{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"PA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-sanctions-on-russia-after-cyberattacks", "Casey Statement on Sanctions on Russia After Cyberattacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the Obama Administration\u2019s announcement of sanctions on Russia as a result of election hacking.\r\n\"The measures announced by the Obama Administration today are one part of holding Russia fully accountable for its cyber-attacks on the U.S. during the 2016 election and for a pattern of unlawful provocations.\u00a0 These additional sanctions and other steps send a clear message that attacks on our democracy are unacceptable and will have severe consequences. It\u2019s now time for Congress to demonstrate that the concern over these attacks is truly bipartisan and convene a special, select committee to investigate Russia\u2019s attempts to interfere with our elections and recommend steps that can be taken to ensure this never happens again. It\u2019s critical that President-elect Trump commit to fully enforcing these sanctions. Anything less will demonstrate weakness in the face of aggression and invite other hostile countries to conduct cyber-attacks against Americans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/in-2016-casey-produces-results-on-national-security-and-measures-to-help-pas-middle-class-seniors-and-kids", "In 2016, Casey Produces Results on National Security and Measures to Help PA’s Middle Class, Seniors and Kids", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 With 2016 coming to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) \u00a0has once again produced results that have enhanced U.S. national security and aided Pennsylvania\u2019s middle class, its seniors and kids.\r\n\u201cEven amidst partisan gridlock, Senator Casey has once again delivered measureable progress for our nation and Pennsylvania families,\u201d Jacklin Rhoads, Senator Casey\u2019s press secretary said. \u201cFrom passing into law measures to cut off terrorists\u2019 finances to his work to combat the opioid crisis and make sure young children have a fair shot at breakthrough medical treatments, Senator Casey has continued work as a champion for all Pennsylvanians.\u201d\r\nSnapshot\r\nDelivering resources to combat the opioid crisis \u2013 Throughout this Congress, Senator Casey has called for funding that would help communities treat those who are struggling with an opioid addiction. As part of a year-end bill, $1 billion in funding will be made available to Pennsylvania and all states. The funding is now law with the signing of the 21st Century Cures Act.\r\nCracking down on terrorists\u2019 finances in order to defeat ISIS \u2013 When it was revealed that the terrorist group ISIS was looting historical artifacts and other antiquities and selling them on the black market to finance their violence, Senator Casey brought Republicans and Democrats together to put a stop to it. Senator Casey passed into law the Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act to blunt the black market sale of these lucrative antiquities. This bill was enacted into law as H.R. 1493, which became Public Law 114-151 on May 9, 2016.\r\nProviding care for children born with opioid dependency \u2013 Senator Casey passed into law the Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act. This legislation updates and strengthens requirements under federal child abuse prevention law (the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act) designed to protect vulnerable infants affected by substance abuse. This bill was enacted into law as Sec. 503 of S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act, and renamed the Infant Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act; it was enacted as Public Law 114-198 on July 22, 2016.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nTackling the VA Claims Backlog \u2013 In 2013 and 2014, concerns about wait times and backlogs at the Veteran Administration (VA) dominated. Senator Casey met with veterans across Pennsylvania to assess the problem and this year passed into law a sweeping overhaul of the VA\u2019s disability claims process. The 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act passed the Senate on November 10, 2015. This bill was included in H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, which became Public Law 114-315 on December 16, 2016.\r\nHelping sick children get the care they need \u2013 Senator Casey led a bipartisan effort to enact into law his legislation, the Advancing Hope Act, which provides a valuable incentive to encourage the development of new drugs to treat serious rare diseases that affect children. Casey\u2019s legislation was part of the 21st Century Cures Act.\r\nWorking to reunite lost children with their families \u2013 Every year thousands of children go missing, yet an IRS loophole sometimes prevents parents from finding their children. Senator Casey passed into law the Recovering Missing Children Act that would allow taxpayer information from the Internal Revenue Service to be shared with state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of missing or exploited children. Senator Casey first introduced this legislation in 2011, and in 2012 with Senator Enzi. This bill was enacted into law as H.R. 3209, which became Public Law 114-184 on June 30, 2016.\r\nInvesting in medical research \u2013 For years, Senator Casey has met with researchers across Pennsylvania to highlight the need to invest in medical research that saves lives, creates jobs and powers Pennsylvania\u2019s economy. After years of funding cuts, Senator Casey helped to secure a $4.8 billion investment in the National Institutes of Health. The funding, which was made possible by the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act into law, will be available to researchers throughout Pennsylvania and the nation. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nResponding to disease outbreaks \u2013 In 2014 many lawmakers talked about the Ebola outbreak; Senator Casey went to work. In 2013, Senator Casey passed into law the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized and strengthened the federal government\u2019s response playbook for public health threats, including disease outbreaks. In 2016, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, Senator Casey passed into law the Medical Countermeasure Innovation Act (S. 2055) which further improved and streamlined parts of the law. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nAddressing global hunger \u2013 Senator Casey passed into law the Global Food Security Act (GFSA) of 2016, S. 1252. The law requires the Administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food insecurity and hunger. The strategy would emphasize agricultural development, improving maternal and child nutrition, building the resilience of communities, and civil society engagement. The GFSA was signed into law as Public Law 114-195 on July 20, 2016.\r\nKeeping prison officers safe \u2013 The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act. This legislation, named after a fallen prison officer in Northeastern Pennsylvania, requires the Bureau of Prisons to dispense pepper spray to all correctional workers in medium and high security federal correctional facilities who may be required to respond to an inmate emergency. This bill also includes a training requirement for employees authorized to carry pepper spray. Finally, the legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of the pepper spray program and whether it should be implemented in low or minimum security facilities. This bill was passed in the Senate on December 16, 2015, passed in the House on February 24, 2016, and signed into law on March 9, 2016, as Public Law 114-133.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cartwright-statement-on-un-security-council", "Congressman Cartwright Statement on UN Security Council", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 \u201cI believe the UN should focus on promoting peace in the region, not promoting one-sided resolutions. \u00a0Peace will come from bilateral negotiations between the two sides, and they must come to a place where both sides recognize and respect the other\u2019s right to exist and live in peace.\u00a0 One-sidedness can drive an additional wedge between the two parties and will not hasten the time when true peace can be realized.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-administration-decision-to-abstain-from-resolution-targeting-israel-at-un-extremely-disappointing", "Casey: Administration Decision to Abstain from Resolution Targeting Israel at UN “Extremely Disappointing”", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working Group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released a statement\u00a0following the Administration\u2019s decision to abstain from a UN resolution regarding Israel.\r\n\"I am extremely disappointed in the Administration's decision to abstain from today's vote. \u200eThis step reversed decades of a bipartisan commitment to using the voice and veto of the U.S. to prevent the UN from being used as a platform to advance positions that should be negotiated directly between the parties.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-un-resolution-regarding-israel", "Casey Statement on UN Resolution Regarding Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working Group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released a statement\u00a0on the current debate at the United Nations regarding a resolution aimed at Israel.\r\n\u201cI strongly urge Ambassador Power and the United States delegation to the United Nations to veto the resolution introduced by the Egyptian delegation before the UN Security Council this week if it comes to a vote, or any other one-sided resolution against Israel that may be offered in the coming days and weeks. Longstanding U.S. policy has been to stand with Israel against attempts to use the United Nations to internationalize the peace process, and that policy should be maintained. The best path to peace is direct talks between the parties, and resolutions like the one offered at the Security Council this week have the potential to move peace further from our reach.\r\nThe international community, the Palestinians, and the Israelis all have a responsibility to avoid actions that make it harder to get to negotiations and potentially undermine the path to a sustainable two-state solution.\u00a0 I am concerned that some delegations to the United Nations continue to advance counterproductive resolutions such as the one introduced this week, while they turn a blind eye to international crises that should demand our immediate attention and action, including the conflict in Syria and Russian aggression in Ukraine.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/visit-to-the-friends-of-the-poor", "Visit to the Friends of the Poor", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \r\nPrior to the holidays, Senator Bob Casey visited the Friends of the Poor for their Christmas Food Basket event where he assisted in distributing food for those who experience food insecurity. Friends of the Poor serve over 1,200 families each year at this event from the Lackawanna County and surrounding areas each year.\r\nCasey has been a longtime advocate in the fight against food insecurity and hunger in Pennsylvania and across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-invest-full-broadband-funds-in-pennsylvania", "Casey: Invest Full Broadband Funds in Pennsylvania", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Tom Wheeler, calling on the agency to adopt the recommendation of the PA Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) to keep Connect America Phase II funds, initially allotted to Pennsylvania but declined by a carrier in the state, within state lines to expand rural broadband for Pennsylvanians who need it most. The FCC is currently weighing whether to put the $23 million in declined funds up for competitive auction, which could lead to some of or all of the money going elsewhere.\r\nCasey wrote, \u201cAccess to broadband and advanced telecommunication technology are essential to full participation in economic and social life for every American. Pennsylvania has demonstrated a long-term commitment to achieving the goal of universal service so a family farmer in Susquehanna County has the same opportunity to compete and succeed as a graphic designer in Philadelphia\u2026..Pennsylvania\u2019s rural residents need this funding. According to the FCC\u2019s 2016 Broadband Progress Report, 20 percent of Pennsylvanians living in rural areas do not have access to high-speed internet, with that number rising as high as 69 percent in some counties. We need to do everything possible to expand access to this critical resource, and I support the PA PUC\u2019s recommendation that states like Pennsylvania receive their full allocation of CAF II support, including declined funds, for use within the state. I urge the FCC to adopt a response to the New York petition and the PA PUC comments that achieves this critical goal.\u201d\r\nThe full text of Casey\u2019s letter can be seen below.\r\nDear Chairman Wheeler:\r\nAs the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) considers how to allocate declined Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) money, I write in support of the recommendation included in the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission\u2019s (PA PUC) comments to the FCC, submitted on October 24, 2016, in response to a petition for expedited waiver of the FCC\u2019s CAF II rules filed by the state of New York.\u00a0 Given Pennsylvania\u2019s demonstrated commitment to expanding broadband access and its longstanding position as a net contributor to the Universal Service Fund (USF), I urge the FCC to adopt the PA PUC\u2019s recommendation. The recommendation aligns with the FCC\u2019s universal service goals and would prevent the undue penalty of Pennsylvania businesses and consumers that would result from an interstate transfer of CAF II funds solely as a result of a single carrier\u2019s decision to decline those funds.\r\nAccess to broadband and advanced telecommunication technology are essential to full participation in economic and social life for every American. Pennsylvania has demonstrated a long-term commitment to achieving the goal of universal service so a family farmer in Susquehanna County has the same opportunity to compete and succeed as a graphic designer in Philadelphia. As noted in the PA PUC\u2019s comments to the FCC, under Pennsylvania\u2019s multiyear incentive program to deploy broadband infrastructure, the PA PUC awarded $969.01 million in rate and revenue relief to affected incumbent local exchange carriers during the 2005-2015 time period alone. Over this time, Pennsylvania has also consistently ranked fifth in the country in terms of net USF contributions, with net contributions consistently exceeding $100 million and coming in at $132.27 million in 2014.\r\nThe PA PUC recommended that a state\u2019s declined CAF II funds, such as the $23.27 million in annual support declined by Verizon North LLC in Pennsylvania, should be retained by that state, rather than be subject to a competitive bidding auction process that could see those funds transferred to another state. The FCC, which objectively allocated that sum to Pennsylvania through a cost model, should ensure that states like Pennsylvania, with a demonstrated commitment to expanding access to advanced telecommunication technology and a proven capacity to implement effective programs to expand access to broadband, are not unfairly penalized by the transfer of unclaimed CAF II funds to another state. The $23.27 million in declined CAF funds from Pennsylvania represents fully 45.66 percent of the total CAF II allotment to the state. Losing all or part of this funding would be unfair to Pennsylvania residents in rural and high-cost areas and contrary to the FCC\u2019s goal of ensuring broadband access for all.\r\nPennsylvania\u2019s rural residents need this funding. According to the FCC\u2019s 2016 Broadband Progress Report, 20 percent of Pennsylvanians living in rural areas do not have access to high-speed internet, with that number rising as high as 69 percent in some counties. We need to do everything possible to expand access to this critical resource, and I support the PA PUC\u2019s recommendation that states like Pennsylvania receive their full allocation of CAF II support, including declined funds, for use within the state. I urge the FCC to adopt a response to the New York petition and the PA PUC comments that achieves this critical goal.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n________________________\r\nRobert P. Casey, Jr.\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/visit-to-the-network-of-hope-food-pantry", "Visit to the Network of Hope Food Pantry", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittspurgh, PA \r\nPrior to the holidays, Senator Casey visited the Network of Hope Food Pantry at Allison Park Church, a partner of the Pittsburgh Food Bank to assist in distributing food for those who experience food insecurity. Allison Park Church is both a Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and United Way partner and provides meals for 2,500 Pittsburgh area families throughout the year.\r\nCasey has been a longtime advocate in the fight against food insecurity and hunger in Pennsylvania and across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-for-the-record-on-the-jcpoa-with-iran", "Casey Statement for the Record on the JCPOA with Iran", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement for the record on on the JCPOA with Iran:\r\nMr. President, this week we are marking the one-year anniversary of the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This week, one year ago, my colleagues and I began the enormous task of reading, analyzing, and making a decision about whether or not we would support the deal.\r\nFor me, that task took six weeks of careful study, several classified briefings, countless meetings with experts and conversations with constituents. As I wrote, on September 1 last year, \u201cThis agreement will substantially constrain the Iranian nuclear program for its duration, and compared with all realistic alternatives, it is the best option available to us at this time.\u201d\r\nWe were under no delusions that the JCPOA would be a panacea for all of our problems with Iran.\u00a0 Rather, it was envisioned and designed to meaningfully address one major issue: Iran\u2019s pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.\r\nIn my decision, I wrote, \u201cWe need not, and indeed should not, trust the Iranian regime.\u201d On the one year anniversary of the deal, that statement remains true.\r\nOne of the strengths of the JCPOA is a robust, arguably unprecedented, monitoring and verification mechanism.\u00a0 We need to fully fund the International Atomic Energy Agency in support of its efforts to monitor Iran\u2019s compliance with the JCPOA; that\u2019s why I supported an increase to the U.S. voluntary contribution to the IAEA in this year\u2019s budget.\r\nWe also need to see greater transparency from the IAEA.\u00a0 On July 6, Ambassador Dennis Ross wrote, \u201cRecent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicate that Iran is in compliance with the JCPOA, but the level of information they provide is dramatically less than that found in previous IAEA reports on Iran's nuclear program.\u201d\r\nSpecifically, Ambassador Ross identified several key elements of the deal that were not included in the IAEA\u2019s most recent report: the amount of low enriched uranium currently stockpiled in Iran, the number of centrifuges still operating at Natanz, and research and development activity on centrifuges, to name a few. I urge the Administration to work with the P5+1 and the IAEA to increase the transparency of these reports. \u00a0If Iran is indeed complying, there should be no need to hide the details.\r\nMy decision was also predicated on the assumption that Iran would continue to foment instability and support terrorism in the region.\u00a0 The JCPOA did not address this issue, and likewise it in no way curtailed our ability to sanction and hold accountable terrorist groups and facilitators. These tough sanctions remain in full force and effect.\r\nIran continues its aggressive and destabilizing actions in the region, including by providing robust financial and material support to its terrorist proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as to the murderous Assad regime in Syria and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.\u00a0\r\nIran unequivocally remains the world\u2019s leading State Sponsor of Terrorism. The Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah recently stated, \u201cHezbollah\u2019s budget, its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, come from the Islamic Republic of Iran.\u201d\u00a0 We know that Hezbollah is seeking advanced rocket capability, which could be used against Israel. We know that Hezbollah has become the ground force of the Assad regime in many parts of Syria.\r\nLast week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Isakson called the Stop Terrorist Resources and Money, or \u201cSTORM\u201d Act. This bill will authorize the President to designate countries that are not doing enough to stop terrorist financiers and facilitators as \u201cJurisdictions of Terrorism Financing Concern.\u201d\u00a0 With that designation comes significant penalties or the requirement to enter into a technical assistance agreement with the United States to improve their capability to investigate and prosecute terrorist financiers.\u00a0 Although Iran is already designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the President could use this new authority to hold accountable jurisdictions where Iranian terrorist proxies and their supporters operate with relative impunity.\r\nWhen the Iranians complain that they are not getting the influx of European business that they anticipated following the deal, maybe they need to take a hard look at their support for terrorism.\u00a0 With the sanctions on Iran for terrorism and human rights still firmly in force, it is no wonder that European financial institutions and other businesses are wary of doing business in Iran.\r\nOne year on from the signing of the JCPOA, I continue to believe that implementation of this agreement is firmly in our strategic interests.