Degette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mike Levin (CA-49), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Katie Porter (CA-45), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Emilia Sykes (Oh-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).\n\n\"We write to you amidst a season marked by unprecedented natural disasters and increasingly severe weather events that have left communities across our nation in dire need of additional and comprehensive disaster relief funding,\" wrote the Members. \"The funds previously allocated were a necessary first step, allowing for an initial response to the immediate aftermath of these disasters. However, as recovery efforts continue, it is abundantly clear that these funds will not suffice.\"\n\n\"As representatives of the American people, it is our duty to ensure that every community has the resources to recover and rebuild in the wake of devastation. This is not merely a matter of policy but a profound obligation to the citizens we serve, who depend on their government for support in their most critical times of need,\" the Members continued. \"Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve the necessary funding that will empower FEMA and the SBA to fulfill their disaster relief missions. Our communities cannot wait, and we must act swiftly to provide them with the assurance that their government will stand by them.\"\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here, or reading below:\n\nDear Speaker Johnson,\n\nWe write to you amidst a season marked by unprecedented natural disasters and increasingly severe weather events that have left communities across our nation in dire need of additional and comprehensive disaster relief funding.\n\nRecent legislation has provided initial relief funds, yet these provisions fall critically short of what will be necessary to address the scale of destruction and the recovery needs for Fiscal Year 2025. We, therefore, urge you to immediately reconvene the US House of Representatives so that it can pass robust disaster relief funding.\n\nThe funds previously allocated were a necessary first step, allowing for an initial response to the immediate aftermath of these disasters. However, as recovery efforts continue, it is abundantly clear that these funds will not suffice.\n\nFurthermore, the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events are a clarion call for proactive measures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be equipped not only to respond to current disasters but also to adequately prepare for future events. This requires substantial funding that ensures FEMA can maintain a state of readiness and provide immediate assistance when disasters strike. Additionally, the Small Business Administration disaster relief loan program must be replenished as soon as possible to help business owners rebuild their enterprises and communities.\n\nAs representatives of the American people, it is our duty to ensure that every community has the resources to recover and rebuild in the wake of devastation. This is not merely a matter of policy but a profound obligation to the citizens we serve, who depend on their government for support in their most critical times of need.\n\nTherefore, we strongly urge you to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve the necessary funding that will empower FEMA and the SBA to fulfill their disaster relief missions. Our communities cannot wait, and we must act swiftly to provide them with the assurance that their government will stand by them.\n\nThank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We hope for your leadership in reconvening the House and ensuring that our nation is prepared to meet the challenges posed by natural disasters.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-visits-step-forwards-william-patrick-day-head-start-early", "Congresswoman Brown Visits Step Forward\u2019s William Patrick Day Head Start Early Learning Center, Highlights Importance of Federal Funding for Early Education", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland, OH \u2013 On Tuesday, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) visited Step Forward\u2019s William Patrick Day Head Start Early Learning Center in Cleveland to recognize their recent federal grant award, meet with Step Forward leadership and educators, and read to the children.\n\nIn July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded Step Forward a federal grant of $15,121,321 to provide Head Start (ages 3-5) and Early Head Start (ages 0-3) programs in Northeast Ohio.\n\nPhotos available for media here \u2013 parents/guardians of all minors signed consent forms\n\nCongresswoman Brown met with Step Forward\u2019s President/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, Dr. Thea Wilson, Vice President of Children and Families, and other members of Step Forward\u2019s leadership team to learn more about the needs of local students and families and how the federal government can better support early education.\n\n\u201cI appreciated the opportunity to visit the William Patrick Day Early Learning Center, meet with children enrolled in Head Start, and learn more about the challenges facing local kids and families and services Step Forward provides. I\u2019d like to congratulate Step Forward on their well-deserved federal funding award, which is making a difference for thousands of children in Northeast Ohio. Investments in early education and child care are some of the most important we can make. I am proud to support Head Start and federal child care funding. With unthinkable attacks like Donald Trump\u2019s Project 2025 proposal to eliminate Head Start, I will continue to oppose such attacks to prevent devastation for 33,000 children in Ohio and many others across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nProject 2025 would eliminate Head Start jeopardizing the early education opportunities for approximately 3,700 low-income children in Ohio\u2019s 11th Congressional District. Statewide, over 33,000 Ohio kids are enrolled in Head Start.\n\nThe American Rescue Plan provided stabilization grants to support over 225,000 child care providers, serving as many as 10 million children across the United States. House Republicans refused to continue this grant program and have blocked any action on major child care investments during the 118th Congress. Congresswoman Brown is a cosponsor of the Child Care Stabilization Act (H.R. 5433) which would extend this grant program.\n\nSince 1965, Head Start programs have reached more than 38 million children nationwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-passing-former-congressman-dave-hobson", "Kaptur Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Dave Hobson", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), the Dean of Ohio\u2019s delegation to Congress, released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Dave Hobson (OH-07):\n\n\"Congressman David Hobson was a true patriot. He was a public servant first. His lifetime of service to the people of greater Springfield and Ohio was marked by results and perseverance.\n\n\"He understood America\u2019s role in the world, and as he rose to Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Chair of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, he distinguished himself and never forgot his roots in Ohio. He had a precious ability to work across the aisle and actually enjoyed it, working with many members, myself included. National security, was Paramount in his priorities and his achievements stand at Normandy and Springfield as his living legacy.\n\n\"I shall miss his visits, his council his humor and his dedication. May I offer my deepest sympathy to his beloved wife, Carolyn, his family, his friends, and constituents. Dave remained true to his family, his community, and his country. I shall especially miss his wit, ingenuity, laughter, and unceasing efforts to better the living conditions for the people of our nation.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/sykes-lee-and-evans-introduce-the-keep-affordable-housing-in-forgotten-communities-act", "Sykes, Lee, and Evans Introduce the Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation to Preserve Affordable Housing and Prevent Displacement in Revitalizing Communities\n\nAkron, OH \u2013 U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduced the Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act, landmark legislation designed to safeguard affordable housing in neighborhoods undergoing redevelopment. This bill builds on the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) to ensure that critical revitalization efforts don't result in the displacement of long-term residents.\n\n\u201cCommunities are made strong by the people who live in them. That\u2019s why I am working to increase housing affordability and to protect longtime residents from being displaced from their neighborhoods as they undergo revitalization,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cI am proud to introduce this bill with my colleagues, Reps. Lee and Evans, to ensure that working families can afford to live in the communities they\u2019ve called home for generations.\u201d\n\n\"For far too long, infrastructure projects and revitalization efforts have failed to prioritize affordable housing, pushing out the very people who stuck through the hardest times,\" said Rep. Lee. \"This legislation puts the needs of working-class families first and ensures that revitalization efforts aren\u2019t at the expense of the residents who have called these communities home for decades. It's about justice, it's about dignity, and it's about keeping housing affordable for those who need it most.\"\n\n\u201cAs a co-lead sponsor of the Reconnecting Communities program in the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Infrastructure and Jobs Act, I see this affordable-housing bill as a useful complement to that law. It would build on that effort to protect vulnerable communities and help their residents to benefit from redevelopment\u201d said Rep. Evans.\n\nAs communities across the country work to revitalize towns and cities, residents who have lived in these neighborhoods for generations are often priced out by rising rents and private equity buyouts. The Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act addresses this issue by promoting the use of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and other affordable housing models to ensure long-term affordability and community stability.\n\nKey Provisions of the Keep Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities Act:\n\nPreserving Long-Term Affordability: Promotes the use of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to maintain affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents for at least 30 years.\n\nPreventing Displacement: Empowers grant recipients to incorporate affordable housing solutions from the outset of infrastructure redevelopment projects to protect residents from displacement.\n\nEncouraging Inclusive Housing Options: Supports shared equity homeownership models, resident-owned communities, and rental programs that prioritize affordability and community control.\n\nProactive Planning for Affordable Housing: Allows funds to be used to purchase properties near redevelopment projects for affordable housing through CLTs, land banks, and nonprofits.\n\nIncreasing Transparency and Accountability: Requires a joint report from the Department of Transportation and HUD to track rent, homeownership costs, and demographic shifts in areas impacted by the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, ensuring affordability goals are met.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/sykes-statement-on-one-year-anniversary-of-hamas-attack-in-israel", "Sykes Statement on One Year Anniversary of Hamas Attack in Israel", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Akron, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas\u2019 brutal terrorist attack in Israel, which killed 1,200 civilians and saw 251 innocent Israelis taken hostage in Gaza.\n\n\u201cOne year after Hamas\u2019 horrific terrorist attack in Israel, we remember the thousands of innocent people killed and the 97 hostages who remain missing. We also honor the memory of hostages killed in captivity, such as American-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cOne year ago, Israelis and their allies were shaken by an unthinkable attack on Israeli soil. In the weeks and months to follow, increased antisemitism, targeting Jews in the United States and around the world, continued to strike fear in the hearts and minds of many.\n\n\u201cThe United States remains steadfastly committed to ensuring Israel can defend itself and its citizens. Together with the international community, we must continue working to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages and secure a deal for a lasting ceasefire that protects Israeli and Palestinian civilians alike.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/sykes-williams-introduce-resolution-commemorating-national-nonviolence-week", "Sykes, Williams Introduce Resolution Commemorating National Nonviolence Week", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Akron, OH \u2013 U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced a resolution commemorating National Nonviolence Week, which occurs annually during the first full week of October, this year October 6-11.\n\nThe resolution raises awareness of youth violence, the need to become a more peaceful society, and the important role that young people in Ohio and Georgia have played in America\u2019s history of nonviolent social change.\n\n\u201cDuring National Nonviolence Week, I am proud to introduce this resolution with my colleague, Rep. Williams, to promote peace, justice, and equality and to encourage the practice of nonviolence principles,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cYoung people across the country are once again leading movements of social change while standing against the use of violence. I am proud to stand with them to call for peace, justice, and equality.\u201d\n\n\u201cYouth violence is on the rise, and as a mama to my nine-year-old Carter Cakes, I think every day about how we can create a safer future for our children,\u201d said Rep. Williams. \u201cThis resolution isn\u2019t just about awareness\u2013it\u2019s about action. National Nonviolence Week empowers young people and communities to embrace nonviolence, inspiring the next generation to be changemakers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-hosts-oh-11-housing-expo-cleveland", "Congresswoman Brown Hosts OH-11 Housing Expo in Cleveland", "2024-10-05", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Cleveland, OH \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) hosted an OH-11 Housing Expo Saturday October 5 at Cleveland State University\u2019s Wolstein Center. The housing expo featured federal, state, and local agencies, housing advocates, and mortgage lenders, who provided resources and information to Northeast Ohioans.\n\nMaterials for press: Video, Photos\n\nParticipants included: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the City of Cleveland Department of Community Development, Cleveland Housing Court, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and more. The expo also featured breakout sessions on federal assistance programs, property taxes, mortgages, housing resources for seniors, downpayment assistance, and more.\n\n\u201cThe incredible interest in this event mirrors what we have heard from constituents for a long time: housing is one of the biggest issues in Northeast Ohio and people need assistance. Housing can be complex, so we wanted to bring federal and local resources and experts together under one roof for the community. We need to make housing more affordable and make affordable housing more plentiful, help more people purchase a home, and make sure that everyone has a safe place to stay. Thank you to Cleveland State University for hosting us and to all of the panelists, speakers, and participants who took part in the expo. We all have a role to play in addressing the housing needs of Ohioans and I will continue to help make resources available to my constituents,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nCongresswoman Brown is a cosponsor of three major bills to expand access to affordable housing and home ownership in the United States. These bills are: the Home Investment Partnership Act (H.R. 7075), which would significantly increase the federal funds available for affordable housing across the country and expand HUD\u2019s HOME program, the Home of Your Own Act (H.R. 8714), which would create a new $30,000 grant for eligible first-time homebuyers, and the HELPER Act (H.R. 3170) which would establish a new home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for teachers, law enforcement officers, and first responders.\n\nParticipating agencies and organizations included:\n\nU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\n\nCuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services\n\nCuyahoga County Fiscal Department\n\nCuyahoga County Probate Court\n\nCuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority\n\nCity of Cleveland Department of Community Development\n\nCleveland Housing Court\n\nOhio State University Extension\n\nBenjamin Rose Institute on Aging\n\nCHN Housing Partners\n\nCommunity Housing Solutions\n\nFair Housing Center for Rights & Research\n\nGreater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity\n\nLegal Aid Society of Cleveland\n\nNID Housing Counseling Agency\n\nNortheast Ohio Regional Sewer District\n\nWest Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development\n\nWestern Reserve Area Agency on Aging", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-joins-connolly-leading-bipartisan-letter-postal-board-governors", "Kaptur Joins Connolly In Leading Bipartisan Letter to Postal Board of Governors Urging Action to Ensure Safe and Secure Postal Operations", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "October 4, 2024\n\nToledo, Ohio \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), joined Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, in leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers in writing to the Postal Board of Governors to bring to their attention severe deficiencies in United States Postal Service (USPS) operations that risk the security of the mail and mail facilities and threaten the safety of postal employees and members of the public. The Members urged the Board of Governors to take action to address these issues and requested information from the Board to ensure effective oversight of their progress.