{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"OK\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366", "Horn Appointed to National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5), a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, was appointed as a conferee to the House-Senate conference committee on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a member of the bipartisan conference committee, Horn will lead efforts to find a bipartisan compromise, paving the way for final passage of the NDAA. This is the second year Congresswoman Horn has been appointed as an NDAA conferee.\r\nI am proud to be a strong voice for Oklahoma and our nation's Armed Forces, said Congresswoman Horn. Our national defense is an area where we can work together in a bipartisan way and find common ground. In last year's groundbreaking NDAA, we worked across the aisle to create a comprehensive bill that strengthened our national security and included a historic raise for our service members. This year, I look forward to working with my fellow conferees to pass another bipartisan bill that ensures our military continues to be the strongest in the world, creates more accountability, and supports our troops. I will also continue to fight for the Military HOMES Act, which we successfully included in this year's House NDAA.\r\nCongresswoman Horn led efforts during House NDAA deliberations to adopt the Military HOMES Act as an amendment to the NDAA. This legislation provides stronger protections for military families renting on-base housing from private contractors, building on the progress made under the Tenants Bill of Rights which passed last year. Text of the Military HOMES Act is available here.\r\nThe NDAA which passed the House of Representatives this year also includes a three percent pay raise for uniformed personnel as well as targeted provisions to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill passed the House Armed Services Committee with unanimous support from both parties and passed the House with a majority of Democrats and Republicans voting in favor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365", "Rep. Horn Urges Governor to Request Federal Disaster Aid", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Friday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn sent a letter to Governor Kevin Stitt urging the Governor to apply for federal disaster assistance by requesting a Presidential disaster declaration. The request follows a historic ice storm that hit Oklahoma on Monday, resulting in widespread damage to residential and commercial properties and leaving more than 375,000 Oklahomans without power. As of Friday, more than 200,000 Oklahomans remained without power.\r\nOklahoma is recovering from the second-worse ice storm in our state's history. Families already struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic are without power and the resources they need to get by, said Congresswoman Horn. I am in daily contact with community leaders, local utilities, and elected officials to see where we can help our neighbors and how we can support efforts to restore power for all Oklahomans. Today's letter urges our Governor to apply for critically needed federal assistance that will help our state recover from this storm. I stand ready to support the Governor in this request.\r\nA state of emergency has already been declared by Governor Stitt for Oklahoma. A federal state of emergency must be requested by the Governor and issued by the President to receive federal assistance. The text of Congresswoman Kendra Horn's letter to the Governor is below:\r\nGovernor Stitt:\r\nOn Monday, October 26, the state of Oklahoma experienced one of the worst ice storms in our history. Nearly 375,000 power outages have been reported across our state, and as of today, more than 200,000 households and businesses in Oklahoma remain without power. I applaud your efforts in issuing a state of emergency to help expedite relief efforts.\r\nSince this disaster occurred, repair crews have been working around the clock in inclement weather to ensure power is restored to as many homes as possible. The repair and recovery efforts have been compounded by downed trees and debris that will take weeks, if not months, to clean up across our entire state. Although we do not yet have a complete damage assessment, it is clear that the damage is significant and the cleanup will be costly.\r\nWhen Oklahoma was hit with another historically severe ice storm in 2007, Governor Brad Henry requested a major disaster declaration which was granted by President George W. Bush. President Bush's declaration made possible an estimated $30,566,892 in public assistance, in addition to an estimated $754,748 in total individual assistance for the 268 residences impacted. These funds were an integral part of the cleanup and recovery efforts on the ground in Oklahoma.\r\nIn times of need, Oklahomans have a rich history of coming together and providing selfless relief to those who need it the most.\r\nI urge you to request a major disaster declaration to provide relief to Oklahomans in the wake of this disaster, and I stand ready to support your request at the federal level.\r\nSincerely,\r\nKendra S. Horn\r\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363", "Rep. Horn to Host Education Town Hall with American Federation of Teachers", "2020-10-13", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) will host an Education Town Hall joined by Mary Best, President of Oklahoma AFT and Tori Shoecraft, Oklahoma City AFT Local 2309 and AFT membership. The general public can watch the town hall and ask questions via Facebook Live at Facebook.com/RepKendraHorn. The town hall will focus on school's COVID-19 response and K-12 education funding. This is Congresswoman Horn's 33rdtown hall of 2020.\r\nEducation Town Hall with Congresswoman Kendra Horn  \r\nWednesday, October 14, 5:30-7:00 PM\r\nStreamed Live on Facebook.com/RepKendraHorn\r\nOur educators are on the front lines of this pandemic, saidCongresswomanHorn.They have had to adapt quickly to an ever-changing educational landscape during COVID-19. I am glad to join AFT to hear about their experiences teaching both virtually and in-person. I am proud to fight for our public schools. We must to provide them with the resources they need to make it through this crisis.\r\nCongresswoman Horn has been a consistently strong advocate for Oklahoma's public school students, teachers, and paraprofessionals alike, saidMary Best,President of Oklahoma AFT. We look forward to this Town Hall as an opportunity for AFT educators to discuss the biggest challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.\r\nIn September,Congresswoman KendraHornintroduced the Educators Are Heroes Act, legislation to provide educators an additional 25 percent hazard pay for time they are required to spend in-person at a public school during the pandemic. Teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, cafeteria staff, custodians and other school staff all qualify. A fact sheet on the Educators Are Heroes Act isavailable here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362", "Rep. Horn Announces Healthcare Town Hall", "2020-10-08", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) and Dean GaryRaskobof the OU Hudson College of Public Health will gather public health officials, hospital administrators and healthcare leadersfor a Healthcare Town Hallto discussCOVID-19updates, the rising cost of prescription drugs and access to quality affordable healthcare. The Healthcare Town Hallwill be broadcastonFacebook Live.Time is reserved for questions from the public.\r\nHealthcare Town Hall with Congresswoman Kendra Horn  \r\nFriday, October 910:00-11:30 AM\r\nStreamed Liveon Facebook.com/RepKendraHorn\r\nAsCOVID-19cases spike in Oklahoma,we have to listen to the advice and guidance of our public health professionalsto save lives andignite the economy, saidCongresswoman Kendra Horn. I am proud to bring togetherthispanel of doctors, public health officials, and healthcare leaders to discuss the overlapping issues Oklahomans are facing.Inaddition to the coronavirus, Oklahomans still face the rising cost of prescription drugs andbarrierstoaccessing healthcare.Iam committed to increasing access to quality healthcare for all Oklahomans.Especially,inthe midst of the greatest public health crisis in a century, everyone should have access to care to protect themselves, their loved onesand their communities.\r\nThe OU Hudson College of Public Health, along with our partner OU Medicine, is honored to work with Congresswoman Horn to facilitate discussion of important health issues such as COVID-19, access to healthcare and the rising cost of prescription drugs, said Dr. GaryRaskob, Hudson College of Public Health Dean. We look forward to a productive discussion with key public health and healthcare stakeholders in Oklahoma.\r\nPanelists Include:\r\n \r\n    Congresswoman Kendra Horn\r\n    Dr. GaryRaskob, Dean and Regents Professor, Epidemiology and Medicine-OU Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center\r\n    Dr. Dale W.Bratzler, Professor and Chair, Department of Health Administration and Policy, Hudson College of Public Health, Professor, College of Medicine; Enterprise Chief Quality Officer, OU Medicine - OU Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center\r\n    Dr. Lance Frye, Commissioner of Health - OU Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center\r\n    Dr. PatrickMcGough, Executive Director-Oklahoma City-County Health Department\r\n    Chuck Spicer,President and Chief Executive Officer-OU Medicine\r\n    Patti Davis,President-Oklahoma Hospital Association\r\n    Kevin Corbett,Secretary of Health and Mental Health; Chief Executive Officer - Oklahoma Health Care Authority\r\n    Dr. George W. Monks,President - Oklahoma State Medical Association\r\n    Nicolas Barton,Executive Director-Southern Plains Tribal Health Board\r\n    Lou Carmichael, Chief Executive Officer -Variety Care\r\n    Dr. Grant H.Skrepnek, Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy; Director of Academic Research, Pharmacy Management Consultants - College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center\r\n \r\nThis town hall is the third in a series of healthcare town halls with the OU College of Public Health since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is Congresswoman Horn's 32ndtown hall of 2020.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361", "Rep. Horn Announces Workers Tax Cut Plan", "2020-10-05", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced her Workers Tax Cut Plan, a plan to cut taxes for working families by doubling the Earned Income Tax Credit. Horn's plan would increase the maximum Earned Income Tax Credit by $1,500 and expand the number of households eligible for the credit by 50 percent.\r\nOur tax system should be balanced and ensure everyone pays their fair share, saidCongresswoman Kendra Horn. We shouldn't be putting the most burden on working Oklahomans who are just trying to get by. My proposal incentives work and will help lift millions of Americans out of poverty. The Earned Income Tax Credit encourages work by scaling up as an individual's income grows. My plan to double the EITC would help millions more families make ends meet.\r\nHow Horn's plan to double the EITC would impact different households:\r\n\r\nWe applaud Congresswoman Horn for bringing a proposal that will support working Americans who still struggle to make ends meet, saidJessica Dietrich with Hunger Free Oklahoma. In these challenging times, it is crucial that we focus on policies that ensure we all have the resources we need to meet our basic needs.\r\nThe Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) applauds this attempt to put money back into the pockets of working Americans, saidJoe Dorman, CEO of OICA. Targeted tax relief like this for those who need the extra help is truly what helps fuel the economy for those living paycheck to paycheck.\r\nOklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral supports any legislation that is in the best interest of children, saidPaula Koos, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Child care Resource & Referral Association.Increasing the maximum benefit of the EITC by $1,500 would provide much needed assistance to low- and middle-income workers and families who already face new financial challenges in the era of COVID-19. Rep. Horn's plan would greatly benefit children and OCCRRA supports it.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's plan would be revenue neutral, paid for by reversing the 2018 tax cuts for individuals earning over $400,000, eliminating tax loopholes for big pharmaceutical companies, and restoring the tax rate for foreign subsidiaries. Congresswoman Horn plans to introduce legislation in the 117thCongress to pass her Workers Tax Cut Plan.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360", "Rep. Horn Secures Review of Denied Visa for World-Renowned Violinist", "2020-10-02", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, October 2, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced she has secured a review of violinist Anglica Pereira denied Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker (based on being an alien with extraordinary ability) or green card. Pereira received notable media attention following her visa denial.\r\nCongresswoman Horn wrote a letter of support for Anglica Pereira's initial visa petition. Following Pereira's visa denial, Congresswoman Horn reached out to offer further assistance with her case. Congresswoman Horn contacted USCIS to request a Service Motion, or request for review. The case was reviewed by an official who determined the case will be re-opened by USCIS.\r\nAnglica is truly a treasure and asset to Oklahoma and our nation. Her talent and contributions to the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and her service to our community are unmatched. We are fortunate she has chosen to call our state home. I'm pleased we were able to help successfully secure a review of her visa denial and will continue to do all we can to assist her in this process, said Congresswoman Horn. Anglica is an example of how our immigration system often falls shortshe did everything by the book but fell through a crack in the system. I was honored to write a letter of support for Anglica's initial EB1 petition and am proud we were able to work with her to re-open her case. Anglica's talent makes her unique, but many other immigrants like her pay taxes and contribute to our economy and cultural life. They are doing it right and we should be making it easier, not harder, to stay in the country they call home.\r\nI have been blessed to count on the support of Congresswoman Horn and her staff, said Anglica Pereira. From the first communication with her office back at the beginning of August when I requested a support letter to this date, everyone at Congresswoman Horn's office has been extremely kind, understanding and helpful to my situation. Since they got notified of the denial of my EB1 petition, I have had multiple phone calls from her staff checking on me to make sure I am doing well, and just keeping themselves on top of anything new about my case, always assuring me that they are doing everything in their power to help me. I cannot thank them enough! Thank you so much Congresswoman Horn and every single person on your staff that has supported me through this very difficult time.\r\nAnglica Pereira is a teacher, a professional violinist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and a Latin Grammy-award winning musician. She moved to the United States from Colombia on a full bachelor's degree scholarship at Oklahoma City University at the age of 18. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education, Bachelors in Music Performance and Masters of Music Performance from Oklahoma City University. Pereira teaches third through twelfth grades at El Sistema Oklahoma, a nonprofit that teaches music to underserved students in public schools.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=358", "Rep. Horn Introduces Bill to Support Low-Income and First-Generation College Students During Pandemic", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5), Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced the bipartisan Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act. The bill wouldprovide emergency funding to the Federal TRIO Programs to support access to counseling, tutoring, mentoring and technology to help students enter and complete college. As many schools have moved to online classes during the pandemic, many of our most vulnerable students lack the support services and technology needed to complete courses or apply for college and financial aid.\r\nThe bill would provide $450 million for TRIO to serve 330,000 additional students$250 million to expand the program and $200 million for technology support to bridge the digital divide. An estimated 17,549 college students in Oklahoma lack proper devices or internet connection to complete coursework.\r\nLow-income and first-generation college students are dropping out in record numbers during this COVID-19 crisis, saidCongresswomanHorn.TRIO Programs have a proven track record of building bridges for our most vulnerable students to overcome challenges in accessing and successfully completing higher education. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act with Congressman Don Young and Congresswoman Annie Kuster to expand the TRIO student support program to help students in their shift to blended and online learning. TRIO programs provide critical resources and increase graduation rates for high risk students. This investment translates into a more equipped workforce and a stronger economy.\r\n\"I have been a long-time supporter of Federal TRIO Programs because I have witnessed their positive impact for students across the State of Alaska who face barriers to education,\" saidCongressman Don Young. \"Access to higher education can pose many challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things more difficult for those needing support. In these unprecedented times, we must ensure that these programs are working for economically and socially disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman KendraHornin the introduction of the Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act. It is crucially important that TRIO Programs receive emergency funding in any future COVID-19 relief legislation, and our bill will help make that happen. In Congress, I will continue pushing to ensure that TRIO is there for the students who need it most.\"\r\nOn top of the normal barriers students face during normal times, the COVID-19 crisis has made navigating college  especially for low-income and first generation students  much more difficult, saidCongresswoman Kuster. Federal TRIO programs provide critical support for vulnerable students across the Granite State, and I'm proud to help introduce this bipartisan proposal to provide additional funding for these important resources. The Coronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act will secure more funding for TRIO programs to support access to counseling resources, technology, and tutoring services to help our students succeed during this unprecedented time.\r\nTRIO is an evidenced-based suite of education programs serving first-generation, low-income students, students with disabilities, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, unemployed adults and veterans. With COVID-19's economic devastation, more people now qualify for TRIO's crucial services.\r\nTheCoronavirus College Access and Completion Emergency Relief Act is cosponsored by Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-04), William R. Keating (MA-09), Jenniffer Gonzlez-Coln (PR-AL), TJ Cox (CA-21), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Gwen Moore (WI-02), Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Rodney Davis (IL-13).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359", "Rep. Horn Votes No on HEROES Act 2.0", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5) voted against an updated HEROES Act, a new version of the original $3 trillion HEROES package.\r\nWe are still living in the midst of an unprecedented health and economic crisis. Oklahoma families and businesses need help. Unfortunately, this package was essentially the same bill on a shorter timeline that did not meet the three T's of good government needed to provide timely, targeted and transparent relief. said CongresswomanHorn. Leadership can't keep pushing forward partisan stimulus bills hoping they will magically cross the finish line. Our families, businesses and communities are struggling. We don't have time to waste on partisan bills that stand no chance in the Senate. Two weeks ago, I stood with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, as we presented a framework for another stimulus package that addresses the most critical needs of our communities. We know it's possible to come to a bipartisan agreement because we've done it. Working together, across the aisle, is the only way to get the job done. That's why I voted no, because the only way to get to get through this is together.\r\nTwo weeks ago, the Problem Solvers Caucus, introduced a March to Common Ground framework. The framework addressed key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, extended unemployment, direct stimulus checks, help for small business, food security, schools and childcare, housing, election support, and state and local aid. In light of the urgent needs facing millions of Americans, families, and small businesses, the framework is designed for a six-month horizon, except for state and local funding which extends for a full year.\r\nThe full March to Common Ground framework can foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=354", "Rep. Horn Hosts Virtual Military Service Academy Day", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) hosted a virtual Military Service Academy Day for high school and college students interested in attending one of the US military service academies. Representatives from each service academy (West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and the Merchant Marines Academy) gave presentations about their military branch, academy requirements and life at their service academy.\r\nInterested students and guardians can watch the webinar here.\r\nIt is my honor and privilege to nominate students from Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District to our nation's prestigious military service academies, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Last year, I nominated 15 incredible students with acceptances to West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. Service Academy graduates go on to be leaders in the military, and in civilian life as CEOs, doctors, judges, astronauts and more.\r\nThe first step in the military service academy nomination process is applying online (available here.) The deadline is November 1. The next step is an interview with Congresswoman Horn's Military Service Academy Advisory Board, made up of local veterans, current service members, and academy graduates in December. In exchange for a world-class education, service academy graduates commit to five years of service to our nation in the United States military.\r\nIf you are a high school or college student interested in attending one of the US military service academies, contact Jon Foti at Jonathan.foti@mail.house.gov or 405-535-8827 for more information.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=353", "Rep. Horn Introduces Educators Hazard Pay Bill", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Tuesday, Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5) introduced the Educators Are Heroes Act, legislation to provide educators an additional 25 percent hazard pay for time they are required to spend in-person at a public school during the pandemic. Teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, cafeteria staff, custodians and other school staff all qualify. A fact sheet on the Educators Are Heroes Act isavailable here. Bill text isavailable here.\r\nOur educators are on the front lines of this pandemic, saidCongresswomanHorn.Where schools have started holding in-person instruction, staff and teachers have gone to great lengths to adapt classrooms and keep students safe while providing a quality education. We know that educators providing in-person instruction are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. We need to provide our teachers and staff with the resources they need to make it through this crisis, and I'm proud to fight for them.\r\nI am grateful for CongresswomanHorn's leadership highlighting the much-needed acknowledgment of our educators throughout the pandemic, saidTorie Shoecraft, American Federationof Teachers, Oklahoma City Local 2309 President.Earlier in the year, our teachers transitioned to virtual learning with little advanced knowledge, our cafeteria staff adapted to feeding thousands through pick-up sites and bus routes drop-offs, and our counselors adjusted to helping our students via electronic devices. Our educators required to return to the classroom are putting their lives on the line to teach and serve our students, and the least we can do is provide them hazard pay. Our educators truly are  as Congresswoman has rightly called them  heroes.\r\nMore than 250 school districts in Oklahoma have reported COVID-19 cases, requiring thousands of students to quarantine and shift from in-person to virtual learning. The most recent White House Coronavirus Task Force Report shows Oklahoma in the top five states for positive tests. Oklahoma has been in the red zone for ten consecutive weeks. The report also recommended establishing a weekly reporting among critical populations, including K-12 teachers, to monitor the degree of community spread. Oklahoma does not have a statewide school mask mandate.\r\nReceiving care for COVID-19 can be expensive, and Oklahoma ranks40thin countryfor starting teacher salaries. A recent study estimated that out-of-pocket costs for a COVID-19 patient with insurance averages$38,221. For patients without insurance or out-of-network, the average COVID-19 hospital stay costs $73,300. The average American can't afford a surprise $500 expense without going into debt.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352", "Congresswoman Horn Announces Election Security Town Hall", "2020-09-21", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5) announced a virtual Election Security Town Hall. The town hall will discuss threats to election security, CongresswomanHorn's work in Congress to address those threats and Oklahoma's safe and secure elections.\r\nParticipants can join and ask questions via Facebook Live.\r\nElection Security Town Hall\r\nTuesday, September 22, 2-3 PM CT\r\nStreamed Live on Facebook at FB.com/RepKendraHorn\r\nJoining CongresswomanHornas panelists are:\r\n \r\n    Lauren Zuniga, Former Customer Service Representative  Oklahoma State Election Board\r\n    Koquise Edwards-Williams, President  American Postal Workers Union Oklahoma City Area Local #86\r\n    Lauren Schueler, Director, N.E.W. Leadership and Civic Engagement & Women's Leadership Programs  Carl Albert Congressional Research & Studies Center, University of Oklahoma\r\n    Cindy Treadway,Poll Worker  Oklahoma County Election Board\r\n \r\nVoting is one of our most fundamental rights. Protecting our election security isn't a Republican or Democratic issue  it is fundamental to our democracy and national security, said CongresswomanHorn. Oklahoma has some of the most safe and secure election systems in the country. I'm hosting this panel to discuss the threats facing our elections, the work I've done in Congress to protect our elections and to ensure Oklahomans have the tools and information they need to make their voices heard at the ballot box.\r\nCongresswomanHornrecognizes that election security is foundational to our national security. As the Blue Dog Coalition National Security Task Force Co-Chair, she introducedbipartisanProtect Our Elections Act, a bill that would prohibit foreign ownership or control of our elections systems. CongresswomanHornalso cosponsored and helped to pass the SHIELD Act, that would require campaigns to report foreign election interference and ban foreign entities from spending money or running online ads for a candidate. CongresswomanHornfought to include $400 million in the CARES Act for states to prepare for elections during a pandemic.\r\nThis town hall, CongresswomanHorn's 31st of the year, follows a variety of telephone, virtual, and Facebook Live town halls, demonstrating her commitment to hearing from Oklahomans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349", "Rep. Horn and Problem Solvers Caucus Unveil \u201cMarch to Common Ground\u201d COVID Stimulus Framework", "2020-09-15", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today,Tuesday, September 15, 2020, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus  25 Democrats and 25 Republicans -- unveiled its March To Common Ground framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package and encourage negotiators to get back to the table. The 50-member bipartisan Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY), developed and came together in support of the framework after extensive listening to constituents and outreach to stakeholders over the past six weeks. The package addresses key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, election support, and state and local aid. In light of the urgent needs facing millions of Americans, families, and small businesses, the framework is designed for a six month horizon and through the next inauguration, except for state and local funding which extends for a full year. Depending on the severity of the pandemic and if a successful vaccination program is adopted by March, 2021, a system of automatic boosters are designed to incrementally increase the amount of relief to individuals and families. Conversely, a system of reducers will decrease the total cost of the package. The framework calls for both new stimulus money and the reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding, and allocates resources to the following key categories:\r\n \r\n    Testing & Healthcare ($100B)\r\n    Direct Assistance to Individuals & Families ($316B)\r\n    Unemployment Assistance ($120B)\r\n    Small Business & Non-profit Support ($290B\r\n    School & Child Care ($145B)\r\n    State & Local Aid ($500.3B)\r\n    Election Support ($400M)\r\n    Broadband, Agriculture, USPS, & Census ($52B)\r\n    Worker & Liability Protections\r\n    Automatic Boosters & Reducers\r\n    The fullframework can foundhere.\r\n \r\n\r\nOur communities cannot wait any longerwhile Washingtoncontinues to play partisan games,said Rep. KendraHorn. Oklahoma businesses are closing and our families are struggling to make ends meet. Today's March to Common Ground bipartisan framework would deliver relief in a timely, targetedand transparent way. It's time to put politics aside and do what's right. The Problem Solvers are showing that we can work across the aisle. Wecansolve this together.\r\nAmericans deserve a functioning Congress that can rise to the challenge and deliver the relief they need,said PSC Co-Chair Tom Reed. Our framework reflects months of bipartisan consensus-building on the actions the federal government can take to help working families and local communities across the country as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. We are hopeful this package will help bring lead negotiations back to the table as we try to solve this problem for the American people. \r\nWhat brings us together  25 Democrats and 25 Republicans  is our shared goal of finding a pragmatic solution  a bipartisan path forward  to help get negotiators to return to the table, said PSC Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer.Our March to Common Ground package does just that  it lays out a common sense framework to get help and resources out to American families and businesses.\r\nOur group put aside brinksmanship and political games,said Rep. Dusty Johnson,Once we focused on what was good for the country, it didn't take us long to find common ground. This is how Congress is supposed to work.\r\nToday, my 25 Democrat and 25 Republican colleagues of the Problem Solvers Caucus are introducing a bipartisan, COVID relief framework to reignite negotiations and help our country through these difficult days,said Rep. Dean Phillips.Months of inaction have left too many at the precipice, and principle must overcome politics. Co-leading our working group with Rep. Dusty Johnson has been an inspirational lesson in possibility. A shared mission to support our country and compassion for people transcended divisions in Congress, and is a reminder that unity and trust can overcome anything. Even politics. We're not the flashiest members of Congress, but we sit at the table, listen to one another, engage in respectful debate and deliberation, and accomplish good work for our country behind the scenes. Congress can be fixed. One friendship at a time.\r\nAmerican families still need help, and Congress needs to step up,said Rep. Fred Upton.This framework is something both parties can get behind, would be signed by the President, and would deliver immediate help to those in the most need.\r\nDuring a moment of crisis, our mission in Washington should be clear: help families stay safe and weather the storm of COVID-19,said Rep. Elisa Slotkin.But unfortunately, amidst election season, politics has distorted that mission. The Problem Solvers Caucus has been quietly working on the outlines of another emergency COVID package, in the hopes that our framework can kick-start negotiations between the House, the Senate, and the White House. And I'm proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle today as we unveil that framework. Importantly: no deal is perfect. But this proposal can and should serve as a serious start of negotiations. And I'm urging leadership in the House, Senate and White House to rise to the moment and get back to negotiating. We have to continue working across the aisle, regardless of politics, to get help to the people who need it right now. That is what is expected of us, and what the moment demands.