\u00a0 We knew that implementation would be difficult and that the Iranians could not be trusted.\r\nRigorous Congressional oversight has been critical in this first year.\u00a0 We have pushed for increased sanctions on illicit ballistic missile activity, and the Administration responded. We have tightened sanctions on Hezbollah and introduced new legislation to counter terrorism financing more broadly.\u00a0 We have advocated for a transformative investment in our defense relationship with Israel, which continues to face threats from Iran and its proxies. We will continue to ask tough questions and demand answers.\r\nWe will also continue to prepare for the possibility that Iran may violate the agreement. This means maintaining the legal architecture that would be needed to snap back sanctions in the event of a violation; I have said that I will support a clean reauthorization of the Iran Sanctions Act.\u00a0 This also means toughening our deterrence policy, both here in Congress and in the White House, to ensure, as I wrote in my statement last year, \u201cThe Iranian regime should not doubt our capability and willingness to respond swiftly should they attempt to break out and develop a nuclear weapon.\u201d\r\nMr. President, one year after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed, we should redouble our commitment to ensuring that Iran cannot acquire a nuclear weapons capability and be firm in our resolve to counter their aggressive actions in the Middle East. But we should also commend the wisdom of this body for allowing the agreement to go forward, as it remains the best available alternative to constrain Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-calls-for-special-intelligence-report-on-russian-intervention-in-2016-election-seeks-doj-probe", "Casey Calls for Special Intelligence Report on Russian Intervention in 2016 Election; Seeks DOJ Probe", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) together with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Ed Markey (D-MA) today called for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 United States presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by January 20th, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation\u2019s sixteen intelligence agencies.\r\nThe senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDirect and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security\u2014it is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cWe strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congress\u2014this issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\n Full text of the senators\u2019 letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper: \r\nDear Director Clapper:\r\nWe request an immediate National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) regarding Russian efforts to manipulate the recent U.S. presidential election, including public release of its key judgments no later than January 20, 2017.\u00a0 Recently disclosed U.S. intelligence findings as publicly reported that Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election and sought to undermine our democratic institutions \u2013 and the consequences thereof (including possible future such attacks on the United States) \u2013 are deeply concerning.\u00a0 They make it imperative that information be provided to the public and Congress.\u00a0 Quite simply, deliberate interference in our election to favor a particular candidate is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\r\nOn Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help a particular candidate win the election.\u00a0 It further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton\u2019s campaign chair.\u00a0 Russia was also reported to have had a role in cyber intrusions in at least two U.S. state election systems.\u00a0 These were described as individuals or actors known to the intelligence community and part of a wider Russian operation to boost one candidate over the other.\u00a0 The Post quoted a senior U.S. official briefed at an intelligence presentation made to some U.S. senators as saying, \u201cIt is the assessment of the intelligence community that Russia\u2019s goal here was to favor one candidate over the other, to help Trump get elected.\u201d\u00a0 Also reported was that intelligence agency briefers told some senators as recently as last week that it was now \u201cquite clear\u201d that electing Trump was Russia\u2019s goal.\u00a0 In fact, you were quoted in early October as saying, \u201cWe believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia\u2019s senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.\u201d\r\nUnder President Putin, Russia has taken aggressive actions that are contrary to American interests and those of its key allies.\u00a0 Its military has seized land in Georgia and Ukraine and aggressively tried to sow disinformation and instability in European democracies.\u00a0 It plants false news, promotes a distorted and false narrative about threats to Russia and ethnic Russians in border states, funds political parties sympathetic to Russian interests, and reportedly conducts cyberattacks against key Western interests.\u00a0 Its proxies were recently implicated in a coup plot in Montenegro and were involved in murdering more than 300 innocent civilians in a downed commercial airline over occupied eastern Ukraine.\u00a0 Russian military forces have aggressively probed NATO-member airspace and waters, and conducted reckless intercepts of U.S. aircraft in international airspace.\u00a0 It has reportedly tried to manipulate upcoming German elections.\u00a0 Finally, Russian State TV host and Putin confidant Dmitry Kiselyov \u2013 also known as the Kremlin\u2019s Chief Propagandist \u2013 warned this year that \u201cimpudent\u201d U.S. behavior towards Russia may have \u201cnuclear\u201d consequences.\u00a0 Quite simply, Russia is determined to foster political chaos and institutional mistrust in the West and may have alarmingly succeeded in the United States.\r\nGiven the serious nature of these matters, with unprecedented national security implications, we believe that our intelligence community must prioritize a conclusive, public NIE to lay out the facts of this serious matter for the American people.\u00a0 Threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process must not become hostage to partisanship and narrow political interests.\u00a0 We know that Russia continues to make a concerted effort to undermine democratic institutions in the West and we fear we have fallen victim to their agenda.\u00a0 Such an attack on the United States must not go undisclosed.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\r\n Full text of the senators\u2019 letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch: \r\nDear Attorney General Lynch:\r\nWe urge the Department of Justice to publicly confirm that objective career Department professionals are conducting a criminal investigation into whether officials in the Russian government intervened in, or directed others to intervene in, the 2016 U.S. presidential election to help one candidate over the other.\u00a0 If such an investigation is not ongoing, we urge you to open one without delay.\r\nOn September 28, 2016, Director James Comey of the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified before the House Judiciary Committee and was asked about the Department\u2019s standard for commenting on whether an investigation is underway.\u00a0 Director Comey stated that \u201c[o]ur standard is we do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations,\u201d but he cited examples of \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d that he said justified commenting on the existence of investigations, including \u201cwhen there is a need for the public to be reassured\u201d and \u201cwhere the public needed transparency.\u201d[i]\r\nSurely this is just such an exceptional circumstance.\u00a0 On December 9, the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Russia moved deliberately to help elect one candidate as president of the United States.\u00a0 The Post further reported that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified individuals with connections to Russia\u2019s government who provided WikiLeaks with thousands of hacked emails from one U.S. party\u2019s national political committee and campaign chairman.\u00a0 Deliberate hacking of national political party and campaign staff email systems in order to tilt the election results in favor of the candidate deemed more sympathetic to Russian interests is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security.\u00a0 The public needs transparency and reassurance that the Department of Justice is actively investigating these matters and that, if the investigation finds evidence that Russian officials perpetrated or directed such acts, appropriate criminal charges will be announced.\r\nThe American people need to know that threats to our national security and the sanctity of our democratic process will not go unexamined and unchallenged by the Department of Justice.\u00a0 We must ensure that a foreign government cannot undermine our democratic institutions and elections as a means to serve its own interests.\u00a0 We urge you to publicly confirm that a criminal investigation into these matters is underway or will immediately be opened.\r\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-tillerson-nomination-to-lead-state-department-would-raise-serious-questions", "Casey: Tillerson Nomination to Lead State Department Would Raise Serious Questions", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the National Security Working Group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released a statement following reports that President-elect Donald Trump will nominate the Chief Executive of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson, as Secretary of State.\r\n\u201cThe reports that President-elect Trump will nominate\u00a0Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, coupled with the recent revelation by the Washington Post that the CIA believes that the Russian government interfered in our election to aid Mr. Trump raise serious questions about whether the incoming Administration will adequately stand up to Russia\u2019s aggression. Mr. Tillerson, the Chief Executive of ExxonMobil, has been described as having \u201cclose ties\u201d to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr. Tillerson signed an energy agreement worth $500 billion with Russia in 2011 and was awarded one of Russia\u2019s highest honors in 2012, the Order of Friendship decoration.\u00a0After Russia illegally invaded a sovereign country, Ukraine, in 2014 and annexed Crimea, Mr. Tillerson argued against the international sanctions that held Russia accountable. Additionally, according to reports, Mr. Tillerson has extensive investments throughout the world and will need to explain how, as Secretary of State, he would divest himself from these investments in order to remove conflicts of interest.\r\nPresident-elect Trump\u2019s fascination with Mr. Putin, Mr. Tillerson\u2019s unusual relationship with Mr. Putin and the revelations about Russia\u2019s attempt to influence the election in favor of President-elect Trump raise unprecedented and profound questions that must be addressed immediately.\r\nThe Russian Federation, under President Putin\u2019s leadership, has violated the sovereignty of Ukraine and Georgia in addition to committing war crimes in Syria. President-elect Trump must stand up to Vladimir Putin and nominating Mr. Tillerson as Secretary of State raises serious doubts about whether President-elect Trump will stand up for America\u2019s interests.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-calls-on-congress-to-stand-up-for-miners", "Casey Calls on Congress to Stand Up for Miners", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey Calls on Congress to Stand Up for Miners \n            U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)  held a press conference calling on Congress to do what is right and pass a reasonable solution for retired miners\u2019 healthcare and pensions. The Senators were joined by retired UMWA miners who will be affected if Congress leaves without a long-term fix.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-hatch-cassidy-introduce-legislation-to-ease-college-transition-for-students-with-disabilities", "Casey, Hatch, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Ease College Transition for Students with Disabilities", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the RISE Act in a push to ease the burden of transitioning to college life for students with disabilities. The act, which amends the Higher Education Act (HEA), would clarify that documentation used in K-12 education and other settings to receive special education or accommodations would be acceptable as proof of a disability for students in higher education.\r\n\u201cThe RISE Act clears the path for students with disabilities to get the support they need to thrive and succeed in college,\u201d Casey said. \u201cNo student with a documented disability should have to incur additional costs to prove it when they get to college and I commend the disability community and higher education for working together with me on solving this critical issue.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve always sought to champion the rights of those with disabilities. An important part of these efforts was the Americans with Disabilities Act, a bill I authored\u00a0 that fundamentally changed the way we treat disability accommodations,\u201d Hatch said. The RISE Act carries on this legacy by removing obstacles for students with disabilities and ensuring they have every chance to succeed in pursuing educational opportunities.\u201d\r\n\u201cObtaining resources that should already be available to you should not be a struggle,\" said Dr. Cassidy. \"Making sure students with disabilities have easy access to the services that will help them succeed should be a priority.\"\r\nThe RISE Act addresses several existing issues within the Higher Education Act that serve as unnecessary barriers for students with disabilities and their families. Currently, students who have already been diagnosed with a disability in their K-12 years or in other settings must go through new testing to re-qualify for disability services during their post-secondary educations. Instead of forcing these students to expend the time and energy to go through new diagnostic testing, the RISE Act would allow previous documentation to be accepted as proof of a disability.\r\nThe RISE Act would also make school policies and data more transparent for students and families so they can make informed decisions on the college that best fits their needs. Finally, the bill also provides additional support for technical assistance to colleges and universities to better serve individuals with disabilities.\r\nThe RISE Act is endorsed by the following organizations:\r\nThe National Center for Learning Disabilities - AIM Institute for Learning and Research - American Association of People with Disabilities - American Association of State Colleges and Universities - American Council on Education - Association of American Universities - Association of Public and Land-grant Universities - Association of University Centers on Disabilities - Autistic Self Advocacy Network - Decoding Dyslexia Network - Eye to Eye - Learning Disabilities Association of America - National Alliance on Mental Illness - National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities - National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities - National Down Syndrome Congress - Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children - The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-house-and-senate-republicans-have-betrayed-pa-coal-miners-and-their-families", "Casey: House and Senate Republicans Have Betrayed PA Coal Miners and their Families", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement on the Senate\u2019s vote on the Continuing Resolution, which did not include an adequate fix for the health care and pensions of Pennsylvania coal miners and their families:\r\n\u201cBy failing to pass into law an adequate solution for coal miners and their families who stand to lose their health care and pensions in the new year, Congressional Republican leadership has turned its back on coal miners and their families in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. For well over a year, I have worked in a bipartisan way to build substantial support for the Miners Protection Act, which ensures that the federal government keeps the promise of pensions and health care that it made to coal miners and their families in 1947. The legislation cleared the Senate Finance Committee 18-8 and is fully paid for, yet Congressional Republican leaders have put rigid ideology ahead of health care and pensions for 89,000 beneficiaries throughout the nation and 12,951 in Pennsylvania.\r\nThe four month \u201cfix\u201d dropped into Congress\u2019 year-end bill is an insult to every coal miner and every family member whose loved ones descended into the depths and darkness of our nation\u2019s coal mines. It is so short a time that recipients would be notified almost simultaneously that they are both eligible for benefits and that their benefits will terminate. These are people who have risked their lives over and over again for our nation- from working in the mines to serving abroad in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Our government told them that if they did their job then we would do ours and ensure the promise of pensions and health care was kept for them and their families. Coal miners kept their promises to their families, their country and their employers. It is time for Washington to keep its promise to miners and their families. The people in Pennsylvania whose lives actually depend on this bill are in many cases living lives of struggle and sacrifice. Some of them wrote to me about what this bill means to them. One couple from Johnstown in Cambria County wrote, \u201cWe are in our late 70s and desperately need our pension and hospitalization. We will not be able to make ends meet without them.\u201d A man from Greene County wrote to me saying:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cMy Mother is a widow. My father passed away three years ago. She now lives on a fixed income. Her life depends on this passing. She has cancer and will need surgery. I am taking her to see a doctor on November 29 to talk about the surgery. If she loses Her health care before the surgery she will not be able to pay for it. Once the health care is stopped they will try to stop the pension as well. That would be absolutely devastating for Her. She can not get a job because she is disabled and now has cancer.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThese Pennsylvanians don\u2019t need some half-baked political solution; they need the certainty of quality health care and a secure pension now. Congressional Republican leadership has chosen to leave Washington, D.C. while a widow in Greene County will spend the holidays worried about whether she will have the health care and the pension that the government promised her and her husband many years ago. We have an abiding obligation to her and thousands like her, but House and Senate Republicans have betrayed them.\r\n\r\nThis evening, I voted against the Continuing Resolution in protest of the inadequate fix to the issue of coal miners\u2019 health care and pensions. In the new Congress, I will not stop fighting for these miners and their families until the Miners Protection Act is enacted into law.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-to-improve-quality-of-health-care-for", "Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Improve Quality of Health Care for Older Americans", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17) re-introduced legislation to improve the quality and lower the cost of health care for older Americans.\u00a0\nThe Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act of 2016 (H.R. 6485) would establish demonstration projects to test models of care that use direct-care workers (DCWs) in advanced roles.\u00a0 DCWs include nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides and usually work in the client\u2019s home or in residential settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. \u00a0These workers are often responsible for treating the six in ten Americans 65 years old and over who suffer from multiple chronic conditions or are at risk of re-hospitalization.\n\u201cI am proud to introduce a bill that addresses the growing need for improved training and efficient use of direct-care workers,\u201d said Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cIn Pennsylvania alone, older citizens comprise more than 15 percent of the population, and direct-care workers are among the fastest growing occupations in the state.\u00a0 This legislation would help improve the care offered by direct-care workers and lower care costs for both older Americans and the health care industry.\u201d\nThe Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), a leading authority on direct care workers, has endorsed the bill.\nAccording to Jodi M. Sturgeon, President of PHI, \u201cThis bill recognizes the untapped potential of the direct- care workforce to improve care and lower costs within new care coordination models.\u00a0 With adequate training, compensation, and support, a newly created \u2018advanced aide\u2019 position could support health promotion, better chronic care management, and care transitions, resulting in less institutionalization and fewer re-hospitalizations.\u201d\nDCWs provide an estimated 70-80 percent of the long-term care and personal assistance received by older adults in the U.S.\u00a0 However, DCWs are not often recognized as essential contributors to care teams.\u00a0 Moreover, few programs exist to train DCWs for the advanced skills needed to support better health care and reduce re-hospitalizations.\nThe bill would amend Title IV of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish six, three-year demonstration projects. \u00a0All demonstrations would focus on care coordination and improved delivery of health services for older adults with chronic illness or at risk of re-hospitalization. Of the six demonstration projects:\n Two will use the abilities of DCWs to promote smooth transitions in care and help to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions. DCWs will be incorporated as essential members of interdisciplinary care coordination teams.