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives: Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), and Blake Moore (RUT-01).\n\n\u201cThe Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the operations of the USPS, setting the strategic direction of the USPS, approving important and significant USPS policies, and holding USPS leadership accountable to upholding the mission of one of our nation\u2019s most prized assets,\u201d wrote the Members in their letter.\n\n\u201cAs such, we bring to your attention for immediate action a series of recent reports by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG), which have identified serious lapses in existing postal operations and a glaring lack of oversight by the USPS over its own facilities and contracted suppliers and services,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThe concerns raised by the OIG can be grouped into three primary categories: access to postal facilities, contract trucking safety, and repeated violations of federal wage laws under the purview of USPS contracts.\u201d\n\nThe Members requested answers to the following questions:\n\nDoes the Postal Service currently have a record of every driver and carrier (i.e. trucking company), including subcontracted carriers, that accessed Postal Service facilities in FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024?\n\nDoes the Postal Service know how many drivers it has permitted to access its facilities without a postal issued ID security badge and how many of those drivers would have qualified for a badge after completing the nonsensitive security clearance and driving record review?\n\nDoes the Postal Service uniformly record the driver\u2019s license, or the information contained therein, for those individuals that access postal facilities without first obtaining a postal badge, how is that information stored, and has any analysis of that data ever been performed to determine if these drivers would qualify for a postal-issued photo ID security badge?\n\nDoes the Postal Service maintain a do-not-use carrier or driver list and does the Postal Service share that list with its transportation contractors to ensure that unsafe subcontractors are not utilized?\n\nHow many traffic fatalities have occurred involving Postal Service transportation contractors and subcontractors, respectively, in FY 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and are these companies still performing transportation services for the Postal Service? Are those incidents reported to the Board of Governors?\n\nHave the measures cited in the Postal OIG\u2019s February 2024 report on Contract Trucking Safety regarding implementation of a process and method for tracking contractor crash and fatality information, along with written instructions regarding policy and procedure, been completed given the target date of July 31 provided in the report?\n\nWas the Board of Governors aware of the Postal Service\u2019s intention to use its freight auction board for routine trips or given a projection that the Postal Service would spend approximately $1 billion in FY 2024 on the freight auction board to contract transportation?\n\nWas the Board of Governors aware of the Postal Service\u2019s intention to abandon its postal-issued ID security badge process for contractors operating on the freight auction board and did the Board of Governors agree with or authorize this policy decision? Did the Board of Governors, collectively or individually, express any concern about the potential consequences of this policy decision in light of the significant increase in freight auction utilization?\n\nWhy has the Postal Service failed to comply with the requirements of the Service Contract Act after receiving the Department of Labor\u2019s denial of its requested exemption on February 22, 2022? How many freight auction contracts or trips in 2024 failed to include the SCA-required wage determination?\n\nDoes the Postal Service track criminal activity by transportation contractors or subcontractors, such as trailer theft, mail theft, or loading commercial freight in sealed trailers carrying mail? If so, how many such incidents occurred in FY 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and what types of incidents occurred?\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Chairman Martinez and Members of the USPS Board of Governors:\n\nWe write to bring to the attention of the Board of Governors severe deficiencies in United States Postal Service (USPS) operations that risk the security of the mail and mail facilities and threaten the safety of postal employees and members of the public.\n\nThe Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the operations of the USPS, setting the strategic direction of the USPS, approving important and significant USPS policies, and holding USPS leadership accountable to upholding the mission of one of our nation\u2019s most prized assets.\n\nAs such, we bring to your attention for immediate action a series of recent reports by the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG), which have identified serious lapses in existing postal operations and a glaring lack of oversight by the USPS over its own facilities and contracted suppliers and services. The concerns raised by the OIG can be grouped into three primary categories: access to postal facilities, contract trucking safety, and repeated violations of federal wage laws under the purview of USPS contracts.\n\nAccess to Postal Facilities: The OIG\u2019s September 2023 audit, \u201cTransportation Workplace Safety and Driver Security,\u201d revealed that a significant portion of drivers accessing USPS facilities were not properly vetted according to existing security procedures and lacked valid identification badges. This report found that between 72% and 88% of drivers were found to be without appropriate clearance, putting both postal employees and mail security at risk. The OIG\u2019s February 2024 audit, \u201cContract Trucking Safety and Compliance\u201d revealed that this lack of driver vetting remained persistent and particularly problematic for suppliers operating on the Postal Service\u2019s freight auction. As of the OIG\u2019s August 2024 audit, this issue remains unresolved.\n\nContract Trucking Safety: The February 2024 audit, \u201cContract Trucking Safety and Compliance,\u201d also identified a failure to track serious and fatal crashes involving contract trucking services. The OIG recommended that the USPS establish immediately a method for tracking contractor crash and fatality data, a recommendation codified in the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act. Consistent with the September 2023 audit, the OIG also reported that USPS does not maintain adequate records on who is authorized to transport mail and does not enforce proper vetting procedures drivers, particularly for freight auction suppliers. As we have seen in public reporting over the last several years, these safety lapses lead to serial violation of safety standards and preventable deaths.\n\nPattern of Wage Violations Under USPS Watch: The August 2024 OIG audit, \u201cEvaluation of Freight Auction,\u201d revealed a troubling pattern of wage violations within USPS\u2019s contracting system, which increasingly awards contracts through the use of freight auctions. Many of these low-cost contracts are possible, in part, because workers are being underpaid in violation of the Service Contract Act. These violations are being exacerbated by the Postal Service\u2019s own failure to comply with the Service Contact Act by failing incorporating the relevant, required minimum wage determinations and fringe benefits in contract solicitations. USPS\u2019s cost-cutting approach has facilitated these wage violations without regard for the quality of outcomes, rewarding contractors for cutting corners. While not a direct safety or security concern, this issue contributes to a culture that deprioritizes safety and security by encouraging unlawful business practices and incentivizing contractors to reduce costs at any expense.\n\nThis pattern of wage violations reflects a broader issue within USPS: a focus on low-cost contracts, principally via its freight auction board, without concern for the quality of outcomes. While cost-cutting is not inherently bad, it becomes deeply problematic when done with disregard for the law, safety, and security. Freight auction spending has surged, with projections reaching $1 Billion this year\u2014a 628% increase since 2022. As utilization of freight auctions increases, oversight continues to lag, exacerbating the safety risks, security gaps, and labor concerns identified in recent audits. For example, the OIG\u2019s February report found that, for drivers under these contracts, screening protocols are often inconsistent or entirely absent.\n\nAlthough the Postal Service has taken some steps to improve safety and oversight since last year, serious issues remain. USPS\u2019s lack of oversight in favor of low-cost freight auction contracts has led to security lapses, such as insufficient driver vetting, and compromised safety standards for contract trucking, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering both postal employees and the public. Without urgent corrective measures, these failures will continue to compromise the safety of postal employees, the security of the mail, and public trust in the USPS.\n\nThe Board of Governors must ensure the USPS addresses the issues noted above swiftly. Public trust in the Postal Service depends on maintaining safe and secure operations, and the growing use of unaccountable contracting practices threatens to undermine that trust. We urge immediate action to address the OIG\u2019s findings and ensure that modernization does not come at the expense of safety, security, and legal wage rates.\n\nTo better understand the scope of these oversight failures and monitor the steps that the Postal Service will take to address them, we request answers to the following questions:\n\nDoes the Postal Service currently have a record of every driver and carrier (i.e. trucking company), including subcontracted carriers, that accessed Postal Service facilities in FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024?\n\nDoes the Postal Service know how many drivers it has permitted to access its facilities without a postal-issued ID security badge and how many of those drivers would have qualified for a badge after completing the nonsensitive security clearance and driving record review?\n\nDoes the Postal Service uniformly record the driver\u2019s license, or the information contained therein, for those individuals that access postal facilities without first obtaining a postal badge, how is that information stored, and has any analysis of that data ever been performed to determine if these drivers would qualify for a postal-issued photo ID security badge?\n\nDoes the Postal Service maintain a do-not-use carrier or driver list and does the Postal Service share that list with its transportation contractors to ensure that unsafe subcontractors are not utilized?\n\nHow many traffic fatalities have occurred involving Postal Service transportation contractors and subcontractors, respectively, in FY 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and are these companies still performing transportation services for the Postal Service? Are those incidents reported to the Board of Governors?\n\nHave the measures cited in the Postal OIG\u2019s February 2024 report on Contract Trucking Safety regarding implementation of a process and method for tracking contractor crash and fatality information, along with written instructions regarding policy and procedure, been completed given the target date of July 31 provided in the report?\n\nWas the Board of Governors aware of the e Postal Service\u2019s intention to use its freight auction board for routine trips or given a projection that the Postal Service would spend approximately $1 billion in FY 2024 on the freight auction board to contract transportation?\n\nWas the Board of Governors aware of the Postal Service\u2019s intention to abandon its postal-issued ID security badge process for contractors operating on the freight auction board and did the Board of Governors agree with or authorize this policy decision? Did the Board of Governors, collectively or individually, express any concern about the potential consequences of this policy decision in light of the significant increase in freight auction utilization?\n\nWhy has the Postal Service failed to comply with the requirements of the Service Contract Act after receiving the Department of Labor\u2019s denial of its requested exemption on February 22, 2022? How many freight auction contracts or trips in 2024 failed to include the SCA-required wage determination?\n\nDoes the Postal Service track criminal activity by transportation contractors or subcontractors, such as trailer theft, mail theft, or loading commercial freight in sealed trailers carrying mail? If so, how many such incidents occurred in FY 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and what types of incidents occurred?\n\nThank you for your service to the USPS and for your immediate attention to issues raised in this correspondence.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-beatty-and-garcia-lead-call-for-imf-surcharge-reform", "Reps. Beatty and Garcia Lead Call for IMF Surcharge Reform", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Reps. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, and Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) led Members of Congress in a letter urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use the United States\u2019 voice and vote at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to push for the elimination of harmful IMF surcharges that burden debt-stricken countries.\n\nSurcharges are extra fees imposed by the IMF on top of regular interest and service charges when a country\u2019s debt exceeds a certain IMF threshold. These fees significantly increase the cost of borrowing, can undermine debt reduction efforts, and may divert public resources from critical areas like health, education, and climate adaptation. Later this month, the IMF Board of Governors will meet to vote on a series of reforms, including changes to the surcharge policy.\n\nThe Members wrote:\n\n\u201cThe IMF has not offered evidence that surcharges are effective in their goal of disincentivizing reliance on the Fund. In fact, surcharges significantly increase countries\u2019 debt burdens, and the Fund\u2019s own analyses demonstrate that the likelihood of timely repayment and sustainable financing tend to decrease as debt burdens rise. Moreover, IMF lending already comes with great political and economic costs.\n\n\u201cWe acknowledge that Treasury\u2019s approach to surcharge reform endeavors to find a balance between alleviating countries\u2019 debt burdens and maintaining IMF reserves. However, in our estimation, elimination of surcharge fees would not unduly harm the Fund\u2019s balance sheets. The IMF\u2019s precautionary balances target was recently met and will continue to grow above targeted levels even in the absence of surcharges.\u201d\n\nReps. Beatty and Garc\u00eda were joined by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Al Green (TX-09), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).\n\nTo see the full letter, click HERE.\n\nFor media inquiries, please contact Casandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-225000-to-support-young-parents-in-our-communities", "Rep. Sykes Announces $225,000 To Support Young Parents In Our Communities", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $250,000 to Shelter Care Inc. in Tallmadge to support pregnant, homeless teens and parental education for young people in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.\n\n\u201cOrganizations like Shelter Care provide critical resources and assistance for young parents in our communities. I\u2019m glad to announce this funding to support the ongoing work of this organization,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cIt is with great appreciation to share that Shelter Care, Inc. was approved for funding through the Maternity Group Home grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. Since 2008, this funding has been instrumental in supporting The Highlands program which provides residential and non-residential support and services to pregnant and parenting teens. Shelter Care looks forward to the ability to continue to serve our community through the contribution of this funding,\u201d said Shelter Care Inc. Executive Director Joe Rizzo.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-325000-to-support-workforce-development", "Rep. Sykes Announces $325,000 to Support Workforce Development", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $325,000 to Asian Services in Action (ASIA) to support its Refugee Career Pathways Program.\n\n\u201cI am proud to welcome immigrants and their contributions to our community. This funding will help ensure that they are able to start and develop their careers in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, thus helping establish their American Dream and bolster our local economy. I will continue fighting to bring funding back to our community to support workforce development,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cAs an organization that has been providing culturally and linguistically appropriate programming for immigrants and refugees for nearly thirty years, we are pleased to receive this grant which allows us to expand the services we provide to newcomers. I am proud of my Social Services staff and development team for securing this award for our clients,\u201d said Asian Services in Action Interim CEO Scott Piepho.