\r\nI'm proud to join members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to announce a new COVID-19 relief bill, developed and supported by our membership, consisting of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans,said Rep. John Katko.For too long, partisanship and posturing have stood in the way of substantive negotiations to address the sustained impact of the pandemic on our country. Our package contains measures that both sides agree on, including additional assistance for state and local governments, and resources for COVID testing, unemployment support, stimulus checks, schools & child care, and PPP. There's more that we agree on than disagree on. I hope this bill will inspire negotiators to set politics aside, and act as a blueprint to advance discussions.\r\n\"I've heard from families that are hurting, businesses that are struggling, and mayors and superintendents who are facing steep cuts to essential services,\"said Rep. Anthony Brindisi. \"These are real problems and we cannot wait any longer for Washington to act. With this bipartisan framework, the Problem Solvers and I are cutting through the politics to demand action and aid for our communities. This plan is a thoughtful, comprehensive framework and most importantly, it has support from Democrats and Republicans in a divided Washington. Let's get this done.\"\r\nOur constituents are clamoring for Democrats and Republicans to work together to battle the COVID pandemic, to secure our public health and support those in need,said Rep. Tom Suozzi.Everyone knows Senate leadership has refused to negotiate. Our bipartisan proposal helps people, blunts the advance of the virus and provides the necessary funding for our schools, and our state and local governments. We hope this will inspire all parties to come back to the table.\r\nWhat we're showing today is a deal is not only possible, but more importantly, a deal must be possible because failure is not an option,Rep. Max Rose said.This isn't a game.This isn't a red state or a blue state issue. This is an American issue and we must come together as Americans and get the job done: to give our state and local governments the aid they need to ensure our cops, firefighters, EMS, teachers and essential workers aren't laid off; to provide our struggling businesses the lifeline they need to stay in business and keep employees on the payroll. We must come together to do the job we all know needs to be done.\r\nWith thousands of South Carolinians still out of work, small businesses struggling to keep the lights on, and state and local governments fiscally exhausted, it is long past time Congress came together to negotiate another COVID-19 relief package,said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan framework would allocate the necessary funding for testing, relief for working families, unemployed Americans, and small businesses, and much-needed aid for state and local governments. Americans are counting on their elected officials and so failure is not an option.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=348", "Bill to Rename Downtown OKC Post Office after Clara Luper Passes House", "2020-09-14", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman KendraHorn's (OK-5) bill (H.R. 5597) to rename the downtown Oklahoma City Post Office in honor of civil rights icon Clara Luper, passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan voice vote. All members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation are co-sponsors of the bill. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.\r\nOn August 19, 1958, Luper and the NAACP Youth Council led a civil rights sit in at Oklahoma City's Katz Drug Store,the first civil rights lunchcounter sit-in in America. The sit in was the first in a series of successful nonviolent protests to desegregate downtown establishments. The sit ins led by Clara Luper and the NAACP Youth Council in Oklahoma City helped inspire lunch counters protests across the South, occurring years before the Woolworth's lunch counter sit in in Greensboro, NC. In 1969, Luper was also the spokesperson for striking sanitation workers in Oklahoma City.\r\nI am proud that we are one step closer to recognizing Clara Luper and the sit-inners, true civil rights heroes who fought tirelessly for a better Oklahoma, saidCongresswomanHorn. Luper led sit ins, mobilized Oklahomans young and old, and faced down racism and intolerance all to foster equity and end segregation. We must remember her legacy and that of the NAACP Youth Council and the countless others who stood with her. More than fifty years after Oklahoma City civil rights sit ins, we still have work to do to end racism and discrimination. The story of Clara Luper and the NAACP Youth Council are inspiring a new generation of Oklahomans to take action. I hope the Clara Luper Post Office can stand as a testament to her enduring legacy, her courage, and her historic fight for justice.\r\nThanks to the Oklahoma Congressional delegation and to the good citizens of Oklahoma for working to rename the post office after my mom, and for the thousands of young people whose lives that she helped direct and motivate - we say thank you,said Marilyn Luper-Hildreth, the daughter of Clara Luper. For those that gave their nickels and dimes and quarters to help in the struggle for freedom, the civil rights movement and the struggle for social justice, we say thanks.\r\nClara Luper was a powerful voice for the civil rights movement in Oklahoma City and throughout our country. As a strong advocate to end segregation, she broke barriers in Oklahoma- launching one of our nation's first civil rights sit-ins at a downtown drug store,saidCongressman Lucas (OK-03).After becoming the first African American to be admitted to the graduate history program at the University of Oklahoma, she began her career as an distinguished educator teaching history to Oklahoma's youth. Her spirit, persistence, and endless fight for civil rights is an important part of Oklahoma's history and our nation's struggle for equality. I am proud to support the naming of the United States Postal Service facility located at 305 Northwest 5thStreet in Oklahoma City in honor of the mother of the civil rights movement in Oklahoma City, Clara Luper.\r\nClara Luper's pivotal role in the fight for equality for African Americans is certainly one that should be recognized, saidCongressman Tom Cole (OK-04). As the organizer of one of our state's first peaceful sit-ins, a persistent advocate against segregation and a devoted educator, Clara Luper is rightly remembered as the mother of the civil rights movement in Oklahoma. While segregation and other practices represent a dark period in our nation's past, renaming the downtown Oklahoma City post office after Clara Luper certainly demonstrates how far we have come because of Americans like her. Clara Luper is known as the Mother of the Oklahoma Civil Rights Movement' and the peaceful sit-ins she organized, along with the NAACP Youth Council in Oklahoma City, led to the desegregation of lunch counters and other establishments throughout the South, saidCongressman Markywane Mullin (OK-02). Naming the Post Office near the site of the sit-ins she organized in her honor will help her legacy live on for future generations. I am proud to support this legislation and I look forward to seeing the Clara Luper Post Office in Downtown Oklahoma City soon.\r\nClara Luper holds a significant place in Oklahoma's civil rights history, saidCongressman Kevin Hern (OK-01).She broke barriers and defied expectations, dedicating her life to the significant pursuit of equality and education. I am proud to join my colleagues today in naming an Oklahoma City Post Office after her, ensuring her legacy will live on and her story told to future generations.\r\nThirteen children participated in the first protest at Katz Drug Store with Luper's guidance. Recently, OklahomaCity celebrated the 60thanniversaryof the 1958 sit ins which integrated the city.\r\nThe Downtown Oklahoma City Post Office is near the location of the 1958 sit in at Katz Drug Store. The post office is also near the epicenter of the sanitation workers strike that Luper led in 1969.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=347", "Clara Luper Post Office Resolution to Receive Vote", "2020-09-13", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. - On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn's (OK-5) bill (H.R. 5597) to rename the downtown Oklahoma City Post Office in honor of civil rights icon Clara Luper, will receive a vote on the House floor. All members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation are co-sponsors of the bill.\r\nOn August 19, 1958, Luper and the NAACP Youth Council led a civil rights sit in at Oklahoma City's Katz Drug Store,the first civil rights lunch counter sit-in in America. The sit in was the first in a series of successful nonviolent protests to desegregate downtown establishments. The sit ins led by Clara Luper and the NAACP Youth Council in Oklahoma City helped inspire lunch counters protests across the South, occurring years before the Woolworth's lunch counter sit in in Greensboro, NC. In 1969, Luper was also the spokespersonforstriking sanitation workers in Oklahoma City.\r\nI am proud that we are one step closer to recognizing Clara Luper and the sit-inners, true civil rights heroes who fought tirelesslyfora better Oklahoma, said Congresswoman Horn. Luper led sit ins, mobilized Oklahomans young and old, and faced down racism and intolerance all to foster equity and end segregation. We must remember her legacy and that of the NAACP Youth Council and the countless others who stood with her. More than fifty years after the Oklahoma City civil rights sit ins, we still have work to do to end racism and discrimination. The story of Clara Luper and the NAACP Youth Council are inspiring a new generation of Oklahomans to take action. I hope the Clara Luper Post Office can stand as a testament to her enduring legacy, her courage, and her historic fightforjustice.\r\nThirteen children participated in the first protest at Katz Drug Store with Luper's guidance. Recently, OklahomaCity celebrated the 60thanniversaryof the 1958 sit ins which integrated the city.\r\nThe Downtown Oklahoma City Post Office is near the location of the 1958 sit in at Katz Drug Store. The post office is also near the epicenter of the sanitation workers strike that Luper led in 1969. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=346", "Following Closure of Paramount Room, Rep. Horn to Host Save Our Stages Press Conference", "2020-09-09", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  In response to the news that Oklahoma City's Paramount Room is closing, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) will be hosting a press conference on Thursday, September 10, at 12:00 PM CT at the Paramount Room, calling for passage of the RESTART Act and the Save Our Stages Act. Congresswoman Horn will be joined at the press conference by Paramount Room's owners as well as business and community leaders, including owners from DCF Concerts, the Oklahoma Children's Theatre, Tower Theatre, Lyric Theatre, and Jones Assembly.\r\nI was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the Paramount Room. Local treasures like this bring us together, they attract talent to our state, they create jobs, and they act as community hubs. If Congress doesn't act, the Paramount Room won't be the only venue to close its doors for good. While many small businesses have re-opened at a reduced capacity, a partial reopening isn't possible for performance venues and many other Oklahoma businesses. That's why I'm fighting to pass the bipartisan RESTART Act, to save Oklahoma's performance venues, restaurants, and businesses, and to help these local employers keep their lights on and their doors open. We need Congress to pass this critical legislation before it's too late.\r\nThe press conference will be held in front of the Paramount Room, at 701 W Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102.\r\nThe RESTART Act would provide financial assistance, tax credits, and extended unemployment benefits for small independent performance venues and other small businesses facing long-term hardship due to COVID-19. Congresswoman Horn is also a cosponsor of the Save Our Stages Act, which would provide SBA grants for independent live music venue operators affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. These grants would provide six months of financial support to keep venues afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America.\r\nCongresswoman Horn has been an outspoken advocate for the RESTART Act and has worked hand-in-hand with local venues to deliver help during the pandemic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=345", "Rep. Horn Presents Edmond WWII Veteran with Victory Medal", "2020-08-31", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Sunday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5)presented the World War II Victory Medal to Edmond veteran Jerry McCreery during a special ceremony. The ceremony included posting of the colors by the Putnam City High School JROTC, a City of Edmond proclamation declaring August 30th Jerry McCreery Day presented by Edmond American Legion Post 111 Commander Ken Wyatt and a Certificate of Service in World War II presented by Oklahoma American Legion Commander Don Roane. Following the ceremony, the American Legionled a drive-by parade in Mr. McCreery's honor.\r\nPhotos and video of the ceremony are availablehere.\r\nIt was an incredible honor to present Mr. McCreery with his World War II Victory Medal. said Congresswoman Horn. We owe Mr. McCreery and our World War II veterans a debt that cannot fully be repaid for their service to our nation. I'm proud that we were able to ensure Mr. McCreery received his long-overdue Victory Medal. I'm grateful for the Department of the Navy, the City of Edmond, the American Legion Department of Oklahoma, the Edmond American Legion, and the Putnam City High School JROTC for making today's presentation and celebration possible.\r\nThe medal, which began as a service ribbon, was established by Congress on July 6, 1945. The ribbon transitioned to a medal following the end of World War II and was awarded to any member of the United States military who served on active duty or as a reservist between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946.\r\nThrough veteran outreach efforts, Congresswoman Horn's office learned that Mr. McCreery never actually received his Victory Medal. Working with the Department of the Navy, Congresswoman Horn secured the medal.\r\nMr. McCreery courageously enlisted in the Navy in January 1946 at age 17 and served on the USS Shangri La, an aircraft carrier stationed out of San Diego, California. Mr. McCreery served honorably and with distinction in the Pacific front, where he and his unit were integral to the stability of the region. Mr. McCreery personally witnessed the test of a nuclear bomb in Bikini Atoll in 1946. Mr. McCreery finished his service in 1947 and was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Fireman Second and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.\r\nCongresswoman Horn prioritizes services to our veterans. She has assisted veterans with expedited claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, receiving earned medals, and more. If you or someone you know needs assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs, please visit Horn.House.Gov/Veterans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=343", "Rep. Horn Votes to Rescue U.S. Postal Service", "2020-08-22", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Saturday, Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5) votedtopass a U.S.PostalService (USPS) relief bill in the House ofRepresentatives. The legislation fulfills the unanimousrequest by the USPS Board of Governorsearlier this year for $25 billiontomaintainpostaloperations and timely service. The legislation also reverses recent changes made by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that have causedmail backlogs and delays. The bill passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 257-150.\r\nOklahomans rely on the U.S.PostalServicetokeep their businesses running,toget prescription medications,tovote, andtostay connected, said Congresswoman KendraHorn(OK-5). Today's legislation would provide the funding thePostalService needstofulfill its core mission. Our bill also stops and reverses made by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy that have ledtonationwide mail backlogs. As our nation strugglestocope with COVID-19, I'm fightingtokeep USPS funded, end delays, and ensure on time delivery of critical mail. Our health, our businesses, even our democracy are on the line. We must protect thePostalService.\r\nThis year, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced changes at USPS including the removal of automatic mail sorting machines, the elimination of some local mail collection boxes, cutstoovertime forpostalworkers, reduced post office operating hours, and more. Following public outcry over the changes and resulting mail delays, DeJoy backtracked on some of the changes. Still, the Postmaster General has announced he hasno intention of restoringthe mail sorting machines or collection boxes he had removed.\r\nOn Tuesday, Congresswoman KendraHornhosted a press conference with the National Association of Letter Carriers calling for Congresstopass legislationtosupport thePostalService and stop mail backlogs.\r\nThe Veterans Administration (VA) uses USPStomailninety percentof its prescriptions outtoveterans. Each year the VA sends out120 million prescriptionsusing thePostalService, with deliveries arriving dailytoabout 330,000 veterans across the country.\r\nUSPS is also a lifeline for our small businesses. Accordingtoa2019 USPSreport, more than 70% of small businesses have used USPStoship mail within the past six months, and more than half of small businesses say they ship with the Post Office most frequently.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=341", "Rep. Horn Celebrates 100th Anniversary of 19th Amendment", "2020-08-18", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Tuesday, August 18, marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women's suffrage. In recognition of the anniversary, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) will host a special 19th Amendment Town Hall on Wednesday, August 19, at 12PM. The event will be streamed live on Facebook at fb.com/RepKendraHorn and on Zoom using meeting ID 926 4503 1102. Congresswoman Horn will also join a local Girl Scout troop tonight to discuss the 19th amendment and the fight for women's suffrage.\r\nToday's historic anniversary is a celebration of women's voices in our democracy. It is a chance for us to remember those who marched, protested, and dedicated their lives to securing the vote for women, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. We must also remember that while the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, Black women and women of color still faced barriers to casting a ballot for decades. While we celebrate women's suffrage, it's important we recognize the work we have left to do securing and protecting the right to vote for all Americans. Congress must restore the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and ensure that the U.S. Postal Service has the resources needed to deliver ballots cast by mail this fall. One hundred years after ratification of the 19th Amendment, our fight for voting rights is not over.\r\nJoining Congresswoman Horn for the 19th Amendment Town Hall are:\r\n \r\n    Sarah Brown, Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women\r\n    Bailey Perkins, Vice Chair, Oklahoma Women's Coalition\r\n \r\nThe 19th Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits denying the right to vote on the basis of sex. Oklahoma ratified the 19th Amendment on February 28, 1920. On August 18, 1920, Tennessee was the last of the necessary 36 states ratify the amendment. The amendment's adoption was certified on August 26, 1920, the result of decades of activism by women's suffrage groups.\r\nAs we commemorate the centennial of the 19th amendment's ratification, we must also reconcile the exclusion of Black and brown women in suffrage rights and the barriers that still remain for women of color today, said Bailey Perkins, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition. The Oklahoma Women's Coalition commends Congresswoman Horn for hosting an important and nuanced conversation as well as creating the space to reflect on ways that we can build a more equitable and inclusive future for all women in our voting and election processes.\r\nLast year, Congresswoman Horn voted to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), a bill to restore and update key protections for American voters. The VRAA would restore Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) to provide areas that have a history of voter discrimination with additional oversight. The bill also requires judicial review of suspect election practices and increases transparency in elections by requiring public notice of voting changes.\r\nOn Tuesday evening, Congresswoman Horn will be joining Girl Scouts Troop 670 (Western Oklahoma) to discuss the history of the 19th Amendment and women's suffrage. Congresswoman Horn is a 4th generation Girl Scout, having earned the Girl Scout's highest award, the Gold Award.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338", "Rep. Horn Announces Education Tour Week", "2020-08-17", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced a week of education events as teachers, students, and families head back to school. Congresswoman Horn will host a virtual teacher listening session, tour a facility for children with autism, visit an early education center, and meet with a local Girl Scout troop.\r\nI'm fighting to ensure our public schools have the resources they need to keep our students and teachers safe while providing a quality education to all children, regardless of zip code, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. During this health and economic crisis, we cannot allow our children to fall through the cracks. I've made support for our public schools a top priority to ensure that our children have the safe learning opportunities they deserve, and I'll continue that fight as Congress negotiates another stimulus bill.\r\nCONGRESSWOMAN HORN'S EDUCATION TOUR AGENDA:\r\nTour of Oklahoma Autism Center\r\nDate: Tuesday, August 18  \r\nDescription: Congresswoman Horn will be visiting the Oklahoma Autism Center to observe their inclusive pre-school model and discuss the needs for children with autism and their families.\r\nMeeting with Girl Scout Troop 670\r\nDate: Tuesday, August 18  \r\nDescription: Tuesday evening, Congresswoman Horn will join Girl Scout Troop 670 (Western Oklahoma) to discuss 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and how young women can take action in their community. Congresswoman Horn is a 4th generation Girl Scout and life-long supporter of the organization. Congresswoman Horn has earned the highest award in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award.\r\nTour of Pierce Early Education Center\r\nDate: Wednesday, August 19  \r\nDescription: Congresswoman Horn will tour Sunbeam Family Services' new Pierce Early Education Center, a facility built as a part of Oklahoma City Public Schools Pathway to Greatness Plan. The education center will prepare 96 babies and toddlers from birth to three for school readiness. Congresswoman Horn will meet with Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal to discuss Sunbeam's services and community collaborations.\r\nAsk Kendra: An Education Town Hall\r\nDate/Time: Thursday, August 20, 6:00PM  \r\nDescription: Congresswoman Horn will host a teacher listening session with the Oklahoma Education Association. All educators in Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District are invited to join Congresswoman Horn and OEA President Alicia Priest to discuss school funding and back-to-school plans amidst COVID-19. This event is open to all educators in Oklahoma's 5th District and to press. Participants can join via Zoom with meeting ID number 978 4943 3945 or stream live on Congresswoman Horn's Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepKendraHorn.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=339", "Rep. Horn and Postal Workers to Host Press Conference Tomorrow", "2020-08-17", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is announcing a joint press conference with the National Association of Letter Carriers on Tuesday, August 18, at the U.S. Post Office building at 308 West Britton Road. At the press conference, Congresswoman Horn will discuss the emergency faced by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and the need for Congress to fund and protect USPS. Members of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), including NALC Branch President Ken Mayfield, will also attend the press conference.\r\nPostal Press Conference with Congresswoman Horn\r\nTime: 1:00PM CT, Tuesday, August 18  \r\nLocation: U.S. Post Office, 308 West Britton Road, Oklahoma City  \r\nParticipants: Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5), the National Association of Letter Carriers  \r\nDescription: Policy changes under the newly appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy have reduced mail deliveries and overtime hours, resulting in massive mail backlogs that have delayed critical communications and packages, including prescription drugs. USPS also faces a funding shortfall, due in part to requirements that the agency pre-fund retiree benefits. The funding shortfall has also been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nOklahomans rely on the U.S. Postal Service to keep their businesses running, to get prescription medications, to vote, and to stay connected, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). Whether they face rain, sleet, snow, or a pandemic, our postal workers keep America running. As our nation struggles to cope with COVID-19, I'm fighting to keep USPS funded, put a stop to letter and package backlogs, and ensure on time delivery of critical mail. Our health, our businesses, even our democracy are on the line. We must protect the Postal Service.\r\nUSPS is an important resource for America's veterans. Eighty percent of veterans receive their medications by mail. Each year the VA sends out 120 million prescriptions using the Postal Service, with deliveries arriving daily to about 330,000 veterans across the country.\r\nUSPS is also a lifeline for small businesses. According to a 2019 USPS report, more than 70% of small businesses have used USPS to ship mail within the past six months, and more than half of small businesses say they ship with the Post Office most frequently.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=342", "Rep. Horn Leads Fight for Public School Stimulus Funding", "2020-08-17", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) led a coalition of House lawmakers calling on congressional leadership to include critical funding for public schools in the next stimulus bill. As the school year begins, and with COVID-19 infections at an alarming high, there is still no national strategy to ensure that children and teachers are safe in the classroom. The letter is cosigned by Representatives Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jim Cooper (TN-5), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-1), and Xochitl Torres Small (NM-2).\r\nCongresswoman Horn's letter in support of public education is available here.\r\nAs negotiations over the next stimulus continue, I'm fighting to include robust funding for public schools to protect children, teachers, and families, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. America's public schools are critical infrastructure that provide millions of students with an education as well as wrap-around health and nutrition services. While the CARES Act provided funding for K-12, unfortunately Secretary Betsy Devos and a number of states, including Oklahoma, misused those funds on expensive private schools. The next stimulus package must ensure public funds go to public schools for PPE, remote learning tools, special education, and the resources needed to keep our children and teachers safe.\r\nIn the CARES Act, Congress distributed $13 billion in education funding to states based on the presence of Title I schools with the intent of helping low-income students with the greatest needs. As teachers and staff worked to close out the academic year at the onset of the pandemic, public schools needed funding to accommodate a rapid shift to online education, restructure nutrition and health services, and provide support to students. Rather than distributing that assistance, the Department of Education and a number of states, including Oklahoma, pursued policies that siphoned vital funding from public schools, sending it instead to expensive private schools with access to their own loan programs and funding sources.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=336", "Rep. Horn to Host Youth Voices - Black Lives Matter Town Hall", "2020-08-07", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, CongresswomanKendra Horn (OK-5) announced a virtual town hall centered around thevoices, experiences, and concerns of young Oklahomans,YouthVoices: A Black Lives Matter Conversation. The event will feature a panel of elected officials and community leaders to discuss topics such as civic engagement, mental health, education equity, and criminal justice reform. Middle, high school, tech and college students, and young adults are encouraged to participate and ask questions. The event is open to the public but questions will be reserved for students and young adults. Participants can join the town hall and ask questions via Zoom or Facebook Live.\r\nYouthVoices: A Black Lives Matter Conversation\r\nThursday, August 13, 4-6PM\r\nJoin via Zoom ID 968 7652 0904\r\nStreamed Live on Facebook at fb.com/RepKendraHorn\r\nJoining Congresswoman Horn as panelists are:\r\n \r\n    Representative Jason Lowe,District 97  Oklahoma House of Representatives\r\n    Lieutenant Wayland Cubit,Oklahoma City Police DepartmentFounder, OKCPD's Family Awareness and Community Teamwork Unit (F.A.C.T.)YouthOutreach Program\r\n    Jason Brown, Deputy Superintendent  Oklahoma City Public Schools\r\n    Kaitlyn Wilkinson, MSW, Communications Specialist  NorthCare\r\n \r\nOur young people's perspectives are too often overlooked, and this town hall is a forum for an honest conversation with our city and state's future leaders. The unprecedented health and economic challenges facing our communities right now have impacted all of us in many ways. This is especially true for young people, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, said Congresswoman Horn. COVID-19 has introduced so much uncertainty into their lives on top of the lived experiences of systemic racism highlighted in the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd. I am proud to bring together a panel of local leaders to talk about the issues important to young Oklahomans such as mental health, education, and criminal justice reform. Creating a more inclusive Oklahoma means listening to the next generation and making theirvoicesheard in Congress and in our communities.\r\nOrganizations participating in the town hall include student leadership organizations such as the Douglass High School Law Academy, Generation Citizen, OKC Black Lives MatterYouthLeadership Organization, OKCPDYouthLeadership Academy and the FACT Mentoring Program. Congresswoman Horn's district interns Day'Quann Ervin, Sergio Martinez, Lejend Collins and Charli Stovall will assist with the town hall facilitation.\r\nThis town hall, Congresswoman Horn's 25thof the year, follows a variety of telephone, virtual, and Facebook Live town halls, demonstrating her commitment to hearing from Oklahomans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=334", "Rep. Horn: We Must Save Oklahoma\u2019s Local Venues", "2020-07-31", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is fighting to save Oklahoma's local performance venues and is cosponsoring the RESTART Act. This legislation would provide financial assistance, tax credits, and extended unemployment benefits for small independent performance venues and other small businesses facing long-term hardship due to COVID-19. The pandemic has hit the live entertainment industry hard, and with concerts and events unlikely to return in any significant way until a vaccine becomes available, many Oklahoma performance venues are struggling to remain in business.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn issues the following statement:\r\nWe must save Oklahoma's local performance venues. Our theatres and concert halls bring us together, they attract talent to our state, they create jobs, and act as community hubs. While many small businesses have re-opened at a reduced capacity, a partial reopening isn't possible for performance venues. If Congress doesn't act, the sad reality is that many of these local employers will be forced to close their doors for good. We must pass the RESTART Act now to save these Oklahoma treasures.\r\nStephen Tyler, Managing Partner at Oklahoma City's Tower Theatre, applauded Congresswoman Horn's cosponsorship of the RESTART Act:\r\nTower Theatre was one of the first businesses in Oklahoma City to close its doors. We felt the wave of the Pandemic weeks before the City declared its emergency shutdown. This is because as part of the music industry we rely heavily on touring artists. As other cities around the world were hit and the artists coming here were forced to cancel or postpone those dates that created a domino effect with Tower and many other venues in line to get hit.\r\nAs a venue our primary business is in the gathering of large groups. We can only make our model work with 500 or more people gathered in our space for an event. As of this statement there are still restrictions on gathering in place in our city. Tours around the world have not resumed. Our revenue has fallen 98% starting in February. It remains there to this day with no hope in sight of that recovering anytime this year and possibly most of next. With the single most important piece being consumer confidence in returning to larger indoor gatherings. We may be fighting these impacts for years.