\n\tTwo will focus on maintaining the health and improving the health status of older adults with multiple chronic conditions and long-term care needs. DCWs will help monitor health status, help consumers follow prescribed care, and educate the consumer and family caregiver(s).\n\tTwo will train DCWs to take on deeper clinical responsibilities related to specific diseases, such as Alzheimer\u2019s, dementia, congestive heart failure, and diabetes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/republicans-reject-doyle-%E2%80%9Cbuy-america%E2%80%9D-amendment-water-infrastructure-bill", "Republicans Reject Doyle Buy America Amendment to Water Infrastructure Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 December 7, 2016 \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) and Walter B Jones (R-NC-3) called on the House Rules Committee to allow their \u201cBuy America\u201d amendment to be considered by the full House when it takes up S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIINA). Moments ago, House Rules Committee Republicans voted unanimously against allowing consideration of the Doyle-Jones amendment.\n\u00a0\n\u201cOur country depends on good manufacturing jobs to support their families, and this amendment would give those families peace of mind,\u201d Congressman Doyle said in his testimony before the Rules Committee. \u201cOur tax dollars should support American manufacturers and help preserve these communities across the nation that are struggling.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis amendment is very simple,\u201d Doyle added. \u201cAll this is going to do is to codify the Buy America provisions for the EPA\u2019s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, making them permanent. This isn\u2019t something new. This merely just brings them into line with other federal infrastructure programs. Other clean water programs like the EPA\u2019s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program have permanent Buy America provisions. Other major taxpayer-financed programs like the Department of Transportation\u2019s funding for transit, highways and rail have permanent Buy America provisions.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cI believe that taxpayer dollars should solely support American-made infrastructure. Unfortunately, current provisions in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund are weak and Buy America text is only written for FY 2017,\u201d Congressman Jones said. \u201cMy colleagues and I introduced legislation to ensure Congress never puts a limit on supporting this country\u2019s economy. I hope to see this amendment permanently included in WIINA.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, which would authorize the construction of locks and dams, flood control projects, and other water-related infrastructure across the country, is being considered by the House this week.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nBuy America requirements for iron and steel used in many of those projects were enacted into law years ago. The Senate adopted language making the Buy America requirements for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) permanent earlier this year with broad bipartisan support, but that language was replaced in recent days with a provision that would only extend the DWSRF Buy America provisions for a year.\n\u00a0\nThe Doyle-Jones amendment would make the DWSRF Buy America requirement permanent.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe House Rules Committee sets the terms under which a bill is considered on the House Floor, including which, if any amendments can be considered.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAfter the Committee vote, USW president Leo Gerard said, \"The Doyle-Jones amendment would have restored permanent Buy America provisions to drinking water infrastructure funding, and with more than 15,000 workers in the steel industry on layoff, this amendment would have allowed members of the House of Representatives to show they stand with American workers.\"\n\u00a0\n\u201cI will continue to work to protect American manufacturing jobs \u2013 including by making this Buy America provision permanent,\u201d Doyle pledged after the Rules Committee vote.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/10-days-later-trump-refuses-to-lift-a-finger-to-save-pensions-health-care-for-coal-miners", "10 Days Later: Trump Refuses to Lift a Finger to Save Pensions, Health Care for Coal Miners", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Nearly ten days after writing to President-Elect Donald Trump with no response, \u00a0U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) are renewing their call to Republicans to keep their promise to save coal miner\u2019s pensions. Days ago, the Senators sent a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump, urging him to uphold his promise of helping coal miners across the country and call on Republican leadership in the House and Senate to pass the Miners Protection Act of 2016.\u00a0\r\nDespite bipartisan support of the legislation that would allow coal miners to permanently retain their promised healthcare and pensions, Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan refuse to bring this legislation to the floor. Instead, Republican leadership included a proposal that does nothing to protect pensions, and will extend health coverage for so short a time that recipients would be notified almost simultaneously that they are both eligible for benefits and that their benefits will terminate. \u00a0Unless action is taken in the last two weeks of the Congressional session then thousands of additional retired coal miners and their families will soon lose their health benefits and see their pensions endangered. \u00a0\r\n\u201cDuring your campaign for the presidency, you vowed to restore and improve the livelihoods of coal miners across the country,\u201d Senators wrote to the President-Elect. \u201cWithout immediate action on the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470), our miners and their families will be left without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work and will have their pensions imperiled.\u201d\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear President-elect Trump:\r\nDuring your campaign for the presidency, you vowed to restore and improve the livelihoods of coal miners across the country. We write today to highlight the pending loss of the pensions and healthcare benefits of thousands of coal miners due to the inaction of Republican leadership in Congress, and to urge you to intervene on their behalf, in accordance with your campaign promises.\r\nWe ask you exercise leadership to help thousands of coal miners in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois and across the country retain their promised healthcare and pension. Without immediate action on the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470), our miners and their families will be left without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work and will have their pensions imperiled. Despite being passed the Senate Finance Committee by a bipartisan vote of 18 to 8, Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan refuse to bring this legislation to the floor for a vote or to attach it to other moving vehicles.\r\nAs of today, over 16,100 of our nation\u2019s retired coal miners received healthcare termination notices[1]. The funding to provide healthcare promised by the coal companies will be exhausted by the end of the year. Next year, 6,500 more will receive that same letter. The pension fund that our miners, their widows and families rely on for basic necessities, will be at risk of insolvency at the beginning of next year. That means pensions for 27,391 miners in West Virginia, 12,951 miners in Pennsylvania, 9,511 miners in Kentucky, 8,810 miners in Ohio, 8,807 miners in Illinois, 7,507 miners in Virginia, and over 89,000 miners nationwide are at risk. The Miners Protection Act of 2016 must pass by the end of this year to protect tens of thousands of coal miners from losing their healthcare and pension. \r\nFor over a year, we have tried to move this bipartisan legislation forward, yet the House and the Senate, which Congressional Republicans control, have refused to bring this measure up for a vote. Time is running out for our miners. Action cannot wait, nor does it need to. There are two vehicles to which the Miners Protection Act could be passed before the end of the year to ensure its critical enactment into law, the 21st Century Cures Act or the Continuing Resolution. It is unconscionable for your Republican Congressional leadership to refuse to add this legislation to either of the last two moving pieces of legislation for the year.\r\nRank and file members of both parties have called for passage of the Miners Protection Act repeatedly over the course of the year, only to be met with stonewalling and delay from Republican leadership. We urge you call on Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan to take immediate steps to ensure passage of the bill on one of the few remaining vehicles available to Congress before the end of the year.\r\nThe health benefits and pensions of thousands of hard working coal miners hang in the balance.\u00a0 Democrats have done their part.\u00a0 It is time for Republican leadership to do the same.\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nSincerely,\r\n###\r\n    \r\n\r\n[1] See sample notice dated October 5, 2016 from Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employees\u2019 Beneficiary Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-crash-of-pakistan-international-airlines-flight-661", "Casey statement on Crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 661", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 661:\r\n\"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the tragic crash of Pakistan International Airlines Flight 661. The U.S. should offer any assistance or support necessary to determine the cause of the crash and ensure the victims' families get the answers they deserve. We stand with the people of Pakistan in mourning those killed in this horrific incident.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-pruitt-nomination", "Casey Statement on Pruitt Nomination", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Scott Pruitt as the next head of the EPA:\r\n\u201cPresident-elect Trump\u2019s nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as the next head of the Environmental Protection Agency are very troubling. Attorney General Pruitt\u2019s views on environmental protection are unambiguous- he\u2019s against it. A 2014 investigative report from the New York Times detailed how, under Scott Pruitt, the Attorney General\u2019s office in Oklahoma did the bidding of major companies that would pollute the air our children breathe and the water they drink. The job of the Administrator of the EPA is to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission to \u201cprotect human health and the environment,\u201d not to do the bidding of major polluters. Attorney General Pruitt is also leading the effort to overturn the Clean Power Plan, which is vital to getting control of our energy future and creating clean energy jobs. \u00a0Pennsylvania has a long history of respect for the environment. Article 1, Section 27 of our state constitution says:\r\n\u201cThe people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.\u201d\r\nI do not have confidence, based upon Attorney General Pruitt\u2019s record, that the EPA under his leadership would be willing to enforce our environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/end-of-year-bill-is-profound-betrayal-of-pa-coal-miners", "End of Year Bill is Profound Betrayal of PA Coal Miners", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "End of Year Bill is Profound Betrayal of PA Coal Miners \n            For several months, we have joined thousands of our states\u2019 retired coal miners and their families to call for a vote on this bipartisan, paid-for bill. And for several months those calls have gone unanswered. These miners cannot wait another day and it\u2019s up to us to protect what they\u2019ve earned for a lifetime of dangerous, backbreaking work. We are confident this bill would pass on the floor and we demand action to provide long-term certainty for these miners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/after-casey-pushes-heroin-epidemic-gets-needed-funding-to-address-americas-problem", "After Casey Pushes, Heroin Epidemic Gets Needed Funding To Address America’s Problem", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As the Senate passed sweeping health reform legislation today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced several major wins in the 21st Century Cures Act he advocated for on behalf of Pennsylvanians, including $1 billion to help states respond to the opioid abuse epidemic. Casey has long been an outspoken advocate in addressing the heroin crisis, leading several key pieces of legislation to passage to provide more funding and training in handling heroin abuse. He has also spent the last two years traveling across Pennsylvania to meet with health providers, law enforcement officials, and families impacted by the epidemic.\r\n\u201cThis critically important legislation includes several key provisions that will help to improve the health and overall lives of Pennsylvanians, including funding to address the ongoing opioid abuse epidemic,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cThe crisis of opioid addiction gripping our nation knows no bounds; it impacts families everywhere, from cities to suburban communities to rural areas and everywhere in between. While this legislation will help states to further respond to this epidemic, we still have more work to do.\u00a0 I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue to address this crisis.\u201d\r\nThe legislation includes increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next ten years and incentives for medical countermeasure development, priorities Casey has consistently championed. Casey also took the lead in ensuring further extension of the pediatric priority review voucher program, established by his Creating Hope Act, and then extended by the Advancing Hope Act.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-congress-end-of-year-bill-is-profound-betrayal-of-pa-coal-miners-their-families", "Casey: Congress’ End of Year Bill is Profound Betrayal of PA Coal Miners, Their Families", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the release of Congress\u2019 year-end Continuing Resolution, which keeps the government funded. The legislation does not prevent coal miners in Pennsylvania and across the nation from losing their pensions and health care; the bill only includes a four month extension of health care benefits without any pension relief, so short a time that recipients would be notified almost simultaneously that they are both eligible for benefits and that their benefits will terminate.\r\n\u201cThis so-called \u2018fix\u2019 designed in secret by Congressional Republican leadership is nothing more than a profound betrayal of coal miners and their families in Pennsylvania and across the nation. The Miners Protection Act ensures that the federal government will keep the promise of pensions and health care to coal miners and their families. This proposal does nothing to protect pensions, and will extend health coverage for so short a time that recipients would be notified almost simultaneously that they are both eligible for benefits and that their benefits will terminate. For over a year, I\u2019ve worked in a bipartisan fashion to move this legislation forward, yet the Republicans\u2019 congressional leaders, Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell, have refused to work in good faith to schedule a vote. \u00a0Last week I wrote to President-elect Trump asking him to use his influence with Congressional Republicans to include the Miners Protection Act in an end of the year bill. The provisions relating to coal miners included in the Congress\u2019 end of the year bill is a shameful slap in the face to men and women who have given so much for our nation. We have a bipartisan bill that is fully paid for, there is no reason for delay.\u201d\r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-named-to-important-steering-and-policy-committee", "Cartwright Named to Influential Steering and Policy Committee", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that he has been appointed to serve on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee by the House Democratic Leadership.\nThe committee\u2014which includes other members of Leadership, appointed members, and regionally elected members\u2014advises the House Democratic Leadership on policy and appoints other Democratic Members of Congress to House committees.\n\u201cI am honored to accept this appointment to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.\u00a0 Listening to the needs of working Americans and figuring out how to connect with them on our policy agenda is critical work for the Democrats, and I intend to engage in that endeavor at every opportunity,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cDuring the 115th Congress, I plan on looking for ways to help guide our Caucus towards the right policies coupled with effective messaging.\u201d\u00a0\nBoth parties on Capitol Hill are currently gearing up for major policy battles in 2017.\n\u201cThe 17th Congressional District is a working class district with challenges similar to those of many other areas of the Northeast and Midwest,\u201d continued Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to bringing our northeastern Pennsylvania perspectives and values to this important committee.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-cartwright-school-energy-efficiency-legislation", "House Passes Cartwright School Energy Efficiency Legislation", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright\u2019s Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2015 (H.R. 756) unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.\u00a0 First introduced in February 2014, the bill also unanimously passed the House during the 113th Congress.\nThe bipartisan legislation, re-introduced by Cartwright in January 2015, would encourage school administrators to make cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades by establishing a clearinghouse for energy efficiency resources through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.\u00a0 The clearinghouse will publish information on federal programs and financing tools that may be used to perform energy generation, energy efficiency, and energy retrofitting projects on schools.\n\u201cI am pleased that the House is prioritizing energy efficiency by once again passing this bill, and I\u2019m working with my colleagues in the Senate and encouraging them to act quickly on passage,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill will ensure that schools can more easily take advantage of energy-efficiency programs, encouraging strategic and cost-saving investments to relieve the fiscal pressure felt by schools across the country--all while bringing us closer to energy security.\u201d\nAccording to the Department of Energy (DOE), the nation\u2019s 17,450 K-12 school districts spend more than $6 billion annually on energy, more than is spent on computers and textbooks combined.\u00a0 Currently, there are numerous federal initiatives available to schools to help them become more energy efficient. \u00a0However, these programs are spread across the federal government, making it challenging for schools to know where to look and how to take full advantage.\nAn estimated 14 million American children attend deteriorating public schools.\u00a0 Many of these schools\u2019 problems involve the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.\u00a0 According to a Department of Education survey, 43 percent of schools indicated that the poor condition of their facilities interferes with the delivery of instruction.\u00a0 By upgrading these systems, energy efficiency is increased, learning environments are improved, and scarce funds are conserved.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-efforts-by-casey-wyden-and-cummings-gao-releases-results-of-cms-nursing-home-rating-system", "Following Efforts by Casey, Wyden, and Cummings, GAO Releases Results of CMS Nursing Home Rating System", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Following a push by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) today published their report of the federal government\u2019s nursing home rating system the members called for last year. The members made the request to determine whether the Five-Star Quality Rating System provided seniors, people with disabilities, and their families with reliable and accurate information that they could use to make informed decisions on what nursing home to select for a love one.\u00a0 Questions were raised in 2014 about the quality and transparency of the rating system after there were reports revealing deficiencies in the system.\r\n\u201cMy home state of Pennsylvania has the fifth largest population of older citizens in the country, with 2.15 million older citizens, and we have an abiding obligation to ensure that each one of those older citizens receive the care and services they deserve,\u201d Casey said. \u201cThis report makes important recommendations on how to improve this rating system.\u00a0 I call on CMS to move swiftly to implement these changes.\r\n\u201cSelecting a nursing home is a consequential and challenging decision for seniors and their families, and they need the best information possible,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cToday\u2019s report from GAO shines a light on how the Five-Star Rating System could be improved to make information on nursing home quality more transparent and easily accessible. All Americans expect Medicare to live up to its promise of high-quality, affordable health care, and working to increase transparency and choice is an important step to making that a reality.\u201d\r\n\u201cAmerican families rely on CMS to publish meaningful ratings that will help guide them through difficult decisions they face when they seek nursing care for their family members,\u201d Cummings said. \u00a0\u201cI encourage CMS to carefully consider these recommendations to ensure that ratings accurately and clearly reflect the measures of comfort and quality that Americans expect from such a rating system.