\n\n\u201cEmpowering refugees to build their future through meaningful careers is not just an investment in individuals, but a commitment to vibrant communities and a stronger society.\u201d said Asian Services in Action Chief Program Officer Susan Wong.\n\nASIA is the largest health and human services agency serving the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community of Northeast Ohio. ASIA runs two federally qualified health centers \u2014one in Cleveland and one in Akron\u2014that specialize in linguistically and culturally competent care for immigrants and refugees. ASIA also provides all of the wrap around social services for this community to thrive in Northeast Ohio.\n\nThe Refugee Career Pathways Program is designed to support refugees in successfully integrating into the workforce by providing tailored career development resources, training, and mentorship. Its mission is to empower individuals to build sustainable careers, fostering economic independence and contributing to their communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-500000-to-support-transitional-housing-for-victims-of-domestic-violence", "Rep. Sykes Announces $500,000 To Support Transitional Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $500,000 to Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center to support transitional housing initiatives for survivors of domestic violence in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to secure this funding, which will help survivors of domestic violence not only find permanent housing, but will equip them with the resources and knowledge they need to be successful. Too often, victims of domestic violence do not leave a dangerous situation because they may not have anywhere to go, or they may not have the tools to live on their own. This funding seeks to change that, and I will continue fighting to bring funding back to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District for such programs,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cThe Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center is proud to announce the launch of our Empowering Paths Housing Assistance and Employment Solutions program, thanks to this generous grant. This initiative will provide critical transitional housing assistance and comprehensive employment counseling for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in Summit and Medina counties. In partnership with Goodwill Industries, we aim to empower survivors on their path to independence, offering trauma-informed support services that foster long-term stability. Together, we are committed to creating a future where survivors not only heal but thrive,\u201d said Teresa Stafford, CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center.\n\nHope and Healing Survivor Resource Center will provide 10 scattered site residences for 10 survivors and their families through private landlord housing units. The Battered Women\u2019s Shelter of Summit and Medina County will collaborate with its two partners, The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc, and Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counites, to provide a holistic, victim-centered, and multidisciplinary approach to transitional housing needs in the community.\n\nThis new project will use funds to provide both housing and supportive services to move survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are homeless or in need of housing assistance to permanent housing. The project will assist clients for an anticipated minimum of six months and a maximum length of 24 months.\n\nThe grant activities will be tailored to meet the needs of the survivors. The range of optional support services includes rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, employment counseling, legal services, advocacy, mental health services, outpatient health services, outreach services, and housing advocacy. The project will also hire one additional staff member to implement the program and provide follow-up services for at least six months once a survivor secures permanent housing.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-nearly-13-million-to-support-court-and-crime-reduction-programs", "Rep. Sykes Announces Nearly $1.3 Million to Support Court and Crime Reduction Programs", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded nearly $1.3 million for two programs in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District. The Summit County Valor Court will receive $998,998.00 to expand court services and the Village of Lakemore will receive $300,000 for its Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program.\n\n\u201cI secured this funding to help decrease crime in our communities and improve our court systems. Every American deserves to feel safe in their community, and this funding will be used to ensure our law enforcement and courts are meeting the individualized needs of community members,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nSummit County Valor Court, certified by the Ohio Supreme Court, is a specialized docket of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. It is a veteran\u2019s treatment court serving veterans involved in the adult criminal justice system in Summit County, 94% of whom struggle with substance abuse. This project will expand and enhance court services by enabling the court to increase weekend urine drug screening, military-specific training for staff, and expanded educational outreach.\n\n\u201cWe are so grateful to have received this award. Our Team is committed to doing everything we can to assist our justice involved Veterans to successfully complete their goals and resume productive roles in our community. This funding ensures the sustained delivery of critical programs, such as expert case management and peer recovery support, that drive positive outcomes for our Veterans,\u201d said Summit County Valor Court Presiding Judge Susan Baker Ross.\n\nThe funding awarded under the Department of Justice\u2019s Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program is for a collaborative project between the Village of Lakemore, Village of Mogadore, City of Tallmadge, City Cuyahoga Falls, and City of Stow, with the Village of Lakemore being the lead municipality.\n\nThese funds will be used for Flock Cameras and Star Chase GPS systems to enhance real-time crime monitoring and response capabilities. These technologies will support a broader crime reduction strategy that includes significant training components for law enforcement on cultural\n\ncompetency, bias awareness, de-escalation techniques, and robust community outreach efforts to strengthen trust and collaboration between police and community members. This is a three-year project.\n\n\u201cThe primary goal of this united front is to reduce the spillover of violent crime from Akron into the surrounding suburban areas. Integrating advanced technology, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and improving community-police relations will reduce or eliminate violent crime,\u201d said Village of Lakemore Grants Administer Christina Barry.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-secures-nearly-36-million-for-community-action-head-start", "Rep. Sykes Secures Nearly $3.6 Million For Community Action Head Start", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Community Action Akron-Summit $3,592,486 for its Head Start Program.\n\n\u201cI am excited to announce this vital funding, which will help support families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District. Head Start plays a critical role in helping low income families secure their American Dream. The program supports the healthy development of our children and ensures that they are set up to be successful in kindergarten and beyond. Head Start also lowers childcare costs for their parents and guardians, helping those adults pursue workforce opportunities that otherwise may be unattainable without reliable, affordable childcare,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\nHead Start is a federally-funded program that provides school readiness and ensures that both low-income children and parents are prepared for Kindergarten and for a life filled with learning. Additionally, through either direct service or referrals, Head Start children receive numerous health services ensuring good physical, dental, nutritional and mental health. Head Start is available at no cost to pregnant moms, infants, toddlers and children up to age five from income-eligible families. Children with special needs are also welcome.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/sykes-evans-introduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-corporate-investors-buying-up-local-homes-driving-up-housing-prices", "Sykes, Evans Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Corporate Investors Buying Up Local Homes, Driving Up Housing Prices", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation Would Restrict Tax Breaks for Private Equity Firms and Other Large Outside Investors that Buy Up Homes in Local Communities\n\nAKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduce the Stop Predatory Investing Act to restrict tax breaks for big corporate investors that buy up homes, often driving up local housing prices and rents. This legislation would prohibit an investor who acquires 50 or more single-family rental homes from deducting interest or depreciation on those properties. The bill restricts tax breaks for private equity and large investors that currently give them an advantage in the market for affordable single-family homes, and helps make homeownership a reality for more families across the country.\n\n\u201cWith home prices reaching record highs, many Ohioans are struggling to afford homeownership and some are being priced out of the neighborhoods they\u2019ve lived in all of their lives. It\u2019s unfair for homeowners to have to compete with deep-pocketed investors who are adding to their real estate portfolios, meanwhile they drive up rents and reduce the housing supply while receiving generous tax breaks,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cMy bill would prevent corporate landlords from driving up local home prices and restore power to working people who want to buy a home to live and raise their families in.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Ways and Means Committee that oversees tax legislation, I appreciate Representative Sykes\u2019 leadership on this issue and I\u2019m proud to co-lead this bill,\u201d said Rep. Evans. \u201cI think the federal government shouldn\u2019t be subsidizing large investors\u2019 mass buying of single-family homes, just like we don\u2019t want to subsidize mass purchasers buying up concert tickets. Working people deserve a fair chance at buying affordable homes, and this bill would be an important tool to add to the housing toolbox!\u201d\n\nPrivate equity and other Wall Street-backed outside investors are a growing problem in local housing markets, and contribute to pushing home ownership further out of reach for many working families. In 2021, 16% of homes in Cleveland were purchased by investors, with one zip code reaching 70%. In Cincinnati, they bought 15% of homes, reaching nearly 50% of homes in some communities. On one street, a single company bought 29 homes. Large investors use technology and all-cash offers to outcompete individual buyers. And because investors often target the same types of affordable starter homes as first-time homebuyers, they push families out of the housing market.\n\nThe Stop Predatory Investing Act is endorsed by Enterprise Community Partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST), and National Housing Law Project (NHLP).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-host-oh-11-housing-expo-saturday-october-5-0", "Congresswoman Brown to Host OH-11 Housing Expo Saturday October 5", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) will host an OH-11 Housing Expo at Cleveland State University\u2019s Wolstein Center on Saturday October 5 from 9:00 AM \u2013 2:00 PM. Constituents are invited to attend this free resource event. Attendees are asked to RSVP online here. To date, over 1000 people have RSVPed.\n\nThe housing expo will feature federal, state, and local agencies and offer resources and information for current and prospective homeowners. Participants include: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the City of Cleveland Department of Community Development, Cleveland Housing Court, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and more.\n\nThe expo will also include breakout sessions on federal assistance programs, property taxes, mortgages, housing resources for seniors, downpayment assistance, and more. Attendees will also be able to receive a free credit check. Breakout sessions begin at 11:30 AM. (Sessions listed below.)\n\n\u201cI am excited to host our OH-11 Housing Expo and invite Northeast Ohioans to join us on October 5 at the Wolstein Center. This event is all about bringing agencies directly to you. The Housing Expo will be a one-stop-shop for resources, information, and expert advice on all things housing, whether you are looking to buy a home, find affordable housing, learn about resources for the unhoused, or get more information on lending, taxes, and insurance,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nWHAT: OH-11 Housing Expo\n\nWHO: Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Federal, State, and Local Housing Agencies and Organizations\n\nWHEN: Saturday, October 5, 9:00 AM \u2013 2:00 PM; Remarks from Congresswoman Brown approx. 9:45 AM\n\nWHERE: Cleveland State University Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland OH 44115\n\nInterested press are asked to RSVP to will.mcdonald@mail.house.gov\n\nBreakout session schedule:\n\n11:30 AM \u2013 12:15 PM:\n\nRoom 1: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Programs: Learn about HUD\u2019s federal programs\n\nRoom 2: City of Cleveland Department of Community Development: Maximizing Cleveland\u2019s Housing Support: Home Repair, Rehabilitation, and Lead Abatement Programs\n\nRoom 3: Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer: Property Taxes 101\n\nRoom 4: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority: Learn about CMHA programs\n\n12:30 PM \u2013 1:15 PM:\n\nRoom 1: Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services, Benjamin Rose: Housing Solutions for Seniors\n\nRoom 2: KeyBank, US Bank: Understanding Mortgage Options and Resources\n\nRoom 3: NID HCA Housing Counseling Agency, Community Housing Solutions: Navigating the Housing Agencies\n\nRoom 4: Cleveland Housing Court, Cuyahoga County Probate Court: Understand Housing and Probate Court\n\nParticipating agencies and organizations include:\n\nU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\n\nCuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services\n\nCuyahoga County Fiscal Department\n\nCuyahoga County Probate Court\n\nCuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority\n\nCity of Cleveland Department of Community Development\n\nCleveland Housing Court\n\nOhio State University Extension\n\nBenjamin Rose Institute on Aging\n\nCHN Housing Partners\n\nCommunity Housing Solutions\n\nFair Housing Center for Rights & Research\n\nGreater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity\n\nLegal Aid Society of Cleveland\n\nNID Housing Counseling Agency\n\nNortheast Ohio Regional Sewer District\n\nWest Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development\n\nWestern Reserve Area Agency on Aging", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-condemns-iranian-escalation-against-israel", "Rep. Sykes Condemns Iranian Escalation Against Israel", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Akron, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement condemning Iran\u2019s attack on Israel this week.\n\n\u201cI strongly condemn the Iranian attack on our ally Israel, the second major attack this year, which is escalating tensions in the Middle East and putting civilians in harm\u2019s way,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cIran is the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism and since October 7, 2023, Iran has rallied terrorist attacks on Israel from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Syria and Iraq.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States must stand with our ally Israel and ensure it has the support it needs to protect its citizens while working with the international community to combat Iran and their support for terrorist proxies.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-recognizes-october-as-domestic-violence-awareness-month-leads-legislation-to-protect-survivors-of-domestic-violence", "Rep. Sykes Recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Leads Legislation to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since coming to Congress, Rep. Sykes has led nine pieces of legislation which establish protections for survivors of domestic violence. That legislation includes: the Stop Electronic Stalking Act, Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act, Break Free from Domestic Violence Act, Skills Against Violence Act, an amendment to the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act, Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024, Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, and the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resolution of 2023.\n\nRep. Sykes also secured $480,000 in grant funding from the Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women for the University of Akron to conduct evaluations of promising practices for combatting domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to research issues emerging in the field.\n\n\u201cToo many Americans from all backgrounds and ages face domestic violence in communities across the country,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cAs the Congresswoman for Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, it is my duty to ensure our neighbors, friends, and family members can live safely in our neighborhoods. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve led legislation to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence, hold abusers accountable, and ultimately, save lives. Our communities are stronger when everyone is safe from violence.