\r\nThe Restart Act does somethings no other program has offered so far. First, it's targeting venues like ours across the country and this is as important to us as getting support ourselves because without ample venues across the country there can be no tours. It also targets a time range that gets us closer to the reality of our situation. Every program we've applied for and received was only calculated for a few months of hardship. Those months have come and gone, and we have many more ahead of us. We were the first to close, and we will be the last to reopen.\r\nCongresswoman Horn has always kept her ties to her district close and active. Since taking office she has been there for us to voice our concerns and we see those reflected in her actions. It was no shock to me that she co-sponsored this bill. She has seen the work we do at Tower Theatre. She has participated on multiple occasions. We give our space and our time back to our community to support the interests and happenings in our City. We've hosted debates, rallies, town halls, and more events bringing the people of our city together to conquer the challenges we face. It's heartwarming that through all this people, like Congresswoman Horn, have seen our struggles and are taking action in our time of need.\r\nJamie Fitzgerald, Marketing Director with DCF Concerts, issued the following statement:\r\nAs much of Oklahoma has begun reopening, independent music venues and concert promoters like us are and will remain completely shuttered and at risk of total collapse. The global live touring industry is not anticipated to return until well into 2021 and meanwhile, payroll, mortgages, utilities, taxes and insurance continue to pile on. The RESTART Act would allow us and many more small and medium sized entrepreneurs to keep the lights on our stages and work toward providing Oklahomans the joy of live music and comedy we all most certainly will need in a post-pandemic world.\r\nThe National Independent Venue Association reports that if the pandemic lasts for six months with no suitable assistance from Congress, an estimated 90 percent of independent venues will never reopen for business.\r\nOn May 14, Congresswoman Horn and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers sent a letter urging congressional leadership to bring up legislation to support performance venues during the pandemic. In their letter, the bipartisan group noted their concern that, This industry is not going to make it without our help.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=333", "Rep. Horn to Gather Public Health Leaders Amidst COVID-19 Spike in Oklahoma", "2020-07-30", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) and Dean Gary Raskob of the OU Hudson College of Public Health will gather public health officials and hospital administrators to discuss the increase of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma and stepsforward. The Public Health Roundtable will be broadcastforthe public on Zoom and on Facebook Live.\r\nPublic Health Roundtable with Congresswoman Kendra Horn\r\nTime: 9:30AM  11:00AM, Friday, July 31\r\nWatch ViaZoom: Meeting ID 936 1893 7608, Password 74525374\r\nStreamed Live onFacebook\r\nOklahoma is still in the thick of the COVID-19 crisis, with record increases in cases. Responding to this unprecedented health and economic crisis, requires the expertise and insight of our public health officials and healthcare leaders about what we can and should do to protect our communities, saidCongresswoman Kendra Horn.As Congress debates the next stimulus package, input from local health officials is paramount to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and support our healthcare system and communities.\r\nWe appreciate Congresswoman Horn's leadership on public health and healthcare, and her commitment to working to protect the health of Oklahomans through transparent communication of the facts, and to advocatingfora science and evidence-based approach to addressing the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact in Oklahoma, saidGary Raskob, Ph.D., Dean of the OU Hudson College of Public Health. The OU Hudson College of Public Health and our health system partner, OU Medicine, are pleased to assist in this effort by bringing together public health and healthcare experts from Oklahoma City and the state to discuss the latest scientific knowledge on Coronavirus, as well as strategies to careforOklahomans affected by this condition, and to protect the health of our population. \r\nPanelists Include:\r\n \r\n    Congresswoman Kendra Horn\r\n    Dr. Gary E. Raskob, Dean of the Hudson College of Public Health and Regents Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center\r\n    Dr. Dale W.Bratzler, Professor, Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Enterprise Chief Quality Officer, OU Medicine; Chief Covid Officer, University of Oklahoma\r\n    Dr. Lance Frye, Commissioner of Health  Oklahoma State Department of Health\r\n    Dr. Patrick McGough, Executive Director  Oklahoma City-County Health Department\r\n    Chuck Spicer, President and Chief Executive Officer  OU Medicine\r\n    Timothy Pehrson, President and Chief Executive Officer - Integris Health System, Oklahoma\r\n    Jim R. Gebhart, Jr., Regional President - Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma\r\n    Kersey Winfree, M.D., Regional Chief Medical Officer - SSM Health Oklahoma\r\n    Nicolas Barton, Executive Director - Southern Plains Tribal Health Board\r\n    Craig Jones, Board President - Health Allianceforthe Uninsured\r\n    Robyn Sunday-Allen, Chief Executive Officer - Oklahoma City Indian Clinic\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=331", "Rep. Horn Announces Job Fair Line-Up", "2020-07-29", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced participating employers for her Job Fair on Monday, August 3, at 10 AM CT. So far, over a dozen local employers and hundreds of Oklahoma job seekers have registered for the event.\r\nParticipating employers include:\r\n \r\n    Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores (Corporate Office and Field Stores)\r\n    Tinker Air Force Base\r\n    A Good Egg Dining Group\r\n    Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits\r\n    Dale Rogers Training Center\r\n    Heartland Payment Systems\r\n    Firelake Casino\r\n    Citizen Potawatomie Nation\r\n    New View Oklahoma\r\n    Allied Community Services\r\n    Sprint (The New T-Mobile)\r\n    Courcier Clinic Physical Therapy\r\n    Right at Home  In Home Care and Assistance\r\n    Red Rock Behavioral Services\r\n    Dorada Foods\r\n    MD Building\r\n \r\nI've heard heartbreaking stories from thousands of Oklahomans who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make ends meet, said Congresswoman Horn. During the pandemic, I fought for expanded benefits and to make sure Oklahomans receive the unemployment assistance they are entitled to. I'm also committed to ensuring Oklahomans have the tools they need to re-enter the workforce. My job fair will connect Oklahomans looking for work with local employers with immediate openings, and provide help with resumes, cover letters, and more. I'm proud to have such a diverse group of Oklahoma employers participating. This a win-win for job seekers and for Oklahoma's businesses.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's Job Fair will also include help with resumes, cover letters, interviews and more.The Job Fair will include a workshop on navigating the Oklahoma Works job match platform, OKJobMatch.com.\r\nOklahomans interested in joining can watch via Zoom with ID 940 5009 0293 or watch via livestream on Facebook. For information on how to join and to register, go to Horn.House.gov/JobFair.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=332", "Rep. Horn\u2019s Children\u2019s Mental Health Care Access Act Passes House in Bipartisan Vote", "2020-07-29", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn's Children's Mental Health Care Access Act Passes House in Bipartisan Vote  \r\n   Rep. Horn's bill was incorporated in the Child Care Is Essential Act  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 29, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Children's Mental Health Care Access Act, legislationintroduced by Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). The billprovidesmental health support for children through theChild Care and Development Block Grantprogram.A recent study shows thatmore than 16 percentofAmericanchildren experience mental healthchallengeslike depression or anxiety and around halfgowithout treatment.Congresswoman Horn's bill was incorporated in the Child Care Is Essential Act and passed as a component of the bill in a bipartisan vote.\r\nThe pandemic has created an environment ofuncertaintyand stress for families, and children aren't immune to that, said Congresswoman Horn. Access to quality, affordable health care has to include protections for both the physical and mental wellbeing of our childrenand childcare providers.My bill ensures that childcare centers can provide mental health services using evidence-based and trauma-informed solutions.Whileyoung children often can'tverbalizemental health challenges, they need our support.I urge the Senate to take up this critical legislation.\r\nThe Children's Mental Health Care Access Act authorizes states to useChild Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds to support mental health services for staff and children due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Congresswoman Horn's bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4).\r\nThe bill was included in the Child Care is Essential Act, legislation which wouldprotect workers by requiringchildcareproviders continue to employ and pay their employees at pre-COVID-19 levels.This bill would also require allchildcareproviders receiving grant funds to provide families with relief from copayments and tuition, andwouldensurethatproviders meethealth and safety guidance from the CDC.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=329", "Rep. Horn Introduces Children\u2019s Mental Health Care Access Act", "2020-07-27", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) has introduced the bipartisan Children's Mental Health Care Access Act (H.R. 7776), a bill to provide mental health support for children through the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. A recent study shows that more than 16 percent of American children experience mental health challenges like depression or anxiety and around half go without treatment. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) is a co-sponsor of the bill.\r\nMental health is a critical component of overall health for everyone, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Children, like adults, need access to quality, affordable health care, including mental health. The pandemic has created an environment of anxiety and stress for all American families, and children aren't immune to that. We must take care of the mental health as well as the physical health of our children and their caregivers during this time of crisis.\r\nThe Children's Mental Health Care Access Act authorizes states to use Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds to support mental health services for staff and children due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nSupporting the mental health of children, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, has never been more important than it is now as families grapple with the effects of COVID-19, said Erin Engelke, Executive Director of Calm Waters Center for Children & Families. Supporting the positive growth and development of a child's brain early on will ensure they are able to process their emotions in a healthy way for the long term.\r\nChild care facilities in the State of Oklahoma have remained open to provide child care for those families whose jobs could not allow them to work from home, said Paula Koos, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral Association. As adults worried about exposure to COVID-19, children experienced the additional tensions that their families and providers were under. Oklahoma Child Care Resource & Referral (OCCRRA) supports legislation, programs and opportunities that are good for children. OCCRRA believes making mental health services to children is better for our children, their families, their providers and their communities. We are pleased that Rep Horn has introduced the Children's Mental Health Care Access Act and encourages its passage and implementation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=318", "Military HOMES Act Passes the House in the NDAA", "2020-07-22", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) helped to introduce to preserve and protect our nation's public lands. The bill would provide permanent and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and other land management agencies. Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) introduced the Great American Outdoors Act earlier this month along with a bipartisan coalition of six Republicans and six Democrats.\r\nIn Oklahoma our public lands are a place for family gatherings, exploration, learning, and economic opportunity. They foster healthy economies, healthy ecosystems, and healthy people, said Congresswoman Horn. Each year in Oklahoma, outdoor recreation supports 97,000 jobs statewide and generates billions of dollars in wages and consumer spending. I am excited to see this historic, bipartisan legislation to protect our public lands and permanently fund the LWCF come up for a vote. We must protect our great outdoors for this and future generations to enjoy.\r\nThe House will consider the Great American Outdoors Act under a rule on the Floor during the work period at the end of July, said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. This bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 73-25, will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the maintenance backlog at our national parks. I thank Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva for his long-time leadership on this important issue, as well as Reps. Joe Cunningham, T.J. Cox, Kendra Horn, Jared Golden, Mikie Sherrill, and Xochitl Torres Small, for introducing the Great American Outdoors Act in the House. I also am appreciative of Rep. Mike Simpson for his work as lead Republican cosponsor of this bipartisan measure and for working to broaden its support in the House.\r\nShould it be enacted, the Great American Outdoors Act would be Congresswoman Horn's 16th bill to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. Other legislation Congresswoman Horn has fought to pass include Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act, and the NDAA Tenant's Bill of Rights.\r\nLWCF has funded over 100 public lands projects in Oklahoma's 5th District from large parks to small neighborhood playgrounds. LWCF funds have gone to parks and public lands including Lake Hefner, Hafer Park, and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.\r\nAccording to the Oklahoma Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, 64 percent of Oklahoma residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. Out-of-state visitors spend $3.12 billion on outdoor recreation in Oklahoma annually, and the state's outdoor recreation economy sustains $3.1 billion in wages and salaries, and $663 million in state and local tax revenue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=319", "Rep. Horn to Host Oklahoma Job Fair on August 3", "2020-07-22", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced an Oklahoma Job Fair on Monday, August 3, at 10 AM CT. The virtual event will be livestreamed on Facebook via Zoom.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's Job Fair will include local employers with immediate openings, help with resumes, cover letters and interviews, job search support, and more. For information on how to join and to register, go to Horn.House.gov/JobFair. I've heard from countless Oklahomans who have lost their job during the pandemic and are struggling to make ends meet, said Congresswoman Horn. My job fair will connect Oklahomans looking for work with local employers and the help they need to be successful in their job search. It's a win-win for job seekers and for Oklahoma's businesses. During the pandemic, I have fought for expanded benefits and to make sure Oklahomans receive the unemployment assistance they are entitled to. I'm also committed to ensuring Oklahomans have the tools they need to re-enter the workforce. During the pandemic, I am fighting for the health and economic needs of Oklahoma's workers, families, and businesses.\r\nThe Virtual Jobs Fair will follow on 22 town halls hosted by Congresswoman Horn during 2020, including more than a dozen public telephone and virtual events hosted during the pandemic. Congresswoman Horn's office has closed 1,106 constituent cases concerning COVID-related issues, such as stimulus checks, SBA loans, unemployment payments and more.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=320", "House Passes Rep. Horn\u2019s Great American Outdoors Act", "2020-07-22", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation to preserve and protect our nation's public lands. Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) helped lead a bipartisan coalition of six Republicans and six Democrats to introduce the Great American Outdoors Act last month. The bill would provide permanent and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and other land management agencies.\r\nIn Oklahoma our public lands are a place for family gatherings, exploration, and discovery. They foster healthy economies, healthy ecosystems, and healthy people, said Congresswoman Horn. Each year in Oklahoma, outdoor recreation supports 97,000 jobs statewide and generates billions of dollars in wages and consumer spending. Today's bipartisan vote to pass the Great American Outdoors Act is a big win in our fight to protect America's public lands. We must defend our great outdoors for this and future generations to enjoy.\r\nShould it be enacted, the Great American Outdoors Act would be Congresswoman Horn's 16th bill to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. Congresswoman Horn has introduced and passed legislation including the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act, and the NDAA Tenant's Bill of Rights.\r\nLWCF has funded over 100 public lands projects in Oklahoma's 5th District from large parks to small neighborhood playgrounds. LWCF funds have gone to parks and public lands including Lake Hefner, the Martin Park Nature Center, Hafer Park, and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.\r\nAccording to the Oklahoma Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, 64 percent of Oklahoma residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. Out-of-state visitors spend $3.12 billion on outdoor recreation in Oklahoma annually, and the state's outdoor recreation economy sustains $3.1 billion in wages and salaries, and $663 million in state and local tax revenue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=316", "Rep. Horn Introduces Bipartisan Childhood Nutrition Bill", "2020-07-21", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-OK) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act, a bill supporting hands-on health and nutritional education for children. Research shows that children and adults who suffer from diet-related diseases score lower on tests, miss more days of school, and advance less in their careers. The Food and Nutrition Education in Schools Act would create a pilot program to improve student health and nutrition and to fund school gardens and other evidence-based nutritional programs for kids.\r\nImproving childhood nutrition is one of the smartest investments we can make in our youngest generation, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Nutrition education and hands-on projects like school gardens help kids eat better and stay focused in the classroom. Those are good habits that can have a lifelong impact. Bringing down the cost of health care and strengthening our schools are issues we must tackle together, and today's bill addresses both. By teaching healthy food habits, we can improve learning and health outcomes for Oklahoma's children.\r\nWe have a responsibility to the next generation to educate and prepare them for their future and in return, the future of our country, said Congressman Don Bacon. Nutrition education is fundamental as are hands-on-projects. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to many health obstacles which can ultimately lead to community delay. This bill addresses childhood nutrition in schools, provides valuable hands on learning, and encourages industry partnerships. Teaching practical healthy eating habits can improve educational performance and overall outcomes for children across Nebraska and the country.\r\nNutrition programs created under Congresswoman Horn's bill must feature evidence-based teaching techniques proven to maximize healthy food consumption and meal participation. Evidence based strategies include hands-on learning, school gardens, taste testing, student engagement and farm-to-school practices. Priority will be given to schools in neighborhoods with high rates of childhood obesity or other diet-related illnesses and those in which 40 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. Projects must also be located in diverse locations including rural, urban, and suburban areas with at least one project located on an Indian reservation or serving a school in which the majority of students are members of a Tribal Nation.\r\nSenators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) are leading an identical version of this legislation on the Senate side.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=315", "Rep. Horn Calls for Bipartisan Compromise on Extension of Unemployment Assistance", "2020-07-20", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Calls for Bipartisan Compromise on Extension of Unemployment Assistance \r\n   Both parties must come together to extend FPUC past July end-date \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 20, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on congressional leadership to pass an immediate, bipartisan extension of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC). While a compromise may reduce the original $600 benefit provided in the CARES Act, Congresswoman Horn emphasized that no lapse in benefits should occur for unemployed Oklahomans.\r\nOur nation faces a continuing health and economic crisis that has left more than 120,000 Oklahomans unemployed through no fault of their own, said Congresswoman Horn. I'm calling on leadership in Congress to come together to find agreement on extending the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program. This means finding the right balance that meets the needs of unemployed Oklahomans while ensuring that no one is disincentivized from rejoining the workforce. This conversation has to happen now. The bottom line is that partisan gridlock and a lapse in benefits would only hurt our families, friends and neighbors who rely on this program to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.\r\nWhen PPP funding ran out in April, Congresswoman Horn worked to bring both parties together to replenish the program, which has saved over 60,000 Oklahoma businesses and an estimated 620,000 jobs in the state.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=321", "Oklahoma Congressional Delegation Welcomes Proposal to Congress from State and Tribal Nations", "2020-07-20", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Oklahoma Congressional Delegation Welcomes Proposal to Congress from State and Tribal Nations \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 20, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK) and Representatives Kevin Hern (OK-O1), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Tom Cole (OK-04), and Kendra Horn (OK-05) today released the following joint congressional delegation statement regarding the ongoing negotiation between Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and the Tribal Nations on a proposal to Congress following the decision by the US Supreme Court in McGirt v. Oklahoma:\r\nFollowing the McGirt decision, we appreciate the essential input and recommendations of Tribal Nations and the Oklahoma Attorney General on how all Oklahomans can cooperate together in the days ahead. Many legal questions remain that will require clarifying legislation.We look forward to working with the Tribal Nations, the state, and all stakeholders, to develop a legislative framework that honors tribal sovereignty and givesconsistency and predictability to all those living and working in Oklahoma. While there are valid questions and concerns that have caused confusion for individuals, business, and law enforcement, we expect federal legislation to provide greater clarity for everyone. We all want and expect our state to be safe and prosperous. Working together as neighbors, we will accomplish this enormous task together.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=317", "Rep. Horn Mourns the Loss of Congressman John Lewis", "2020-07-18", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Mourns the Loss of Congressman John Lewis \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 18, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman John Lewis (GA-5), the civil rights icon who fought for racial justice in the Jim Crow south and who went on to a long and celebrated career in Congress, died on Friday night at the age of 80.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) releases the following statement:\r\nCongressman John Lewis was an American hero who spent his life fighting for marginalized people and to secure justice and equal rights for all. He stood up fearlessly to oppression and fought tirelessly to build a democracy where all voices are heard. We will remember him always. I am absolutely heartbroken at the loss of this amazing man, whose goodness, strength, compassion, and determination to challenge injustice made the world a better place for all of us. I am honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to serve with and learn from him.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=312", "Rep. Horn Secures Support for Local Programs in Funding Bill", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  This week, congressional leadership in the House of Representatives announced the contents of upcoming government funding legislation. The appropriations bills contain a number of priorities which Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) fought to include. Among them, are an increased investment for Community Behavioral Health Clinics, record funding for Title I schools, funding for military housing, and strong support for STEM education.\r\nSince day one, I've fought for Congress to do its job by funding the government and the federal programs that keep our nation running, said Congresswoman Horn. In this year's legislation, I'm working to strengthen investments in Oklahoma's health care system, education, our economy, and infrastructure. This week's bill includes funding that will strengthen our schools, help small businesses, support the work of our men and women in uniform at Tinker, and invest in our workforce. While this is a step forward in funding the government in a thoughtful and responsible way, we still have work to do to cross the finish line. I will continue to bring lawmakers from both parties together to make sure Congress works in a timely, targeted, and transparent way.\r\nCongresswoman Horn is a cosponsor of the No Budget, No Pay Act, a bill which would prevent House and Senate Members from receiving their salary if they miss annual deadlines for budget and appropriations bills. The No Budget No Pay Act has bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.\r\nCongresswoman Horn secured strong investments in the following programs in this year's appropriations legislation:\r\n \r\n    Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) expansion grants are funded at $225 million. CCBHCs are critical to providing increased access to mental health care. There are two CCHBCs in Oklahoma's 5th District and three in the state. \r\n    Title I Schools are funded at $17 billion. Title I provides critical support for Oklahoma's public schools and ensures that all children have fair, equal and significant opportunity to receive a high-quality education. Title I of the Elementary and Secondary School Act gives funds directly to schools in districts with a poverty level of at least 35%. This year's funding represents an increase of $700 million from last year. There are 1,112 Oklahoma schools which receive Title I funding.\r\n    Community Health Centers (CHCs) receives $1.65 billion. There are 21 CHCs in Oklahoma that provide low cost healthcare to people with or without insurance. These centers have been an integral component of the COVID-19 response, providing increased access to testing and care.\r\n    The appropriations bill provides full funding necessary to support the proposed three percent military pay raise.\r\n    On-base military family housing is funded at $1.49 billion, an increase of $22 million above the 2020 enacted level and $135 million above the President's budget request. Within this amount, Family Housing Support and Management is funded at $135 million to address issues such as mold, vermin, and lead in military family housing. The President's budget does not include funding for this program.\r\n    Congresswoman Horn secured $11.5 million for the FAA's aeromedical research as well as other funding for aeronautical programs all located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. These programs directly support the safe and efficient operation of our national and international aviation system.\r\n    Indian Health Service, the federal health care provider and health advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives, receives $6.5 billion. This agency is responsible for strengthening the health of Native American communities and has provided critical aid during the pandemic.\r\n    The Urban Indian Health program is funded at $66.1 million, $8,443,000 above the FY20 enacted level. This program supports 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), including the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC). OKCIC provides culturally sensitive health and wellness services including comprehensive medical care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, fitness, nutrition, and family programs to patients in Oklahoma. The clinic currently employs 212 dedicated staff members, who serve nearly 20,000 patients representing over 220 different tribes.\r\n    In her role as a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Subcommittee Chair of the Space Subcommittee, Chairwoman Horn requested full funding for STEM Education. The Appropriations Committee appropriated $126 million for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Engagement, an increase of $6 million above the FY 2020 enacted level, to inspire young people to pursue future careers in high-tech and STEM fields. \r\n    Federal Bureau of Prisons receives $7.7 billion for salaries and expenses, an increase of $300 million above the FY 2020 enacted level. This includes at least $165 million to continue implementing the First Step Act, an increase of $90 million above the FY 2020 enacted level.\r\n    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funded at $47 billion. Over the past year, health research institutions in Oklahoma received 159 grant awards through NIH, totaling over $70 million.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=313", "Govt Funding Bill Requires Year of Notice Before Change to School Funding Formula is Implemented", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Govt Funding Bill Requires Year of Notice Before Change to School Funding Formula is Implemented \r\n   Following a letter from Rep. Horn, appropriations legislation requires one year following guidance from Department of Education \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 15, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  This week, congressional leadership released a government funding bill including a requirement that the Department of Education provide schools with an additional year of notice before making changes to the Rural and Low-Income School Program. The language comes at the request of Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) who wrote to congressional leaders in March, urging the inclusion of such a measure in annual funding legislation. Under the legislation released this week, the Department of Education would need to give rural schools a sufficient amount of time and guidance, not less than a year, before implementing funding changes that would cut more than $1 million in funding for Oklahoma schools.\r\nSecretary Devos' sudden and damaging decision to cut funding for our rural schools would be devastating for Oklahoma's children, said Congresswoman Horn. Our teachers are already working to provide a world-class education with insufficient funding. The proposed change would cut more than $1 million from Oklahoma's rural schools, leaving them with nowhere to turn. Education is the most important investment we can make in our future. Though I continue to disagree with Sec. Devos' funding cut, I hope that this legislation at least provides our schools with sufficient time to prepare and make adjustments.\r\nAfter bipartisan backlash, Education Secretary Betsy Devos announced that she would delay implementation of the funding change to the Rural and low-Income School Program for another year. Congresswoman Horn's measure in this year's House appropriations legislation (p. 253) asks the Department of Education to provide an additional year after providing federal guidance before cutting funding for rural schools.