\u201d\r\nThe GAO report found that consumers could benefit from improvements in the rating system and issued four recommendations:\r\n \r\nDevelop a systemic process for reviewing website improvements, including how CMS will prioritize such improvements\r\nAdd information that allows consumers to make national comparisons of nursing homes rather than just compare facilities within a state\r\nEvaluate the feasibility of adding consumer satisfaction information to the system\r\nDevelop and test introductory explanatory information on the five star system to be prominently displayed on the website.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-senators-no-special-consideration-for-other-bills-until-we-save-coal-miners-health-care-retirement", "Casey, Senators: No Special Consideration for Other Bills Until We Save Coal Miners’ Health Care, Retirement", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, a coalition of Senators fighting to protect the health and pensions of more than 120,000 retired coal miners nationwide announced their intent to use any means necessary to make sure that these workers and their families are protected. With 16,300 retired coal miners set to lose health care by Dec. 31, 2016 without Congressional action, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced that they will block all attempts to pass legislation by unanimous consent in the Senate until the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) healthcare and pension shortfall is adequately addressed to give miners long-term certainty. By blocking other bills from sailing through with special privileges, the Senators hope to force House and Senate leadership to include the bipartisan mineworkers fix in the year-end spending package or allow an independent vote on the bill. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe Senators released the following joint statement:\r\n\u201cFor several months, we have joined thousands of our states\u2019 retired coal miners and their families to call for a vote on this bipartisan, paid-for bill. And for several months those calls have gone unanswered. These miners cannot wait another day and it\u2019s up to us to protect what they\u2019ve earned for a lifetime of dangerous, backbreaking work. We are confident this bill would pass on the floor and we demand action to provide long-term certainty for these miners.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-trumps-pick-for-hhs-secretary-is-architect-of-agenda-to-undermine-programs-for-pa-seniors", "Casey: Trump’s Pick for HHS Secretary is Architect of Agenda to Undermine Programs for PA Seniors", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement on the nomination of Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:\r\n\u201cI have substantial concerns about the nomination of Congressman Tom Price to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congressman Price has led efforts to end the guaranteed benefit of Medicare; Congressman Price has also supported efforts to turn Medicaid into a block grant program, which would adversely impact nursing home care for 250,000 seniors in Pennsylvania and 6.4 million seniors nationally. Turning Medicaid into a block grant program would also jeopardize support for millions of babies because Medicaid finances approximately half of all the nation\u2019s births. Congressman Price has also championed the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which would deprive 20 million Americans of health care coverage and raise the cost of prescription drugs for seniors by reopening the \u201cdonut hole,\u201d which is the gap that has to be filled by a senior to pay for prescription drugs. This gap was closed by the Affordable Care Act and would be reopened with repeal of the law. The question I have for President-elect Trump and his Administration is how nominating the architect of schemes to destroy Medicare and Medicaid is consistent with his promises to protect these programs?\u00a0 As a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees I will closely examine his record and pose questions regarding these and other vital issues in order to protect seniors and families in Pennsylvania.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-aimed-at-saving-consumers-money", "Cartwright Introduces Legislation Aimed at Saving Consumers Money, Conserving Water", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Plumbing Research Act of 2016 (H.R. 6424), legislation that would invest in research to bring the data for U.S. plumbing standards into the 21st century, making our plumbing systems safer, more reliable, and more water-efficient.\nThe bill accomplishes this by directing the NIST to conduct research on plumbing systems.\n\u201cAmerican consumers today reap the benefits of state-of-the-art water fixtures and appliances, such as water-saving shower heads and efficient washing machines,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, the plumbing that carries water to these fixtures and appliances has not kept pace.\u00a0 In fact, the research and data which are the basis for U.S. plumbing structure, design, and construction standards have barely changed since they were developed in the early 20th century.\u00a0 As a result, even newly built plumbing systems are often inefficient and inappropriate for current plumbing fixtures and appliances.\u201d\nThis mismatch of technologies can cause problems.\u00a0 For example, an outdated algorithm for estimating water demand leads builders to use unnecessarily large pipes, supplying more water than needed to buildings.\u00a0 This wastes water that is critical to the wellbeing of our communities and our environment.\u00a0 Excess water lingering in pipes can be a health hazard, potentially harboring pathogens such as Legionella bacteria, which is responsible for Legionnaires' disease.\u00a0 In addition, water flow through these improperly sized pipes can be too weak to move solids, resulting in sewage backups and costly repairs for consumers.\n\u201cThe NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2016 is a win on multiple fronts.\u00a0 It will spark innovation in the plumbing industry,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\u00a0 \u201cConsumers will save money thanks to fewer plumbing repairs, and will be exposed to fewer health risks.\u00a0 And better plumbing means more water conservation and better use of our fresh water resources.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/camp-out-for-hunger", "Camp Out for Hunger", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Robert P. Casey\n\t\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     About\r\n                                    \t\r\n                                        \r\n                                            \r\n                                        \r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     Issues\r\n                                    \t\r\n                                        \r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     Get Help\r\n                                    \t\r\n                                        \r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     Make a Request\r\n                                    \t\r\n                                        \r\n                                            \r\n                                        \r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     Newsroom\r\n                                    \t\r\n                                        \r\n                                            \r\n                                        \r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n                                \r\n                                     Contact", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-and-veasey-form-blue-collar-caucus-congress", "Boyle and Veasey form Blue Collar Caucus in Congress", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Today, Congressmen Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13) and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) announced the formation of the Blue Collar Caucus to focus Congressional efforts on alleviating the economic anxiety felt by working class Americans that was so pronounced in the 2016 election, and re-engage Democratic efforts to reach these voters.\n  \n\tDiscussing the aims of the caucus, Congressman Boyle said, \u201cToo many Americans think the best days for their families are behind them. And they\u2019ve lost faith in their elected leaders to stand up for their best interests, protect their rights, and promote their prosperity. We can and must do better.\u201d Boyle continued, \u201cThe America I grew up in \u2013 and the one I still see today \u2013 is a forward-looking nation built by blue collar workers of all colors, crafts, and creeds. These workers literally built our nation. Now it is our duty in Washington to rebuild their trust in government by working for them.\u201d\n  \n\tCongressman Veasey said, \u201cEvery hardworking American should have the economic security to provide for their families. Congress has the responsibility to enact policies that ensure an equal opportunity for all American workers to climb the ladder of success.\u201d Veasey reflected, \u201cThrough my monthly \u2018Marc Means Business\u2019 initiative where I work alongside constituents in both large and small businesses, I\u2019ve learned that Americans want real action to create jobs, raise wages, and ensure that they can improve the quality of life for their families and for future generations. Our caucus will focus on exactly that.\u201d\n  \n\tThe Blue Collar Caucus will foster member discussion and legislative ideas focused on addressing wage stagnation, job insecurity, trade, offshoring, and dwindling career opportunities for those in the manufacturing and building trades. The caucus will focus on bringing together a diverse array of Democratic members of the House of Representatives to generate solutions that will protect American workers from globalized competition, maintain the viability of domestic manufacturing, and help to cultivate innovative industries that can provide stable employment amid rapid technological advancement. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-brady-and-evans-ask-house-appropriations-leadership-help", "Congressmen Brady and Evans ask House Appropriations leadership to help find funding to alleviate major poverty issues impacting the Districts\u2019 children", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA --- In a joint letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Roger (R., KY-5) and Ranking Member Nita Lowery (D., NY-17), Congressmen Bob Brady (D., PA-1) and Dwight Evans (D., PA-2) outlined major poverty issues in their Districts that have a direct impact on children. They stressed, \u201cWe hope that in this drastically different new political climate with several competing priorities, that we can still ascertain ways to both alleviate and find permanent solutions to the problems plaguing our Districts the most.\u201d\n\nThe issues highlighted are:\n\nAging Home and Lead Paint\n\nRequesting restoration of Federal funding for lead abatement. Philadelphia has had to cut over 60% of positions used to monitor and enforce lead paint laws and restrictions. Nearly 2,700 children in Philadelphia tested positive for harmful lead levels in 2015.\n\nChild Nutrition\n\nNeed to maintain or increase federally subsidized school meals. H.R. 5003, the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016, would severely limit the number of children receiving free and reduced lunches.\n\nEducation\n\nNeed for increased funding. The Philadelphia School District ranks lowest in terms of funding per student and has the highest enrollment of low income students.\n\nIn closing, Brady and Evans stressed bipartisanship. \u201cThough it remains to be seen what direction many of President-elect Trump\u2019s policies will take, we are hopeful that we will be able to find common ground with his Administration on some of the above issues and restore robust funding so the children in Philadelphia and our Districts have a brighter future. We look forward to the coming Congress and finding bipartisan solutions.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-brady-and-evans-ask-house-appropriations-leadership-help-find-funding", "Congressmen Brady and Evans ask House Appropriations leadership to help find funding to alleviate major poverty issues impacting the Districts children", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHILADELPHIA --- In a joint letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Roger (R., KY-5) and Ranking Member Nita Lowery (D., NY-17), Congressmen Bob Brady (D., PA-1) and Dwight Evans (D., PA-2) \u00a0outlined major poverty issues in their Districts that have a direct impact on children. They stressed, \u201cWe hope that in this drastically different new political climate\u00a0 with several competing priorities, that we can still ascertain ways to both alleviate and find permanent solutions to the problems plaguing our Districts the most.\u201d\nThe issues highlighted are:\nAging Home and Lead Paint\nRequesting restoration of Federal funding for lead abatement. Philadelphia has had to cut over 60% of positions used to monitor and enforce lead paint laws and restrictions. Nearly 2,700 children in Philadelphia tested positive for harmful lead levels in 2015.\nChild Nutrition\nNeed to maintain or increase federally subsidized school meals. H.R. 5003, the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016, would severely limit the number of children receiving free and reduced lunches.\nEducation\nNeed for increased funding. The Philadelphia School District ranks lowest in terms of funding per student and has the highest enrollment of low income students.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn closing, Brady and Evans stressed bipartisanship. \u201cThough it remains to be seen what direction many of President-elect Trump\u2019s policies will take, we are hopeful that we will be able to find common ground with his Administration \u00a0on some of the above issues and restore robust funding so the children in Philadelphia and our Districts have a brighter future. We look forward to the coming Congress and finding bipartisan solutions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-join-day-action", "Congressman Brady to join Day of Action", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brady to join Day of Action                                           \n              Nov 29, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    \u00a0\nPhiladelphia --- Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) announced\u00a0 that he stands in full support of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Fight for $15 Day of Action that is being\u00a0held today. \u201cI have and will continue to support family sustaining wages and union rights for hard working Americans. As a nation we cannot afford to have working people still not able to feed their families.\u201d\nThe Congressman, who will be in DC today, said he will tweet his support throughout the Day of Action. \u201cI want to help get the message out that we cannot turn our backs on working families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-to-trump-no-deal-with-putin-and-assad-on-syria", "Casey to Trump: No Deal with Putin and Assad on Syria", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) realeased the following statement:\r\nOver the last five and half years, the Syrian people have endured one horror after the next. The Russian Federation has blocked international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo and has enabled the murderous Assad regime to continue its slaughter of Syrian citizens.\r\nAccording to the United Nations, nearly one million Syrians are living under siege from their government. That is equivalent to more than the entire populations of Pennsylvania and Delaware suffering without access to food and medicine while hiding from daily bombardments.\r\nThis is not just a civil war. This is the Russian Federation -- a major country and member of the UN Security Council \u2013 and its client state dictator Bashar al-Assad slaughtering the Syrian people unchecked. It has direct impact on our national security and that of our partners in the Middle East and Europe.\r\nWe cannot allow Syria to remain a safe haven for terrorism, and I welcome the progress that has already been made to roll back ISIS\u2019s control of territory in Iraq and Syria, yet as I have said before, the Assad\u2019s regime\u2019s actions have created the space and conditions for ISIS to thrive within its borders. Absent additional action from the United States and our partners to change the situation on the ground, I believe the conditions will continue to worsen.\r\nI urge President Obama\u2019s Administration to take immediate steps to help alleviate the suffering on the ground in Syria. As long as Assad thinks he is winning \u2013 and he is \u2013 the onslaught will continue and diplomatic efforts will fail.\r\nThe incoming Administration must see the Syria conflict as the national security threat that it is and take action accordingly.\u00a0 The fight against ISIS must be our priority, but the roots of ISIS\u2019s rise cannot and should not be ignored- that means holding the Assad regime and the Russian Federation fully accountable for their crimes in Syria. Throughout his campaign President-elect Trump has sent disturbing signals about the way he views this conflict. Assad and Russia are not \u201cfighting ISIS,\u201d as the President-elect has asserted; rather, the Assad regime and the Russian Federation are engaged in coordinated attacks that target civilians, including children.\r\nI urge the President-elect to remember, before his Administration leaps to mend ties with Russia or change the U.S. position on the future of Assad, the chaos they have created in Ukraine and Syria. The Russian Federation has negotiated in bad faith before, committing to diplomacy while escalating their indiscriminate bombing campaign in Syria and their support for separatists in Ukraine. President Putin is no friend of the United States. I\u2019m troubled that Bashar al-Assad suggested during a recent interview that President-elect Trump could be a \u201cnatural ally\u201d in the fight against what he calls \u201cterrorists.\u201d The U.S. must never ally itself with a regime that barrel bombs children, targets medical facilities and use starvation as a tactic of war.\r\nThe United States should pursue measures to hold Russia to its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and consider implementing a no-bombing zone, which would help protect civilian population centers and key humanitarian infrastructure.\u00a0 I also believe that escalating sanctions against individuals and entities contributing to human rights atrocities would help increase pressure on the regime and its backers. I continue to believe, as I advocated for in 2011, that standoff strikes against the Assad regime\u2019s airfields could ground their airplanes and substantially impact their ability to rain havoc from the sky.\r\nAs the humanitarian crisis continues to grow increasingly dire by the day, we must be bold in our efforts to get aid to those who need it most. We should explore ways that the U.S and our partners could help protect humanitarian aid delivery from Russian airstrikes and whether a surge of humanitarian aid along Syria's borders, as columnist David Ignatius recently advocated in the Washington Post, would force Russia and Syria to stand down and allow the aid to get through.\r\nDocumentation of Russian airstrikes in Syria over the last several weeks clearly shows that Russia is lying: Russian forces are not focused on fighting ISIS. They are bombing hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods well outside the territory where ISIS operates. These airstrikes, increasingly using sophisticated \u201cbunker-buster\u201d munitions, have killed hundreds in the past several weeks.\r\nAs UN Envoy Stephan de Mistura recently said, \u201cWe are running out of time, we are running against time.\u201d\u00a0 Indeed the people of Syria are running out of time, and the U.S. should take action to stop the killing in Aleppo and deliver humanitarian aid. We have a moral obligation and a national security imperative to do so.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/with-attacks-on-the-rise-sens-casey-and-scott-introduce-bipartisan-anti-semitism-awareness-act", "With Attacks On The Rise, Sens. Casey and Scott Introduce Bipartisan Anti-Semitism Awareness Act", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Anti-Semitism Awareness Act in an effort to combat increasing incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses nationwide. The Senators joined together to ensure the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has the necessary statutory tools at their disposal to investigate anti-Jewish incidents.\r\nA recent FBI crime report notes that 58.2 percent of religiously-motivated hate crimes were due to the offender\u2019s anti-Jewish leanings, and the Anti-Defamation League found that the number of anti-Semitic attacks at colleges and universities doubled in 2015. Currently, the DOE\u2019s Office for Civil Rights has stated they will not tolerate incidents such as these, but has not issued firm guidance on what constitutes anti-Semitism. The Anti-Semitism Awareness Act would codify the definition as one adopted by the U.S. State Department\u2019s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.\r\n\u201cIt is incredibly important that we work together to stamp out anti-Semitism and other forms of religious discrimination across our country,\u201d Senator Scott said. \u201cI want to thank Senator Casey for joining me to introduce the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which is urgently needed as anti-Jewish attacks rise on campuses across the nation. By clarifying exactly what anti-Semitism is, we will leave no question as to what constitutes an anti-Semitic incident.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe rise of religiously-motivated hate crimes and religious discrimination across our country is unacceptable. In Pennsylvania, we have seen several terrible incidents of anti-Semitism in just the last several weeks,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cThis legislation will help the Department of Education investigate incidents of discrimination motivated by anti-Semitism in our schools, which should be safe environments for students from all backgrounds. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Scott on this bill, which aims to combat anti-Semitism while preserving freedom of speech.\u201d\r\nThe State Department\u2019s definition, shared by the European Union, states, \u201cAnti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.\u201d\r\nExamples include, among other things:\r\n \r\nCalling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews\r\nAccusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust\r\nDemonizing Israel by blaming it for all inter-religious or political tensions\r\nJudge Israel by a double standard that one would not apply to any other democratic nation\r\n \r\nThis act is not meant to infringe on any individual right protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution.\r\nThe Anti-Semitism Awareness Act is supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/22-senators-call-for-immediate-passage-of-miners-protection-act", "22 Senators Call for Immediate Passage of Miners Protection Act", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined a group of 21 bipartisan Senators in a letter to Senate and House leadership, calling for the passage of the Miners Protection Act by the end of this year. Without a change to current law, 12,500 of the country\u2019s retired coal miners will lose their healthcare on December 31, 2016.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSenator Casey was joined by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Richard Burr (R-NC), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\u00a0\r\nThe Senators said in part: \u201cDuring the month of October, approximately 12,500 of our nation\u2019s retired coal miners received notices informing them that their healthcare benefits will be terminated at the end of this year. The funding provided for Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employee\u2019s Beneficiary Association (Patriot VEBA) will be exhausted by December 31, 2016, leaving these miners and their families without the essential healthcare benefits they earned through a lifetime of hard work. On November 1st, another 3,600 miners began to receive notices.\u00a0 And next year, 6,500 more will suffer the same fate. Additionally, the pension fund that these miners and their widows rely on for life\u2019s basic necessities will reach the point of no return shortly thereafter. Therefore, we ask that you pass the Miners Protection Act of 2016 (S. 3470) by the end of this year.\u201d \r\nTo read the full letter, click here. \r\nRetired miners are facing uncertainty because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is severely underfunded. Unlike other public and private pension plans, the 1974 Pension Plan was well-managed and funded prior to the 2008 financial crisis, which hit at a time when this Plan had its highest payment obligations. This \u2013 coupled with the fact that 60% of the beneficiaries are \u201corphan\u201d retirees whose employers are no longer in the coal business, and the fact that there are only 10,000 active workers for 120,000 retirees \u2013 has placed the Plan on the road to insolvency. If the Plan becomes insolvent, these beneficiaries face benefit cuts and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation will assume billions of dollars in liabilities.\r\nTo address these issues, the Miners Protection Act would:\r\n \r\nAmend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) fund to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency.\r\n \r\n \r\nMake certain retirees who lose health care benefits following the bankruptcy or insolvency of his or her employer eligible for the 1993 Benefit Plan. The assets of the Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) created following the Patriot Coal bankruptcy would be transferred to the 1993 Benefit Plan to reduce transfers from the AML fund.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-joins-foreign-affairs-dems-urge-hearing-examine", "Congressman Boyle Joins Foreign Affairs Dems Calling For Hearing to Examine Possible Foreign Powers Influencing 2016 Election", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2013 In his commitment to combat the recent inappropriate and unprecedented foreign influence on our presidential election, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) and 15 members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee requested an urgent hearing to examine reportedly deliberate attempts by foreign governments to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.\u00a0  \n\tIn a letter sent to House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), Congressman Brendan F. Boyle and his Democratic committee colleagues wrote, \"We cannot ignore these facts merely because Election Day has come and gone. The Committee must understand and be prepared to counter what constitutes a potentially unprecedented intervention by a foreign government into U.S. elections.\"  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe letter was signed by Representatives Gerald E. Connolly, Brad Sherman, Gregory Meeks, Albio Sires, Ted Deutch, Brian Higgins, William R. Keating, David Cicilline, Ami Bera, Alan Lowenthal, Grace Meng, Lois Frankel, Joaquin Castro, Robin Kelly, and Karen Bass.  \n\t###\n  \n\tTo read the entire letter, click here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-urges-president-elect-trump-to-make-good-on-promise-to-drain-the-swamp", "Casey Urges President-elect Trump to Make Good on Promise to “Drain the Swamp”", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), along with 18 other U.S. Senators, sent a letter urging President-elect Donald Trump to increase transparency during his transition and keep his promises to reduce the influence of lobbyists and corporate special interests during his transition and in his administration.\u00a0 Despite a pledge to limit lobbying by members of the Trump administration, corporate lobbyists and Washington insiders have filled many prominent posts within the Trump transition team so far.\u00a0\r\n\u201cGiven your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments,\u201d the Senators write.\u00a0 \u201cFurther, we call on you to follow President Obama\u2019s example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration.\u00a0 For instance, President Obama\u2019s transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same.\u00a0 Additionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied.\u00a0 This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients.\u201d\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Udall (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Al Franken (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Edward Markey (D-MA).\r\nFull text of the letter is below.\r\nDear President-elect Trump:\r\nWe write to urge you to follow through on your promise that you would work to reduce the influence of corporate special interests and lobbyists in our government.\u00a0 As Democrats, we, too, are committed to freeing the political process from the stranglehold of special interests.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nOn the campaign trail, you told voters that you are \u201cfighting for every citizen that believes that government should serve the people, not the donors and not the special interests.\u201d\u00a0 One of your major campaign slogans was \u201cdrain the swamp,\u201d referring to your promise to cleanse Washington of the toxic influence of corporate special interests.\u00a0\r\nYour initial decision to fill your transition team with corporate lobbyists and insiders and solicit donations from them to finance its operation was deeply troubling.\u00a0 While we have been encouraged by subsequent reports that indicate you are requiring lobbyists to deregister in order to stay on the transition team, and are instituting a five-year lobbying ban for officials leaving your transition team and your Administration, we believe clearer actions should be taken to truly insulate your Administration from corporate special interests. \r\nGiven your initial decision to allow lobbyists to dominate your transition team, we call on you to be completely transparent about who is working on your transition team, either officially or as unofficial advisors, and making key decisions about how to staff over 4,000 political appointments. \r\nFurther, we call on you to follow President Obama\u2019s example and implement strong, transparent and enforceable ethics rules governing your transition and Administration.\u00a0 For instance, President Obama\u2019s transition team did not accept gifts or donations from lobbyists, and your transition should do the same. \r\nAdditionally, while a limitation on lobbying activities after serving in your Administration is important, you should also include stronger measures, like those adopted by President Obama, that prevent lobbyists who join your Administration from working on policy areas in which they recently lobbied.\u00a0 This will help ensure that officials in the Trump Administration are looking out for the best interests of the American people, not their recently former corporate clients. \r\nSetting up your transition team and staffing your Administration is the first opportunity you have to prove that \u201cdrain the swamp\u201d was more than just an expedient campaign slogan.\u00a0\u00a0 We sincerely hope that you will implement strong and transparent ethics guidelines to prevent special interests from taking over your Administration before it has even begun.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/irs-warns-of-fake-tax-bills", "IRS Warns of Fake Tax Bills", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From the IRS:\r\nThe Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners today issued an alert to taxpayers and tax professionals to be on guard against fake emails purporting to contain an IRS tax bill related to the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\r\nThe IRS has received numerous reports around the country of scammers sending a fraudulent version of CP2000 notices for tax year 2015. Generally, the scam involves an email that includes the fake CP2000 as an attachment. The issue has been reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for investigation.\r\nThe CP2000 is a notice commonly mailed to taxpayers through the United States Postal Service. It is never sent as part of an email to taxpayers. The indicators are:\r\n \r\nThese notices are being sent electronically, even though the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or through social media platforms;\r\nThe CP2000 notices appear to be issued from an Austin, Texas, address;\r\nThe underreported issue is related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requesting information regarding 2014 coverage;\r\nThe payment voucher lists the letter number as 105C.\r\n \r\nThe fraudulent CP2000 notice included a payment request that taxpayers mail a check made out to \u201cI.R.S.\u201d to the \u201cAustin Processing Center\u201d at a Post Office Box address. This is in addition to a \u201cpayment\u201d link within the email itself.\r\nIRS impersonation scams take many forms: threatening telephone calls, phishing emails and demanding letters. Learn more at Reporting Phishing and Online Scams.\r\nTaxpayers or tax professionals who receive this scam email should forward it to phishing@irs.gov \u00a0and then delete it from their email account.\r\nTaxpayers and tax professionals generally can do a keyword search on IRS.gov for any notice they receive. Taxpayers who receive a notice or letter can view explanations and images of common correspondence on IRS.gov at Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.\r\nTo determine if a CP2000 notice you received in the mail is real, see the Understanding Your CP2000 Notice, which includes an image of a real notice.\r\nA CP2000 is generated by the IRS Automated Underreporter Program when income reported from third-party sources such as an employer does not match the income reported on the tax return. It provides extensive instructions to taxpayers about what to do if they agree or disagree that additional tax is owed.\r\nIt also requests that a check be made out to \u201cUnited States Treasury\u201d if the taxpayer agrees additional tax is owed. Or, if taxpayers are unable to pay, it provides instructions for payment options such as installment payments.\r\nThe IRS and its Security Summit partners \u2014 the state tax agencies and the private-sector tax industry \u2014 are conducting a campaign to raise awareness among taxpayer and tax professionals about increasing their security and becoming familiar with various tax-related scams. Learn more at Taxes. Security. Together. or Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself.\r\nTaxpayers and tax professional should always beware of any unsolicited email purported to be from the IRS or any unknown source. They should never open an attachment or click on a link within an email sent by sources they do not know.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/meeting-with-tim-shriver", "Meeting with Tim Shriver", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \r\nSenator Casey met with Tim Shriver, the Chairman of the Special Olympics. They discussed the ways in which federal policy can help to improve the lives of children with disabilities and the new Special Olympics \u201cUnified Schools\u201d model. This program has been successful in providing opportunities for children of all abilities to be leaders in their schools and communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-joins-house-colleagues-demand-president-elect-trump-rescind-proposed", "Congressman Brady joins House colleagues to demand President-elect Trump rescind proposed appointment of Steve Bannon", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Philadelphia --- Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) and 168 Members of the House of Representatives have sent a letter to President-elect Trump demanding that the proposed appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist be rescinded.\nThe letter states, \u201cImmediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election.\u00a0 In your election night speech you said, \u2018Now it\u2019s time for America to bind the wounds of division.\u00a0 It is time for us to come together as one united people.\u2019\u00a0 Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. \u00a0As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist.\u201d\u00a0\nCongressman Brady said that his constituents are justifiably outraged by this appointment. \u201cWhile we adjust to a bruising hard fought election campaign it is time to pull together as a nation. But the naming of Steve Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart News, by President-elect Trump as top adviser sends a troubling message to those who understand that our democracy is more important than our ideological differences,\u201d Brady said. \u201cMr. Trump needs to reassure the nation that his campaign divisiveness will be abandoned as we all move together to heal and celebrate the diversity of our America.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-brown-warren-menendez-urge-financial-watchdog-to-clear-wells-fargo-whistleblowers-of-wrongdoing", "Casey, Brown, Warren, Menendez Urge Financial Watchdog to Clear Wells Fargo Whistleblowers of Wrongdoing", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) sent a letter to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), asking them to establish an expedited review process for Wells Fargo whistleblowers and other unfairly terminated employees to clear their termination notice, which may contain negative comments as a result of their attempts to report or resist fraud at Wells Fargo. The letter follows reports of many whistleblowers from Wells Fargo who were fired for reporting wrongdoings at their branches and now are unable to find work at other banks due to inaccurate termination records.\r\n\u201cIt is clear that absent action by FINRA, the terminated employees will continue to suffer due to unjust and unwarranted stains on their records resulting from their attempts to report a pattern of misconduct that was encouraged, tolerated and concealed by their employer,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cThose employees deserve a thorough, critical review of their termination records given the knowledge of the conditions under which they were provided.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Mr. Cook:\r\nWe write to request the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) establish an expedited review process for Wells Fargo whistleblowers and other unfairly terminated employees to clear their Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (Form U5), which may contain negative comments as a result of their attempts to report or resist fraud at Wells Fargo.\r\nAccording to news reports[1], numerous employees who raised concerns about improper and abusive practices at Wells Fargo branches to their managers, the human resources department or the Wells Fargo ethics hotline were fired. Many more were fired for failure to meet aggressive and, as we now know, unattainable cross-selling quotas.\r\nIn September, Wells Fargo entered into a Consent Order with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with respect to improper and abusive practices (the Consent Order). Over the course of the five year period covered by the Consent Order, Wells Fargo terminated 5,300 employees for engaging in improper and abusive activity, resulting in the unauthorized opening of 2 million customer accounts. It is unknown, however, how many employees were terminated for reporting such activity at Wells Fargo, or terminated because they failed to meet the overly aggressive sales quotas. In other words, Wells Fargo appears to have terminated employees because they either refused to break the law, or reported unauthorized and abusive activity to their supervisors, the Wells Fargo ethics hotline or human resources. In fact, Wells Fargo CEO Timothy Sloan admitted on Thursday, November 10 that whistleblower complaints were inappropriately handled by its ethics department.[2]\r\nWe expect Wells Fargo to take immediate action to ensure customers with fraudulent accounts are compensated and made whole. This includes working with credit bureaus like Experian, Transunion and Equifax, to correct any harm to consumers\u2019 credit scores that resulted from the illegal opening of unauthorized credit cards, or the illegal transfer of funds from one account to another, all of which could have long lasting consequences on loan rates for cars, mortgages, and credit cards. Additionally, we now know it was not only customers who were harmed by the practices encouraged by Wells Fargo, terminated employees were affected, too, and continue to suffer.\r\nAs reported, many whistleblowers were fired for reporting wrongdoing at their branches and are now unable to find work at other banks because Wells Fargo claimed in their Form U5 a termination due to \u201cfailure to perform job duties\u201d or other infractions. Further, at least one news report[3] indicates Wells Fargo failed to provide a whistleblower with a copy of the U5 document, a clear violation of FINRA requirements. Such a failure is a serious concern, and we ask you to investigate the details of that particular case and also whether the failure to provide such documents to employees was a systemic practice.\r\nWe appreciate FINRA\u2019s research into this matter, including a review of the termination documentation of over 600 Wells Fargo employees registered with FINRA. In light of the findings in the Consent Order and the numerous reports of former employees impacted by negative information provided to FINRA by Wells Fargo, it is critical FINRA establish an expedited process to allow employees who were wrongfully fired from Wells Fargo for refusing to break the law, or for reporting fraud, to clear their records.\u00a0 This process should also be available to those employees whose termination was based on unsupported, false claims or without cause.\r\nFINRA\u2019s review must consider the Form U5 statements made by Wells Fargo in the context of the findings in the Consent Order and public statements made by Wells Fargo executives. It is crucial that in this review process FINRA provide the terminated employees as much technical assistance as possible in pursuing a review of the Form U5s, as well as consider amending the Form U5 to provide employees the opportunity to comment on the reason for termination. Furthermore, there have been reports of misconduct identified by former employees several years prior to the period covered by the Consent Order, and Wells Fargo has committed to research prior years to determine if employees were unfairly terminated. FINRA should research and review any applicable terminations subsequently identified by Wells Fargo.\r\nIt is clear that absent action by FINRA, the terminated employees will continue to suffer due to unjust and unwarranted stains on their records resulting from a pattern of misconduct that was encouraged, tolerated and concealed by their employer. Those employees deserve a thorough, critical review of their termination records given the knowledge of the conditions under which they were provided.\r\nPlease describe how FINRA can implement such a process and work to ensure former Wells Fargo employees are able to quickly correct their records, so they may find employment in the profession to which they have shown significant dedication.\r\nWe look forward to your response which we expect to receive no later than December 9, 2016.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-selected-as-top-democrat-on-aging-committee", "Casey Selected as Top Democrat on Aging Committee", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Following caucus elections, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has been selected as the top Senate Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee. This senior role will allow Casey to build on his record of protecting seniors from abuse, scams and fraud. During his time as Pennsylvania\u2019s Auditor General from 1997-2005, Casey investigated nursing home care for seniors and secured reforms that improved care and resulted in accountability. As part of his responsibilities, Casey will play a leading role in ensuring Medicare and Medicaid work for older Pennsylvanians.