\u201d\n\nNationally, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. In 2022, Ohio suffered 112 domestic violence fatalities from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, 17 of which were children. Additionally, 1,359 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Summit County, and 1,527 in Stark County.\n\nA longtime advocate for protecting survivors of domestic violence, Rep. Sykes\u2019 work on domestic violence issues has earned bipartisan praise and resulted in her priority legislation, Ohio H.B. 1, to be signed into law when she was serving in the Ohio House of Representatives. Ohio H.B. 1 gives victims of dating violence the ability to obtain civil protective orders against their attacker.\n\nMore information about the legislation Rep. Sykes has led in the U.S. House of Representatives is below.\n\nThe Stop Electronic Stalking Act (H.R. 6035) amends the federal criminal code\u2019s definition of stalking to codify that the unauthorized tracking of an individual by a GPS device qualifies as stalking to prevent victimization and crack down on bad actors who use tracking devices for nefarious purposes. While Bluetooth tagging devices are intended to track property, not people, crimes have been reported across the country involving the use of Bluetooth tagging devices to stalk victims, specifically younger women and women being stalked by former spouses or relationship partners. Currently, federal stalking law does not explicitly ban unwanted location tracking using an electronic device.\n\nSurvivors of domestic abuse shouldn\u2019t be penalized financially when they leave an abusive marriage. The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act (H.R. 6169) would expand access to Social Security spousal benefits for individuals who divorce due to domestic abuse. Currently, couples must be married for at least 10 years to be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits, inadvertently incentivizing individuals to remain in unsafe relationships. The Fair Social Security for Domestic Violence Survivors Act lowers this minimum marital threshold to five years.\n\nBecause victims of domestic violence visit healthcare providers for treatment of their injuries as well as routine medical care, healthcare providers are in a unique position to combat abuse. The Better Care for Domestic Violence Survivors Act (H.R. 6168) would provide $50 million ($10 million per year for five years) for a pilot program to train healthcare providers in evidence-based, trauma-informed techniques to identify and treat individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence. This vital training would give healthcare providers the tools and training they need to effectively intervene in situations of abuse, ultimately saving survivors\u2019 lives.\n\nThe Break Free From Domestic Violence Act (H.R. 6167) would allow individuals who are experiencing dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault to break their lease with a public housing entity or a private landlord without adverse costs, such as being forced to pay the remaining months\u2019 rent or facing retaliatory threats from the landlord. This legislation would help ensure the physical safety of individuals experiencing domestic violence, especially those without the financial resources to pay the fees associated with breaking a lease early.\n\nThe Skills Against Violence Act (H.R. 9599) would create a federal grant program for eligible non-profits and government entities to support gender-based violence survivor workforce development. This includes skills training and advising to ensure survivors can secure employment and financial independence.\n\nRep. Sykes\u2019s amendment to the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act (H.R. 4755) will support research to protect Americans from being tracked electronically without their consent.\n\nThe Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024 (H.R. 8061) redirects unobligated funds collected through the False Claims Act to the Crime Victims Fund through Fiscal Year 2029, stabilizing the Crime Victims Fund during recent declines. The ultimate goal of this legislation would be to give victim assistance programs the support necessary to keep their operations running. Rep. Sykes is a cosponsor of this bill.\n\nThe Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act (H.R. 6405) aims to protect more victims of domestic violence by preventing their abusers from possessing or receiving firearms and to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a grant program relating to the removal of firearms from adjudicated domestic violence offenders, and for other purposes. Rep. Sykes is a cosponsor of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-nearly-17-million-federal-justice-awards-address-youth", "Kaptur Announces Nearly $1.7 Million in Federal Justice Awards to Address Youth Violence and Support Criminal Justice Reform", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, OH \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), announced two significant federal awards from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to enhance local efforts aimed at combating youth violence and improving criminal justice outcomes. Together, these DOJ awards, totaling nearly $1.7 Million, will bolster community-based initiatives to make Northwest Ohio safer, more resilient, and more equitable.\n\n\u201cWe are on the front lines of our community\u2019s challenges, and each story \u2014 from a young student impacted by violence to an individual fighting for a second chance through rehabilitation\u2014matters deeply,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThese federal awards are more than just dollars and cents \u2014 they are lifelines for Toledo and Lucas County. By working hand-in-hand with vital community organizations, we are building a future where our children can grow up safely and those battling addiction can rebuild their lives with dignity.\u201d\n\nThe first award, a $1 Million award from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) under the DOJ's Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence program, will focus on supporting Toledo Public Schools and local community organizations in preventing and responding to school- and community-based violence. The funding will be utilized in collaboration with Toledo Public Schools and two key community partners, Good Grief of Northwest Ohio and Sisters 4 Unity. The project will deliver trauma-informed care, violence prevention programs, and peer support for students and families impacted by violence at three Toledo high schools: Waite, Woodward, and Scott.\n\nThe second award, totaling $678,332, was awarded to the Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The funds will be used to enhance the Lucas County Treatment Court, which plays a vital role in rehabilitating individuals with substance use disorders by providing them with treatment options as an alternative to incarceration. The award will improve court operations, increase access to treatment resources, and strengthen community partnerships aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting long-term recovery.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-announces-2-million-federal-funds-awarded-cuyahoga-county", "Congresswoman Brown Announces $2 Million in Federal Funds Awarded to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for Violence Intervention Program", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and the Department of Justice \u2013 Office of Justice Programs (OJP)announce that the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and Juvenile Courts have received a federal grant of $2,000,000 for the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Alliance. Spearheaded by the Cuyahoga County Juvenile and Common Pleas Courts, this initiative is designed to prevent juvenile and young adult gun-related crimes from escalating.\n\nThis grant was awarded by the OJP\u2019s Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), with funding supported by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congresswoman Brown proudly voted for in 2022. For more information on the CVIPI, click here.\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce federal funding has been awarded to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas to expand the innovative and impactful Violence Intervention Program Alliance,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown. \u201cThis grant is another win for Northeast Ohio made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. As we combat gun violence, it is imperative that we take measures that deescalate, intervene in, and prevent crime. The funding will help expand the VIP Alliance to close gaps and provide resources for young people at risk so we can stop crimes before they happen. Congratulations to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on receiving this competitive award.\u201d\n\nStatement from Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division and Administrative Judge Thomas F. O\u2019Malley, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Court:\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, we are proud to accept this grant from the Department of Justice. It is especially rewarding, as this grant will allow us to expand our work on the Violence Intervention Program, a specialty court which was first piloted in the General Division in 2020, to Juvenile Court. Criminal gun activity is a challenge that is very important to both courts, as we see the impact it has on our community every day. This grant will allow us to examine how trauma impacts a young person\u2019s decision-making related to guns and gun violence, to provide intensive interventions to young offenders through a multidisciplinary approach while reducing risk factors that contribute to gun activity, and to address critical gaps within our system. We thank Representative Shontel Brown for her continued support of the individuals in our community and the work of the Courts.\u201d\n\n$2,000,0000 to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and Juvenile Court:The Cuyahoga County Juvenile and Common Pleas Courts are spearheading the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Alliance in Cleveland, Ohio. This initiative is designed to prevent juvenile and young adult gun-related crimes from escalating into serious offenses. The program's features include the expansion of the Common Pleas Court's VIP Pilot into a specialty docket for 17-year-old and 18- to 26-year-old felony offenders through an Adult VIP Court. The VIP Alliance will proactively identify eligible youth and young adult participants, using research-based guidance that addresses multiple risk factors for gun violence. Its comprehensive main activities include dedicated VIP judges, VIP teams (including local prosecutors and public defender offices), VIP stakeholders, a VIP advisory board, VIP probation officers serving as primary case managers, trauma-informed counseling, peer mentoring and supportive case management. Both the Common Pleas Court and Juvenile Court will implement VIP principles with efficacy, promoting fairness and transparency while addressing the underlying psychological risk factors that lead to escalated criminal behavior.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-moves-to-break-barriers-with-new-federal-contracting-bill", "Beatty Moves to Break Barriers with New Federal Contracting Bill", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04) in introducing the CONTRACTS Act of 2024, H.R. 9832, Wednesday, September 25, 2024.\n\nThe CONTRACTS (Create Opportunities and Networks for Talented, Ready, and Able Contractors to Succeed) Act of 2024 is a bill that will improve federal contracting practices and increase opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses (DSBs). The bill directs federal agencies to create databases, initiatives, and networks to support minority-owned businesses, in addition to providing technical assistance and establishing a task force to identify best practices, the needs of DSBs, and solutions to the challenges they face.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join Congressman Ivey and Chair Horsford in introducing the CONTRACTS Act to collect more data on where federal contracting dollars are going and to increase contract awards to disadvantaged small businesses,\u201d said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. \u201cDirecting federal contracting dollars to minority-owned businesses enhances competition, performance, and innovation and directly leads to job creation and wealth-building in minority and underserved communities, creating avenues for small business growth and local economic development. This legislation will improve transparency and equity in federal contracting by establishing a public online database of contracts awarded and authorizing a comprehensive outreach and education program to increase participation among disadvantaged businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce legislation to enhance federal contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses and dismantle discriminatory barriers that they encounter,\u201d said Congressman Glenn Ivey.\u201cThe number of minority-owned businesses has grown at the fastest pace in over 30 years, but according to the SBA\u2019s disaggregated federal contracting data for Fiscal Year 2023, less than two percent of Black-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses receive federal contracting dollars. It is up to us to close this critical gap and improve opportunities for the talent pipeline and surge of entrepreneurs within the minority business community.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I\u2019m working to make sure that federal contracting reflects the diversity of our nation and creates pathways for economic growth in minority communities,\u201d said Congressman Steven Horsford. \u201cThe CONTRACTS Act will level the playing field for minority-owned businesses by breaking down barriers, enhancing access to resources, and ensuring they have a fair shot at competing for federal contracts. This legislation will improve equity in contracting, empower entrepreneurs, and increase the diversity of our economy.\u201d\n\nThe CONTRACTS Act of 2024 was referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Small Business and to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.\n\nFull text of the legislation will be available here.\n\nFor media inquiries, please email Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-rulli-lead-bipartisan-ohio-colleagues-letter-usda-secretary", "Kaptur, Rulli Lead Bipartisan Ohio Colleagues In Letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack Demanding Emergency Measures to Preserve Livestock", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Toledo, Ohio \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Dean of the Ohio Congressional Delegation joined Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06) in leading 7 bipartisan members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation in a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting the expansion of Conservative Reserve Program (CRP) acres eligible for emergency haying and grazing measures. Ohio is currently facing the worst drought on record since the early 1930's, with natural disaster declarations in place for 28 of Ohio's 88 counties. In response, farmers have been forced to supplement their livestock with winter hay reserves, but backup resources are beginning to run low.\n\nOther signers of the letter include Representatives: Troy Balderson (OH-12), Mike Carey OH-15), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Brad Wenstrup (OH-02).\n\n\u201cOhio's farmers are facing one of the worst droughts in nearly a century, and need our support,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. \u201cThis bipartisan support expressed to Secretary Vilsack from across the Ohio delegation underscores that expanding emergency haying and grazing options for our farmers through the Conservation Reserve Program is so vital.\u201d\n\n\u201cOhio\u2019s farmers and ranchers have been struggling to sustain their livestock due to the recent drought. By allowing these CRP acres to be used, we can ensure that our farmers have the support they need to endure these challenges and mitigate long-lasting damage to their livelihoods,\u201d said Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06). \u201cWe must act swiftly to support and defend Ohio\u2019s agricultural industry and protect our national economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s extreme drought has wreaked havoc for farmers and small business owners across Ohio,\u201d said Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12). \u201cI urge the USDA to act quickly and let our farmers take the steps needed to endure this prolonged and difficult drought.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, this letter requests that eligible land in the Conservation Reserve Program include acres in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program. Allowing a temporary expansion of these emergency resources would further provide relief to Ohio farmers.\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here, or reading below:\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack,\n\nIn response to extreme drought conditions impacting Ohio farmers, we are writing to urgently request additional flexibility for emergency haying of eligible Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, including those in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program.\n\nOhio is currently facing its worst drought on record since the early 1930s, with USDA natural disaster declarations in place for 28 counties. Farmers struggling to stay afloat have resorted to depleting winter hay supplies and prematurely selling off their livestock. With few options remaining and hay reserves running low, a temporary expansion of emergency eligibility will greatly reduce long-term negative impacts stemming from this historic drought.