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=314", "Rep. Horn Answers 200th Town Hall Question of 2020", "2020-07-15", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Answers 200th Town Hall Question of 2020 \r\n   Town hall is Congresswoman Horn's 20th of the year \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 15, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, Congresswoman Horn answered her 200th town hall question of the year during a virtual town hall broadcast on Zoom and on Facebook Live. Today's town hall is part of Congresswoman Horn's Summer Town Hall Series, hosted every Wednesday live at 12:00PM CT. To join, watch live on Congresswoman Horn's Facebook page or dial in with Zoom using meeting ID 926 4503 1102.\r\nMy top priority is representing all Oklahomans in the Fifth District and being their voice in Congress, said Congresswoman Horn. That means hearing directly from people in our state about their concerns and the issues they face. During today's town hall, I took questions on COVID-19, unemployment benefits, and how I'm helping our state's small businesses and workers. Fixing our country's broken political system takes a commitment to transparency and accessibility. That's exactly what I work to do every day.\r\nToday's town hall was Congresswoman Kendra Horn's 19th town hall of 2020. Video of the event is available here. During 2019, Congresswoman Horn hosted 19 town halls and was named one of the most accessible freshmen Members of Congress by the Town Hall Project.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=311", "Rep. Horn Announces Joint Town Hall with AARP", "2020-07-14", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced her 20th town hall of the year, a virtual joint town hall on July 20 with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The town hall will cover issues including prescription drug prices, the response to COVID-19, Medicare, Social Security, and other issues facing Oklahomans.\r\nTo participate in the virtual town hall, register here. The town hall will take place at 10AM CT on Monday, July 20.\r\nI'm proud to partner with AARP to highlight the issues most important to Oklahoma's seniors, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. It is important for me to hear directly from Oklahomans so I can make their voices heard in Congress. Town halls are a chance to connect about the challenges facing our state. At our AARP town hall, we will cover issues from COVID-19 to the rising cost of health care. I have stood up for our seniors by introducing legislation to tackle the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare, and by reauthorizing and strengthening the Older Americans Act. The bottom line is that we need to ensure the wellbeing of Oklahoma's seniors, especially in the midst of this health and economic crisis.\r\nIn October, Congresswoman Horn introduced the Capping Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Seniors Act, legislation which would lower prescription drug costs for the 46 million patients who have Medicare Part D by reducing the program's out-of-pocket maximum from $5,100 to $2,000. The net result would be a savings of up to $3,100 annually for patients with Medicare Part D. More than 89,000 seniors in Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District rely on Medicare Part D for care.\r\nCongresswoman Horn supported passage of the CARES Act, which expanded access to telehealth services to all Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges, and coverage of telehealth services facilitates a safe environment for seniors to receive high quality health care. Congresswoman Horn is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act which would expand the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring services in Medicare beyond the end of the national emergency declaration.\r\nLast year, Congresswoman Horn hosted 19 town hall events and was named one of the most accessible freshmen Members of Congress. Already in 2020, she has hosted 18 town halls including in-person events, and telephone and virtual town halls in compliance with health guidance during the pandemic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=306", "Rep. Horn Introduces Legislation to Combat Chinese Government Efforts to Exploit the COVID-19 Pandemic", "2020-07-02", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) led a coalition of lawmakers to introduce legislation requiring the U.S. government to identify, analyze, and combat efforts by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is endorsed by and includes cosponsors from the Blue Dog Coalition, which focuses on issues related to fiscal responsibility and national security.\r\nThe legislation, called the Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act, requires the Director of National Intelligencein coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Securityto prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rules-based international order. The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website.\r\nNo one should seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for political or economic advantage, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn, Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. We must examine whether the Chinese Communist Party has used intellectual cyber-theft, misinformation campaigns, and aggressive territorial maneuvers, among other tactics to take advantage of the pandemic. We need to get to the bottom of where the Chinese government has exploited COVID-19 and undermined our fight against the global pandemic. Where they've crossed the line, they must be held accountable.\r\nBipartisan concerns in Congress about Chinese government policies have only increased once COVID-19 emerged in China and spread to virtually every country in the world. Since the start of this pandemic, we have witnessed a pattern of alarming behavior from the Chinese government in a range of areas, said Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Administration. This bill would provide U.S. policymakers with an intelligence community assessment of the different ways the Chinese government may be seeking to exploit the pandemic. Armed with this information, we can hold the Chinese government accountable and protect American interests.\r\nFrom the opioid epidemic, to trade, to our intellectual property, China has a long history of trying to rip off America, said Rep. Max Rose (NY-11), Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. Why should we think the coronavirus pandemic would be any different? It's not a question of if, but how China is going to use this crisis to its advantageand we need to be working to prevent that.\r\nThe Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act requires the DNI report to examine the following topics, among others: \r\n \r\n    The techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts.\r\n    The activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines.\r\n    The manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favorable to China and detrimental to the United States.\r\n    The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes.\r\n    The means by which the Chinese government is disseminating misinformation about COVID-19, including on U.S. social media platforms.\r\n    How all of these activities, taken together, further Chinese interests, and the extent to which they constitute a continuation of the longstanding practices of China or represent an evolution in the foreign policy behavior of China.\r\n \r\nIn addition to Horn, Murphy, and Rose, the bill is supported by the following Blue Dogs: Reps. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Ed Case (HI-01), Ben McAdams (UT-04), Luis Correa (CA-46), Jared Golden (ME-02), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Charlie Crist (FL-13), and Joe Cunningham (SC-01).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=302", "Rep. Horn Celebrates Medicaid Expansion Vote in Oklahoma", "2020-07-01", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On Tuesday, Oklahomans voted to pass Oklahoma State Question 802, a ballot measure to expand Medicaid in the state. Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is a strong supporter of Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma and has spoken out in the House of Representatives in support of the issue.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) releases the following statement:\r\nThis victory means that 200,000 more Oklahomans will now have access to the health care they need, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Over the last decade, our state's failure to expand Medicaid has contributed to the closure of eight hospitals and our state has lost out on billions of dollars that should have gone to our health care system. Today Oklahomans overwhelmingly voted to extend health care to working people in our state who for years have fallen through the cracks. Expanding Medicaid means fewer rural hospital closures and a stronger investment in our health care system. We all need health care at some point in our life. Access to quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, and today's vote takes us in the right direction.\r\nBy not expanding Medicaid, Oklahoma has lost out on more than one billion dollars a year. Eight hospitals across the state have closed since 2010, in part because Oklahoma did not accept the health care support it is entitled to. Expanding Medicaid in Oklahoma would extend health insurance to 200,000 Oklahomans who do not currently have insurance.\r\nOn Monday, Congresswoman Horn voted to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, legislation which would renew higher federal matching rates for Oklahoma to expand Medicaid, among other provisions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=304", "House Passes Sweeping Highway and Infrastructure Package", "2020-07-01", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) voted to pass the Moving Forward Act, legislation which would invest in rebuilding America's highways, bridges, transit, energy infrastructure, high-speed internet access, and more. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Oklahoma's infrastructure a C minus grade, reporting that the state's infrastructure requires immediate attention.\r\nInfrastructure investment in Oklahoma is long overdue, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Crumbling roads and bridges, inadequate internet access, and outdated water and energy infrastructure are hurting our state's economy and slowing job growth during an economic crisis. The Moving Forward Act would create millions of jobs nationwide that cannot be exported. This legislation would make critical updates to our nation's infrastructure that would help our families live better, make our communities safer, and help our workforce compete globally. It's time we invest in our future by making smart updates to our infrastructure that are built to last.\r\nOver the past year, Congresswoman Horn has called for a bipartisan infrastructure package, urging the President and congressional leaders to work together. Congresswoman Horn has worked to pass legislation aimed at closing the digital divide by mapping broadband internet availability. In a recent bipartisan op-ed in USA Today, Congresswoman Horn called for infrastructure investment that would bring high-speed internet to all American families, regardless of their zip code.\r\nThe Moving Forward Act will have a significant impact on public transit systems in Oklahoma, said Mark C. Nestlen, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Transit Association. We applaud the passage of this critical legislation in the House and thank Congresswoman Horn for her work to strengthen transit infrastructure in our state. This legislation includes measures to address two long-standing problems faced by Oklahoma's transit systems  the charter regulations and the sale of vehicles past their useful life. Nestlen also noted that there were foundational changes in a number of the federal transit programs that will benefit both rural and urban transit systems in Oklahoma. H.R. 2 modifies the means by which funding is determined for federal transit programs and those changes will place Oklahoma transit systems on an equal footing with systems across the nation. The provisions of the bill complement efforts being made at the state level to enhance the Oklahoma transit system statewide and will help to provide the necessary funding to meet the mobility needs of all Oklahomans, he concluded.\r\nThe Moving Forward Act includes provisions to:\r\n \r\n    Rebuild highways, bridges, transit, rail, and airports, by investing nearly $500 billion to improve safety, reduce gridlock, and more\r\n    Protect American jobs with strong Buy America provisions and labor protections.\r\n    Invest in our children's futures by helping safely reopen and rebuild schools with a $130 billion investment in school infrastructure \r\n    Modernize our energy infrastructure \r\n    Invest boldly in affordable housing by directing over $100 billion to reduce housing inequality, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and improve living conditions\r\n    Expand affordable high-speed Internet to underserved communities \r\n    Upgrade hospital and health care infrastructure \r\n    Ensure all communities have clean water by removing dangerous contaminants from our drinking water and investing in new, safe wastewater infrastructure.\r\n \r\nThere is overwhelming support for the Moving Forward Act from industry, consumer, conservation, and labor groups including Transportation for America, American Public Transportation Association, Teamsters, Carpenters-Operating Engineers, National League of Cities, NRDC, ITS America, National Parks Conservation Association, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon Society, Pew Charitable Trusts and Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) among others.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=308", "Rep. Horn\u2019s Military HOMES Act Included in NDAA", "2020-07-01", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn's Military HOMES Act Included in NDAA  \r\n   Legislation to protect on-base military families is adopted as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      July 1, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. OnWednesday,the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) voted to adopt the Military HOMES Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congresswoman Horn(OK-5)introduced thebipartisanMilitary HOMES Actlast month.This legislation provides stronger protections for military families renting on-base housing from private contractors, building on the progress made under the Tenants Bill of Rights which passed last year. Text of the Military HOMES Act isavailable here.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur military families deserve safe, quality homes that reflect their service to our country, said CongresswomanHorn. The Military HOMES Actwouldhelp protect ouron-basefamiliesfrom getting stuck in substandard military housing with toxic mold, water damage, led paint, and other safety hazards, all while holding maintenance contractors accountable for their work.Last year, I was proud to pass the Tenants Bill of Rights as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill takes the next step by providing additional protections for service members and increasing transparency in military housing.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Military Homes Act would:\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Reimbursemilitary families for lost personal propertydue to substandardmilitary housing;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Increasetransparency in performance fee contracts;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Create aMold Mitigation Guidance Working Groupin the Department of Defense;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Expandbasichousingstandardsto covergovernment-owned and government-controlled military family housingoverseas;\r\n    \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Providea dedicated housingliaisonto assist military families;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    And, report on DoDoversight andmanagement ofprivatizedmilitaryhousing.\r\n    \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn December, the House Committee on Armed Services also held a hearing to question military housing maintenance provider Balfour Beatty about the company's failure to maintain military housing and the bonus payments it received after falsifying maintenance documents. Congresswoman Horn called on Balfour Beatty's CEO to return all bonus payments the company received during years when employees falsified maintenance records.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=301", "House Passes Bill to Lower Health Care Costs, Expand Coverage", "2020-06-30", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Bill to Lower Health Care Costs, Expand Coverage \r\n   Legislation would lower coverage cost, incentivize Medicaid expansion, lower drug costs, and strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 30, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. This legislation would strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by lowering coverage costs, lowering drug costs, increasing matching funds for states like Oklahoma to expand Medicaid, and reinforcing protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The bill passed the House three days after the President urged the Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Access to quality, affordable health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for the few, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Today's legislation would make a critical difference for families struggling to afford their premiums, prescription drugs, or just keep coverage while living with a pre-existing condition. This bill would also provide increased matching funds for Oklahoma to expand Medicaid, which would extend health insurance to 200,000 Oklahomans. We need to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans, especially during a pandemic. The bottom line is that this bill would mean big savings, better health care, and more protections for Oklahomans. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act would:\r\n \r\n    Expand tax credits to lower health insurance premiums for individuals and families;\r\n    \r\n    Allow Medicare and Medicaid to negotiate lower prescription drug prices;\r\n    Renew the federal matching rate for Oklahoma to expand Medicaid;\r\n    Crack down on health insurance plans that do not cover essential medical treatments and drugs;\r\n    And, reverse efforts to undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions and weaken standards for essential health benefits.\r\n \r\nA fact sheet on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act is available here. Congresswoman Horn supports efforts to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma and opposes the Trump Administration's lawsuit to undo the Affordable Care Act. Striking down the ACA would eliminate health care insurance for 150,000 Oklahomans, revoke protections for people with pre-existing conditions and reinstate lifetime insurance caps.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=298", "Rep. Horn Reminds Small Business Owners of PPP Deadline", "2020-06-29", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Reminds Small Business Owners of PPP Deadline  \r\n   Small business relief program helps to keep workers employed during COVID-19  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Oklahoma City,\r\n      June 29, 2020\r\n    \r\n     | \r\n    Chacey Schoeppel\r\n    ((405) 543-9635)\r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\nToday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) reminded Oklahoma small business owners of the June 30th application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program. The application for the Paycheck Protection Program is availablehere. A list of participating lenders can be foundhere. Congresswoman Horn called for the inclusion of small business relief in the CARES Act, which created the PPP program. Last month, she fought to pass thePaycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, expanding access to PPP loans.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program has helped many small businesses keep their lights on and their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis, said Congresswoman Horn. Through this pandemic we have assisted manysmall businesswith PPP.I encourage anysmall businesses who need assistance to apply for PPP before deadline. Please reach out to my officeif youneed assistanceor have questions. I'm committed tohelpOklahomans get the resourcesand supporttheyduringthis pandemic.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide relief for small businesseshelpkeep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for24weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.\r\n\r\n\r\nPaycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act providesbusinesses with greater flexibility and more time to maximize forgiveness of loans received under the Paycheck Protection Program.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act includes the following provisions:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n    \r\n    Allowing loan forgiveness for expenses beyond the 8-week covered period to 24 weeks and extending the rehiring deadline;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Increasing the current limitation on the use of loan proceeds for non-payroll expenses from 25 percent to 40 percent;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Extending the program from June 30 to December 31;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Extending loan terms from two years to five years;\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Ensuring full access to payroll tax deferment for businesses that take PPP loans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=295", "Rep. Horn Votes to Pass Justice in Policing Act", "2020-06-26", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Votes to Pass Justice in Policing Act  \r\n   Bill would ban choke holds and no-knock warrants, and create a database of police misconduct, among other provisions  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 26, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. OnThursday night, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) voted to pass the Justice in Policing Act, historic legislation to fix America's broken police system. This legislation would ban choke holdsandno-knock warrants,combatracial profiling, and create a national database of police misconduct,among other provisions.\r\nToday's bill takes an important step forward in our work to fix our nation's broken police system, said Congresswoman Horn. We needa multi-pronged approachto end systemic racism and stop the use ofexcessiveforce, and itwilltake all of us working together.Endingpolice brutality should not be a partisan issue. I will continue working to build bipartisan support for substantive reforms to fix policing.Noone should be afraid to interact with the police because of the color of their skin.\r\nThe Justice in Policing Act includes measures to:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    Ban chokeholds; \r\n    Stop no-knock warrants; \r\n    End qualified immunity,a barrier to holding police officers accountable formisconduct; \r\n    Combat racial profiling; \r\n    Mandate data collection, including body cameras and dashboard cameras; and \r\n    Establish new standards for policing.\r\n \r\nCongresswoman Horn hasintroduced bipartisan legislationto provide training to law enforcement on recognizing, deescalating, and appropriately responding to people in mental health crisis. The Congresswoman's bill has been endorsed by more than a dozen local organizations includingBlack Lives Matter  Oklahoma Cityand theNAACP Oklahoma City Chapter.A full list of endorsers isavailable here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=296", "Rep. Horn to Gov. Stitt: What Is Needed to Fix Unemployment?", "2020-06-26", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Thursday, Congresswoman Horn wrote to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, asking the governor what resources he needs to fix Oklahoma's broken unemployment system.\r\nThis is the second letter Congresswoman Horn sent to Gov. Stitt offering assistance. The Governor has not yet responded to the first letter, sent by Congresswoman Horn on April 21. After hearing from hundreds of Oklahomans waiting on unemployment assistance, Congresswoman Horn conducted an unemployment assistance survey to assess where Oklahoma's unemployment program was falling short. The survey found that Oklahomans face months-long delays and multiple barriers to receive unemployment aid. The results of this survey are available here.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's letter to Governor Stitt is available here. Its text is also below:\r\nDear Governor Stitt:\r\nRight now many Oklahoma families are hanging on by a thread. Tens of thousands of Oklahomans who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 are in crisis and have still not received the unemployment assistance they are entitled to under the CARES Act. I write today to request a list of resources and federal guidance that your Administration needs to fix Oklahoma's failed unemployment program. Forcing unemployed Oklahomans to line up before sunrise, directing them to jammed phonelines, and turning them away are not acceptable solutions, nor do they uphold the Oklahoma Standard. We must provide unemployed Oklahomans relief now. I stand ready to assist in securing any federal resources or regulatory guidance needed by your administration to fix our state's unemployment program.\r\nThree months ago, Congress passed the CARES Act, bipartisan legislation that included an estimated $260 billion for enhanced and expanded unemployment assistance for workers who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The CARES Act funded an additional 13 weeks of unemployment assistance and expanded access to benefits for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and workers seeking part-time employment, among other provisions. All of these programs are fully federally funded, putting zero financial burden on the State of Oklahoma. Still, tens of thousands of qualifying Oklahomans have not received a dime of the support they are due.\r\nThe magnitude of unemployment claims filed due to the COVID-19 pandemic creates a significant challenge for states. To address this, Congress provided nearly $11 million to the State of Oklahoma under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to hire new staff and meet the increased need for unemployment assistance. This legislation also provided no interest federal loans to cover the costs of state unemployment benefits.\r\nIf our state needs additional federal support to adequately implement the unemployment assistance which Oklahomans are entitled to, please provide a description of the federal resources or regulatory guidance needed. I will work with the rest of the Oklahoma congressional delegation to fight for any necessary assistance in Congress.\r\nI hope that we can work together to ensure all Oklahomans get the help they need to make it through this pandemic.\r\nSincerely,\r\nKendra S. Horn\r\nMember of Congress\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=293", "Rep. Horn\u2019s Great American Outdoors Act to Receive a Vote", "2020-06-24", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, leadership in the House of Representatives announced that Congresswoman Kendra Horn's Great American Outdoors Act would receive a vote this July. This bipartisan legislation would preserve and protect our nation's public lands, provide permanent and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and other land management agencies. Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) introduced the Great American Outdoors Act earlier this month along with a bipartisancoalitionof six Republicans and six Democrats.\r\nIn Oklahoma our public lands are a place for family gatherings,exploration,learning, and economic opportunity. They foster healthy economies, healthy ecosystems, and healthy people, saidCongresswoman Horn. Each year in Oklahoma,outdoor recreation supports97,000 jobs statewideand generates billions of dollars in wages and consumer spending. I am excited to see thishistoric,bipartisan legislationto protect our public lands and permanently fund the LWCF come up for a vote.We must protect our great outdoors for this and future generations to enjoy.\r\nThe House will consider the Great American Outdoors Act under a rule on the Floor during the work period at the end of July, saidMajority Leader Steny Hoyer.This bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 73-25, will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the maintenance backlog at our national parks. I thank Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva for his long-time leadership on this important issue, as well as Reps. Joe Cunningham, T.J. Cox, Kendra Horn, Jared Golden,MikieSherrill, and Xochitl Torres Small, for introducing the Great American Outdoors Act in the House. I also am appreciative of Rep. Mike Simpson for his work as lead Republican cosponsor of this bipartisan measure and for working to broaden its support in the House.\r\nShould it be enacted, the Great American Outdoors Act would be Congresswoman Horn's 16thbill to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. Other legislation Congresswoman Horn has fought to pass includePaycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act,Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act,and the NDAA Tenant's Bill of Rights.\r\nThe LWCF program is funded by non-taxpayer dollars derived from Outer Continental Shelf lease revenues and awarded through federal matching grants administered by the National Park Service.LWCFhas funded over1,500 projects in Oklahomafromthe development oflarge parks to small neighborhood playgrounds. LWCF funds have gone to parks and public landsincluding Lake Hefner,HaferPark, and theOklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.\r\nAccording to the Oklahoma Outdoor Recreation Economy Report,64percentof Oklahoma residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.Out-of-state visitors spend $3.12 billion on outdoor recreationin Oklahoma annually, and the state's outdoor recreation economy sustains$3.1 billion in wages and salaries, and $663 million in state and local tax revenue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=289", "Rep. Horn Receives Award, Top Grade from U.S. Chamber of Commerce", "2020-06-23", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its legislative scores for the 116thCongress. CongresswomanKendraHorn(OK-5)received the second-highest annual scoreamong Democratsnationally for her legislative record, her bipartisanwork, and her leadership supporting a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda.Congresswoman Horn was also recognized by the U.S. Chamber with theSpirit of Enterprise Award.During her first term, Congresswoman Horn worked with President Trump to pass the USMCA trade deal and brought members of both parties together to provide help for small businesses during the pandemic.\r\nView the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Annual Scorecard here.\r\nWe don't have to choose between policies that are good for our pocketbooks and policies that are good for people. That's why I fight for workforce training programs, help for small businesses, andtogive the United States a competitive edge in today's economy, said Congresswoman Horn. I'm proud to receive an A-grade from the Chamber of Commerce forbipartisanship and leadership. I know that the only way we can pass legislation to help American workers and businesses is by finding common ground. As our country faces the combined health and economic crises brought on by COVID-19, wemustwork to reigniteour economy safely and sustainably. Iwillcontinue putting Oklahoma's businesses, workers, and families first.\r\nCongresswoman Hornreceived A-grades from the U.S. Chamber for her bipartisanship and for her leadership during the 116thCongress. Congresswoman Hornwas awarded the highestbipartisanshipscorein the Oklahoma Delegation.\r\nEarlier this month, Congresswoman Horn was awarded theAbraham Lincoln Leadership for America Awardfrom the U.S. Chamber.This award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate the leadership needed to advance policies that support American business.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=290", "Rep. Horn to IRS: Disclose Stimulus Check Delivery Problems", "2020-06-23", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn to IRS: Disclose Stimulus Check Delivery Problems \r\n   Taxpayers waiting for relief face barriers to receiving checks; lawmakers offer help in fixing stimulus check program \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON DC,\r\n      June 23, 2020\r\n    \r\n     | \r\n    Chris MacKenzie\r\n    ((202) 309-7010)\r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) joined a coalition of lawmakers calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) todisclose roadblocks they are facing delivering economic impact payments.Three months after passage of the CARES Act, an estimated35 million Americansare still waiting ontheirstimulus checks. The IRSeconomic impact paymentshotline is frequently jammed and constituents report difficulty receiving assistance.Congresswoman Horn's letter to the IRS isavailablehere.\r\nOklahomanswho arestruggling to makeends meetduringthe pandemicneed help now, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Three months ago we passedeconomic impact payments,historic unemployment assistance,andsmall business aid in the CARES Act. I've heardfromhundreds ofOklahomans whoare still waiting ontheir stimulus checks.Our work is not over until every Oklahoman has received the assistance they need. We knowthe IRS hasmade a significant efforttodeliver relief toalleligible individualsespeciallygiven theagency'shistoric underfunding.I'm calling on theIRStodisclosethebarriers this program facesand report the resources theyneed to finish the job.