\r\n\u201cI look forward to taking on this leadership role so I can fight for Pennsylvania\u2019s seniors,\u201d Casey said. \u201cI\u2019ve focused a substantial amount of time in the Senate working to make sure our seniors are protected from abuse and fraud. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Aging, I intend to build upon that work so that vulnerable seniors get the care they deserve and those who target them are held fully accountable.\u201d\r\nAccording to the Senate Committee on Aging, \u201cThe Senate Special Committee on Aging was first established in 1961 as a temporary committee. It was granted permanent status on February 1, 1977. While special committees have no legislative authority, they can study issues, conduct oversight of programs, and investigate reports of fraud and waste.\r\nThroughout its existence, the Special Committee on Aging has served as a focal point in the Senate for discussion and debate on matters relating to older Americans. Often, the Committee will submit its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Senate. In addition, the Committee publishes materials of assistance to those interested in public policies which relate to the elderly.\r\nThe Committee has a long and influential history. It has called the Congress' and the Nation's attention to problems affecting older Americans. The Committee was exploring health insurance coverage of older Americans prior to the enactment of Medicare in 1965.\r\nSince the passage of that legislation, the Committee has continually reviewed Medicare's performance on an almost annual basis. The Committee has also regularly reviewed pension coverage and employment opportunities for older Americans. It has conducted oversight of the administration of major programs like Social Security and the Older Americans Act. Finally, it has crusaded against frauds targeting the elderly and Federal programs on which the elderly depend.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressman-doyle-opposes-appointment-breitbart%E2%80%99s-bannon-trump-white-house-job", "Congressman Doyle Opposes Appointment of  Breitbarts Bannon to Trump White House Job", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) released the following statement today in response to the announcement that President-elect Donald J. Trump had chosen Breitbart News\u2019 Executive Chairman Steve Bannon as his White House senior counselor and chief strategist.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI was deeply concerned by the announcement that President-elect Trump had chosen Breitbart News Executive Chairman Stephen Bannon to be his White House senior advisor. Under Mr. Bannon, Breitbart News has spewed a torrent of vindictive hate speech attacking a host of Americans based on characteristics like their race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. I find such bigotry deeply offensive, and I believe that appointing Mr. Bannon to a senior position in the White House sends a strong message that discrimination, harassment, and violence against anyone who\u2019s different is acceptable now.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI believe that the American people were deeply disturbed by the negativity of the recent political campaign, and that with that process now over, they want and deserve respect and civility from their elected officials \u2013 starting with their next President. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cI welcomed President-elect Trump\u2019s remarks election night about wanting to heal the divisions created by this election; consequently, I was surprised and concerned by the appointment of Mr. Bannon, which, it seems to me, undermines that goal.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019ve joined a number of Members of Congress who are sending a letter to President-elect Trump urging him to reconsider his selection of Stephen Bannon for this incredibly important position. It\u2019s my hope that he will take that step, which I believe would help to heal our deeply divided country.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter to the President-elect follows below.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDear President-elect Trump:\n\u00a0\nImmediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election. \u00a0In your election night speech you said, \u201cNow it\u2019s time for America to bind the wounds of division. \u00a0It is time for us to come together as one united people.\u201d \u00a0Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. \u00a0As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSince the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration. \u00a0Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns.\n\u00a0\nAs the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was \u201cthe platform for the alt-right,\u201d a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon\u2019s leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a \u201cRenegade Jew,\u201d suggested \u201cYoung Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb,\u201d declared that the \u201cConfederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage,\u201d and praised the alt-right as a \u201csmarter\u201d version of \u201cold-school racist skinheads.\u201d\n\u00a0\nDisturbingly, leading white nationalists like former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke, American Nazi Party Chairman Rocky J. Suhadya, Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow, and Brad Griffin have praised the news of Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment. \u00a0We believe it should concern you that civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, are widely opposed to Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment.\n\u00a0\nWe strongly believe that Mr. Bannon\u2019s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nOnce again, we strongly urge you to rescind this appointment immediately and build a diverse White House staff who are committed to the core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/meeting-with-holy-cross-students", "Meeting with Holy Cross students", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \r\nSenator Casey met with students from his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, to discuss public service, the role of a Jesuit education, and to provide advice for future young leaders. These students are doing great work at internships throughout DC to embrace the Jesuit mission of men and women for others.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-sworn-into-office", "Representative Evans Sworn into Office", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Dwight Evans was sworn into office today to fill the open seat in 2nd Congressional District which includes the city of Philadelphia and parts of Montgomery County.\n\nEvans, 62, was the overwhelming choice of voters last Tuesday in two elections: one to fill the vacancy, and the other for the 115th Congress which will be seated in January.\n\n\u201cAs I prepare to take this Congressional seat, I want to share with you one overriding sentiment. It held true for me in the course of working with six mayors, seven governors, 11 state house speakers, and an ever-changing cast of elected officials from both parties. The best work that we did, we did together. And in each case the people won,\u201d Evans said in his first remarks on floor of the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cI understand our political differences. But I also learned that when we put aside those differences, when we listened to each other, we made great strides. I believed that in the Pennsylvania capital, and I believe that here, too, in our nation\u2019s Capitol.\u201d\n\nEvans\u2019 elevation to Congress follows a lifetime of public service including 36 years representing the 203 Legislative District in Northwest Philadelphia in Harrisburg.\n\nHe is widely credited with rebuilding the city\u2019s West Oak Lane community during his tenure, turning it from a desolate urban neighborhood in one of the city\u2019s most thriving areas with a stable housing base, strong center of commerce, and a variety of recreational opportunities.\n\nFor 20 years, Evans served as chairman of the Democratic Appropriations Committee. He earned a reputation as a lawmaker who could work in a bi-partisan fashion regardless of the political climate. His signature policy interests include education, economic development, food access, and transportation.\n\nEvans is a graduate of the Philadelphia Public Schools, Community College of Philadelphia and La Salle University. He resides in West Oak Lane. Prior to his career in public service, Evans was a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and a job developer and project director of the Central Intake Program with the Urban League of Philadelphia.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:07:19Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-bigotry-and-violence-is-unacceptable", "Casey: Bigotry and Violence Is Unacceptable", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Philadelphia, PA \u2013 As numerous disturbing incidents of hate and violence continue to ensue across the country, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) visited with students at the University of Pennsylvania to reinforce his message that these acts of bigotry will not be tolerated. Student leaders spent an hour with the Senator discussing their personal reactions to the threatening messages targeting black students at the University.\r\n\u201cIf the students around this table leave here today remembering only one thing, I hope it\u2019s this: I stand with you,\u201d Casey said. \u201cAs your United States Senator, as your elected representative, I commit to continue to fight to guard your safety and protect your rights. What occurred at Penn is not an isolated incident, I was deeply disturbed to hear about reports of incidents at Villanova, Council Rock in Bucks County and York County School of Technology, including other incidents across the country. The cowards who committed these acts do not represent the values of Pennsylvania or the American people. It\u2019s incumbent upon all public officials, including the President-elect, to continuously condemn these acts of hate. The President of the United State must lead with moral authority and denounce racism and bigotry in the strongest terms. \u00a0I stand in solidarity with those communities as well, in addition to diverse communities throughout our state.\u201d\r\nSince the election, there has been an influx of reports of bigoted acts and violence across Pennsylvania and the entire country.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-condemns-president-elect-trumps-hiring-of-stephen-bannon-former-leader-news-organization-with-ties-to-white-nationalism-as-a-top-aide", "Casey Condemns President-elect Trump’s Hiring of Stephen Bannon, former Leader News Organization with Ties to White Nationalism, as a Top Aide", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following President-elect Trump\u2019s decision to appoint Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counselor:\r\n\u201dI am deeply troubled that President-elect Trump has appointed Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counselor. Stephen Bannon has led an organization, Breitbart News, that the Southern Poverty Law Center has said, \u201chas undergone a noticeable shift toward embracing ideas on the extremist fringe of the conservative right.\u00a0Racist ideas.\u00a0Anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant ideas \u2013\u2013\u00a0all key tenets making up an emerging racist ideology known as the \u201cAlt-Right.\u201d Mr. Bannon once boasted that Breitbart News, \u201cis the platform of the alt-right,\u201d which is nothing more than a euphemism for white nationalism. The litany of Breitbart\u2019s horrific statements is appalling: calling a prominent political commentator a \u2018renegade Jew,\u2019 insinuating that African Americans and immigrants are inherently criminal, suggesting that women who suffer harassment should stay silent and promoting the Confederate flag right after the Charleston shooting. President-elect Trump has pledged to be a President for all Americans; placing this individual in a position of such significant power undermines that claim. Stephen Bannon is someone who has demonstrated disregard for common decency and values that all Americans should share. I would urge President-elect Trump to reconsider.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/dedication-of-the-university-of-scranton-veterans-and-rotc-resource-lounge", "Dedication of the University of Scranton Veterans and ROTC Resource Lounge", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \r\nSenator Casey attended and offered remarks at the University of Scranton Veterans and ROTC Resource Lounge Dedication. The new lounge will serve as a place on campus where current student veterans and ROTC members can congregate, provide information to new veterans, and study.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/blog/veterans-day", "Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, November 11, 2016\n\t\t\t\t Veterans Day \n\t\t\t\t\n                        by Bob Casey \n                        \n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t                \n\t                    \n\t                        \n\t                    \n\t                \n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOn Veterans Day, it is important to take the time to thank the brave men and women who put their lives on the line and serve our country to protect our freedom. We must not only honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our Veterans but also that of their families.\u00a0 Their spouses, children and parents offer incredible support and often serve as a caregiver when their veteran returns home from service.\u00a0\r\nI often reflect on something my father, Governor Casey,\u00a0once said when he was addressing service members before the first Gulf War. He said, \u201cWe pray for the military families and for their loved ones serving around the globe; we also pray that we may be worthy of their valor.\u201d\r\nIt is our duty to ensure that our Veterans receive the services and care they have earned and that they have access to every opportunity after their service. This includes access to quality mental health care. Not all Veterans experience mental health issues, but as we have seen, timely access to mental health care for those do is invaluable.\r\nI encourage everyone to honor the sacrifice of our Veterans not only on Veterans Day but throughout the year.\u00a0 Whether through sending care packages or cards to those serving overseas, shaking hands with a serviceman or servicewoman, or offering a prayer for Veterans and their families, we must always act in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice.\n\t\t\t\t\n                    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTags:\n                            \n                                \n                                Veterans,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Veterans Day,\u00a0\n                            \n                                \n                                Vets", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-to-doj-white-nationalists-monitoring-polls-is-voter-intimidation", "Casey To DOJ: White Nationalists “Monitoring Polls” Is Voter Intimidation", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As White Nationalists pledge to \u201cmonitor\u201d the polls in Philadelphia on Election Day, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is urging Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta at the Department of Justice to work with county officials to ensure proper enforcement of election monitoring rules that protect every American\u2019s right to vote.\u00a0 The letter comes following harrowing reports of a neo-Nazi group planning to suppress minority voting in Philadelphia through the use of surveillance cameras and intimidation tactics. United States Attorneys for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania will also receive a copy of the letter today.\r\n\u201cThe integrity of the election process is foundational to the strength of our democracy,\u201d Senator Casey said.\u00a0 \u201cThese plans to monitor the polls are little more than thinly veiled attempts to suppress and delegitimize the votes of predominantly minority citizens, inflected with innuendo that recalls dark times in our country\u2019s civil rights struggle. These calls are more than wrong and irresponsible; if executed, they could be illegal. We have come too far to allow a group of white nationalists to intimidate minority voters in Philadelphia or anywhere throughout the nation.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta:\r\nThe integrity of the election process is foundational to the strength of our democracy. We should be proud, then, that empirical evidence finds few cases of voter fraud in our country of 325 million people. Still, from fringe white nationalist groups to the Republican presidential nominee, some claim the 2016 election will be contaminated by partisan conspiracy, specifically citing fraud in Philadelphia, and call on supporters to monitor polling places or even disrupt voting on Election Day. To guard against voter intimidation, local jurisdictions have rules governing the authorization and conduct of poll watchers. District Election Officers (DEOs), appointed by U.S. Attorneys, are responsible for overseeing each district\u2019s handling of election fraud and voting rights abuses. I urge the Department of Justice to provide necessary resources, guidance and support to its U.S. Attorneys and their designated DEOs to assist coordination with county officials and ensure proper enforcement of election monitoring rules that protect every American\u2019s right to vote.\r\nIn recent days, the leader of a neo-Nazi publication reportedly promised to send \u201can army of Alt-Right nationalists to watch the polls\u201d on Election Day. An allied group claimed his organization is covertly setting up cameras at polling locations in Philadelphia. An advisor to the Republican presidential nominee revealed a plan to send as many as 2,000 volunteers to Philadelphia to detect suspicious voting patterns. And the nominee himself, warning of voter fraud in Philadelphia, has called on supporters in rural areas of Pennsylvania to \u201cgo around and watch other polling places\u201d and \u201cwatch other communities.\u201d\r\nIn the absence of credible and substantial evidence to support the claim that elections in Philadelphia are subject to widespread fraud, these calls to action are little more than thinly veiled attempts to suppress and delegitimize the votes of predominantly minority citizens, inflected with innuendo that recalls dark times in our country\u2019s civil rights struggle. These calls are more than wrong and irresponsible; if executed, they could be illegal.\r\nIn Philadelphia, according to the website of the Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, the board in charge of elections, \u201cPoll Watcher Certificates must be authorized in advance by the candidate or political party to have a certificate issued. All Poll Watchers must be registered voters in Philadelphia.\u201d To the extent individuals or teams of individuals come to Philadelphia or other counties where they are not registered to vote and attempt to act as poll watchers, they may be acting in violation of laws protecting voters against intimidation.\r\nUnderstanding that the Department of Justice feels limited in its capacity to observe elections in the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, I urge the Department to work with U.S. Attorneys, their DEOs and local officials to target resources and support to jurisdictions where voter suppression efforts may unlawfully impede access to the franchise for any American, regardless of race or party affiliation.\r\nI appreciate your prompt attention to this important matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n________________________\r\nRobert P. Casey, Jr.\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\nCC: United States Attorney Zane David Memeger, Eastern District of Pennsylvania\r\nCC: United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Middle District of Pennsylvania\r\nCC: United States Attorney David J. Hickton, Western District of Pennsylvania\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://brady.house.gov/press-release/congressman-brady-asks-dot-investigation-latest-train-crash-delaware-county", "Congressman Brady asks for DOT investigation of latest train crash in Delaware County", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brady asks for DOT investigation of latest train crash in Delaware County                                           \n              Nov 1, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    \u00a0\nPhiladelphia --- In the aftermath of a morning crash of two CSX freight trains in Chester, PA., Congressman Bob Brady (PA-1st) has asked for an immediate Department of Transportation investigation of the status of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.\nIn a letter to the DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx, the Congressman expressed his concern that the PTC system may not have been activated in the area where the collision occurred. Additionally, Congressman Brady stressed that he is extremely concerned about the epidemic of serious train crashes in the First Congressional District.\nIn closing, Congressman Brady emphasized the necessity for the DOT to continue to press for immediate implementation of effective rail safety measures.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-murray-21-senate-democrats-urge-faa-and-doj-to-protect-women-from-sexual-assault-on-airplanes", "Casey, Murray, 21 Senate Democrats Urge FAA and DOJ to Protect Women from Sexual Assault on Airplanes", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and 21 of their fellow Senators including Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) urging them to strengthen airline requirements to ensure airline personnel protect women on board from sexual assault. The letter follows a constituent\u2019s personal story and shocking media reports detailing additional firsthand experiences showing airlines are ill-equipped to handle accusations of sexual assault on airplanes.