\n\nWhile the current allowance for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres has been a benefit to many struggling farmers, most CRP acres in Southeast and Southern Ohio (where drought conditions are most severe) are ineligible due to their enrollment in CREP or SAFE. Allowing these additional acres to be utilized would provide farmers with desperately needed relief as they fight to keep their livestock fed.\n\nWe remain appreciative of USDA\u2019s continuing response to this unprecedented drought and are hopeful you will act on this important request. Thank you for your urgent consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-announces-13-million-federal-grants-violence-prevention", "Congresswoman Brown Announces $1.3 Million in Federal Grants for Violence Prevention, Reentry Support and Youth Mentorship Programs in Northeast Ohio", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and the Department of Justice \u2013 Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announce two federal grants totaling more than $1.39 million for Northeast Ohio non-profits serving constituents in need.\n\nProject Lift Behavioral Health Services will receive a grant of $749,848 for their Empowered Transitions program to address the root causes of youth violence, reduce recidivism, and promote healing. The Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA) will receive a federal grant of $650,000 to expand their JumpStart for a Better Tomorrow program, which provides mentoring, education, and support for youth affected by opioid and other substance misuse.\n\nThese competitive grants originated from OJP\u2019s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Project Lift and NORA on receiving these competitive federal grants supporting important programs for young people in Northeast Ohio. I am so grateful for the work they do for our community and excited that federal funding will help expand their reach and impact. Project Lift and NORA are tackling tough problems and providing services to people who are often overlooked. These grants are a reminder of the importance of Congress fully funding our federal law enforcement and social services agencies, so that more grants like these can have a local impact. I will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to help Northeast Ohio receive the grants we need,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\n$749,848 to Project Lift Behavioral Health Services: The Department of Justice has awarded Project Lift Behavioral Health Services $749,848 for their proposed Empowered Transitions program, providing a comprehensive trauma-informed violence reduction program to address the root causes of youth violence and promote healing. The program will provide case management, life skills training, and treatment in partnership with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to reduce recidivism and youth violence. The funding is authorized by the Second Chance Act and is intended to address and improve the reentry and recidivism challenges encountered by youth returning to their communities from juvenile residential or correctional facilities.\n\n$650,000 to the Northern Ohio Recovery Association: The Department of Justice has awarded the Northern Ohio Recovery Association $650,000 to extend the reach of its JumpStart for a Better Tomorrow (JSBT) program to reach middle school youth in grades 6\u20139 in Cuyahoga County, OH, with a special focus on the geographic region of Cleveland East: the City of East Cleveland, Euclid-Green, Glenville, and Collinwood-Nottingham. JSBT students attend schools with higher suspension and chronic absenteeism rates and experience a history of family substance abuse. JSBT will provide afterschool group mentoring sessions in addition to case management and wraparound support. JSBT aims to build resiliency skills that will carry youth through high school.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-sykes-bill-to-extend-critical-veterans-services-and-programs-signed-into-law", "Reps. Sykes\u2019 Bill To Extend Critical Veterans Services And Programs Signed Into Law", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill prevents a lapse in benefits for veterans and their families nationwide\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13)\u2019s Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2024 was signed into law as part of the temporary funding bill that will keep the government funded through December 20. This is Rep. Sykes\u2019 first bill to become law.\n\n\u201cVeterans who have sacrificed for our country should never have to worry about a lapse in the benefits they rightfully earned. I\u2019m glad my legislation to ensure veterans can continue accessing these critical benefits and services passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support before becoming law,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cI\u2019ll continue working to support the veterans and families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.\u201d\n\nThis legislation reauthorizes several key veteran programs and services. It includes provisions to provide nursing home care for elderly and disabled veterans, support homeless veterans and prevent veterans and their families from falling into homelessness, improve access to mental health care, and allow burial benefits.\n\nReps. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08), Frank Mrvan (IN-01), Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) are original co-sponsors of this legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-celebrates-2024-epa-safer-choice-partner-year-award-winners", "Kaptur Celebrates 2024 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award Winners", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, celebrated the achievements of two companies from Ohio\u2019s 9th District, Spartan Chemical Company of Maumee and JAWS International, Ltd. a Division of Canberra Corporation of Toledo, for being honored as 2024 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year award recipients. These local leaders have been recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their commitment to producing and promoting products that prioritize human health, environmental safety, and sustainable practices.\n\nThe EPA\u2019s 2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards recognizes 43 companies and organizations nationwide for their exemplary commitment to the production, promotion, and use of products with safer chemical ingredients. The awardees, including manufacturers, retailers, associations, and non-profits, demonstrate significant leadership in advancing safer products that protect human health and the environment.\n\n\"Congratulations to Spartan Chemical and Canberra Corporation, both remarkable companies from our community, for earning recognition as Safer Choice Partners of the Year,\u201d said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cTheir pioneering work in safer chemistry is not just about innovation \u2014 it's about safeguarding public health, advancing sustainability, and cleaning up our communities. They elevate Ohio\u2019s vital role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all.\"\n\nSpartan Chemical has a longstanding commitment to producing high-quality, sustainable products. Their leadership in safer chemical innovation and dedication to sustainability has earned them recognition as a 2024 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year. Spartan's eco-conscious approach to product development ensures that their cleaning products are not only effective but also safer for the environment and human health.\n\n\"Spartan is honored to be awarded as a 2024 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year. We remain committed to producing products that are safer for human health and the environment. The Safer Choice Program provides third-party assurance that Spartan products fulfill this commitment. We are grateful for the Safer Choice Program and honored to be awarded as a Partner,\" said John Swigart, President, Spartan Chemical.\n\nJAWS International, Ltd., has been a pioneer in reducing plastic waste through its innovative Just Add Water System. JAWS\u2019 cleaning solutions not only utilize safer chemicals but also emphasize environmental stewardship by offering refillable cleaning bottles and cartridges. By focusing on sustainability and safer product formulas, JAWS continues to set an example for the industry, ensuring affordable and accessible safer cleaning products for consumers.\n\n\u201cWe are truly honored to be recognized by the EPA as a Safer Choice Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year. This prestigious award is a testament to our team\u2019s dedication and reinforces that we\u2019re on the right path. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing sustainable, effective cleaning solutions that prioritize the safety of our customers and the environment,\" said Jennifer Arbaugh, Marketing Director, JAWS International, Ltd., a Division of Canberra Corporation.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-460000-to-the-city-of-akron", "Rep. Sykes Announces $460,000 to the City of Akron", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded $459,442 to the City of Akron to establish a more effective and responsive approach to addressing mental health needs in the community while promoting public health and safety through the Summit County Outreach Team (SCOUT) Program.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce this vital funding for Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District, which will be used to improve the safety of our communities and continue to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. Law enforcement is often asked to respond to a wide variety of emergencies, including mental health emergencies. Not every emergency should be responded to in the same way, and the SCOUT Program is an important partnership that helps ensure those going through a mental health emergency get the help and support they need,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cWe have already seen tremendous results from the SCOUT Program, proving its need for our community. This grant will allow us to broaden our SCOUT Team's services by adding additional hours for the team and purchasing more advanced technology. We are grateful to continue this partnership with the ADM Board and Portage Path Behavioral Health to continue to provide a high-quality response to members of our community experiencing a mental health crisis,\u201d said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.\n\nOperated collaboratively by the City of Akron, the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, and Portage Path Behavioral Health, the SCOUT Program uses a co-responder model to address mental health crises in the community. The primary goal of the project is to improve responses to and outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system.\n\nWith this funding, the City of Akron aims to enhance the effectiveness of the SCOUT Program by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-500000-to-stark-county-prosecutors-office", "Rep. Sykes Announces $500,000 to Stark County Prosecutor\u2019s Office", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CANTON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $500,000 to the Stark County Prosecutor\u2019s Office for a program to improve the criminal justice responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.\n\n\u201cI am excited to announce this funding, which will further cement a relationship between two key public safety stakeholders in our community \u2014 the Stark County Prosecutor\u2019s Office and the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. \u2014 and the effort to create safer communities,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cImproving the collaboration between our criminal justice system and our non profits will ensure domestic survivors receive the holistic support they need, so I am proud to bring these funds back to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to help accomplish just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn our efforts to be innovative in our pursuit against crime, we are excited to receive this federal grant for our Family Justice Center. This grant will help lay the foundation for the Stark County Prosecutor\u2019s Office as well as our partner agencies to provide the necessary services and support to the citizens of Stark County. We look forward to doing the work that\u2019s going to positively impact our community,\u201d said Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone.\n\nWith this funding, the Stark County Prosecutor\u2019s Office, in partnership with the Domestic Violence Project, Inc., will foster victim safety and offender accountability in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-nearly-500000-to-the-university-of-akron-to-support-victims-of-crimes", "Rep. Sykes Announces Nearly $500,000 to the University of Akron to Support Victims of Crimes", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $479,706 to the University of Akron to conduct evaluations of promising practices for combatting domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to research issues emerging in the field.\n\n\u201cEvery American deserves to live a life that is safe, secure, and free from abuse and violence, but too many Americans from all backgrounds and ages face domestic violence. This funding will allow our community to develop strategies to better support and care for victims of domestic violence,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cI am so excited to collaborate with community partners, Minority Behavioral Health Group and the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center on this important project. Our primary goal is to develop and evaluate the benefits of a yoga program tailored to the unique needs of women of color who have experienced intimate partner violence. If successful, the yoga program is primed to be a national model program that can be disseminated more widely to settings where women of color commonly gather and seek support,\u201d said Dr. Dawn Johnson, University of Akron Professor of Psychology and lead investigator.\n\nWith this funding, the University of Akron will conduct a study that will aim to develop and evaluate a culturally tailored, trauma-informed yoga (CT-TIY) program to explore how body-oriented interventions may aid in trauma recovery for women of color who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). The study will utilize a researcher-practitioner partnership involving a culturally specific community agency serving racial and ethnic minorities and an IPV victim services provider. Using a community-based research approach, the study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and initial efficacy of CT-TIY across three phases:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-hosts-congressional-app-challenge-webinar", "Rep. Sykes Hosts Congressional App Challenge Webinar", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted a Congressional App Challenge Webinar, with special guests from the Congressional App Challenge and the Cleveland FBI. The event brought together students and families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to learn about the Congressional App Challenge. The Office of Congresswoman Sykes was joined by Ryan Kirzner, Congressional App Challenge Congressional Operations Coordinator, and Special Agent Peter Mauro of the FBI Cleveland Division.\n\n\u201cThis challenge is an excellent opportunity for middle and high school students in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to showcase their creativity and technological skills. Our region has long been known for innovation, and the Congressional App Challenge continues that strong tradition. I strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\"As the Congressional Operations Coordinator for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge, I\u2019m thrilled to see how this year\u2019s participants are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. The Congressional App Challenge continues to serve as a platform for young minds to develop solutions that can transform communities and reshape the future of technology. It\u2019s inspiring to witness students from across the country showcase their talents and bring their ideas to life, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact they\u2019ll make,\u201d said Ryan Kirzner, Congressional App Challenge Congressional Operations Coordinator.\n\n\u201cThe FBI is home to countless STEM-related jobs with opportunities for a very rewarding career. Exploring STEM courses and programs while in school allows students to discover their interests and uncover a myriad of possibilities as they begin to think about their academic journey and plans for the future. We\u2019re proud of the students who took part in this event and applaud the encouragement and support by their families,\u201d said Susan Licate, FBI Cleveland Division Public Affairs Officer.\n\nEach year, the House of Representatives hosts the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide app building competition for middle and high school students. During this webinar, students will learn about what the Congressional App Challenge is and how to participate. Representatives from the Cleveland FBI will be there to discuss the importance of computer science in the workplace.\n\nThe winning app of the district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with winning apps from all participating districts across the country. The deadline to submit an app for consideration in this year's competition is October 24, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.\n\nFor more information on this process, contact Rep. Sykes\u2019 office at 330-400-5350 or visit https://sykes.house.gov/services/student-opportunities/congressional-app-challenge.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-beatty-s-statement-on-rep-clay-higgins-x-post-on-haitians", "Rep. Beatty\u2019s Statement on Rep. Clay Higgins\u2019 X Post on Haitians", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Joyce Beatty issued the following statement:\n\n\"Enough is enough! Racism has no place in our government, let alone from the platform of those elected to serve ALL people. To target our Haitian brothers and sisters with hateful rhetoric is a direct attack on the values we stand for\u2014freedom, diversity, and equality.