\r\nDuring the pandemic,Congresswoman Hornhas helpedmore than800 constituents receive pandemic relief, including277 peoplewithstimuluschecksand IRS issues. Congresswoman Horn'sofficeregularly offers one-one-one assistance with federal agencies to help residents of Oklahoma's 5th District. During her first term, Congresswoman Horn has already helped constituents recovermore than$1,100,000 from federal agencies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=287", "Rep. Horn to Join Juneteenth Virtual Event Panel", "2020-06-19", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  In recognition of Juneteenth, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) will speaktodayat the virtual event A 2020 Look at Freedom: #OKEditionJuneteenth hosted by author and teacher Telannia Norfar and educator Andre Daughty. Thisevent aims to shine a light on Oklahoma's rich African American history and cultivate discussion on race relations, education systems, and current affairs. \r\nJuneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, enslaved persons in Galveston, Texas, were notified by Union soldiers the war had ended andtheywerefree, a fulltwo and a half yearsafter the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is recognizedin 47 states including Oklahoma but is not observed as federal holiday. \r\nI am honored to join community leaders for a discussion and celebration ofJuneteenth. This holiday, memorializing the end of slaveryinthe United States, recognizes that racism did not end with the Emancipation Proclamation. Itis an importantreminder that more than 150 years later, we still have work to doto endsystemic racism and secureequal rights for all Americans, said Congresswoman Horn. The senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,Derrick Ollie Scottand so many others who have died at the hands of a broken police system continue to show us that the fight for justice and equal rights must continue. I look forward totoday's Juneteenthpanelabout what we can do to make our country more justand equitablefor everyone. \r\nAt the virtual event Congresswoman Horn will join a panel of elected officials and candidates from 12:00PM CT to 1:00 PM. The full event will run from 12:00PM to 4:00PM, with additional panels on educational equity and community engagement.  Interested attendees can register for the free event here. \r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=286", "Rep. Horn Statement on Supreme Court DACA Ruling", "2020-06-18", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump Administration cannot end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows approximately 700,000 Dreamers, who were brought to the United States as children, to remain in the country legally.\r\nToday's historic Supreme Court decision affirms that Dreamers are a part of the American family, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). This means that 700,000 DACA recipients who were brought to the United States as children are protected under the law. Today these Dreamers are American service members, teachers, students, small business owners, and frontline healthcare workers. They make our communities stronger and better. This is an important victory, but we still have work to do. Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform and the Senate must vote on the American Dream and Promise Act to provide Dreamers with the protection and dignity they deserve.\r\nToday the Supreme Court sided against oppression, today is about rejoice in our immigrant community, said Brenda Lozano, Executive Director of Dream Action Oklahoma. Their ruling to protect DACA gives us hope in the potential that we have to continue fighting for justice.\r\nOklahoma is home to more than 6,000 DACA recipients. Congresswoman Horn voted to pass the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, legislation which would protect Dreamers, TPS and DED recipients and their status in the United States.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=285", "Coming Up: Three Town Hall Events with Rep. Horn", "2020-06-17", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn(OK-5)announcedher nextTelephone Town Hall for Monday, June 22, at 6:00PM CT.This weekCongresswoman Horn will also host the secondinstallment ofherVirtual Summer Town Hall seriesand theVirtual Hunger Town Hall with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, both on Wednesday, June 17.\r\nDuring theJune 22Telephone Town Hall, Congresswoman Horn will provide updates on COVID-19 relief packages, the Justice in Policing Act, and her bill to provide mental health crisis response training to law enforcement, as well as take questions from Oklahomans.\r\nOur nation is at a critical moment as we continue tofight the spread ofCOVID-19, respond to the health and economic impacts from this pandemic, andgrapple with theneed to address systemic racism and our broken policing system.Virtualand telephonetown hallshelpcontinuethese conversations, said Congresswoman Horn. A government of, by, and for the people means thatit's important for me to provide updates about the work I am doing in Washington and here at home.Town hallshelp me stay connected to the community andarean important opportunity for me tolisten and respondtotheconcerns and challengesfacingOklahomans.\r\nWeekly Summer Virtual Town Halls  \r\nWednesday, June 17   \r\n12:00PM   \r\nWatch on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RepKendraHorn/  \r\nSubmit questions: Horn.House.Gov/Questions\r\nHunger and Food Insecurity Town Hall  \r\nWednesday, June 17   \r\n6:00PM-7:30PM   \r\nRegister: Horn.House.Gov/Live\r\nTelephone Town Hall  \r\nMonday, June 22   \r\n6:00PM-8:00PM   \r\nCall (855) 962-1157 to join or Stream Live at Horn.House.Gov/Live\r\nThese town halls comprise the eleventh,twelfth, and thirteenthtown halls of 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=283", "Rep. Horn Introduces Bipartisan Military HOMES Act", "2020-06-15", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-OK) led a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Military Housing Oversight, Maintenance, and Enhancement for Servicemembers (HOMES) Act. This legislation provides stronger protections for military families renting on-base housing from private contractors, building on the progress made under the Tenants Bill of Rights which passed last year. Original cosponsors include Reps. Michael Waltz (R-FL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Michael Turner (R-OH). Text of the Military HOMES Act is available here.\r\nThe bill creates uniform basic housing standards and inspection requirements for all government-owned and controlled military family housing. The Military HOMES Act also provides reimbursement for military families who lost property due to mold damage, transparency in performance incentive fees for housing contractors, and a dedicated housing liaison to assist military families navigating on-base housing problems.\r\nThe Military HOMES Act is a part of our ongoing fight for service members and military families at Tinker and across the country, said Congresswoman Horn. Military families have experienced unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions at privatized on-base in Oklahoma and nationwide. This blatant disregard for service members and families who have put everything on the line for our country is unconscionable, Congresswoman Horn said. Last year, I was proud to pass the Tenants Bill of Rights as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill takes the next step by providing additional protections for service members and increasing transparency in military housing.\r\nOur service members have risked everything to protect our nation and preserve our freedoms, said Congressman Waltz. They should not have to worry about the health and welfare of their families while performing their duty in the service of our country. Last year, the President signed into law the Tenant's Bill of Rights, which I co-authored. The Military HOMES Act builds upon on that progress to provide our military families peace of mind of a safe and happy home.\r\nNo military family should ever have to live in unsafe housing, said Congressman Kim. Thanks to Congresswoman Horn's leadership, this bipartisan effort will help ensure every military family can have the peace of mind of a home they can be proud of and safe in. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues to pass this bill into law.\r\nLate last year the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, including a Tenants Bill of Rights to address unsafe housing conditions on military bases.\r\nIn December, the House Committee on Armed Services also held a hearing to question military housing maintenance provider Balfour Beatty about the company's failure to maintain military housing and the bonus payments it received after falsifying maintenance documents. Congresswoman Horn called on Balfour Beatty's CEO to return all bonus payments the company received during years when employees falsified maintenance records.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284", "Black Lives Matter - Oklahoma City Endorses Rep. Horn Bill to Train Law Enforcement on Mental Health Crisis Response", "2020-06-15", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Monday, June 15, Black Lives Matter  Oklahoma City publicly endorsed bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation introduced by Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). The Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act (H.R. 2698) provides funding for law enforcement training to recognize, deescalate, and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. A fact sheet on H.R. 2698 is available here.\r\nPolice need more mental health training to know how to recognize and respond to a mental health or addiction crisis, said Rev. Sheri Dickerson, founder of Black Lives Matter - Oklahoma City. Lack of services across the country has resulted in officers serving as first responders to those in crisis. We need solutions that are community based and increase safety for everyone. These programs reduce the arrests of people with mental illness and increase their likelihood of accessing much needed services.\r\nLast week, over a dozen local organizations and elected officials endorsed H.R. 2698, including the NAACP Oklahoma City branch, Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oklahoma, the Palomar Family Justice Center, the Oklahoma Policy Institute, the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Midwest City Police Department, NorthCare, Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health, Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert, and State Representative Collin Walke. National organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), have also endorsed the bill.\r\nOne in every 10 calls for police response involve a person living with a mental illness. One in every four people killed by police live with a severe mental illness. For more information on law enforcement responses to individuals living with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis, view the fact sheet on H.R. 2698.\r\nThe Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=280", "NAMI Endorses Rep. Horn Law Enforcement Training Bill", "2020-06-10", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NAMI Endorses Rep. Horn Law Enforcement Training Bill \r\n   National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) endorses bill to train law enforcement on recognizing, deescalating, and responding to individuals in mental health crisis \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      June 10, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Wednesday, June 10, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) endorsed the bipartisan Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act (H.R. 2698). Introduced by Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-OK) and Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), this legislation provides funding for law enforcement training to recognize, deescalate, and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. A fact sheet on H.R. 2698 is available here.\r\nNAMI releases the following statement in support of H.R. 2698:\r\nNAMI believes people experiencing a mental health crisis deserve help, not handcuffs. We need a community-based crisis response that promotes the well-being and personal dignity of people with mental illness. In addition to mobile crisis teams, 24/7 crisis lines, and crisis respite care, training for law enforcement is another part of our larger effort to improve care for people who are in crisis. We thank Congresswoman Horn for leading this bi-partisan bill that will support communities in taking one step towards improving how they respond to mental health crises.\r\nOne in every 10 calls for police response involve a person living with a mental illness. One in every four people killed by police live with a mental illness. For more information on law enforcement responses to individuals living with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis, view the fact sheet on H.R. 2698.\r\nThe Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate. A list of Oklahoma organizations that have endorsed H.R. 2698 is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=281", "Rep. Horn Partners with Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on COVID-19 Hunger Town Hall", "2020-06-10", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced a COVID-19Hungerand Food Insecurity VirtualTownHallin conjunction with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma next Wednesday, June17at 6:00 PMCT. Anyone interested in participating can register for the virtualtownhallhereor at Horn.House.Gov/Live.\r\nThe virtualtownhallwill focus on food insecurity's rapid growth during COVID-19 and the response to combathungerin Oklahoma. Since the pandemic started, it is projected that Oklahoma has dropped from one in six Oklahomans facing food insecurity to one in five. Before COVID-19, one in four Oklahoma children was food insecure. Now, nearly one in three children may be facinghunger.\r\nJoining Congresswoman Horn as panelists are:\r\n \r\n    Ryan Abernathy, Senior Director on ChildhoodHunger, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma\r\n    Daniel Matthews, Director of the Community Market of Pottawatomie County\r\n    Councilwoman Nikki Nice, Ward 7  Oklahoma City\r\n    Tiffany Briggs, School Counselor\r\n \r\nDuring this crisis, toomany Oklahomansfamiliesare strugglingto put food on the tablethrough no fault of their own, saidCongresswoman Horn. Thousandsof Oklahomanshave lost their jobs, many workers are still waiting for their unemployment checks, andcountlessfamiliesare at the end of their rope. I am grateful for the work of Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma andthe organizations across our state working day in and day outto make surethat noone falls through the cracks during this crisis. Our virtualtownhallwill gather food insecurity experts for a conversation on what we can do at the local and federal level to endhungerin Oklahoma, and where people canget the assistance they need.\r\nWe appreciate Congresswoman Horn helping us to shine a light on the issue of food insecurity in our state, saidDeb Bunting, interim CEO of the Regional Food Bank. Oklahoma is already the fifth hungriest state in the nation and then you add the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and the slumping oil industry and the result is we're seeing more and more Oklahomans in need of food assistance.\r\nIn April, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) introduced the bipartisan CARE for Kids Act, legislation that would extend automatic eligibility for free school meals to certain vulnerable groups of children. Under the bill, children living in alternative or informal care arrangements, including those living with relatives such as grandparents would be eligible for free school meals.\r\nWhile the stimulus legislation which Congress passed in March temporarily expands free school meal eligibility to all children for the remainder of the COVID-19 health crisis, the ensuing economic downturn is expected to plunge an estimated 10 million Americans into poverty, exacerbatinghungerand food instability. In Oklahoma, expanded free school meal eligibility will run out on June 30 or when the federally declared public health emergency expires. The CARE for Kids Act would expand free school meal eligibility following the expiration of COVID-19 programs.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=279", "Oklahomans Endorse Rep. Horn Law Enforcement Training Bill", "2020-06-09", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK On Tuesday, June 9, more than a dozen Oklahoma organizations and lawmakers publicly endorsed bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation introduced by Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). TheLaw Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act(H.R. 2698)provides funding for law enforcement training to recognize, deescalate, and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.Afact sheet on H.R. 2698is available here.\r\nEndorsing organizations and lawmakers include:the NAACP Oklahoma City branch,Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform(OCJR), theNational Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI)Oklahoma, thePalomar Family Justice Center, the Oklahoma Policy Institute, the Oklahoma City Housing Authority, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Midwest City Police Department,NorthCare, Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health,Oklahoma County Commissioner CarrieBlumert, andState Representative CollinWalke.\r\nIt is vitally important we have mental health training for people interacting with the public, saidGarland Pruitt,President of the NAACP Oklahoma City branch.They are there to protect and serve; this training is needed, necessary, and longoverdue.\r\nAs an organization working for criminal justice reform, OCJRfully supports additional funding for training for law enforcement officers for mental health crisis response, saidOCJR Executive Director Kris Steele.Arrest rates and violent altercations would dramatically decline with additional behavioral response training.\r\nPolice officers are often the first to respond to people struggling with a mental health crisis,said Palomar Family Justice Center CEO and founder Kim Garrett.In some instances, their response can literally be the difference between life and death. It is essential to provide officers with diverse techniques and training to succeed. Officers should have continued and expanded training and support to safely de-escalate crisis and get people connected to the help they need. Palomar fully supports increasing funding through the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act. \r\nI am proud to support Congresswoman Horn's Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act,said Oklahoma County Commissioner CarrierBlumert.This specialized training will give our officers here in Oklahoma a better understanding and the tools to respond to all types of mental health needs. As a champion for MAPS 4 Mental Health, I want every officer to respond appropriately and with compassion as we work get our citizens the help they need.\r\n\"Understanding mental health issues and their effects upon our criminal justice system should be a priority in order reduce incarceration rates and to ensure that those individuals who are arrested as a result of mental health issues receive the help that they need,said State Representative CollinWalke.\r\nOne in every 10 calls for police response involve a personliving witha mental illness. One in every four people killed by policelive with a severe mental illness. For moreinformationon law enforcement responses to individuals living with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis,viewthefact sheet on H.R. 2698.\r\nTheLaw Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act has 25 bipartisan cosponsorsin the House of Representatives. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=278", "Rep. Horn Announces Weekly Summer Town Hall Series", "2020-06-08", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) today announced a weekly virtual summer town hall series, Wednesdays at 12:00PM CT. The town halls will be an hour long and will be broadcast live on the Congresswoman's Facebook page. The Congresswoman will answer questions posted in the Facebook live and submitted through Horn.House.Gov/Questions. The first weekly virtual town hall will be hosted on Wednesday, June 10, at 12:00PM CT.\r\nWeekly Summer Virtual Town Halls\r\nTime: 12:00PM CT, Wednesdays\r\nJune 10  August 26, 2020\r\nWatch on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepKendraHorn/  \r\nSubmit questions: Horn.House.Gov/Questions\r\nI am proud to be a voice for all of Oklahoma's 5th district, said Congresswoman Horn. As I fight for timely, targeted, and transparent action to help our families and communities, I need to hear directly from Oklahomans about their concerns and the issues most important to our state. Until we can safely hold in person town halls again, virtual events are an important way to keep us connected. Our summer town hall series will provide additional opportunities to connect, provide updates on our work and take your questions.\r\nLast year, Congresswoman Horn was ranked by the Town Hall Project as one of the most accessible Freshmen Members of Congress. Already this year, Congresswoman Horn has participated in nine town hall events. During the first month of the pandemic, Congresswoman Horn answered a daily constituent question on Facebook Live as part of a segment called Questions with Kendra.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=277", "Rep. Horn Donates Blood with Oklahoma Blood Institute at Oklahoma City VA", "2020-06-05", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is partnering with the blood community, including the Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), to host blood drives at VA facilities that will help fight the blood shortage caused by the COVID-19 crisis. On Friday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) donated blood with OBI at the Oklahoma City VA.\r\nOklahoma Blood Institute has an immediate need for eligible blood donors following numerous blood drive cancellations.\r\n\"Our state is critically low on blood donations as a result of the pandemic, said Congresswoman Horn. Donating blood is an easy way show up for our neighbors. As our state continues to reopen, our hospitals and healthcare providers will need more lifesaving donations. Thank you to the VA, our veterans, and the Oklahoma Blood Institute for leading the Roll Up Your Sleeves campaign to give back during the COVID-19 crisis. If you're able, please make an appointment to donate blood.\"\r\nDuring April and May, two out of three mobile blood drives were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, and less than half of the typical number of donors are attending scheduled drives. Seventy percent of Oklahoma Blood Institute's blood supply comes from blood drives held in the community.\r\nWe are so grateful to Congresswoman Horn for supporting patients in Oklahoma and for encouraging constituents to do the same, said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute. We must ensure a robust blood supply as summer approaches and hospitals perform more surgeries, critical treatments, and procedures. Oklahoma Blood Institute provides lifesaving blood products to VA hospitals and facilities in our state, and we proudly support our veterans and military.\r\nHealthy adults age 16 and up are urged to give blood, and appointments are recommended to allow for recommended social distancing.\r\nOklahoma Blood Institute's donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. All phlebotomy staff wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility.\r\nOklahoma Blood Institute is following recommendations and guidelines set forth by the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks). Oklahoma Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.\r\nBlood donors like Congresswoman Horn represent the Oklahoma Standard-- providing hope, healing, and comfort to communities recovering in crisis, said Armitage.\r\nOklahoma Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in more than 160 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances statewide. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org. More information on Oklahoma Blood Institute can be found at obi.org.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=276", "Rep. Horn Leads Bipartisan Push for Vote on Law Enforcement Training Bill", "2020-06-04", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Thursday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D-OK) and Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) led a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership urging a vote on criminal justice reform legislation. The bill provides funding for law enforcement training to recognize, deescalate, and respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The call for action comes amid national protests against the murder of George Floyd and the systemic racism that still exists in our country today. A fact sheet on the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act (H.R. 2698) is available here.\r\nRead the bipartisan letter to congressional leadership here.\r\nWe need bipartisan action to address the issue of racial injustice and violence against black communities and communities of color in our country, said Congresswoman Horn. Law enforcement officers are frequently the first to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and without adequate training the results are often tragic. One in four people who are killed by police live with a severe mental illness. By providing law enforcement with better training on how to respond to individuals in crisis, we can save lives. There is no single solution that will stop the injustice that Black Americans and communities of color are facing. Instead, we need a many-sided approach to ending systemic violence and racism in our country. I'm fighting for a vote on this legislation as a piece of that strategy.\r\nThe tragic events of this past week have made it clear that Congress needs to support solutions that provide more informed and encompassing training to police officers, said Congressman Gonzalez. With an increasing number of 911 calls related to mental health issues in Ohio, and throughout the country, we must make sure our law enforcement officers are properly trained to respond safely and effectively in these situations to keep our community safe.\r\nOne in every 10 calls for police response involve a person who lives with a mental illness. At least one in four individuals fatally shot by police has a serious mental illness. For more facts on law enforcement responses to individuals living with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis, the fact sheet on the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act is available here.\r\nThis legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Horn and Congressman Gonzalez. The Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act has 25 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=272", "Rep. Horn and Bipartisan Coalition Push for Budget Reforms in Next Stimulus Package", "2020-06-02", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.This week a bipartisan group of 60 Members in the House of Representatives, including Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5),called for provisions in the next coronavirus relief package to tackle the mounting federal debt and evaporating trust funds for programs like Medicare and Social Security.Congress has passed four relief bills in response to the pandemic, putting the U.S. on track for a nearly $4 trillion federal deficit this year and a debt-to-GDP ratio unseen since World War II.\r\nEvenly divided between Republicans and Democrats,thegrouprecommended measures including establishingoverall budgetary goals like debt-to-GDP targetstoreduce debtandlimit brinkmanship.The letter also called for an annual report from the Government Accountability Office on the nation's fiscal health.The bipartisan letter is available here.\r\nAny COVID-19 relief package that is brought before Congress needs to meet the three T's of good government: it needs to betimely,targetedand transparent, said Congresswoman Horn. We need action to help reignite our nation's economy and protect the health of our communities, but we cannotignoretheimportant issue of our national debt.Weneed bipartisan action thatwillbuild astrong foundation for our nation's fiscal futureeven as we navigate thiscrisis.\r\nThe bipartisan letter to congressional leadership is available here. Its text is copied below:\r\nWe, a bipartisan group of representatives, remain committed to fighting the pandemic and the economic downturn to help the American people through this hardship. The unemployment rate is nearly 15%, and GDP could fall as much as 30%. We must confront the economic fallout from this crisis head on. As the crisisrecedes and our nation recovers, we cannot ignore the pressing issue of the national debt, which could do irreparable damage to our country.\r\nAccording to the Congressional Budget Office, the debt held by the public is likely to exceed 100 percent of GDP in just a few months, and it will hit record levels in a few years. In addition, trust funds for some of our most critical programs will face exhaustion far sooner than we expected as a result of the current crisis. Trust fund insolvency threatens serious hardship for those who depend on the programs.\r\n\r\nWe, therefore, respectfully request that further pandemic-response legislation include provisions for future budget reforms to ensure we confront these issues when the economy is strong enough. These reforms should have broad, bipartisan support. They should not stand in the way of our making the necessary decisions to deal with the crisis at hand. They should ensure that, in addition to addressing health and economic needs, we lay the foundation for a sustainable fiscal future by building on reforms with established bipartisan support.\r\nFirst, we must have common ground on the facts and keep this issue in our deliberations. The Fiscal State of the Nation resolution would increase the transparency of our fiscal situation by requiring GAO to present an annual report to Congress and the country detailing the fiscal health of the nation.\r\nSecond, we must create mechanisms to help Congress demonstrate greater accountability in navigating the decisions to restore our fiscal health and sustainability. Trust funds for Social Security, Disability Insurance, Medicare Hospital Insurance, and Highway programs face insolvency, now possibly all within a decade. Enacting a consensus process like the Time to Rescue United States Trusts (TRUST) Act would create special bipartisan, bicameral rescue committees to give these programs the priority and urgency they deserve. Other commission structures, such as those from the Sustainable Budget Act or the Budget Control Act's joint select committee, provide models for a comprehensive fiscal agreement.\r\nThird, the federal debt is growing at an alarming pace. Though emergency borrowing is necessary now, we must have a credible plan for responsibility to bring the debt burden to sustainable levels as the pandemic recedes and the economy recovers. We support a process for establishing overall budgetary goalssuch as debt-to-GDP targetsthat would reduce debt-limit brinkmanship as long as the budget remains on a responsible path.\r\nIncluding budget reforms like these with any further pandemic-response legislation would put in place a plan to make sure that as we address our nation's health and economic concerns, we will deal with our debt challenges at the appropriate time as well.\r\nAs the first branch of government, Congress can and must address current needs while planning for tomorrow. These bipartisan options can help us come togetheras Americansto build a brighter, more resilient future. We urge you to include them in the next pandemic response legislation. We stand ready and willing to work with you.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=274", "ICYMI: Rep. Horn Calls for Vote on Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Amid Protests", "2020-06-02", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on congressional leadership to bring bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation to the floor amid national protests against racism and police brutality.\r\nIn a series of tweets available here, the Congresswoman stated:\r\nWords are not enough, we need action. That's why I'm fighting to pass my Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act. Police officers are often the first responders called to address mental health crises. Without adequate training the results can be tragic.\r\nIn Edmond, OK, last year, Isaiah Lewis was killed while experiencing a mental health crisis. Police were called to respond. Despite being unarmed, Isaiah was tased then shot. His story is all too common in America. 1 in 4 people killed by police suffer from a mental illness.\r\nProtesters nationwide are again highlighting the immediate need for reforms. There's no single solution that will end injustice in our country. We need a multi-faceted strategy to end systemic racism and violence. I'm fighting for a vote on my bill as a piece of that strategy.\r\nRead a fact sheet and bill text on the Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act.\r\nThe Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act was introduced by Congresswoman Kendra Horn and has 25 bipartisan cosponsors. The bill is endorsed by both the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Tactical Officers Association.