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs our country continues to combat the threat of violence against women, it is critical that no space be immune to the protections and support we afford survivors of sexual assault,\u201d the Senators write. \u201cWe must do all we can to ensure passengers\u2019 rights and health are protected, flight crews are fully trained and equipped to handle sexual assaults, and that pertinent information is being reported to law enforcement to ensure justice.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Attorney General Lynch and Administrator Huerta:\r\nAs our country continues the fight to end violence against women, it is critical that no space be exempt from protection or devoid of support for survivors of sexual assault. We write to express our deep concern that airplanes appear to be just such a place.\u00a0 Specifically, we are concerned with the apparent lack of standards and support provided to airline personnel about how to address and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and assault aboard commercial aircraft. We urge you to review, clarify, and develop requirements for airlines to ensure flight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots who may have to respond to an incident while aboard the aircraft are prepared to support the survivor and take the steps necessary to hold the alleged perpetrator accountable.\r\nRecently, one of our offices heard from an individual who was sexually assaulted on a long distance flight, and although she was provided a new seat for several hours, she was ultimately asked by the flight attendants to return to her original seat next to her attacker for landing. When she refused, they seated another male passenger next to him, offering airline miles for his inconvenience. Like many Americans, this passenger is often on long distance flights for work. Concerned with the response to her sexual assault, and under the impression that a report had been filed with the relevant authorities, she followed up with the airline. She was shocked to learn no report was filed. Unfortunately, the experience of this individual does not seem to be an isolated incident, as recent media reports have highlighted underreporting by airlines, apparent inadequacies in airline responses, and a lack of policy and guidance to address the issue.[1]\r\nFederal law makes clear that sexual abuse offenses that are criminal under 18 U.S.C. are also criminal when committed in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.[2] Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with carrying out duties related to aviation safety, including sexual assault.[3] We believe the federal government has a role to play in the safety of passengers and crewmembers that experience sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft. The primary role of the flight attendants and crewmembers is safety, however, we understand many may not be sufficiently trained to recognize and respond appropriately to an in-flight case of sexual assault or harassment. Although the FAA has regulations that outline the required training programs for flight attendants and crewmembers, there are no explicit guidelines for handling sexual assault.\r\nWe find this troubling and unacceptable. The National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that women experience approximately 270,000 sexual assaults each year, and more than 90 percent of sexual assaults recorded are committed against women.[4] The aftermath of a violent or sexual crime can be psychologically, physically, or financially devastating for a survivor. Long distance flights often occur overnight. There are extended periods where no flight attendants walk through the aircraft cabin, and many guests sleep before landing in a different time zone. Such characteristics could make long distance flights a particularly hazardous place for travelers by presenting a prime opportunity for these crimes to occur. All passengers should be able to travel without the worry of being sexually assaulted. We must support those with authority, like flight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots, to ensure that an incident of sexual assault is halted, prevent a repeated attack, support and help the survivor, and ensure the event is documented and reported to the proper authorities.\r\nIt is critical that we work together to immediately identify, understand, and address the issue of sexual harassment and assault aboard commercial aircraft. Given the broad scope of the issue, we request the FAA and U.S. Department of Justice work across the federal government and industry to:\r\n \r\nConvene stakeholders and establish a working group with the relevant federal agencies; unions representing flight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots; airlines; Office of Victims of Crime; law enforcement; and sexual assault advocacy organizations to discuss and identify the issues and gaps, and develop policy solutions to support survivors of sexual assault;\r\nCollect data to understand the prevalence of sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft among passengers, flight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots; and\r\nIdentify, collect, and develop federal rules, guidelines and best practices for responding to sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft, including guidance on timely reporting.\r\n \r\nWe must do all we can to ensure passengers\u2019 rights and health are protected, flight crews are fully trained and equipped to handle sexual assaults, and that pertinent information is being reported to law enforcement to ensure justice.\u00a0 We appreciate all the work you do to ensure our national airways are safe and reliable.\u00a0 Thank you for your consideration of our views.\r\n[1] Nora Caplan-Bricker, Flight Risk, Slate (August 31, 2016, 5:58AM) (http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2016/08/what_happens_when_sexual_assault_happens_on_a_long_haul_flight.html); Nicole Bitette, Oregon Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting 13-year-old girl on American Airlines Flight, New York Daily News (June 20, 2016) (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-charged-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-flight-article-1.2681080)\r\n\r\n[2] U.S. Attorneys' Manual, Criminal Resource Manual, Certain Crimes Aboard Aircraft in Flight \u00a71412.\r\n\r\n\r\n[3] 49 U.S.C.A. \u00a7 106(g)(A); Chapter 465 includes 49 U.S.C.A. \u00a7 46506.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/lgbtq-roundtable-discussion", "LGBTQ Roundtable Discussion", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, October 28, 2016\r\n        \r\n        LGBTQ Roundtable Discussion\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\t\r\n    \t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t New Hope, PA \r\nSenator Casey met with members of the New Hope LGBTQ community to discuss a wide range of issues including non-discrimination laws, transgender rights, elder housing and health issues, and parental rights.\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\t\r\t\t\tRelated Issues", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://brady.house.gov/press-release/darby-free-library-thanks-congressman-brady-renovation-america%E2%80%99s-oldest-library", "Darby Free Library thanks Congressman Brady for renovation to Americas oldest library", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Robert Brady", "B001227", "brady.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHILADELPHIA--- The Darby Free Library, the nation\u2019s oldest public library, in continuous service since 1743, unveiled its new facelift at a reception Tuesday to thank Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) for his assistance. Responding to a call from Darby Mayor Helen Thomas, the Congressman reached out to the Henderson Group for help with much needed repairs to the Library. That help was on display as the Library, located in the 1st Congressional District, proudly showed off the approximately $25,000 clean-up, fix-up and paint-up renovation project, donated by the Henderson Group, a full-service commercial real estate development company headquartered in suburban Philadelphia.\nLibrary Director Susan Borders said the repair and renovation project will greatly benefit the Library\u2019s 2018 celebration of providing library services for 275 years. \u00a0\u00a0\nBrady praised the Henderson Group for being a great community partner that stepped up to aid an important and historic institution. \u00a0And, as he toured the building Brady noted, \u201cTo see the faces of so many young people enjoying reading in a safe and welcoming space is the reward for helping out the Library.\u201d Viewing a case containing rare \u00a0historic books the Congressman added, \u201cThe history of the Darby Library is incredible, and we have to make sure that this important institution survives.\u201d In the 1700\u2019s, in the early days of the Darby Library, books were kept in the homes of the librarians. And, because of the interest of botanist John Bartram, his friend, Peter Collison, a Londoner, shipped to the Library its first collection of books, 43 volumes. \u201cThat\u2019s some history!,\u201d the Congressman noted.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/pittsburgh-latino-leaders-roundtable", "Pittsburgh Latino Leaders Roundtable", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburgh, PA \r\nSenator Casey met with a group of Latino leaders from the Pittsburgh region to listen to their concerns and discuss a wide range of issues impacting their community, including inclusive economic and workforce development, immigration and criminal justice reform, health care and education.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-attack-in-pakistan", "Casey Statement on Attack in Pakistan", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), member of the National Security Working Group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released a statement following the attack on a police training academy in Quetta, Pakistan.\r\n\"This week I and our nation stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan following a horrific terrorist attack on a police training academy outside Quetta. Those at the training academy were there to serve the people of Pakistan by promoting safety and security. This cowardly attack demonstrates the risks that all Pakistani people face every single day, particularly those who commit themselves to a life of public service in a police academy or the military. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and those whose lives were lost or changed forever by an injury. Our nation must continue to work with the Pakistani government to defeat the terrorists who perpetrated this attack and ensure that the people of Pakistan can have basic security.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-markey-blumenthal-to-usga-move-womens-open-from-trump-national-golf-club", "Casey, Markey, Blumenthal To USGA: Move Women’s Open from Trump National Golf Club", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Dick Blumenthal (D-CT) are sending a letter to the United States Golf Association (USGA), urging them to move the 2017 U.S. Women\u2019s Open from the Trump National in Bedminster, New Jersey.\u00a0 The letter comes following numerous allegations of Donald Trump degrading and dehumanizing women that have occurred over several decades.\r\n\u201cThe decision that the USGA makes is more consequential than simply the geographic location of a golf tournament,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn declining future association with a brand that degrades women, the USGA and LPGA have an opportunity to make clear to the world, and most especially young Americans, that our nation will not tolerate nor do business with any company that condones or excuses action that constitutes sexual assault.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is attached on the right.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/climate-change-day-with-senator-whitehouse", "Climate Change Day with Senator Whitehouse", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Southeast Pennsylvania \r\nSenator Casey, joined by his colleague, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), toured southeastern Pennsylvania to learn about the effects of climate change on Pennsylvanians\u2019 health, economy, and environment.\r\nEvents included a roundtable discussion with local leaders, residents, health care professionals, and faith leaders, a tour of the LEED Platinum-certified headquarters of CertainTeed/St. Gobain North, a visit to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and a meeting with Philadelphia city officials on sustainability initiatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-great-lakes-senators-urge-dot-to-help-implement-maritime-strategy", "Casey, Great Lakes Senators Urge DOT to Help Implement Maritime Strategy", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senator Bob Casey along with Senators Gary Peters (MI), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Joe Donnelly (IN), Richard Durbin (IL), Al Franken (MN), Mark Kirk (IL), Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx urging DOT to take a leadership role in the implementation of a first-ever regional strategy for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence maritime transportation system (MTS). The strategy was developed by the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (CGLSGP) in collaboration with industry, environmental groups, representatives from U.S. and Canadian governments, and other regional partners.\r\n\u201cTo unlock the potential of the Great Lakes MTS, we urge the DOT to begin a system-wide analysis to identify maritime transportation bottlenecks and barriers across the Great Lakes. This analysis would lay the groundwork to help identify where future public and private investment would have broad, systemically significant impacts,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cWe have a tremendous opportunity to seize on past investments, take advantage of available capacity and infrastructure, and begin to unlock the economic potential of the Great Lakes MTS. The U.S. DOT is uniquely suited to support this mission and we urge you to begin a system wide evaluation of bottlenecks and transportation constraints as an important first step.\"\r\nCurrently, the Great Lakes MTS is a major regional and national transportation asset, but is significantly under-utilized and operating at an estimated 50% of its full capacity. The CGLSGP Maritime Strategy includes a blend of policies, programs and projects to rejuvenate the regional maritime system with an overarching interest in increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and encouraging new markets such as cruise ships, containers, short sea shipping. The goal is to double maritime trade while shrinking the environmental footprint of the region\u2019s transportation network and supporting the region\u2019s industrial core as the backbone of our regional and national economies.\r\n\r\nThe Great Lakes-St. Lawrence MTS is the longest deep-draft inland navigation system in the world, and includes the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels and the St. Lawrence River. The MTS extends 2,300 miles into the North American heartland and serves more than 100 ports in the eight Great Lakes States, Ontario and Qu\u00e9bec. The region\u2019s maritime sector contributes more than $30 billion to the US and Canadian economies and accounts for more than 220,000 jobs. With an improved strategy for MTS, the region would experience significant growth, including economic expansion in all Great Lake States and Canada.\r\nDear Secretary Foxx:\r\nWe write you today to encourage the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to take a leadership role and begin to implement the first-ever regional strategy for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence maritime transportation system (MTS). The strategy was developed by the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers in collaboration with industry, environmental groups, representatives from U.S. and Canadian governments, and other regional partners. The goal is to double maritime trade while shrinking the environmental footprint of the region\u2019s transportation network and supporting the region\u2019s industrial core as the backbone of our regional and national economies.\r\n\r\nThe Great Lakes-St. Lawrence MTS is the longest deep-draft inland navigation system in the world. It includes the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels and the St. Lawrence River. The MTS extends 2,300 miles into the North American heartland and serves more than 100 ports in the eight Great Lakes States, Ontario and Qu\u00e9bec. The region\u2019s maritime sector contributes more than $30 billion to the US and Canadian economies and accounts for more than 220,000 jobs. While the Great Lakes MTS is a major regional and national transportation asset, it is significantly under-utilized and is operating at an estimated 50% of its full capacity.\r\n\u00a0\r\nTo unlock the potential of the Great Lakes MTS, we urge the DOT to begin a system-wide analysis to identify maritime transportation bottlenecks and barriers across the Great Lakes. This analysis would lay the groundwork to help identify where future public and private investment would have broad, systemically significant impacts. One well documented bottleneck is at the Soo Locks, where nearly 70% of cargo vessels are forced to use the Poe Lock. A recent study found that closure of this Lock would have devastating economic consequences. However, there are also many lesser known bottlenecks in the region that reduce efficiency and increase the cost of maritime transportation. For example, the St. Mary\u2019s River is authorized to be maintained to a depth of 27 feet. If it is not maintained, ships must lighten their loads for their entire Great Lakes voyage to be able to traverse this shallower depth. A complete, system-wide analysis would identify all such constraints and help determine where future investment will yield the greatest benefit.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe have a tremendous opportunity to seize on past investments, take advantage of available capacity and infrastructure, and begin to unlock the economic potential of the Great Lakes MTS. The U.S. DOT is uniquely suited to support this mission and we urge you to begin a system-wide evaluation of bottlenecks and transportation constraints as an important first step. We thank you for considering this request and we stand ready to assist in working toward a strong and vibrant maritime transportation system in the Great Lakes.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senators-urge-appropriations-committee-to-unlock-federal-funds-for-us-dairy-farmers-struggling-with-historically-low-milk-prices", "Senators Urge Appropriations Committee to Unlock Federal Funds for U.S. Dairy Farmers Struggling with Historically Low Milk Prices", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand were joined by Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D- NH), Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), Chris S. Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kelly A. Ayotte (R-NH), Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-PA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D- RI) urging federal appropriators to include funding for dairy farmers across the nation in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget. Specifically, the senators in the bipartisan letter requested appropriators to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to refund farmers for the $73 million that they paid into the Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) in 2015. The senators are also calling on the committee to allow the USDA to provide emergency assistance to dairy farmers and take greater action to support dairy producers by excluding any provision preventing the USDA from implementing clause 3 of Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 or from engaging in surplus removal and price support activities under section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.\r\n\u201cAs you know, dairy farmers across the country are struggling to stay in business.\u00a0 This year alone, dairy farms in a number of states have been forced to close at alarmingly high levels,\u201d the senators wrote in their joint letter. \u201cThe Dairy Margin Protection Program has not provided the safety net for farmers that was anticipated when the program was created. We believe that there are key measures that can be taken that will provide critical near-term support to cash-strapped dairy farmers and pave the way for longer-term sustainability in the industry.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is included below:\r\nDear Chairman Cochran, Vice Chairwoman Mikulski, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Merkley:\r\nWe write to urge you provide critical assistance for our nation\u2019s dairy farmers in appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year 2017. \r\nAs you know, dairy farmers across the country are struggling to stay in business.\u00a0 This year alone, dairy farms in a number of states have been forced to close at alarmingly high levels.\u00a0Milk prices have dropped by more than 40 percent over the past two years, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts low prices to continue for the near future.\u00a0 Dairy production costs continue to rise, and severe drought in some regions of the country has driven these costs up further. \r\nTo make matters worse, Congress has severely restricted the Secretary of Agriculture\u2019s ability to respond to this crisis.\u00a0 The Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) has not provided the safety net for farmers that was anticipated when the program was created.\u00a0 There is widespread recognition that this program is not working and must be reformed, but our dairy farmers cannot wait for several years until a new Farm Bill is enacted.\u00a0 Many more will go out of business in the next year if immediate support is not provided.\r\nDespite current budgetary constraints and the need for future statutory changes, we believe that there are key measures that can be taken in appropriations legislation for FY17 that will provide critical near-term support to dairy farmers and pave the way for longer-term sustainability in the industry.