\n\nWe won\u2019t stay silent while a member of Congress weaponizes their official platform to spread bigotry. Hate speech is not leadership\u2014it\u2019s cowardice. We demand accountability and respect for all communities. It\u2019s time to rise above bigotry and unite against those who seek to divide us.\n\nI call on Speaker Johnson and the people of Louisiana to hold Rep. Higgins accountable. I call on all Americans to speak up against this behavior now and in November and affirm that vile speech against other people does not represent who we are as a country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-beatty-statement-on-house-vote-to-extend-government-funding-and-avoid-shutdown", "Rep. Beatty Statement on House Vote to Extend Government Funding and Avoid Shutdown", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passage of the House Continuing Resolution funding the government at current Fiscal Year 2024 levels through December 20, 2024:\n\n\u201cToday, I joined my House Democratic colleagues in voting for a stopgap funding bill to once again narrowly avert a harmful shutdown and keep the government running through mid-December. Let\u2019s be clear: this crisis was avoidable. House Republicans continue to do a great disservice to the American people by wasting time on extreme funding bills rooted in Trump\u2019s Project 2025 agenda\u2014bills that will never become law.\n\nBack in March, we passed bipartisan funding bills for fiscal year 2024 nearly six months overdue because the House Republican majority played these same political games. Instead of learning their lesson and building on that bipartisan momentum, House Republicans chose to squander time pushing more funding bills laced with extreme ideology. The most recent of these bills failed last week due to insufficient support from their own party.\n\nHouse Republicans rejected bipartisan negotiations, knowing that appropriations require support from both parties to become law. Last November, they placed us in the same distressing position of an impending government shutdown. Americans deserve better\u2014and they should demand it at the polls this November.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-115-million-national-park-service-award-toledos-harvey", "Kaptur Announces $1.15 Million National Park Service Award for Toledo\u2019s Harvey Savage Park", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced a major $1,151,000 National Park Service award through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program (ORLP) to the City of Toledo for upgrades and improvements at Rev. H.V. Savage Park. This award will increase public access to high-quality outdoor recreation and natural space in Toledo\u2019s Junction neighborhood by rehabilitating the city\u2019s oldest park, Rev. H.V. Savage Park. The City of Toledo will provide a range of new and improved outdoor recreational opportunities. Decommissioned buildings will be removed, and rehabilitation and improvement of the remaining structures will occur. Improved amenities would include a new open-air gathering space, new splash pad and spray features in the water play area, and improved accessibility at the playground. The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities. Through ORLP, the National Park Service (NPS) will invest $254.68 Million into 54 projects in 24 states for the redevelopment or creation of new local parks.These investments enable urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. The award will be fully matched by the City of Toledo for a total investment of $2,302,000.\n\n\u201cI fought to bring this funding home so that we could improve park infrastructure and bring joy to the children and families of our Central City. I am glad to have worked closely with Mayor Kapskuiewicz and the City of Toledo on this project and to see it come to fruition,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cThere will be no greater reward than to see the bright and smiling faces of the children who will be able to splash, play, and enjoy the new improvements to Savage Park. As Toledo\u2019s oldest park, it is important that we return it to a place where families and children seek respite and have the opportunity to have fun in the sun. I look forward to being on hand when these improvements are completed.\u201d\n\n\"Securing this grant will allow the city to completely transform the Rev. H.V. Savage Park and its splash pad. For too long, this space has not met the needs of our community. This funding will make the park into a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for families and neighbors who rely on it for recreation and connection,\" said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapsukiewicz. \"Thank you to the NPS, Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and the team of city employees who made this possible.\u201d\n\nThe park is an important community anchor, playing host to events such as Trunk-or-Treat and giving children a place to cool off in hot summer months. This award will allow for more proactive stewardship and conservation of the park\u2019s grove of native oaks, which are among the oldest trees in Toledo. The installation of green infrastructure will further strengthen the park\u2019s distinctive combination of active and passive recreation, a combination that has given the park its unique character throughout its 150-year history. By protecting and activating the park\u2019s unique natural assets and completing long-overdue repairs and upgrades, this project would provide a range of new and improved outdoor recreation opportunities in an area where such opportunities are currently lacking. This project is informed by more than five years of community engagement, and will serve more than 7,674 Toledoans.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-announces-141-million-federal-park-funding-irishtown-bend", "Congresswoman Brown Announces $14.1 Million in Federal Park Funding for Irishtown Bend, Cuyahoga Riverfront, and Cain Park", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) and the National Park Service announce today $14.1 million in federal funding for three Northeast Ohio parks through the National Park Service\u2019s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program. Cleveland Metroparks will receive $10,813,000 for Irishtown Bend Park and $2,950,000 for new park space on the Cuyahoga Riverfront. The City of Cleveland Heights will receive $390,000 for Cain Park.\n\nAs requested, Congresswoman Brown submitted official letters of support for the Irishtown Bend and Cuyahoga Riverfront projects earlier this year.\n\nRead: Irishtown Bend Letter of Support, Cuyahoga Riverfront Property Letter of Support\n\nOutdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants (ORLP) is a competitive grant program providing matching grants for park projects in underserved urban communities. ORLP grants are managed by the National Park Service and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.\n\n\u201cI am excited to announce three significant federal grants are headed to Northeast Ohio. These grants will help more people have access to greenspace and recreation and help make Northeast Ohio a better place to live and visit. These new investments have the potential to transform downtown Cleveland along Irishtown Bend and improve historic Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. My office was especially proud to support the grant applications from Cleveland Metroparks for the Irishtown Bend and Cuyahoga Riverfront parks, because everyone deserves to be able to enjoy nature. These parks will give neighborhood residents, including many in public housing, incredible new park space. The grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s ongoing efforts to provide funds to historically underserved communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nOutdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants announced today:\n\n$10,813,000 to Cleveland Metroparks for Irishtown Bend Park: As requested, Congresswoman Brown submitted a letter of support to the National Park Service for this grant in March 2024. The grant will support the acquisition and development of Irishtown Bend Park, a future 25-acre riverfront greenspace in the heart of Cleveland, connecting Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River, and serving as the as the last quarter mile for over 101 miles of trails that extending from the Cuyahoga National Park. Brown\u2019s letter of support noted the future park is an opportunity to provide new recreational opportunities for people living in the neighborhoods surrounding Irishtown Bend.\n\n$2,950,000 to Cleveland Metroparks for Cuyahoga Riverfront Property: As requested, Congresswoman Brown submitted a letter of support to the National Park Service for this grant in March 2024. The grant will support the acquisition and transition of past industrial-use land into green space along the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. The new park space will be adjacent to Wendy Park and near the Lakeview Estates community, allowing public housing residents, and others in the neighborhood, to access new park space.\n\n$390,000 to the City of Cleveland Heights for Cain Park: The grant will support the renovation of Cain Park, including improvements to the skate park and tennis courts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-brown-remarks-rep-higgins", "Statement from Congresswoman Brown on Remarks by Rep. Higgins", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) releases the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe comments by Rep. Clay Higgins are racist, menacing, and repulsive.\n\n\u201cTo see a Member of Congress use their official account to perpetuate lies, attack and threaten Haitian immigrants is not only disgusting and disgraceful, it is downright reprehensible. This type of rhetoric is dangerous to our community, country and the Congress. He should be censured.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/09/26/2024/rep-sykes-votes-to-keep-the-government-open-funded-through-december-2024", "Rep. Sykes Votes To Keep The Government Open, Funded Through December 2024", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued a statement after voting in support of a continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund our government and keep critical services running for people and families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District through December 20, 2024:\n\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m glad that this temporary funding bill will keep the government open for people in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District and includes my legislation to extend critical veterans services and programs, the fact that Republicans once again put people\u2019s livelihoods at risk for partisan politics until the eleventh hour is completely unacceptable,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cAs we near the holiday season, a time when Americans should be focused on family and friends, not worrying about a government shutdown, I sincerely hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work diligently on a bipartisan, long-term funding bill.\u201d\n\nThe temporary funding bill would extend fiscal 2024 funding levels for federal agencies and programs set to run out of funds Oct. 1. The bill includes more money for Secret Service operations, and extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) and the National Flood Insurance Project.\n\nThis continuing resolution includes Rep. Sykes\u2019 Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2024, legislation to extend critical Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 programs and services that veterans across the country rely on. This legislation reauthorizes several key veteran programs and services, including provisions to provide nursing home care for elderly and disabled veterans, support homeless veterans and prevent veterans and their families from falling into homelessness, improve access to mental health care, and allow burial benefits.\n\nRep. Sykes also introduced two bills Tuesday that would provide stability and certainty for Americans across the country in the event of a government shutdown. The Feed Our Families Act would appropriate three months of funding into SNAP\u2019s reserve account in the case of a government shutdown so no families reliant on SNAP go hungry. Rep. Sykes also introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Military Act, which would provide appropriations for pay and support for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard, necessary contractors, and reservists during a government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-12-million-to-expand-access-to-mental-health-care", "Rep. Sykes Announces $1.2 Million To Expand Access To Mental Health Care", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.2 million to My Community Health Center and Axesspointe Community Health Center to expand mental health and substance use disorder services for people in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District.\n\n\u201cEvery American should be able to access quality, affordable mental health care, no matter where they live. I\u2019m proud to announce this critical funding to our community health centers to expand mental health services to some of the most vulnerable populations in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cMy Community Health Center is beyond thrilled to be a recipient of the grant. This incredible achievement will help further our mission of providing care to all! Most especially to the under-resourced members of our community whom we have the pleasure of serving. MCHC is proud to have been part of this process. We are now able to magnify these services at our health centers and we cannot wait to see the remarkable impact this grant will have on the health and wellbeing of our patients,\u201d said My Community Health Center CEO Juan-Paulo Afable.\n\nThe grant recipients and award amounts are listed below:\n\nMy Community Health Center: $600,000\n\nAxesspointe Community Health Center, Inc: $600,000\n\nFor many communities, health centers are the first point of access to any health care service, and are a primary source of care for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid. Behavioral Health Service Expansion (BHSE) grants allow community health centers to launch or expand their mental health and substance use programs by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-350000-to-hope-and-healing-survivor-resource-center", "Rep. Sykes Announces $350,000 to Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "AKRON, OH \u2013 U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $349,556 to Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center for a program to engage men and boys as allies in the prevention of violence against women and girls.\n\n\u201cWomen and men must be equal partners in the effort to end sexual and inter-partner violence, and I am proud to secure this funding to engage all members of our community in preventing this violence. I will continue fighting to bring your tax dollars back to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to make our communities more safe and secure,\u201d said Rep. Sykes.\n\n\u201cReceiving the 2024 Grant to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls is a tremendous honor and a pivotal step forward in our mission to prevent violence through social and systemic change, while providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking in Medina and Summit Counties. This grant will empower us to deepen our outreach, expand our programs, and bring more men and boys into the movement as advocates for prevention and healing. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our impact and further our commitment to fostering safer and more compassionate communities,\u201d said Teresa Stafford, CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center.\n\nWith this funding, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center will enhance and expand access to culturally responsive prevention programming to educate, empower, and enhance men and boys\u2019 ability to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in Summit County by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-to-keep-the-government-open-funded-through-december-2024", "Rep. Sykes Votes To Keep The Government Open, Funded Through December 2024", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued a statement after voting in support of a continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund our government and keep critical services running for people and families in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District through December 20, 2024:\n\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m glad that this temporary funding bill will keep the government open for people in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District and includes my legislation to extend critical veterans services and programs, the fact that Republicans once again put people\u2019s livelihoods at risk for partisan politics until the eleventh hour is completely unacceptable,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cAs we near the holiday season, a time when Americans should be focused on family and friends, not worrying about a government shutdown, I sincerely hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will work diligently on a bipartisan, long-term funding bill.\u201d\n\nThe temporary funding bill would extend fiscal 2024 funding levels for federal agencies and programs set to run out of funds Oct. 1. The bill includes more money for Secret Service operations, and extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) and the National Flood Insurance Project.