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=269", "Rep. Horn Statement on Anniversary of Tulsa Race Massacre", "2020-05-30", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK The Tulsa race massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, when mobs of white residents attacked black residents, homes,and businessesinthe Greenwood DistrictofTulsa, Oklahoma.The attackdestroyed more than 35 square blocks of theGreenwood District,known at the time as Black Wall Street,one of thewealthiest black communitiesin the United States.ThisSunday, May 31, represents the 99thanniversary of the massacre.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) releases the following statement in recognition of the anniversary:\r\nNinety-nineyears ago,thousands of Oklahomans lost their lives,homes and businessesin one of theworst acts of racially-motivated violence in our nation's history.Today, nearly a centurylater,thedeaths of George Floyd,AhmaudArbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others show us thatracialinjusticeand violenceis not a thing of the past but a tragedy of today.Onthis anniversaryof the Tulsa Race Massacrewe pause torememberthethousandsofvictimswho were murdered, those whose homes were burned and whose lives were destroyed. Wemustalsorecognizethetrauma ofcontinued violence perpetrated against black communities and communities of color to this day, said Congresswoman Horn. Thoughwe would like to believe thatAmericahas learned fromhermistakes, that the decades-long struggle for equityhas made ournationmorejust, more compassionate, and more unified, the reality isthat westillhavefarto go.Thisinjustice is something we cannot and I will not ignore.\r\nAmerica is a promise.The fight for justice and freedom is constant and it is our jobtodo the hard work tobringthis promisefrom theory into realityfor everyone.Though Iwill neverfully understandthe fear and loss thatblackcommunitiesare forced to confront every day,I can and will stand as an ally.Wemustacknowledgeand learn from our past in order to change our present and improve our future.Weare called tocombatand confrontracism wherever it exists,tocounterdivisionwithunity,andchampionthe power oflove and grace. Justice iswithin our reach, but to grasp it we need an honest accounting of our past and a compassionate understanding ofourpresent.Where we go next is up to each and every one of us.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=270", "Congresswoman Kendra Horn Statement on Successful Launch of Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley Aboard SpaceX Rocket", "2020-05-30", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Kendra Horn Statement on Successful Launch of Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley Aboard SpaceX Rocket \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      May 30, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Saturday, NASA astronauts were launched to the International Space Station on the first crewed demonstration flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The launch represents the first time a private company, working with NASA, has launched astronauts into orbit, nearly a decade after the U.S. space shuttle program was retired.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) attended the launch in her capacity on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Congresswoman Horn is Chair of the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics and introduced the NASA Authorization Act of 2020.\r\nCongratulations to NASA and SpaceX on today's successful demonstration launch of astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken to the International Space Station (ISS), said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. As the first launch of American astronauts on an American rocket from American soil in almost a decade, the Demo-2 mission marks a significant milestone for our nation's human space flight program and Commercial Crew. I applaud the SpaceX and NASA teams for their dedication and tireless work, and I look forward to continued progress toward the certification of Crew Dragon for safe and routine transportation of NASA astronauts to the ISS. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=267", "Congresswoman Horn Leads Call to Investigate Chinese Government\u2019s Actions Regarding COVID-19", "2020-05-28", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) and members of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition sent a letter to House and Senate leadership this week calling for a bipartisan investigation of the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and throughout the pandemic.\r\nSpecifically, the Blue Dogs called for the establishment of a bipartisan Commission to assess the United States' preparation for and response to COVID-19, the Chinese government's many errors at the onset of the outbreak, and the United States' over-reliance on China for critical supplies. They also called for the leadership's support of a federal inquiry into how the CCP might seek to exploit the pandemic to advance its foreign policy objectives to the detriment of the United States and our allies. Finally, the Blue Dogs called on Congress to prioritize coordination and evaluation of China policy through a structure that has bipartisan support, such as a task force, a select committee, or another means.\r\nThe letter was signed by Co-Chairs of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security, Reps. Kendra Horn (OK-05) and Max Rose (NY-11), as well as all Members of Blue Dogs leadership, including Reps. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Lou Correa (CA-46), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), and Kurt Schrader (OR-05). Additionally, the following members signed the letter: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16), Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01), Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), Rep. Ben McAdams (UT-04), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02).\r\nSee below for the full text:\r\nDear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader Hoyer, and Whip Scalise:\r\nWe write as leaders of the Blue Dog Coalition who believe the United States should craft and conduct national security policy in a way that protects our interests, promotes our values, andto the greatest extent possiblereflects bipartisan agreement between Democrats and Republicans. We are strongest internationally when we are united domestically, and weakest on the global stage when we are divided along partisan lines. Our adversaries, whether they are nation-states or non-state actors, recognize this fact. They seek, in a variety of ways, to turn Americans against one another. We should be hyper-vigilant not to let them succeed.\r\nWe also believe that the U.S.-China relationshipa complex mix of competition and cooperationis arguably the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world. U.S. policymakers in the executive and legislative branches should approach the relationship in a strong, smart, and strategic way. We should stand up for American lives, interests and values whenever they are threatened, while avoiding overheated rhetoric that could undermine those goals.  \r\nFor our part, we have respect for the Chinese people and admiration for the country's culture and traditions. We also value the contributions that Chinese-Americans have made in this country over generations. At the same time, we have profound concerns about the direction of Chinese policy under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), especially its foreign and defense policy, its trade policy, and its human rights record.\r\nOur concerns have only intensified in light of the Chinese government's mishandling of the COVID-19 epidemic, which originated in China and has had severe health and economic effects in virtually every country. The Chinese governmenttrue to formhas refused to honestly acknowledge its central role in the emergence and spread of the virus, and has bullied individuals and nations that have called for a full and fair accounting of events to reduce the chance they will be repeated. We cannot let the Chinese government's campaign of dishonesty and disinformation continue without consequence, especially when it is placing American lives in danger.\r\nIn light of the foregoing, we would like to respectfully make three requests.\r\nFirst, the Blue Dog Coalition has endorsed bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6429, which would create an independent commission on COVID-19, along the lines of the successful 9/11 Commission. While Commission members would mainly assess our own country's preparation for and response to COVID-19, which has been deficient in key respects, it would also examine the Chinese government's many errors of commission and omission, as well as the United States' over-reliance on China for critical supplies. We ask that you include H.R. 6429, or language resembling it, in a future bill.\r\nSecond, we support a federal inquiry into how the CCP might seek to exploit the epidemic to advance its foreign policy objectives to the detriment of the United States and our allies. Congress should direct the U.S. national security establishment to prepare and publish this analysis in both classified and unclassified form. This legislative directive could be contained in the forthcoming National Defense Authorization Act, the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill, or the Defense appropriations bill. We look forward to working with you on this matter.\r\nFinally, we regret the decision to establish a partisan China Task Force that politicizes an otherwise largely bipartisan area of policy. The Task Force's partisan nature undermines its potential effectiveness and sends the wrong message to government authorities in Beijing. We appreciate that there are already two congressionally-created commissionsthe Congressional-Executive Committee on China and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commissionthat analyze and make recommendations to Congress on various aspects of the China challenge. Like these commissions, the China Task Force lacks legislative authority.\r\nWe urge Democratic and Republican leaders to work together to prioritize House consideration of tough, smart, and bipartisan legislation on China, using the existing committee structure and undertaking any other mutually-agreeable effort to enhance information-sharing and cooperation on cross-jurisdictional matters. If such an effort were to be adopted by House leadership, we know many Blue Dogs would welcome it and be eager to participate.\r\nIt is imperative for Members of Congress to work across party lines if we want to influence Chinese policy and to hold the CCP accountable when its actions cross the line, as they have in the case of COVID-19. If we retreat to our partisan corners, we will only weaken the United States, strengthen China, and play into the hands of those who want China to replace the United States as the world's preeminent power.\r\nSincerely,\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nUnder the leadership of the Co-Chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition's Task Force on National Security, Reps. Kendra Horn (OK-05) and Max Rose (NY-11), the Blue Dogs have a strong record of holding the Chinese government accountable for reckless actions ranging from election meddling to funneling illicit Fentanyl into our streets.\r\nLast year, the Blue Dog Coalition-endorsed Fentanyl Sanctions Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. Introduced by Blue Dog members Reps. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and Max Rose (NY-11), the Fentanyl Sanctions Act included hard-hitting sanctions against drug manufacturers in China who knowingly funnel illicit Fentanyla deadly drug that is fueling the opioid epidemicinto the United States.\r\nAs part of the Blue Dog Coalition's election security proposal, the Coalition backed the bipartisan Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines (DETER) Act, which is intended to deter future interference attempts by Russia and other adversaries, including China, Iran, and North Korea. It would do so by defining actions of foreign governments or agents acting on behalf of a foreign government that would illicit retaliation from the United States through sanctions. The Blue Dog Coalition's election security proposal also called for requiring the Trump administration to present Congress with a comprehensive strategy to prevent U.S. election interference by China, Iran, North Korea, or any other foreign state of significant concern.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=268", "Congresswoman Horn on FISA: \u201cThis is not the time to go soft on national security\u201d", "2020-05-28", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Following a veto threat by the President, House leadershippulledback from passingnational securitylegislation this week,instead sending the billtoconferencewith the Senate.The FISA bill, which hasreceived strongbipartisan support,reauthorizescriticalsurveillance programsunder the USA Freedom Act, a 2015 intelligence reform law.\r\nTwo months ago, the House passed a strong bipartisan FISA bill with the support of nearly two-thirds of House Republicans. The bill then moved to the Republican Senate which amended the FISA reauthorization to make it more protective of civil liberties and passed it in a 80-16 vote, with the support of 48 of 53 Republicans.Hoursbefore a vote in the House this week, the Presidenttweeted that he would veto the bill and House Republicans abandoned their support for the legislation.Facing the lapse of critical national security programs, the House voted to send the bill to conference for further negotiations with the Senate.\r\nThis is not the time to go soft on national security, said CongresswomanKendra Horn (OK-5).TheFISA programs at stake arecritical todomesticcounterterrorism investigationsand American security.This bipartisan legislation, which passed the Senate withoverwhelming Republican support,also includesimportant protections for civil liberties.Wecannot throw our national security intojeopardyover the latestconspiracy theory.We must actin the interest of American national security and reauthorize these critical programs. \r\nCongresswoman Horn serves asCo-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. In that position, she led a letter to congressional leadership this week calling for a bipartisan investigation intothe actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and throughout the pandemic.\r\nWith the recent reversal, the expired FISA surveillance powers for federal law enforcement are at risk of remaining lapsed indefinitely. The three authorities -- a business records provision allowing the collection of tangible things in national security investigations, a roving wiretaps provision and a lone wolf provision -- have been expired since March 15.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=266", "Rep. Horn Announces Ninth Town Hall of 2020", "2020-05-27", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) will host a Telephone Town Hall on Thursday, May 28, at 7:20PM CT. Congresswoman Horn will provide an update on the federal response to COVID-19 and take questions from participants.\r\nDuring these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we find common ground and deliver help where it is needed most. As I fight for timely, targeted, and transparent relief for Oklahomans, I also need to hear from you about the issues facing our families and communities, said Congresswoman Horn. We have been working tirelessly to help people struggling to get unemployment assistance, business owners in need of SBA loans, and to ensure families receive their stimulus checks. This telephone town hall is another opportunity to provide updates on our work and take your questions.\r\nAttendees can dial into the town hall on Thursday by calling (855) 962-1157 or stream the event on Horn.House.Gov/Live.\r\nThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Congresswoman Horn has prioritized sharing information and resources. She has led five town hall events online and by phone and has answered dozens of constituent questions on her Questions with Kendra Facebook segment.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's office is committed to helping Oklahomans during this challenging time, having resolved 383 cases concerning unemployment, stimulus checks, and Small Business Administration loans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=265", "Rep. Horn Releases Unemployment Survey Report", "2020-05-20", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Releases Unemployment Survey Report \r\n   Report finds multiple barriers to assistance for hundreds of Oklahomans \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Oklahoma City,\r\n      May 20, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) released a report with the results of a survey on Oklahoma unemployment assistance her office conducted. Eight-hundred and sixty Oklahomans responded to the survey with their experience using or attempting to use the state's unemployment system. The report is available here.\r\nThe survey's findings include:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    91% of respondents rated their experience with the Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission (OESC) as either very negative or somewhat negative.\r\n    85% of respondents have not yet received unemployment assistance, either due to problems with the application or delays in receiving benefits.\r\n    80% of respondents with a pending application have waited over a month for help.\r\n    51% of respondents reported three or more significant roadblocks in applying for and receiving unemployment assistance.\r\n \r\nWe passed the CARES Act eight weeks ago, and Oklahomans still aren't getting the unemployment assistance I fought to include, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. My office has been working day and night to help hundreds of workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. They are struggling to put food on the table or afford live-saving medication because they still haven't received the unemployment assistance they're entitled to. The results of my survey will help provide insight into where our state's unemployment program has fallen short and how to fix it. I am sharing the results and comments we received with the Governor's office to help our state to eliminate barriers to relief and get assistance to the people who need it.\r\nIn March, the state of Oklahoma received over $10 million from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to scale unemployment assistance operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nA month ago, Congresswoman Horn sent a letter to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to address escalating concerns regarding unemployment benefits in Oklahoma, offering assistance with any federal support needed to implement the program. Congresswoman Horn's letter isavailable here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=262", "Congresswoman Horn Opposes HEROES Act", "2020-05-14", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Thursday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced her opposition to the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion stimulus package introduced this week in the House of Representatives. The bill has received broad criticism for its high cost, extraneous provisions, and lack of bipartisan support.\r\nCongresswoman Horn releases the following statement:\r\nMessaging bills without bipartisan support are a disservice to the American people, especially during a time of crisis. This is not the time for partisan gamesmanship, this is the time to find common ground and deliver help where it is needed most. In response to COVID-19, our relief efforts must be targeted, timely, and transparent. The HEROES Act does not meet those standards. To deliver timely relief, we must put aside proposals that lack bipartisan public support and work to negotiate a legislative package that can pass both houses of Congress and earn the support of the White House. Transparency requires time for public debate and discussion. We must work with our Republican colleagues and leadership in the Senate to negotiate a targeted relief bill that is aimed squarely at the health and economic challenges we face.\r\nI know we can find common ground to address the health and economic crisis facing our country. We achieved strong bipartisan support in the last three relief bills and the HEROES Act contains many bipartisan provisions that I fought for. I worked with colleagues across the aisle to secure help for small business, critical funding for state and local governments, support for Tribal communities, and lower insurance costs. But unfortunately, the HEROES Act contains many measures unrelated to direct COVID-19 relief as well as political pet projects. I urge congressional leadership to put aside any desire to use this as a political opportunity and instead focus on getting results in a bipartisan and bicameral way. The American people need our help and we must deliver in a way that is responsive to the needs of our communities and is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.\r\nDuring crafting of the stimulus bill, Congresswoman Horn brought Republican and Democratic lawmakers together in support of bipartisan provisions including: COBRA premium subsidies; support for dependents left out of the CARES Act; state and local funding; extension of the time period for PPP loan forgiveness; repeal of PPP 75/25 payroll restriction; direct relief for Tribal Nations; Tribal access to the Strategic National Stockpile; and increased funding for urban Indian health. All of these bipartisan priorities were included in the legislative text of the HEROES Act, but many were modified in a way that spurned bipartisan support.\r\nAs the HEROES Act was being drafted, Congresswoman Horn urged congressional leadership to work with Republicans to craft stimulus legislation rather than taking a partisan approach to the next relief bill. Congresswoman Horn will continue to advocate for bipartisan relief efforts to address this unprecedented health and economic crisis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=257", "Congresswoman Horn Releases Unemployment Assistance Survey", "2020-05-12", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Horn Releases Unemployment Assistance Survey  \r\n   Broken Oklahoma unemployment assistance program leaves many stranded  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      May 12, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\nOKLAHOMA CITY, OK Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5)has releaseda survey asking Oklahomans to share their experiences applying for unemployment assistance.Signed into law on March 27, the CARES Act provides additional relief for unemployed Oklahomans,including an additional 13 weeks of assistance, expanded eligibility for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, and an additional $600 weekly Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit. Many eligible Oklahomans have beendenied benefitsandcannot get assistancefrom state agencies. The CARES Act provided Oklahoma an additional$10,963,616to administerexpanded unemployment assistance during the pandemic.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSeven weeks after the CARES Act was signed into law, Oklahomans still aren't getting the unemployment assistance I fought for, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5).Our statehasdropped the ballon implementingthis program, andpeople need help now. Wehaveget to the bottom ofthis and fix it.To help our leaders better understand the challenges that Oklahomans face using the unemployment system,I'm asking people to tell me their stories and share their experiences.\r\n\r\n\r\nOnApril 20, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) sent a letter to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to address mounting concerns regarding the issuance of unemployment benefits in Oklahoma, offering assistance with any federal support needed to implement the program. Congresswoman Horn's letter isavailable here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=258", "ICYMI: Rep. Horn says Congress must return to session", "2020-05-12", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) authored an opinion piece urging Congress to return to session and continue public hearings, bill mark ups, debate, and voting, either virtually or safely in person.\r\nThe op-ed is available online here. The full text of the op-ed is below:\r\nCongress must return to session (The Hill)\r\nBy Congresswoman Kendra Horn\r\nThere is no question that the United States is in crisis. A global pandemic and economic crisis have upended American life, costing lives and leaving millions of families without a way to make ends meet. In the face of this national emergency, those of us in Congress must be able to carry out all of our core constitutional responsibilities in a timely, targeted, and transparent manner. We must not only deliver relief for those in need and advocate for our constituents, but also conduct public hearings, mark up legislation and hold debate.\r\nIn this time of great challenge, we must have the ability to conduct the full scope of business in the House of Representatives. I was deeply disappointed by the decision to cancel session in the House earlier this month, and I have grown increasingly troubled by the inability of congressional leadership to find a sustainable path forward for commencing work during the pandemic. Whether safely in person or virtually, holding hearings and legislating is at the very heart of our duties, and these procedures provide needed transparency during our nation's historic response to this pandemic.\r\nYet more than eight weeks after the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Congress has still not implemented remote voting systems, procedures for safe in-person legislative work or a sustainable plan that would allow members of Congress to continue legislative business. Instead, a handful of party leaders, both Republicans and Democrats, have made sweeping decisions about stimulus legislation and our national crisis response. Transparency and good government have suffered.\r\nLet me be clear, members of Congress never stopped working. The new and creative ways in which my colleagues have stepped up to serve their communities during the national shutdown are empowering and inspiring. We have held virtual and telephone town halls to connect with constituents across our districts. Congressional committees have held regular conference calls and virtual meetings. And federal, state and local officials have worked hand-in-hand to get relief where it is most needed.\r\nIn many cases, lawmakers are working harder than ever, but a critical component of our constitutional role has been put on hold. The result is less transparent decision making, delays to our work in the national interest, and for some members, fewer opportunities for across-the-aisle collaboration.\r\nIn the House, I serve on the Armed Services Committee, which right now would normally be holding public hearings and marking up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While members on our committee are hard at work in conversations with committee leaders, transparency and the public's role in the crafting of this legislation are indispensable.\r\nI am proud of the historic bipartisan relief bills we have passed since the COVID-19 outbreak began, but the process for passing these bills has lacked public debate and opportunity for input. While it is understandable that an unprecedented pandemic reduced opportunities for due process, our leadership has now had more than a month to craft new procedural rules that would allow for greater public access and member participation.\r\nThere is room for bipartisan agreement on rules to allow for the legislative work of Congress to continue. Last month, I joined a bipartisan letter to congressional House leadership calling on Congress to begin planning and approving ways for the U.S. House of Representatives to fully function during the present COVID-19 emergency. Last week, I participated in a bipartisan Virtual Congress debate held by the Problem Solvers Caucus to demonstrate the viability of virtual legislative business.\r\nWhile the Speaker has discussed bringing the House back into session this week, there is still no clear plan for getting the chamber back to business for a sustained period of time. There are no plans or alternatives for Congress to carry out its full work should there be another delay. So far, no proposal for remote legislative systems or safe in-person procedures have been brought to the floor for consideration.\r\nYou can always find a reason not to try something new. It is easy to reject change in a historic institution such as Congress, but the tradition most important to our democracy, the one we must preserve, is our work to ensure transparency and accountability in a government by and for the people.\r\nAmerica is in crisis, and Congress must resume the full scope of our work to help our nation through this national emergency.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=255", "Congresswoman Horn Leads Effort to Increase COBRA Support for Unemployed", "2020-05-11", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is leading a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership calling for the next stimulus package to include assistance for workers who have lost their jobs or are furloughed so they can keep their health insurance. Nearly 22 million Americans have filed unemployment claims since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and many are in danger of losing access to Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI). Workers in this position have the option of keeping their insurance through COBRA, although the program can be prohibitively expensive for struggling families to afford on top of other bills.\r\nThe text of Congresswoman Horn's letter to congressional leadership urging health care assistance for unemployed workers and families is available here.\r\nSo many workers and families are struggling just to make ends meet during this crisis, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. As we face the combined threats of a health emergency and an economic crisis, it is critical that we allow Oklahomans who've been laid off or furloughed to keep their insurance. No matter who you are, access to health care is vital, especially during this pandemic. As we debate the next relief package, I will continue to work for targeted, transparent, bipartisan measures that deliver timely help to the people who need it most.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's letter to congressional leadership was co-signed by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-9), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Eliot L. Engel (NY-16), Ed Case (HI-1), Kurt Schrader (OR-5), Stephanie Murphy (FL-7), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Max Rose (NY-11), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Michael San Nicolas (GU-AL).\r\nThe Alliance to Fight for Health Care (AFHC), a broad-based coalition comprised of businesses, patient advocates, employer organizations, unions, local governments, health care companies, consumer groups and other stakeholders also announced its support for the letter. Heather Meade from AFHC said, Working together, on a bipartisan basis, is critically important to ensure Congress can quickly support the health care needs of Americans who have lost their jobor been furlougheddue to COVID-19. Providing COBRA funding, through the length of the crisis, immediately helps Americans maintain their coverage and makes it easy for them to transition back to work as the economy opens up. We applaud the effort of members seeking to help Americans keep their health insurance, and the peace of mind that comes with it, in this time of crisis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=254", "Congresswoman Horn Statement on Attack Against OCU Graduation Ceremony", "2020-05-10", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Saturday, Oklahoma City University's virtual graduation ceremony was hacked by an attacker who displayed racial and anti-Semitic slurs and images as a student gave the ceremony's blessing.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn issues the following statement:\r\nI am heartbroken and angered by the racist and anti-Semitic actions that defaced today's Oklahoma City University graduation ceremony. It is especially tragic that this hate-filled attack marred a day meant for celebration, a day already made harder by the inability to gather in person due to the COVID-19 crisis. This type of hate crime serves as a potent reminder that we still have much work to do. Hate lays the groundwork for violence and we must stand together against it. To heal these deep wounds, we must look with unflinching honesty at the sources of extremism, acknowledge and learn from our past, listen to each other, and share our experiences. We cannot, nor will we, turn a blind eye to this behavior. We are stronger when the diversity of our communities is celebrated.\r\nLet me be clear - racism must not be tolerated in our community. We must hold those responsible accountable and confront racism wherever it exists.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=251", "Congresswoman Horn Calls for Family Justice Center Funding", "2020-05-08", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Thursday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on congressional leadership to include funding in the next stimulus bill for Family Justice Centers, such as Palomar in Oklahoma City. These centers help victims and survivors of domestic violence access the resources they need in one place. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and stay at home orders, Family Justice Centers have seen a dramatic increase in domestic violence cases, with Centers across the country reporting an increase in requests for services of 20 to 30 percent.\r\nThe text of Congresswoman Horn's letter urging support for Family Justice Centers is available here.\r\nThe integrated and innovative model of Family Justice Centers saves lives and empowers victims of domestic violence every day. said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a dramatic increase in the rate of domestic violence in our communities. Right now victims of domestic violence need our help more than ever to escape abusive and dangerous partners, protect their children, and find safe housing. We cannot let them fall through the cracks during this time of crisis. I am inspired by the critical services provided by organizations like Palomar in Oklahoma City, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to support victims and survivors. While the CARES Act made important investments in the Family Violence Prevention Services Act and in the National Domestic Violence Hotline, we still have work to do supporting our nation's Family Justice Centers.\r\nAt Family Justice Centers, survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse have access to critically important wraparound resources. Survivors can receive assistance in obtaining temporary restraining orders, find safe housing, meet their prosecutors, work with detectives, and obtain forensic exams.\r\nCOVID has had a profound impact on Family Justice Centers, the collaboratives that serve victims of domestic violence, said Kim Garrett, CEO and Founder of Palomar. While many agencies across the US are reporting less victim contacts, Family Justice Centers are seeing a continued increase in cases and more severe violence. In the last month, we've proudly provided over 1,400 services to victims of domestic violence and their children just in Oklahoma City! Funding is critical to help Family Justice Centers coordinate with partner agencies and connect with victims to meet their desperate needs during COVID.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=252", "Congresswoman Horn Statement on April Unemployment Numbers", "2020-05-08", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Horn Statement on April Unemployment Numbers \r\n   Unemployment surged to 14.7% in April, highest since Great Depression \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      May 8, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 20.5 million jobs lost in the month of April, the steepest decline since the government began tracking unemployment numbers. The report shows that 14.7 percent of the workforce is unemployed, the most severe joblessness numbers since the Great Depression.\r\nOklahoma workers and families are hurting, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). The unemployment assistance and stimulus checks we passed in the CARES Act were a start, but we have more work to do to help get Americans back on their feet. These programs aren't a hand out - they are a hand up. We are all in this together. It is more important than ever that we show up for each other and help everyone through this time of crisis. That's why I'm fighting in Congress for relief measures that are timely, targeted, and transparent.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=253", "Rep. Horn to Host Tribal Community Virtual Town Hall", "2020-05-08", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announceda Tribal Community Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, May 12, from5:30PM  7:00 PM.Anyone interested in participatingcan register for the virtual town hallhere.\r\nThe virtual town hall will focus on issues facing tribal communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as health care, unemployment, economic development, and implementationof the CARES Act, which includedan$8 billion dollar relief fund for Tribal governments and Tribally-owned entities.\r\nIndian Country cannot be left behind.This virtualtown hall is an important opportunity to discuss the unique challenges facing Tribal Nationsduring this pandemic and beyond, said Congresswoman Horn. Native Americans and Tribes are an integral part of our communities.It is critical that werecognize and honor the sovereignty of Tribal Nationsandthe worknecessary tomeetourobligationsand providecriticalsupport during this pandemic.I haveand will continue to fight to ensure that our Tribal communities receive the support and reliefthey needduring this public health crisis.\r\nCongresswoman Horn will be joined by: \r\n \r\n    Rear Admiral Travis Watts, Director of Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service \r\n    Elijah McIntosh, Board Chairman of Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium \r\n    CharlesTippeconnic, Tribal Partnership Specialist U.S Census\r\n \r\nIn March, CongresswomanHorn introduced the bipartisan Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act,legislationguaranteeingthe Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal health authorities, and urban Indian organizations access to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a federal repository of drugs and medical supplies that can be tapped if a public health emergency exhausts local supplies. Currently, IHS and tribal health authorities' access to the SNS is limited and not guaranteed in the SNS statute.\r\nCongresswoman Horn, a member of the Native American Caucus, has workedwith members of Congress on both sides of the aisleto develop policies that strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations and respect Tribal sovereignty.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=248", "Rep. Horn Announces Congressional Arts Competition", "2020-05-05", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced that her office is accepting entries for the 2020 Congressional Arts Competition, a nationwide high school visual art competition open to students grades 9-12. More than 650,000 high school students have participated in the competition since its origin in 1982.\r\nThe Congressional Arts Competition is a wonderful way to showcase the creative talent of our high school students, said Congresswoman Horn. Though this year's competition looks much different, I know the talent and creativity of our students will continue to shine.\r\nThe district winner of the Congressional Arts Competition will have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol for a full year and will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C.\r\nArtwork must be two-dimensional and can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep including the frame, and cannot weigh more than 15 pounds. Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:\r\n \r\n    Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.\r\n    Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)\r\n    Collages: must be two dimensional\r\n    Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints\r\n    Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.\r\n    Computer-generated art\r\n    Photographs\r\n \r\nThe deadline for submission is June 1, 2020. Art will be judged by an independent panel of judges. More information can be found at horn.house.gov/art. For submission procedures, contacthorn.art@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=247", "Rep. Horn Calls for Congress to Commence Legislative Work", "2020-04-28", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Calls for Congress to Commence Legislative Work \r\n   Congress must amend procedures to allow for continued work during COVID-19 crisis \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 28, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on leadership in the House of Representatives to take immediate action allowing House Members to continue legislative work, either remotely or in person. Earlier in the day, the Majority Leader in the House announced that next week's legislative session would be postponed until later in the month due to COVID-19. \r\nIn this time of great challenge, uncertainty, and upheaval, we must have the ability to conduct the business of the House of Representatives in a public and transparent way by holding committee hearings, debating, marking-up and voting on legislation,\" said Congresswoman Horn. \"It is critical that we take action now to allow House lawmakers to safely carry out these essential functions during the COVID-19 crisis. It is easy to reject change in a historic institution such as Congress, but the tradition most important to our democracy, the one we must preserve, is our work to ensure transparency and accountability in a government by and for the people. I am deeply disappointed in the decision to delay legislative business until later this month rather than working to set up either remote legislative systems or safe in-person procedures. It is time to get back to business for the people.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=244", "Rep. Horn Calls for Investigation into Saudi Oil Dumping", "2020-04-27", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Calls for Investigation into Saudi Oil Dumping \r\n   Potential illegal delivery of crude oil by Saudi Arabia destabilized U.S. oil markets \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Following a plunge in oil prices last week, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) is leading a letter to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross calling for an investigation into the potential illegal delivery of crude oil by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the United States oil market. Last week, Congresswoman Horn introduced legislation that would provide $3 billion in resources for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to support the American energy industry during the current crisis.\r\nThe full text of Congresswoman Horn's letter to Secretary Ross is available here.\r\nAmerican energy independence is important for both our economic security and our national security, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. During the COVID-19 crisis our hospitals and essential services are depending on the power provided by our energy industry, which faces the duel threats of market interference by bad actors and a simultaneous economic downturn. Addressing oil dumping is one piece of the puzzle to secure America's energy independence and help our workers. We still have work to do support this critical industry during a global pandemic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=239", "Rep. Horn Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Fund Purchase of Crude Oil for Strategic Petroleum Reserve", "2020-04-21", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) introduced bipartisan legislation to support the energy industry by providing $3 billion in funding to purchase crude oil produced in the United States for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The bill introduction follows a plunge in crude oil prices globally this week.\r\nCongresswoman Horn introduced the bill with lead sponsors Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7) and Representative Michael Burgess (TX-26) and original co-sponsors Reps. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Kendra Horn (OK-5), Roger Williams (TX-25), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Mike Conaway (TX-11), Marc Veasey (TX-11), and Bill Flores (TX-17). Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) will introduce the Senate companion of this legislation.\r\nRight now, Oklahomans are facing a historic health and economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and made worse by the destabilization of energy markets, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. As workers in the oil and gas industry struggle to make ends meet, our nation is still counting on them to power hospitals and essential services. We must take action now to help an industry that supports nearly a fifth of our state's workforce and fuels our nation's economy. Today's bipartisan bill does just that by providing resources to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.\r\nDomestic production of oil and natural gas is essential to our national security, our economy, and our energy future, including our ability to drive innovation and production of cleaner energy, said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. Our energy producers are facing an unprecedented challenge that will have long-term ramifications for our energy independence and our energy future. Congress has an opportunity to provide relief for those who produce the energy we use every day and to make a strategic purchase that benefits all Americans. I am proud to introduce this legislation with broad, bipartisan support to do just that.\r\nToday's energy markets are in crisis due to the impact of COVID-19 and the senseless and malicious actions of the OPEC countries and the Russians, said Congressman Michael Burgess. Filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the right thing to do for a number of reasons. This action would improve the energy security of the United States, save taxpayer money, and address the shortage of storage for crude oil, while also giving American producers a brief window of relief to make plans for the new realities in the marketplace. This is why I joined in introducing this legislation, which is a targeted, prudent action that would allow the department to act quickly to address a temporary oversupply of oil in the market. We had previous opportunities that were not taken, I am grateful this legislation is on the road to solving a problem.\r\nOur nation's oil industry is essential to our economic and national security, and we need to do all we can to support our oil and gas workers. Given the challenges in our energy markets, we need to pass this legislation to fund the purchase of U.S. crude for the SPR and help alleviate supply pressures, said Senator John Hoeven, who is introducing the Senate bill. This legislation supports a crucial U.S. industry and its workers, as well as the American taxpayers who will benefit from greater economic and national security.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented economic crisis, greatly impacting the energy sector in Texas and across the nation. During these challenging times, we must invest in both renewable energy as well as preserve the record economic gains in the oil and gas industry the United States has obtained in the recent years. For this reason, I am co-sponsoring this legislation so we can fund and replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to protect the global market from a supply disruption. We must defend the energy sector and take care of the millions of American working families who rely on it. Replenishing the SPR will not only strengthen our economic well-being, but also our national security, said Congressman Henry Cuellar.\r\nCongressman Kelly Armstrong said: Foreign manipulation of oil prices and the economic effects of COVID-19 are threatening America's energy independence. The U.S. energy industry strengthens our national security and is a major economic driver, employing millions of workers directly and indirectly. The purchase of oil for the nation's strategic reserves will help domestic producers withstand these forces outside their control and protect our energy security.\r\nOur energy workers and sector are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign price wars, said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. Purchasing $3 billion from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is one way to maintain the integrity of America's oil and gas global leadership and provide much-needed relief for the energy sector. Millions of jobs are at stake in Texas and others if we do not act expeditiously.\r\nAs Texas producers struggle to adapt to a quickly changing energy landscape, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has capacity to help pick up some of the slack, said Congressman Marc Veasey. During this time, we must work together to ensure hardworking Americans can keep their jobs, and I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this legislation that will help Texans working in oil and gas sectors that our so important to our state and nation's economy.\r\nThe legislation will allow the Department of Energy to purchase oil, which will provide relief for domestic oil producers and help stabilize the energy markets.\r\nThe text of the legislation is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=242", "Rep. Horn Offers Hand to Governor to Speed Unemployment Process", "2020-04-21", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) sent a letter to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to address mounting concerns regarding the issuance of unemployment benefits in Oklahoma. In the CARES Act, Congress passed expanded unemployment assistance, including an additional 13 weeks of assistance to recipients, expanded eligibility for self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, and an additional $600 weekly Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit. Many eligible Oklahomans report they have been denied benefits and cannot get assistance from state agencies.\r\nCongresswoman Horn's letter to Governor Stitt is available here.\r\nI've heard from countless Oklahomans who are out of work and at the end of their rope, said Congresswoman Horn. I fought to make sure that unemployed workers would get the help they need in the CARES Act. We have to make sure those benefits get to the people who need them right away. I have heard from hairdressers, from oilfield workers, and people across the state who have been denied benefits, contrary to the stimulus law we passed. I hope Governor Stitt and I can work together to ensure that all Oklahomans get the help they need to make it through this pandemic. I stand ready to assist with federal support needed to fully implement the unemployment relief programs created under the stimulus bills we passed to help our communities during this crisis. We must act now to deliver help to Oklahomans in need.\r\nOn March 13, 2020, Congress passed the Family First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill provided $1 billion in federal funding to help states administer unemployment insurance programs, which have seen exponential growth in unemployment claims. Oklahoma qualifies for $10,963,616 in grant funding to hire new staff and increase access and transparency to the state's unemployment insurance program. The bill also provides no-interest federal loans to cover the costs of state unemployment benefits. Over 200,000 Oklahomans have filed for unemployment since mid-March.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237", "Rep. Horn and Problem Solvers Release Back to Work Checklist", "2020-04-20", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  On Monday, April 20, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus  made up of 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats, including Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5)  released its Reopening and Recovery Back to Work Checklist, a multi-prong, data-driven proposal focused on reopening America safely and reigniting the economy.\r\nThe 50-member Caucus found consensus on the bipartisan set of recommendations focused on public health, economic rescue, and stimulus plans for our country's immediate future. The plan has been delivered to Congressional leadership and the White House as options for immediate consideration in the next phase of Coronavirus response.\r\nThis bipartisan roadmap provides critical benchmarks and goals that our nation should meet before reopening America, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). This plan recognizes that there is no silver bullet in our fight against the COVID-19 crisis. Instead, we're going to need a data-driven, multi-faceted strategy which tackles health and economic challenges and gives our economy the best chance at reigniting. This is the kind of across-the-aisle work that should guide decision making during these trying times. It will take all of us working together to beat COVID-19 and make a full economic recovery.\r\nThe bipartisan checklist, available here, provides benchmarks measuring health care readiness, economic recovery, and infrastructure investment that must be met to reopen the country. Health care benchmarks include, but are not limited to, mass testing with rapid results, adequate PPE supply chains, a well-funded national stockpile of medical equipment, and regional and national frontline health care worker staffing. Economic benchmarks include the establishment of resilient supply chains, financing for businesses to reopen, workforce development, agricultural relief, and other measurements and goals for economic recovery.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=238", "Rep. Horn Introduces Bipartisan CARE for Kids Act", "2020-04-20", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  On Friday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) introduced the bipartisan CARE for Kids Act, legislation that would extend automatic eligibility for free school meals to certain vulnerable groups of children. Under the bill, children living in alternative or informal care arrangements, including those living with relatives such as grandparents would be eligible for free school meals. Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Don Bacon (NE-2), David Trone (MD-6), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15).\r\nWhile the stimulus legislation which Congress passed in March temporarily expands free school meal eligibility to all children for the remainder of the COVID-19 health crisis, the ensuing economic downturn is expected to plunge an estimated 10 million Americans into poverty, exacerbating hunger and food instability. In Oklahoma, expanded free school meal eligibility will run out on June 30 or when the federally declared public health emergency expires. The CARE for Kids Act would expand free school meal eligibility following the expiration of COVID-19 programs.\r\nOur fight against childhood hunger is taking on a new level of urgency, said Congresswoman Horn. Before the pandemic, one in four children in Oklahoma were food insecure. As tens of thousands of Oklahomans face unemployment, the struggle for many families to put food on the table is only going to get harder. After expanded school meal eligibility from the COVID-19 response ends, this bill will ensure that children who are being cared for by grandparents or other family members don't go hungry. The CARE for Kids Act is a bipartisan step toward ending childhood hunger made even more important by the crisis we face today.\r\nMany grandparents and other family members have taken on the responsibility of raising the children of kin who cannot because of opioids, other drugs, financial or alternative reasons, said Congressman Bacon. By granting access to the school meals program, we can better support vulnerable youth and these family members in the important and heartfelt task they have taken on.\r\nThe CARE for Kids Act is endorsed by anti-hunger organizations including the Food Resource and Action Center (FRAC), Hunger Free Oklahoma, the School Superintendent's Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation of Teachers, Association of School Business Officials International, Feeding America, Generations United, National Education Association, National Rural Action Committee, National Rural Education Association, School Social Work Association of America, and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.\r\nThe CARE for Kids Act builds on existing school meal eligibility for foster care by ensuring that local education agencies (LEAs), including Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, have the option to provide automatic eligibility to children cared for by a relative, children cared for by grandparents or other relatives due to placement by a State or Tribal Child Welfare Agency, and children living in grandfamily housing or receiving housing assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA).\r\n\"Children can sidestep the foster care system when a family member is able to take on a new role in that child's life,\" said Chris Bernard, Executive Director of Hunger Free Oklahoma. \"The CARE for Kids Act ensures these families receive the same support that foster families receive when taking on this new, and often unexpected, role of caring for children. We are grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman Horn and Congressman Bacon to help close this gap in support for families during a time of transition.\"\r\n\"Grandparents and other relatives caring for children impacted by the opioid epidemic will likely face additional challenges as the economic and health crisis created by COVID-19 continues to unfold,\" said Luis Guardia, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). FRAC is proud to endorse the CARE for Kids Act, which will ensure access to free, healthy school meals and provide struggling families with the critical nutrition and financial support they need.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=236", "Oklahoma Delegation Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing", "2020-04-17", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Today, Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation joined to honor and remember the tragic loss of lives in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 19, 1995. Twenty-five years ago, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was the target of America's deadliest act of domestic terrorism, claiming the lives of 168 individuals, including 19 children.\r\nClickhereto watch video.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-05):Twenty-five years ago, our city, our state, and our nation were shaken to the core when the deadliest act of domestic terrorism destroyed the Murrah Building, took the lives of 168 Oklahomans, and thrust our community into a spotlight we never sought,said Congresswoman Kendra Horn.\r\nIn the wake of this tragedy, in true Oklahoma-fashion, first responders, community organizations, faith leaders and the people of our state stepped up to help each other. Our community demonstrated how together, we can find strength and connection even in the wake of unbearable loss. What the world discovered, and what we already knew, was that this is the Oklahoma Standard. Now a quarter century later, we pauseto remember, to grieve those we lost, and celebrate the healing, strength, and resilience of Oklahoma City and our state  though not at all as we had planned. Instead of gathering together, we are trying wrap our heads around the fact that we cannot wrap our arms around each other. And as we navigate the unique challenges of this COVID-19 crisis, the Oklahoma Standard is our North Star. We continue to come together, to support each other and we will emerge on the other side with scars and with hope that we will once again create a brighter future.\r\nCongressman Frank Lucas (OK-03): Twenty-five years ago, the date April 19th took on an entirely new meaning to Oklahoma. On a cloudless Wednesday morning, our communities, our state, and our nation, were brought face to face with evil,said Congressman Lucas.\r\nFor many, the wounds are still painful. Every April 19th we remember the children, mothers, fathers, co-workers, and friends who lost their lives: children playing in the day care, co-workers rushing to their morning meeting, friends who had just said their last good-byes to their loved ones. But out of the ashes of evil, rose a stronger sense of community and hope. In the aftermath of the bombing, in what would become known as the Oklahoma Standard, first responders, neighbors, and individuals across our state came together to help rebuild a brighter and better future. As we remember and grieve those we lost, we also reflect on the examples set by Oklahomans on April 19th: the courage shown by our first responders, the strength of survivors and the families forever impacted, and leaders who offered hope in days of darkness. This year, on this 25th anniversary, we pause once more to honor those we lost and draw strength from a day that will forever be a catalyst for hope.\r\nU.S. Senator Jim Inhofe:It's hard to imagine 25 years have passed since the tragedy in Oklahoma City that shaped the people and character of our state,Inhofe said.\r\nI had close friends who died that day and I know so many others who lost family, friends, and loved ones. Many showed up to offer help in the aftermath and even more offered prayers and kindness. These acts of good came to be known as the Oklahoma Standard, something that lives on in all of us. Today, we take extra time to remember the one hundred and sixty-eight people lost that day and pray for their families, loved ones and the first responders who risked their lives for us all. You will not be forgotten.\r\nU.S. Senator James Lankford:Twenty-five years ago, on a day just like today, Oklahomans, and all of America, were struck with disbelief at the outpouring of irrational hatred on our friends and neighbors,said Lankford.\r\nThat morning took 168 of our loved family members, our friends, our neighbors, and our co-workers. In Oklahoma, we are still surrounded by those who survived and those who were changed forever. We love them with the Oklahoma Standard and choose to stand with them to remind the world of their loss and their courage. Today, we remember those unique lives lost, the survivors and every person who ran to help on our darkest day 25 years ago.\r\nCongressman Tom Cole (OK-04):It is an extraordinarily somber time for Oklahomans when we remember the despicable act of domestic terror that took place in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. The fateful memory of that day will forever be imprinted in my mind,said Congressman Cole.\r\nBut I will also never forget how Oklahomans swiftly and compassionately responded as our state was launched without warning onto a worldwide stage. Indeed, although the tragedy was one of the darkest days our state has ever experienced, Oklahomans shone triumphantly as a beacon of hope across the nation and around the world in the days and weeks that followed. As we pause to remember the 168 innocent lives prematurely taken from us and honor those who responded so nobly, we ought to draw courage and strength from that first clear glimpse of the Oklahoma Standard that was on display 25 years ago. Even in our most dire and destructive hour, we overcame.\r\nCongressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02):On Sunday, we join together to remember the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and the loved ones left behind on that horrible day 25 years ago. As we mourn the worst act of homegrown terrorism in our country's history, we also reflect on the resiliency of Oklahomans. By continuing to live out the Oklahoma Standard, we have shown the world that no matter the tragedy, Oklahomans will always rally together and help their neighbors.\r\nCongressman Kevin Hern (OK-01):I'll never forget the horror, pain, and grief I felt on April 19, 1995. It was an unthinkable act of violence and terrorism against our people. In the aftermath of the bombing, Oklahomans grew stronger and more united than ever before. Amidst heartbreaking tragedy, our communities poured out empathy and courage rather than fear. Today we fight a very different enemy, but I see the same courage that brought us through our darkest hour 25 years ago. We celebrate the memories of those who lost their lives in Oklahoma City, we honor the sacrifices of the first responders who charged towards danger when their city needed them, and we mourn with the families whose lives were irreversibly changed that day.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=234", "Rep. Horn Urges Both Parties to Fix and Fund Small Business Relief Program", "2020-04-16", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on congressional leadership to pass additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In the CARES Act, Congress provided $349 billion for PPP, a program which provides forgivable loans intended to pay business's payroll costs and overhead expenses so the company can retain workers or hire back those it has already laid off. The new PPP program ran out of funding on Thursday due to high demand from small businesses in need.\r\nWe should never treat relief for small businesses like a political football, said Congresswoman Horn. Small businesses are at the heart of our economy. The PPP program has already provided critical funding keep businesses afloat and workers employed during this crisis. There are some problems with PPP that we need to address. We must adjustments to strengthen access for our smallest and most vulnerable businesses, but that should not stop us from taking action. We cannot allow all-or-nothing politics to derail this important program. PPP is not a silver bullet that will fix this crisis, but we cannot allow a gap in funding to occur. I urge congressional leadership from both parties to stop the partisan games and to work together to fund PPP and the programs Americans need to make ends meet.\r\nSmall businesses in Oklahoma have taken out over 26,000 PPP loans totaling over $4 billion to meet payroll costs and stay afloat. But problems with the PPP and EIDL programs have limited access to needed relief for sole proprietors and other small businesses. Nationally, the $349 billion PPP program ran out of funding on Thursday. According to the Small Business Association (SBA), SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=233", "ICYMI: Over 7,600 Attend Rep. Horn Virtual Town Hall", "2020-04-15", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Over 7,600 Attend Rep. Horn Virtual Town Hall \r\n   Rep. Horn, Mayor Holt, and Dr. McGough answer COVID-19 questions \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Tuesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) hosted a COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Oklahoma City County Health Department Executive Director Dr. Patrick McGough. A total of 7,634 attendees called in to the town hall or streamed it live online. During the interactive event participants had the opportunity to submit questions about COVID-19 and the federal, state, and local response to the crisis.\r\nVideo of the COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall is available here.\r\nTuesday's Virtual Town Hall was Congresswoman Horn's sixth town hall of 2020. Last week, Congresswoman Horn hosted a Small Business Assistance Webinar with the Oklahoma District office of the Small Business Association (SBA). On March 22, Congresswoman Horn hosted a Telephone Town Hall with more than 6,000 attendees.