\n\nThis continuing resolution includes Rep. Sykes\u2019 Extension of Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2024, legislation to extend critical Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 programs and services that veterans across the country rely on. This legislation reauthorizes several key veteran programs and services, including provisions to provide nursing home care for elderly and disabled veterans, support homeless veterans and prevent veterans and their families from falling into homelessness, improve access to mental health care, and allow burial benefits.\n\nRep. Sykes also introduced two bills Tuesday that would provide stability and certainty for Americans across the country in the event of a government shutdown. The Feed Our Families Act would appropriate three months of funding into SNAP\u2019s reserve account in the case of a government shutdown so no families reliant on SNAP go hungry. Rep. Sykes also introduced the bipartisan Pay Our Military Act, which would provide appropriations for pay and support for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard, necessary contractors, and reservists during a government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beauty-shouldn-t-harm-beatty-champions-study-on-hair-products-and-cancer-risk", "Beauty Shouldn't Harm: Beatty Champions Study on Hair Products and Cancer Risk", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) co-sponsored the Uterine Cancer Study Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11). This bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to coordinate and conduct a study on the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer.\n\nRecent studies have discovered that women who have used chemical hair straightening products are at higher risk for uterine cancer than those who have not \u2013 risks associated with and particularly higher in Black women.\n\nThis study is vital to preserving the lives of those impacted by:\n\nReviewing significant findings and recommendations from other studies regarding the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer.\n\nConsidering the impacts on women and other individuals at risk of uterine cancer.\n\nDisaggregating the results of the study according to whether the hair straighteners contain dyes or coloring, bleach highlights, or perms.\n\nDetermining whether the FDA should impose additional testing requirements on manufacturers of hair straightening products.\n\nFocusing on the increased incidences of such cancer among women of color.\n\n\u201cAs a Black woman, I understand how deeply rooted hair care is in our community. Many of us were introduced to hair straighteners as young girls, unaware of the risks, said Congresswoman Beatty.Now, it\u2019s vital that we investigate the troubling relationship between these products and uterine cancer. The Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2024 will bring critical research and coordination to uncover the dangers and push for solutions that can save lives. Our community deserves answers, and this bill is a vital step to protecting ourselves and our daughters.\u201d\n\n\u201cLike many other Black women who have used hair straightening products, I was unaware of the potential connection and harmful impacts these chemicals would have on our overall health \u2013 putting me and other women of color at a higher risk for uterine cancer, the most common cancer related to the female reproductive system,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. \u201cWe need more research to fully understand the relationship between perms and uterine cancer. This legislation will address the detrimental effects of chemicals within hair straighteners on women\u2019s health and hopefully, lead the FDA towards requiring manufacturers to test for cancer-causing chemicals.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe research supported by the Uterine Cancer Study Act is sorely needed to identify environmental and chemical factors contributing to the racial disparities associated with uterine cancer. By investigating the connection between those factors and cancer, we can create a path toward more informed choices and better health outcomes for Black women. I am proud to join Congresswoman Clarke and champion this vital legislation,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\n\u201cBeauty standards for years demanded that our hair be straight, but we can\u2019t help the way it grows out of our heads,\u201d said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. \u201cChemical hair straighteners have been linked to a variety of harmful hormone-related health outcomes \u2014 including higher instances of uterine cancer. Despite this, we still know very little about the long-term health risks that these products pose. That\u2019s why my sister, Rep. Clarke\u2019s bill to study the relationship between these hair products and uterine cancer is so important. We need to equip ourselves with the information to make safe choices. I strongly encourage the House to pass this crucial legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cA recent NIH study stated that more than 4% of women with uterine cancer reported use of chemical straighteners, compared to the 1% of women who did not use these products,\u201d said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. \u201cChemical relaxers have long been a part of Black Beauty and Hair Care; as a result, these purported adverse health effects disproportionately impact Black women. We need to deploy all of our available federal resources to better study and understand the real health implications on women of color. As a husband and father, I am proud to co-sponsor the Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2024.\u201d\n\n\u201cBlack women have been systematically left out of conversations and decisions about their own health. Women of color and our unique experiences have historically been underrepresented in research, leading to adverse health outcomes,\u201d said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. \u201cWe cannot allow the status quo to continue. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor the Uterine Cancer Study Act to address the gap in knowledge between uterine cancer and hair products. Black women deserve to take care of our hair without being exposed to toxic ingredients that increase our already heightened risk of cancer.\u201d\n\n\u201cA woman\u2019s uterus is a sacred place. It should be the source of new birth, joy, and family, not pain or suffering. I am calling on Congress to accelerate the research on Uterine Cancer, to find out why women of color experience it at elevated rates and to discover treatments and preventative care. Let\u2019s not politicize women\u2019s health. We\u2019re all in this together,\u201d said Congresswoman Alma Adams.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s prioritize research to better understand and diagnose uterine cancer. Uterine bleeding and uterine pain should not be categorically dismissed as normal,\u201d said Sateria Venable, CEO, The Fibroid Foundation.\n\n\u201cWomen of color are being sold hair straighteners that should come with a cancer warning. We now know that women who have used chemical hair straightening products are at higher risk for uterine cancer than those who have not. However, more research is needed to understand this connection better, and the Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2024 will make determining how environmental factors contribute to these racial disparities a federal priority. Women of color\u2019s health and livelihood need\u2014and deserve\u2014nothing less,\u201d said Christian F. Nunes, National President, National Organization for Women.\n\n\u201cWe want to thank Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Shontel Brown for their leadership in introducing the Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2024. Black women are at higher risk of uterine cancer, and comprehensive action is needed so that we know definitively why this is the case. We support efforts that improve research and education on uterine cancer and believe Black women should be partners in the research process,\u201d said Zsanai Epps, DrPH, MPH, CHES, Senior Director, Reproductive Justice Initiatives, Black Women\u2019s Health Imperative.\n\n\u201cAs the Executive Director of the Mississippi Black Women\u2019s Roundtable, I commend Brooklyn Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her colleagues for championing the Uterine Cancer Study Act 2024. This legislation promises crucial advancements in addressing the disparities in uterine cancer research and care, particularly affecting Black women, and we fully endorse its passage,\u201d said Tomika Anderson, Executive Director, Mississippi Black Women\u2019s Roundtable.\n\nThe Uterine Cancer Study Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Adams, Blunt Rochester, Cherfilus-McCormick, Crockett, Don Davis, Fletcher, Foushee, Holmes Norton, Kelly, Lee, Lofgren, McBath, McClellan, Meeks, Plaskett, Sewell, Stanford, T Carter Sr., Tonko, Vel\u00e1zquez, Watson-Coleman, N. Williams, Wilson, and Wasserman Schultz.\n\nThe Uterine Cancer Study Act is endorsed by the Black Women\u2019s Health Imperative, Society for Women\u2019s Health Research, National Organization for Women, The Fibroid Foundation, The White Dress Project, Mississippi Black Women\u2019s Roundtable, MANA \u2013 A National Latina Organization, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Pro-Choice North Carolina, Sisters in Loss Foundation, National Women\u2019s Health Network.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-mann-brown-marshall-lead-bipartisan-and-bicameral-legislation", "Kaptur, Mann, Brown, Marshall Lead Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation Fighting For American Farmers", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), introduced the bicameral and bipartisan Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act requiring the Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks and extending the tax credit to make it a full ten-year credit.\n\n\"I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines,\" said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.\" We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation will extend this credit through 2034 and bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.\"\n\n\u201cIn no world should American tax incentives first benefit foreign producers,\u201d said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). \u201cWhile the use of foreign feedstocks can play an important role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, we must not displace harvest in America. Our legislation puts American farmers first by ensuring that American tax credits are incentivizing American-grown products.\u201d\n\n\"American tax dollars should support American farmers \u2013 not imported feedstocks. To continue to grow the biofuels industry and open new markets for Ohio farmers, we must stop taxpayer money from subsidizing a surge in Chinese cooking oil or any other foreign feedstock from infiltrating the American market. Our bipartisan bill ensures these investments benefit Ohio farmers and Ohio energy producers,\" Said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH).\n\n\"It's very tough in farm country with high interest rates and low commodity prices, which is exactly why we can't have a tax policy that will lower commodity prices even more. While we support free trade and open markets, we do not believe foreign feedstocks should be incentivized through the hard-earned dollars of US taxpayers to the detriment of American farmers,\" said Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS). \"This legislation puts farmers FIRST to ensure they are the primary beneficiaries of renewable fuel tax incentives and provides businesses a decade of certainty.\"\n\n\u201cThank you to Sen. Brown and Rep. Kaptur for leading the way on this issue, prioritizing Ohio farmers and reducing the U.S. biofuels industry\u2019s dependence on foreign feedstocks,\u201d said Rusty Goebel, Ohio Soybean Association President and Williams County soybean farmer. \u201cWhile the use of foreign feedstocks can play a role in producing domestically manufactured biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, the American taxpayer-funded 45Z tax credit should only apply to biofuels produced from domestic feedstocks by domestic fuel producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cNOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort which puts U.S fuel producers, US crushers and US farmers first. We thank Senators Brown and Marshall and Representatives Mann and Kaptur for their leadership,\u201d said NOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller. \u201cWe support free trade and open markets but do not believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers to the detriment of US farmers. Without this fix, the 45Z credit will incentivize the use of foreign feedstocks over those grown by US farmers. Our industry has made significant investments to expand US crush capacity by 30 percent and this fix is pivotal to ensuring these investments are delivered.\u201d\n\n\"Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,\" said Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle. \"We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for the tax credit that will level the playing field for America's corn growers.\"\n\n\"Biofuel production paves a key path for our country to be a clean energy leader, and US farmers who grow the crops going into those biofuels take pride in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the US economy and energy independence,\" said ASA President Josh Gackle, a North Dakota soybean farmer. \"However, for continued growth of America's promising biofuels industry, US farmers need the support of a final 45Z rule that prioritizes domestically sourced feedstock.\"\n\n\"The Farmer First Fuel Incentive Act recognizes the vital role of American agriculture in 45Z. This legislation ensures that the guidance is designed and implemented in a farmer-focused manner, supporting domestic clean energy production and stimulating economic growth across rural America,\" said Craig Meeker, Chairman of National Sorghum Producers.\n\n\"This important bill sends a strong signal that extending the 45Z credit is going to be a top, bipartisan priority in this Congress and the next,\" said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. \"We applaud all our rural champions for working to give biofuel producers and our farm partners the long-term certainty we need to accelerate innovation in America's bioeconomy. With a longer runway from Congress, and clear, flexible, and timely guidance from the US Department of the Treasury, we'll have the pieces in place to unlock billions of dollars in new clean energy investments across rural America,\" Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, said.\n\nThe 10-year credit will give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the US to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. However, we recently learned that 45Z has a glaring flaw that needs to be fixed for farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z goes into effect as is, taxpayers will be massively subsidizing Chinese used cooking oil and would all but eliminate the use of homegrown soy or corn oil in renewable diesel.\n\nHouse cosponsors include: Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Representatives James Comer (KY-01).\n\nSenate cosponsors include: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN).\n\nThe Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is supported by Growth Energy, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Soybean Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Soybean Association, Kentucky Soybean Association, Scoular, and Louis Dreyfus Company.\n\nBackground:\n\nPrior to introducing this legislation, Congresswoman Kaptur joined Senators Brown and Marshall in a July bipartisan letter they led calling for the US Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically-sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil. You may click here to read Senator Brown and Marshall\u2019s full letter. Representatives Kaptur and Mann led 39 House colleagues in a subsequent letter September. A similar letter calling for 45z to be restricted to domestic feedstocks was sent by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, and National Farmers Union to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-joins-congresswoman-clarke-introduce-uterine-cancer-study", "Congresswoman Brown Joins Congresswoman Clarke to Introduce the Uterine Cancer Study Act", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) to announce the Uterine Cancer Study Act. Congresswoman Brown is a co-lead on the legislation, which was filed by Congresswoman Clarke with 27 cosponsors.\n\nVideo: Clarke/Brown Press Conference Announcing Legislation\n\nThe Uterine Cancer Study Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to coordinate and conduct a study on the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. Recent studies have discovered that women who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer than those who had not \u2013 risks associated with and particularly higher in Black women.\n\nEach year, more than 60,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer in the United States and more than 13,000 die from cancers of the uterus. According to the American Cancer Society, incidence and mortality rates for uterine cancer are increasing.\n\n\"The research supported by the Uterine Cancer Study Act is sorely needed to identify environmental and chemical factors contributing to the racial disparities associated with uterine cancer. By investigating the connection between those factors and cancer, we can create a path toward more informed choices and better health outcomes for Black women. I am proud to join Congresswoman Clarke and champion this vital legislation,\" said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\nIn May, Congresswoman Brown introduced The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act (U-FIGHT Act), legislation to encourage a new federal grant program for the detection and treatment of uterine fibroids.\n\nLast year, Congresswoman Brown wrote to the FDA calling for an investigation into chemical hair straightening products and the risk they pose to public health. Following Brown\u2019s letter, the FDA announced a proposed rule banning formaldehyde in hair products. Last month, Brown wrote to the FDA again requesting information on the timeline for this rule\u2019s implementation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-kaptur-bill-increase-healthcare-access-military-families", "House Passes\u00a0Kaptur Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Military Families", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Senior Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, celebrated the House of Representatives' unanimous bipartisan passage of the Care for Military Kids Act. The legislation, which Congresswoman Kaptur introduced alongside Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), ensures that military families can maintain essential healthcare coverage and medical services for their children, regardless of where their service takes them.\n\nThe Care for Military Kids Act amends the Social Security Act to ensure that the dependents of active-duty servicemembers receiving long-term care through a state-administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible for these services even if their family is relocated to another state. The bill is endorsed by major advocacy organizations, including the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and The Arc of the United States.\n\n\u201cI introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Kiggans, and am thankful to those who helped ensure its swift passage,\u201d said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). \u201cOur servicemembers commit their lives to the safety and security of all Americans. It is essential we ensure that dependents of active duty servicemembers do not lose their critical healthcare coverage through Medicaid and CHIP as their families transfer locations while in service to our nation. Through this bipartisan effort we will prevent military families from facing the burden of healthcare insecurity and uncertainty. I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill and our military community have received and look forward to Senate passage so we can send this legislation to the President's desk to be signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur men and women in uniform sacrifice so much for our country, relocating frequently and spending months apart,\u201d said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). \u201cAs a Navy spouse, mother of four, and a veteran who served for nearly 10 years myself, I firmly believe servicemembers should be able to maintain healthcare coverage for their children when they are relocated. I am thankful my colleagues agree and passed my bipartisan bill unanimously. I urge the Senate to act on this legislation quickly so we can ensure military children have access to the consistent healthcare coverage and medical care they need to lead healthy, happy lives. They should never have to forgo critical care because of their parents\u2019 selfless decision to serve.\u201d\n\nMedicaid is operated by states, meaning that portability of benefits related to home and community-based healthcare services is not guaranteed from one state to another. This puts individuals and their families at risk of a loss of services when they leave their state, which particularly impacts dependents of military servicemembers who frequently transfer locations as part of the family\u2019s commitment to serving their country. A new report from the Children\u2019s Hospital Association underscores Medicaid\u2019s significance in enabling healthcare access for nearly three million children in military-connected families. The Care for Military Kids Act provides clarity and consistency by ensuring that military children with disabilities or long-term healthcare needs remain eligible for Medicaid services across state lines.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-war-gaza-and-escalation-between-israel-and-hezbollah", "Kaptur Statement On the War In Gaza and Escalation Between Israel and Hezbollah In Lebanon", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement regarding the ongoing war in Gaza, and recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.\n\n\u201cThis weekend\u2019s escalation in combat between Israel and 140,000 Hezbollah forces supported in southern Lebanon by Iran creates a powder keg. If not contained, this conflict could widen and adversely impact thousands more innocent people of adjacent nations, as well as destabilize global markets.\n\n\u201cThis war must end. A \u2018ceasefire\u2019 is not enough. There must be a UN negotiated truce subject to multinational enforcement. The constituents I represent include thousands who trace their ancestry to Israel, Lebanon, Palestinian communities, and other impacted adjacent nations across the Middle East. I release this statement out of deep concern for them and the people of their ancestral lands. The road to peace must begin with the United Nations and its Security Council whose primary charge is the \u201cmaintenance of international peace and security.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe UN must demonstrate leadership and backbone in resolving this festering conflagration. With no intervention, the widening war of utter destruction across that war-torn region will escalate. It must end. An immediate truce is fundamental. It will require multinational enforced military lines of demarcation. Terrorist organizations cannot be voting parties to ongoing negotiations. States sponsoring terrorist organizations should face a strictly enforced multinational sanctions regime.\n\n\u201cI urge the Speaker and Minority Leader of the US House to bring forward this week, as the House reassembles, a first order of business House Privileged Resolution urging the United Nations be called into Special Session. The UN must address deescalating this widening carnage and ongoing war. In 1948, the United Nations following World War II acted with dispatch to address vast rebuilding and resettlement issues arising in post war regions of the Middle East and elsewhere.\n\n\u201cToday, the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza and the West Bank \u2014 inflamed by the Hamas terrorist organization in alliance with other terrorist organizations and supported by arms from Iran \u2014 continues to plague the people of that region. Ethnic and religious cleansing forms a brutal and nonviable substitute for a truce and contemporary compact among neighboring States. It is long overdue. The United Nations must step up to this crucial, modern-day challenge which the people of all sovereign nations know is necessary. The bloody fighting in the Middle East must be brought to a negotiated truce.\n\n\u201cThe hatred unleashed by the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel will reverberate across future generations of families on all sides of this conflict. Surely the people of the region and world seek a better road forward. The United Nations must rise to this compelling occasion.\u201d\n\nSince the start of the conflict in Gaza, Congresswoman Kaptur has remained actively engaged in urging an aggressive diplomatic path forward to address the ongoing conflict and work toward a negotiated two-state solution. On October 8th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement condemning the Hamas terror attacks. On November 3rd, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Egyptian Ambassador Zahran calling for a humanitarian pause so aid could be delivered and those seeking safety could reach it. On November 16th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a dialogue with Jordanian Ambassador Kawar in diplomatic efforts to secure a durable peace. On December 13th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Lebanese Charge D\u2019Affaires Hachem. On December 15th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a meeting with Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Pierre. On January 19th, Congresswoman Kaptur urged the State Department to affirm US opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. On January 31st, Congresswoman Kaptur published an opinion article in the Toledo Blade. On March 28th, Congresswoman Kaptur reaffirmed her support for a two-state solution. On April 4th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement following a call between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden. On May 6th, Congresswoman Kaptur released a statement on the ongoing developments in Gaza. On June 3rd, Congresswoman Kaptur affirmed her support for a two-state solution, and applauded the peace plan for Israel and Gaza. On June 11th Congresswoman Kapturreleased a statement reaffirming her support for a Two-State Solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and applauding the United Nations Security Council vote to support the US diplomatic peace plan for Israel and Gaza.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-receives-2024-biofuels-champion-fueling-growth-award", "Kaptur Receives 2024 Biofuels Champion \u2014 Fueling Growth Award", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, is honored to receive Growth Energy\u2019s \u201c2024 Biofuels Champion \u2014 Fueling Growth Award\u201d for her steadfast leadership in advancing biofuels policies that benefit farmers, producers, and consumers in Northwest Ohio and across the nation. As a long-time advocate for renewable fuels, Kaptur has championed policies that not only support American energy independence but also promote economic growth for rural communities.\n\n\"American biofuels are a cornerstone of our nation\u2019s agricultural and energy sectors. What America makes and grows, makes and grows America,\" said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). \"This award recognizes my work with hardworking farmers, producers, and growers to advance our renewable energy future. I will always fight to ensure that our biofuels industry remains strong, and that American energy is powered by American ingenuity that allows us to work toward energy independence in perpetuity.\"\n\nAs a leader on biofuels issues in Congress, Congresswoman Kaptur has taken key actions to support this critical industry:\n\nAdvocating for Year-Round E15 Sales: Congresswoman Kaptur supports efforts to restore permanent, unrestricted access to E15 (gasoline blended with 15% ethanol) nationwide, year-round. She is a proud co-sponsor of legislation to amend the Clean Air Act to allow the sale of E15 year-round across the country. In 2023, Kaptur joined her congressional colleagues in successfully pressing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow permanent year-round E15 sales in Midwestern states starting in 2025. She also called on the EPA to issue an emergency waiver to permit E15 sales during the summer of 2024.\n\nStrengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Congresswoman Kaptur has long been a supporter of a robust Renewable Fuel Standard, which is vital for reducing emissions and boosting domestic fuel production. Most recently, in July, she joined a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging support for ambitious Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels for the 2026 compliance year.\n\nSupporting Bioethanol for Carbon Reduction: Congresswoman Kaptur recognizes bioethanol as a key element in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. She has advocated for the use of the best available scientific models to accurately measure the emissions impacts of advanced and new transportation fuels. Kaptur has also urged the EPA to address delays in Class VI wells permitting, which are critical for advancing carbon capture and storage projects that align with US carbon reduction goals.\n\nPromoting Domestic Feedstocks for Clean Fuel Production: In her commitment to ensuring that US biofuels are made from domestic resources, Congresswoman Kaptur led 39 of her colleagues in a bipartisan letter alongside Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01) urging the US Department of Treasury to finalize rules for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. This letter emphasized the importance of limiting eligibility to fuels made from domestic feedstocks by American fuel producers.\n\nPhotos of the 2024 Biofuels Champion \u2014 Fueling Growth Award presentation can be found by clicking here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-brown-host-oh-11-housing-expo-saturday-october-5", "Congresswoman Brown to Host OH-11 Housing Expo Saturday October 5", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Shontel M. Brown", "B001313", "shontelbrown.house.gov", "shontelbrown", "https://shontelbrown.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) will host an OH-11 Housing Expo at Cleveland State University\u2019s Wolstein Center on Saturday October 5 from 9:00 AM \u2013 2:00 PM. Constituents are invited to attend this free resource event. Attendees are asked to RSVP online here. To date, over 1000 people have RSVPed.\n\nThe housing expo will feature federal, state, and local agencies and offer resources and information for current and prospective homeowners. Participants include: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services, the City of Cleveland Department of Community Development, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and more.\n\nThe expo will also include breakout sessions on financial management, budget counseling, housing resources for veterans and seniors, downpayment assistance, and more. Attendees will also be able to receive a free credit check.\n\n\u201cI am excited to host our OH-11 Housing Expo and invite Northeast Ohioans to join us on October 5 at the Wolstein Center. This event is all about bringing agencies directly to you. The Housing Expo will be a one-stop-shop for resources, information, and expert advice on all things housing, whether you are looking to buy a home, find affordable housing, learn about resources for the unhoused, or get more information on lending, taxes, and insurance,\u201d said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.\n\nWHAT: OH-11 Housing Expo\n\nWHO: Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Federal, State, and Local Housing Agencies and Organizations\n\nWHEN: Saturday, October 5, 9:00 AM \u2013 2:00 PM\n\nWHERE: Cleveland State University Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland OH 44115\n\nInterested press are asked to RSVP to will.mcdonald@mail.house.gov\n\nParticipating agencies and organizations include:\n\nU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\n\nCuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services\n\nCuyahoga County Treasury Department\n\nCity of Cleveland Department of Community Development\n\nCleveland Housing Court\n\nOhio State University Extension\n\nBenjamin Rose Institute on Aging\n\nCHN Housing Partners\n\nCommunity Housing Solutions\n\nFair Housing Center for Rights & Research\n\nGreater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity\n\nLegal Aid Society of Cleveland\n\nNIH Housing Counseling Agency\n\nNortheast Ohio Regional Sewer District\n\nWest Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development\n\nWestern Reserve Area Agency on Aging", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-announces-over-1-million-for-local-law-enforcement", "Rep. Sykes Announces Over $1 Million for Local Law Enforcement", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Emilia Strong Sykes", "S001223", "sykes.house.gov", "sykes", "https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) awarded multiple grants totaling $1,056,640 to communities in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District to hire and retain law enforcement officers and support community policing.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to announce over $1 million in Community Oriented Policing funding will be coming back to Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District. These vital grants will be used to improve the safety of our communities, hire more experienced and responsible officers, and continue rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the people they serve,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cAs a co-lead of bipartisan legislation to expand the COPS Hiring Program, I\u2019ll continue working diligently across the aisle to ensure our law enforcement agencies and officers have the resources they need to serve our communities safely and effectively.\u201d\n\nInvestments from the COPS Hiring Program include:\n\n$250,000 to the City of Barberton to hire 2 new law enforcement officers;\n\n$625,000 to the City of Canton to hire 5 new law enforcement officers.\n\nInvestments from the Community Policing Development Program include:\n\n$56,640 to the City of Canton for building trust and legitimacy with the community.\n\nInvestments from the COPS Office Technology and Equipment Program include:\n\n$125,000 to Stark County for technology upgrades.\n\n\u201cThe City of Barberton is excited to receive funding from the 2024 COPS Hiring Program. This will assist the city in hiring two officers and keeping our community safe. Thank you to my staff including the Barberton Police Department, Chief Morber, and Lieutenant Lynn, and to Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for advocating for our Police Department and helping to keep our community safe,\u201d said Barberton Mayor William Judge.\n\nIn May 2023, Rep. Sykes partnered with Reps. Greg Landsman (OH-01), Mike Carey (OH-15), and Max Miller (OH-07) to introduce the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act \u2013 endorsed by the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association \u2013 which would expand the COPS Hiring Program to allow local law enforcement agencies to utilize the grants for recruitment and retention bonuses, and also modify the program to allow grant applications for COPS Hiring Program grants to be valid for five years, instead of the current one year, to reduce costs and administrative burdens associated with the annual applications.\n\nWhile serving as House Minority Leader at the Ohio Statehouse, Rep. Sykes led the introduction of a comprehensive police reform plan that would have restored accountability, modernized use-of-force standards and tackled racial bias in policing. 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