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=232", "Rep. Horn Urges Democratic Process for Next Stimulus Bill", "2020-04-13", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Urges Democratic Process for Next Stimulus Bill \r\n   Congresswoman Horn leads letter pushing congressional leadership to incorporate Member input, provide bill text during stimulus consideration \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 13, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) led a letter urging congressional leadership to rely on a democratic process for passage of the next stimulus package. The letter urges transparent consideration of the next stimulus, the incorporation of Member input, and time to review legislative text before a vote. The letter, co-signed by five Members in the House of Representatives, is available here.\r\nAs we put together the next stimulus package, we need a bill that is timely, transparent, and targeted. I call it the three t's of good government, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. Today's letter calls for a process that gives Members of Congress time to review the next stimulus bill and provide input to make sure the bill focuses on the most critical needs during this crisis. Our communities deserve a process that is transparent to the public and prioritizes the efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars to save lives and livelihoods. It's time to put backroom politics aside and pursue bipartisan solutions that deliver help to the American people now.\r\nTo date, no bill text has been released for a Phase Four stimulus package, nor has bill text been released for interim coronavirus emergency relief proposed by leadership in the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=227", "Reps. Kendra Horn and Joe Neguse Introduce Bill to Provide Hazard Pay to Frontline Health Care Workers", "2020-04-12", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-05) and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2) have introduced new legislation to provide hazard pay for all frontline health care workers battling the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. The Hazard Pay for the Frontlines During Health Emergencies Act would require employers of healthcare workers to pay an additional 25 percent of worker's salary as hazard pay during public health emergencies and would ensure federal reimbursement for 100 percent of associated expenses.\r\nOur health care workers are putting their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and halt the pandemic, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn Today's legislation provides them with the hazard pay they deserve. We must continue fighting to ensure our health care workers receive the equipment and resources they need to save lives and protect our health.\r\nAs of Friday, April 10, a total of 286 health care workers in Oklahoma had contracted COVID-19, more than 15 percent of total cases statewide. On April 8, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Robert Redfield announced new guidelines for health care workers who have been exposed to the coronavirus to return to work if they are asymptomatic.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic is a battle, and our nurses, doctors, and first responders are on the frontlines every day, sacrificing their own health to save lives and protect our communities, said Congressman Joe Neguse. Our frontline workers deserve hazard pay for the duties they are performing throughout this pandemic and for putting their own lives on the line.\r\nView the bill text here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=226", "Rep. Horn, OKC Mayor David Holt to Hold COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall", "2020-04-10", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5)will hostaCOVID-19VirtualTown Hall on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:00PM CT.Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt andOklahoma CityCounty Health Department Executive DirectorDr. PatrickMcGoughwill join Congresswoman Horn for the virtual town hall. During the interactive event participants cansubmit questionsaboutCOVID-19and the federal, state, and local response to the crisis.\r\nOklahomans canparticipate inthevirtual townhall bystreaming live online atHorn.House.Gov/Liveor bycalling(877) 229-8493with pin number119401.\r\nMore than ever, Oklahomans need accurate public health information and resources to protect themselves and their loved ones, saidCongresswoman Kendra Horn.Responding to thispandemicrequires all of us working together. That means strong collaboration between federal, state, andlocal leaders.Every dayIhearfromOklahomanswith questions about access tohealth care andwhere they can turn for helpduring this historic crisis.I am grateful towork withMayor Holt and Dr.McGoughtoprovide answersthrough this virtual town hall.\r\nProviding accurate and frequent updates to the people of Oklahoma City is imperative during this pandemic, saidOklahoma City MayorDavid Holt.I'm glad to have this opportunity to share updates and address any questions our residents have regarding COVID-19.\r\nWe appreciate Oklahoma's elected officials advocating for Oklahomans during this unprecedented time, saidDr. PatrickMcGough,ExecutiveDirector of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. Congresswoman Horn's virtual town hall meetings have been a tremendous opportunity for residents to receive up-to-date information on the virus and how thepublic health response is working to mitigate it. I look forward to participating in the upcoming call, Dr.McGoughcontinued. \r\nCongresswoman Horn is committed to providing constituents with the needed information and help in the wake of COVID-19. Congresswoman Horn hosted her5th town hall of the year concerning the initial COVID-19 response at the end of March. Over 6,000 Oklahomans joined Congresswoman Horn and health care professionals. Audio of the town hall is availablehere.\r\nAdditionally, Congresswoman Horn hosted a Small Business Assistance Webinar with the Oklahoma District office of the Small Business Administration on Monday. Over 400 small business owners joined the webinar asking nearly 300 questions. The webinar is availablehere.\r\nNext week's virtual town hallis Congresswoman Horn's 6thtown hall of 2020.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=221", "Horn, Spanberger Lead Effort Urging Treasury Department & SBA to Fix Issues with Paycheck Protection Program, Encourage Additional Lenders to Issue Forgivable Loans to Small Businesses Amid COVID-19", "2020-04-07", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) today led an effort calling on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of the Treasury to takeimmediatesteps to encourage additional lenders to issue Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to small businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nThe PPPlaunched last Fridayis meant to distribute fullyforgivable loansforbusinesses to cover payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. However, small business owners have reported many barriers since the opening of the PPP programincluding lendersrefusingto take new applicationsforPPP loans and lenderssubjectingbusinesses to additional, burdensome requirements. Additionally, if a business' primary lender does not accept their PPP application because they do not meet that lender's preference, they are left with nowhere to turnas most lenders require previously established relationships as part of the application criteria. Unfortunately, these barriers might appear insurmountable to many small businesses, particularly as the PPP has a limited amount of funding that is being distributed on a first come, first served basis.\r\nIn alettersent to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza, Congresswoman Horn and Congresswoman Spanberger expressed their concerns about the PPP's shaky rollout and its consequencesforsmall businesses needing financial assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the lawmakers called on the SBA and the Treasury Department to provide additional guidance to PPP lenders that would clarify eligibility requirements and encourage lenders to provide PPP loans to all eligible businesses.\r\nWe were shocked and disappointed to learn that, contrary to Congressional intent, individual qualified lenders have been demanding additional requirements of businesses that wish to applyfora loan, including an existing small business relationship between the lender and the business,said Congresswoman Horn, Congresswoman Spanberger, and their colleagues. We ask that the SBA and the Department of Treasury provide additional guidance to PPP lenders that would clarify eligibility requirements and encourage lenders to provide PPP loans to all eligible businesses.\r\nLast month, President Trump signed the PPP into law as part of theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)Act, which Congresswoman Horn and Congresswoman Spanberger voted to passearlier that day.\r\nThe Horn-Spanberger letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Daniel W. Lipinski (IL-03), Joe Cunningham (SC-01), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).\r\nClick hereto read the letter. The full letter text of the letter is below.\r\n---\r\nDear Administrator Carranza and Secretary Mnuchin,\r\nWe write to urge yourimmediateattention and swift action on an issue that threatens the financial security and longevity of small businesses.\r\nOn March 27, the House passed the CARES Act (PL 116-136), which was shortly thereafter signed into law, to respond to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. As the public health measures necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus are taking a particular toll on small businesses, the CARES Act provides significant assistance to small businesses that otherwise might not survive the impact, including through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).\r\nThe PPP, found in Section 1102 of the CARES Act, is a $349 billion loan programmanaged by private sector lenders but guaranteed by the governmentto help small businesses keep afloat during a time of social distancing and mandatory business closures. As a resourceforsmall businesses, sole proprietors, contractors, and the self-employed, PPP loans are meant to be availableforsmall businesses, defined as having fewer than 500 employees, that have suffered economic hardship as a result of COVID-19.\r\nAccordingly, we were shocked and disappointed to learn that, contrary to Congressional intent, individual qualified lenders have been demanding additional requirements of businesses that wish to applyfora loan, including an existing Small Business relationship between the lender and the business. We ask that the SBA and the Department of Treasury provide additional guidance to PPP lenders that would clarify eligibility requirements and encourage lenders to provide PPP loans to all eligible businesses.\r\nThank youforyour attention to this critical matter andforyour work to address the economic impacts of this pandemic. Your swift action on this issue will help alleviate the concerns of our nation's small businesses, which are vital to our country and our communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=211", "ICYMI: Treasury Retracts Additional Filing Requirement for Social Security Beneficiaries", "2020-04-02", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Treasury Retracts Additional Filing Requirement for Social Security Beneficiaries \r\n   IRS will issue automatic payments to seniors following lawmaker outcry \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 2, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  On Wednesday evening the Treasury Department announced that Social Security recipients will automatically receive economic impact payments, retracting an earlier announcement that the Treasury would require all Americans who have not filed taxes to file an abbreviated return to receive their stimulus check. The reversal followed a call by Congresswoman Kenda Horn (OK-5) and other lawmakers yesterday for the Treasury Department to issue automatic payments to seniors, disabled vets, and other Americans for whom the Social Security Administration and federal government has information.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) released the following statement on Twitter:\r\nI'm happy to see @USTreasury making the right choice: Social Security recipients will receive economic impact payments automatically, no need to file an additional return. Thank you to those who joined my call for timely assistance for seniors and vets!\r\nCongresswoman Horn's original statement calling on the Treasury to issue automatic payments to Social Security beneficiaries is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=215", "Rep. Horn to Host Small Business Assistance Webinar", "2020-04-02", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FORIMMEDIATERELEASE\r\nApril 2, 2020  \r\nContact: Chris MacKenzie  \r\nCommunications Director  \r\nChris.MacKenzie@mail.house.gov  \r\n(202) 309-7010\r\nRep. Horn to Host Small Business Assistance Webinar\r\nRep. Horn continues fight to keep small businesses afloat during COVID-19 crisis\r\nOKLAHOMA CITY, OK Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) announced she will be hosting an online Small Business Assistance Webinar next Monday, April 6, from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Deputy Director John Veal from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Oklahoma District Office will join Congresswoman Horn on the webinar to discuss the process of the economic disaster loans, the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and other issues small businesses and nonprofits face during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested Oklahomans can register for the eventhere.\r\nSmall businesses and non-profits have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical we provide them with the answers, support and resources they need during this time, said Congresswoman Horn. I've heard from many small business owners with questions about the SBA's implementation of the new grant and loan programs. I want to make sure our business community has access to every resource available including the opportunity to ask questions directly to me and the SBA. I fought to pass programs to help small businesses weather the storm, and now we are hosting this webinar to help small business navigate the process.\r\nCongresswoman Horn fought for inclusion of direct financial support for small businesses in the last stimulus package. As Congress negotiated a stimulus deal, she introduced theToo Small To Fail Act, a bill to help small businesses and non-profits with immediate disaster relief grants and zero interest loans. Some provisions proposed in the Too Small To Fail Act are reflected in the small business relief provided under the third stimulus package, the CARES Act.\r\nAudio of the Congresswoman's recent Telephone Town Hall on Sunday, March 22, isavailable here. Every day, Congresswoman Horn is answering a constituent question during Questions with Kendra, a daily Facebook Live segment. Congresswoman Horn has answered constituent inquiries on the recent federal stimulus bills, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act. All segments are available on theCongresswoman's Facebook page.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216", "Rep. Horn to Congressional Leadership: Next Stimulus Must be Laser-Focused on Responding to Crisis", "2020-04-02", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  On Thursday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) sent a letter to congressional leadership urging the House and Senate to focus on targeted, bipartisan relief proposals in the next stimulus bill. The letter, which was signed seventeen House Members of the Blue Dog Caucus, condemns partisan proposals from both parties unrelated to the COVID-19 response, urging lawmakers instead to address the needs of frontline workers, the health care system, and the economy.\r\nCongress must stay laser-focused on addressing the health and economic crisis that our country now faces, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). This is not the time for partisanship or political pet projects. I am urging both parties to work together and focus the next stimulus package on providing the relief that struggling Americans need.\r\nThe full text of the letter to congressional leadership is below. A signed copy is available here. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer:\r\nAs this unprecedented public health and economic crisis continues to unfold, it is clear that Congress will have to revisit the evolving needs of our frontline workers, our health care system, our states, and our economy.\r\nIn a divided government, the only way Congress will be able to take meaningful action is to put politics aside and pursue bipartisan solutions that can pass a Democratic-led House and a Republican-led Senate, and can then go to President Trump's desk for a signature. At this point, both parties are guilty of having put forward partisan legislation that, in the era of divided government, would do nothing to contain the spread of COVID-19 or deliver peace of mind to the American people.\r\nWith lives and livelihoods on the line, there is no time to waste for partisan posturing. We urge all of you to work together and focus on bipartisan solutions that are specific to the pandemic response. If the partisan posturing continues in either chamber of Congress, our votes should not be taken for granted.\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic will affect the lives of every single American. In this pivotal moment, Americans are uniquely dependent on their leaders to do the right thing and put the country over party. The American people want to see the leaders of both parties talking to one another rather than at one another through the press. It is incumbent on all of us to meet this momentour country depends on it.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nKendra S. Horn\r\nMember of Congress\r\nOklahoma's 5th District\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=210", "Rep. Horn Calls on Treasury to Automatically Issue Economic Impact Payments to Social Security Recipients", "2020-04-01", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Horn Calls on Treasury to Automatically Issue Economic Impact Payments to Social Security Recipients \r\n   IRS guidelines say Americans who weren't required to file tax returns for 2018 or 2019 may need to file a simple tax return to receive an economic impact payment \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      April 1, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Wednesday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) called on Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul to provide economic impact payments automatically to seniors and other vulnerable populations who are not required to file taxes. The statement follows an announcement by the IRS this Monday indicating that people who do not typically file tax returns, including many seniors and others who receive benefits from the SSA, will need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive their payments under the recently enacted CARES Act.\r\nThe IRS announcement that many seniors, disabled veterans, and social security beneficiaries will have to file a simplified tax return to receive their economic impact payments goes against the spirit and the intent of the law that we passed, said Congresswoman Horn. The CARES Act is focused on delivering immediate help to Americans in need. That includes many Social Security and Veterans Administration beneficiaries who are not required to file taxes. Now the IRS has created unnecessary hurdles for those communities to receive help. I urge Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and Social Security Administration Commissioner Saul to uphold the intent of the CARES Act by allowing vulnerable groups to receive their economic impact payments without additional action.\r\nAn estimated 20 million Americans over the age of 65 do not file a federal income tax return each year, for many because their only source of income is Social Security benefits.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=208", "Rep. Horn Answers Constituents on Daily Questions with Kendra", "2020-03-30", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  In an effort to answer widespread questions about the COVID-19 health and economic crisis, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) has launched a daily Facebook Live segment called Questions with Kendra. Every day, Congresswoman Horn is answering a constituent question via live Facebook broadcast. Constituents can submit questions they have for Congresswoman Horn on her website at Horn.House.gov/Questions. Segments can be viewed on her Facebook page.\r\nDuring this time of uncertainty, Oklahomans have questions about how to make ends meet and how to protect themselves and their loved ones, said Congresswoman Horn. Last week, I hosted a telephone town hall and over 6,000 people dialed in to ask about issues ranging from unemployment benefits to testing access to assistance for small businesses. While we could not get to every question on the telephone town hall, I will continue to deliver answers every day as we navigate through this crisis. We are all in this together.\r\nOver the past week on Questions with Kendra, Congresswoman Horn has answered constituent inquiries on the recent federal stimulus bills, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act. Segments from last Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are available on the Congresswoman's Facebook page.\r\nAudio of the Congresswoman's recent Telephone Town Hall on Sunday, March 22, is available here. Congresswoman Horn plans to host a Small Business Assistance Webinar next Monday, April 6, and interested constituents may register for the event here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=207", "Rep. Horn Statement on CARES Act Passage in the House", "2020-03-27", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act by voice vote. Congresswoman Horn, who is completing a two-week self-quarantine in Oklahoma City following contact with a House member who tested positive for COVID-19, releases the following statement:\r\nOklahomans need relief now, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5). Though imperfect, today's bipartisan deal focuses support and relief where it is most needed and takes immediate and necessary action to address the health and economic crisis we face. For families and individuals struggling to make ends meet, this bill provides historic relief through expanded unemployment benefits and direct payments to 125 million Americans. For health care workers on the front lines, the CARES Act makes an unprecedented investment in personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and infrastructure. For small businesses, this legislation begins to deliver the resources needed to stay afloat and retain their workforce. And for taxpayers this bill provides strong transparency, oversight, and accountability. We must continue to work in a bipartisan way to deliver targeted relief. We cannot allow partisan politics to derail our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all in this together.\r\nThe CARES Act contains multiple provisions which Congresswoman Horn fought to include, among them are: immediate relief through grants and loans for small businesses, direct support for Tribal Nations, funding for mental health through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), and support for on-base military families, and help for local and municipal governments.\r\nA fact sheet on the CARES Act, with information on funding streams for health care, business loans, infrastructure, direct payments, and more, is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=206", "Rep. Horn Addresses Over 1000 Tribal Leaders at Virtual Town Hall", "2020-03-26", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Today, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) addressed over one thousand tribal leaders, government officials, and professionals including the executive directors of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, the National Indian Gaming Association, and the National Indian Education Association on a virtual town hall hosted by the Native American Finance Officers Association to discuss legislative advances for Indian Country in the wake of COVID-19.\r\nIndian Country cannot be left behind, said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. We know that Tribal Nations face a unique set of challenges as COVID-19 continues to spread. I am proud to champion bicameral, bipartisan efforts to fight for equal access to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) as well as federal funds for Tribal Nations, businesses, the Indian Health Service, education, housing, and food distribution. During this crisis, we must work to provide Tribal Nations with critical support and meaningful engagement that affirms Tribal sovereignty and the vital role they have as public health defenders and partners in combatting this epidemic.\r\n\"Congresswoman Kendra Horn demonstrated herleadership and commitment toaddressing the critical needs of Indian Country during the COVID-19 crisis by participating in today's virtual Tribal Leader Town Hall hosted by NAFOA. This is the second virtual town hall and is a coordinated effort of several national Native American organizations to provide direct updates to tribal governments throughout the country, said Dante Desiderio, the Executive Director of Native American Finance Officers Association. Congresswoman Horn discussed the bi-partisan support of Indian Country's inclusion in the third phase of COVID-19 stimulus legislation and stressed that continued open communication from tribal advocates is important for elected representatives to better understand the vital needs of this country's Indigenous people.\"\r\nThe bipartisan agreement on the CARES Act that passed the Senate early this morning includes an $8 billion dollar relief fund for Tribal governments and Tribally-owned entities to use as a result of COVID-19-related revenue declines. This will provide accessible, flexible funds for all federally-recognized Tribes to utilize for response and recovery, and to continue providing essential government services. The bill ensures that Tribes and Tribally-owned businesses have the resources they need to cover the costs of employee payroll and unemployment insurance. The CARES Act is expected to be voted on in the House tomorrow.\r\nOn Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn introduced the bipartisan Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act. This legislation would guarantee the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal health authorities, and urban Indian organizations access to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a federal repository of drugs and medical supplies that can be tapped if a public health emergency exhausts local supplies. Currently, IHS and tribal health authorities' access to the SNS is limited and not guaranteed in the SNS statute.\r\nCongresswoman Horn, a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, has worked closely with other members of Congress to develop policies that strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations and respect Tribal sovereignty.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=201", "Rep. Horn Statement on House and Senate Stimulus Proposals", "2020-03-24", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Monday, Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives introduced a wide-ranging $2.5 trillion stimulus package. The package includes legislative priorities unrelated to the COVID-19 response, like provisions aimed at reducing airline emissions. In the Senate, initial Republican proposals have provided inadequate oversight and transparency of a $500 billion business loan program and insufficient protections for U.S. workers.\r\nCongresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-05) releases the following statement on the competing proposals:\r\nWe don't have time for partisan games, said Congresswoman Horn. Our nation needs an immediate, targeted stimulus package that will keep Americans employed, keep businesses afloat, and protect our communities from the continued spread of COVID-19. This is not the time for either party to score political points with provisions that get us nowhere. This is a moment when we must find common ground and do what is in the best interest of the American people. During negotiations, I am focused on bringing Members of both parties together on provisions that will deliver direct support for workers, businesses, and families in need. Last week, as a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, we laid out clear priorities for the next stimulus package, including an economic response for individuals and businesses, health and food assistance, and infrastructure investment. Our work is too important to let partisan politics get in the way. I urge both parties to stop playing games and work together to pass a bipartisan stimulus package that delivers help to the American people now.\r\nCongresswoman Horn is also a Member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition which released its policy recommendations on Monday for both Congress and the Trump Administration to consider as they continue to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus priorities are available here.\r\nYesterday, Congresswoman Horn introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide Tribal Nations and Indian Health Services (IHS) access to the Strategic National Stockpile of medical supplies and drugs. Last Friday, Congresswoman Horn led a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership urging inclusion of funding for mental health services in the next stimulus package.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=195", "6,000 Constituents Join Rep. Horn Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19", "2020-03-23", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "6,000 Constituents Join Rep. Horn Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 \r\n   Rep. Horn and local health experts responded to COVID-19 questions \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      March 23, 2020\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Sunday evening, Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-5) hosted a COVID-19 Telephone Town with local health experts including Dr. Gary Raskob with the Oklahoma City County Health Department, Dr. Larry Bookman with the Oklahoma Medical Association, and Michele Bradshaw MSN, RN, with the Oklahoma Nurses Association. Audio of the telephone town hall is available here.\r\nI am grateful for the health experts and the 6,000 Oklahomans who joined our telephone town hall on COVID-19, said Congresswoman Horn. Over the course of the town hall, we heard from Oklahomans who are concerned about their health, doctors who are worried for their patients, and parents who want to know how to care for their children. While we have taken steps forward, passing emergency health funding and a stimulus package for American families, we still have work left to do to address this crisis and hold the Administration accountable for the efficient and effective distribution of resources. I will continue my fight to get Oklahomans the answers they deserve and the resources they need during this public health emergency.\r\n6,063 constituents joined the Telephone Town Hall by phone or by streaming the event on the Congresswoman's website. Sunday's Telephone Town Hall was Congresswoman Horn's sixth town hall of the year.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://horn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=197", "Rep. Horn Bill Would Provide Small Businesses with Immediate Grants and Zero Interest Disaster Relief Loans", "2020-03-23", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "OK", "Kendra Horn", "H001083", "horn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  On Monday, Congresswoman Kendra Horn introduced the Too Small To Fail Act, a bill to help small businesses and non-profits with immediate disaster relief grants and zero interest loans. Currently, Small Business Administration (SBA) interest rates for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are set at 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. The Too Small To Fail Act would provide $15,000 EIDL grants to impacted businesses and non-profits within three days of their application and would dramatically expand the availability of zero-interest, zero-fee SBA loans.\r\nOur small businesses and nonprofits are critical engines of economic opportunity and support in our communities, said Congresswoman Horn. The situation we are facing is not only a public health emergency, it is also an economic crisis which requires solutions now. I have heard directly from small business owners and non-profit leaders who want to know how to keep their organizations afloat during a growing economic disaster. The Too Small To Fail Act would provide immediate and needed support for our nation's small businesses and non-profits so they can keep their lights on, pay their bills, and support their workers.\r\nBy late last week, Oklahoma was on track to surpass 10,000 unemployment claims in a single week, the most initial claims in nearly three decades. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned last week that the U.S. unemployment rate could spike to 20 percent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\nCongresswoman Horn introduced the Too Small To Fail Act along with lead author Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-1) and original co-sponsors Reps. Max Rose (NY-11), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Andre Carson (IN-7), Susan Wild (PA-07), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). 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