\r\nMost importantly, we respectfully request that spending legislation for FY17 not include any provision preventing the USDA from implementing clause 3 of Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 or from engaging in surplus removal or price support activities under section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.\u00a0 Such provisions currently limit the Secretary of Agriculture\u2019s ability to provide emergency support to dairy farmers.\u00a0 Lifting this ban would allow the Secretary more flexibility to respond to the current crisis.\r\nWe further request that $3 million within the budget of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) be designated for a survey of average feed costs by state.\u00a0 NASS estimates that such a survey will take 18-24 months, so it must begin this work as soon as possible in order for its results to be ready when Congress considers the next Farm Bill.\u00a0 Accurate information on regional variation in feed costs is critical for designing a program that better supports small and family farms in all regions of the country.\r\nAdditionally, we ask that the Committee consider authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to refund farmers for the $73 million that they paid into the DMPP in 2015.\u00a0 While we understand that the price tag on this request may make this move difficult, we hope that the Committee can understand the frustration and disillusionment of cash-strapped farmers who lost thousands of dollars expecting financial support that was never provided.\r\nThank you for your consideration of these important requests.\u00a0 We stand ready to work with you to help our nation\u2019s dairy farmers during this crisis.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-14000-in-grant-funds-to-two-national-parks", "Cartwright Announces $14,000 in Grant Funds to Two National Parks", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the National Park Foundation has awarded two grants totaling $14,000 to two National Parks in the 17th Congressional district.\u00a0 These grants, part of the Foundation\u2019s Open Out Doors for Kids program, support the White House youth initiative Every Kid in a Park, a program that allows fourth graders nationwide to obtain a pass for one year of free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters across the country.\nThe Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will receive a $9,000 grant to allow 600 fourth grade students from Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg Area, and Port Jervis School Districts to visit the site. \u00a0Students will take guided hikes where they will be introduced to the site's native plants, animals, and geologic landforms.\nThe Steamtown National Historic Site has been awarded a $5,000 grant to allow 1,200 fourth graders from local Title I schools to participate in its \"Railroads, Rivers & You!\" STEM-focused program. \u00a0Students will learn about railroad technology on a ranger-led walk along the Lackawanna River on the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Trail, in addition to conducting a river health survey.\n\u201cNortheastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley are home to some of the most remarkable examples of scenic beauty anywhere in the Commonwealth and across the country,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\u00a0 \"Through the Open Out Doors for Kids program, we will have the opportunity to expose 1,800 fourth graders to these outstanding parks in their own backyards and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.\u201d\nThe National Park Foundation's Open Outdoors for Kids initiative introduces and exposes kids \u2014 all kids \u2014 to experiential, outdoor experiences that promote physical and emotional health, civic engagement and long-term appreciation for nature. \u00a0Using the spectacular and unparalleled resources of our nation's more than 400 national parks, the program's goal is to connect more children to their culture and heritage, enhance hands-on learning opportunities and deepen connections to the natural world.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressman-doyle-highlights-pittsburgh%E2%80%99s-climate-change-initiatives-white-house", "Congressman Doyle Highlights Pittsburghs Climate Change Initiatives at White House Conference", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburgh, PA \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) highlighted Pittsburgh\u2019s many climate change initiatives at the White House Frontiers Conference hosted by President Obama in Pittsburgh today. Doyle welcomed participants to the Global Frontiers Track, which explored new developments in technology addressing climate change.\n\u00a0\n\u201cPittsburgh is on the cutting edge of a number of efforts to address climate change,\u201d Congressman Doyle said in summarizing the region\u2019s contributions to crafting a climate-smart future. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a great place to hold a conference; it\u2019s a massive laboratory where dozens of experiments in sustainability and clean energy development are being conducted. The Global Frontier we\u2019re here to talk about is all around you. I encourage you all to spend some time here and see what you can learn.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe White House Frontiers Conference focused on science and technology relevant to a number of \u201cFrontiers\u201d that will be important over the coming years. More information about the White House Frontiers Conference can be found at www.frontiersconference.org.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nCongressman Doyle\u2019s remarks follow below in full:\n\u00a0\nThank you. It\u2019s a pleasure to be here with you today. I want to welcome you all to Pittsburgh, and to thank our presenters in advance for sharing their insights with us on these critical issues.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI want to commend President Obama for recognizing the importance of innovation for our nation\u2019s future \u2013 and for holding this Conference on maintaining our nation\u2019s pre-eminence in science and technology.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI\u2019m pleased that the White House selected Pittsburgh to host this Frontiers Conference \u2013 but I\u2019m not surprised. Pittsburgh is home to a great deal of innovation in the fields this Conference will address. Take, for example, the focus of this track \u2013 innovation to deal with climate change.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nMany people still associate Pittsburgh with heavy industry and fossil fuels. But today, Pittsburgh\u2019s economy is highly diversified and more reliant on knowledge-based industries. Our region is blessed with world-class universities like Pitt and Carnegie Mellon, whose research has produced a host of start-up companies to commercialize their medical and technological advances. We\u2019re also home to private sector research facilities, like those operated by US Steel, Google, and Uber. On top of that, we\u2019ve got government-funded research facilities like the National Energy Technology Lab and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. Last, but not least, we\u2019ve strong philanthropic support for research on \u2013 and implementation of \u2013 innovative approaches to major issues like climate change.\n\u00a0\nAmong the efforts of these organizations you can find examples of each of the topics that will be addressed here today \u2013 clean energy technologies; data, services, and tools; and climate-smart design.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFor example, the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University is focusing on increased energy-efficiency, energy storage, and the development of new, more sustainable energy technology.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe University of Pittsburgh recently expanded its energy research by establishing its new Energy Grid Research and Infrastructure Development Institute to modernize our nation\u2019s system for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. This new initiative is located in Pittsburgh\u2019s Energy Innovation Center \u2013 an old vocational school which was renovated into a LEED Platinum-certified sustainable building and adaptively re-used as a green energy lab, business incubator, and green job training facility for inner-city residents.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAnother Pittsburgh non-profit, the Green Building Alliance, began promoting healthy, high-performance buildings nearly 25 years ago. It\u2019s no surprise, then that today, Western Pennsylvania is home to nearly 400 LEED-certified buildings \u2013 including the Center for Sustainable Landscapes at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is one of the most green-certified buildings in the world. The Green Building Alliance is also responsible for the Pittsburgh 2030 District initiative, which aims to cut energy and water use in nearly 500 major buildings in half by the year 2030.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI\u2019m proud to add that our local government is actively involved in addressing climate change. The City of Pittsburgh is well into its third Climate Action Plan and making progress towards its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. In addition, Pittsburgh is a participant in the Administration\u2019s MetroLab Network, which brings cities and local universities together to develop and test technologies that could benefit communities across the country. Pittsburgh is partnering with Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University on a host of initiatives \u2013 from transportation monitoring and traffic light synchronization, to the development of more resilient, sustainable micro-grids for electricity, to making government data easier for the public to find and use through initiatives like the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center.\n\u00a0\nThe Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is incorporating green infrastructure into its wastewater collection, transportation, and treatment systems.\n\u00a0\nAnd just yesterday, Pittsburgh\u2019s Mayor, Bill Peduto, announced a new plan for evaluating future development proposals in the city. Under this plan, future real estate development proposals would be evaluated on the basis of a dozen Performance Measures such as sustainability and benefits to low-income residents. We don\u2019t just want a more sustainable economy in Pittsburgh; \u00a0we want a more sustainable economy that benefits all members of our community.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI could go on, but I think I\u2019ve made my point \u2013 Pittsburgh is on the cutting edge of a number of efforts to address climate change. It\u2019s not just a great place to hold a conference; \u00a0it\u2019s a massive laboratory where dozens of experiments in sustainability and clean energy development are being conducted. The Global Frontier we\u2019re here to talk about is all around you. I encourage you all to spend some time here and see what you can learn.\n\u00a0\nThank you.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/womens-safety-roundtable-at-wilkes-university", "Women’s Safety Roundtable at Wilkes University", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wilkes-Barre, PA \r\nSenator Casey hosted a Women\u2019s Safety Roundtable at Wilkes University\u2019s Henry Frank M. & Dorothea Student Center. At the roundtable, Senator Casey announced his support of S. 1520, the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act. Attendees discussed ways of combatting sexual assault and domestic violence issues overall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/congressman-doyle-opens-pittsburgh-robotics-showcase", "Congressman Doyle Opens Pittsburgh Robotics Showcase", "2016-10-12", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburgh, PA \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) joined Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, City of Pittsburgh officials, and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network - an organization of local robotics companies - to showcase the great success and growth of robotics since President Obama\u2019s 2011 visit to Carnegie Mellon University\u2019s National Robotics Engineering Center.\u00a0\nIn his welcoming remarks, Congressman Doyle highlighted the company expansion and job growth and economic development impact over the last five years.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe\u2019ve experienced remarkable growth in this field since President Obama announced the launch of the National Robotics Initiative here five years ago,\u201d Congressman Mike Doyle said. \u201cOver that short time, we\u2019ve seen employment in local robotics companies and research institutions skyrocket from 700 to more than 2200. Robotics has become an important contributor to the economic resurgence of Pittsburgh \u2013 with one of the latest and largest developments being Uber\u2019s establishment of an advanced technology center in Pittsburgh to develop self-driving vehicles. I believe that robotics and advanced manufacturing technology is critical for our region\u2019s future economic growth. As a result, I have been a strong supporter of local efforts to support and promote Pittsburgh\u2019s growth as a world leader in this field.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe showcase, entitled RoboPGH Day, was held at Carnegie Robotics, a robotics design and manufacturing facility. RoboPGH Day highlighted the local robotics industry\u2019s growth and its impact on the Pittsburgh economy. Twenty robotics companies from across the Pittsburgh area provided demonstrations ranging from autonomous solutions for ground and aerial vehicles, to autonomous warehouse logistics, dual robotic arms and robotic car seats. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn a recent survey conducted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, 19 new robotics companies have opened in Pittsburgh over the last 5 years. Those businesses are providing robotics technology to a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, defense, mining, health care, industrial inspection, transportation, and warehouse automation. Of the 40 robotics companies and research institutions associated with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, over 1,500 new jobs have been added to the local economy \u2013 a 300 percent increase in robotics company employment \u2013 over that five-year period. \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nIn 2011, President Barack Obama selected Pittsburgh as the city to announce the National Robotics Initiative, a multi-agency effort to accelerate the development and use of robotics in the larger effort to promote the American Manufacturing Partnership. Since that announcement, a new generation of robotics companies have started up in Pittsburgh. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-uss-john-p-murtha-commissioning", "Casey Statement on USS John P. Murtha Commissioning", "2016-10-08", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Philadelphia, PA - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing the following statement as the USS Murtha is commissioned today.\r\n\u201cThe USS John P. Murtha will advance our nation\u2019s national security interests and honor Congressman Murtha for his lifetime of service.\u00a0Congressman Murtha was a decorated Marine who served his country during the Korean War and volunteered for combat in Vietnam.\u00a0He never forgot about our veterans, our troops or their families.\u00a0He was a strong fighter for Johnstown, Cambria County and all of the 12th District. He was also my friend and a friend of the Casey family. The commissioning of this ship is a fitting tribute to a man who committed his life to service and focused intensively on our nation\u2019s security and the wellbeing of those who serve.\u201d \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://doyle.house.gov/press-release/infrastructure-reconnect-lower-hill-and-downtown-reaches-important-milestone", "Infrastructure to Reconnect Lower Hill and Downtown Reaches Important Milestone", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Mike Doyle", "D000482", "doyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburgh, PA \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) joined Governor Wolf, local officials, and community members to celebrate the completion of the construction of new streets in the Lower Hill Infrastructure Project. Following brief statements, officials participated in a ceremonial ribbon \u201cconnecting\u201d before the streets opened to the public.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe\u2019ve worked hard to get to this point, so it\u2019s a real pleasure to have this phase of the redevelopment effort completed and see these streets open,\u201d Congressman Doyle noted. \u201cThis infrastructure makes everything else possible. I\u2019m looking forward to the next stage in the process and the construction of buildings that will soon line these streets. I can\u2019t wait to see this site become a vibrant community again, with thousands of Pittsburghers living and working here.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThrough our work with the public and private sector on this project, we are working to correct a mistake made almost 70 years ago,\u201d said Governor Tom Wolf. \u201cThis project begins to right that wrong, and will help to redevelop the lower hill area in a way that will not only bring value and enrich the land, but will like the Hill District to downtown and provide real benefits to this community.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThis portion of the project, deemed \u201cElement I,\u201d included the construction of a new Fullerton Street that connects Bedford Avenue to Centre Avenue, and a new portion of Wylie Avenue which joins Fullerton Street to Crawford Street. During the urban renewal of the 1950s, all of the streets in the 28-acre site were removed. The reconstruction of the streets includes modern, walkable sidewalks that reconnect the Hill District to downtown.\n\u00a0\nFunding for the work was provided through an $11.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award and $1 million of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding.\n\u00a0\nThe infrastructure project has been designed, and is being constructed, as part of a planned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development certification. It includes energy efficient street lighting, stormwater planters and street trees. Additionally, the design include pedestrian and traffic safety improvements, upgrades to storm and sanitary lines, and improved bicycle connections.\n\u00a0\nOther roadway work is currently underway which will provide a new Logan Street, connecting Bedford to Centre Avenue, Wylie Avenue continuing to the new Logan Street, and a new intersection at Logan Street and Centre Avenue. Construction on \u201cElement II\u201d is expected to be complete in Summer 2017.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis project is evidence of what we can accomplish when we all work together. I thank Congressman Doyle, Governor Wolf and the members of the General Assembly for their continued support of these efforts, and for the funding for which they have advocated,\u201d said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. \u201cThere are few places in this country that have the opportunity to redevelop a 28-acre site in their downtown corridor, but that is what we have \u2013 and it is a great opportunity. I\u2019m excited to celebrate the completion of the first streets here on the site and can already envision what it will look like teeming with people and industry once again.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe new street grid creates parcels that will support a mixed-use development which will include 606,000 square feet of Class A office space, over 254,000 square feet of commercial space, a 150-room hotel, 2.8 acres of public green open space and 1,191 residential units. Private partners are expected to invest over $379 million in the project.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis project is about reconnecting the Hill District with Downtown Pittsburgh, and providing ladders of opportunity toward a more equitable city economy,\u201d said Mayor William Peduto. \u201cResidents of the Hill District deserve better access to employment, education and prosperity, and we are pleased to take initial steps toward those goals.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn the mid-1950s, the Lower Hill District was declared blighted resulting in 1,300 buildings on 95 acres being cleared, displacing over 8,000 people and 413 businesses. The ambitious plans for urban renewal never fully materialized and what was once a thriving community became mostly surface parking.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe Lower Hill Infrastructure Project will help to repair the mistakes of the 1950s and extend the economic strengths of Downtown to the Hill District. When complete, the development is projected to create 2,948 permanent jobs.\n\u00a0\nIn future phases, more new streets will be built, and a cap with streets and greenspace will be built over Route I-579 to reestablish the connection between the Lower Hill District and downtown Pittsburgh that was destroyed decades ago when I-579 and the Civic Arena were built. By providing improved access between these neighborhoods, and to the transit system Downtown, the I-579 Cap Urban Connector will promote public and private development in the Hill District and help create new jobs for Hill District residents.\n\u00a0\nCongressman Doyle worked with local community leaders to secure $20.5 million in federal funding to assist in the redevelopment of the city\u2019s Lower Hill District through the construction of the I-579 Cap Urban Connector.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-announces-over-10-million-in-grants-to-improve-transportation-congestion-in-pittsburgh", "Casey Announces over $10 Million in Grants to Improve Transportation, Congestion in Pittsburgh", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the City of Pittsburgh $10,899,318 in grants to support critical transportation and infrastructure projects in the city. The funds will improve mobility in Pittsburgh, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth in the region.\r\n\u201cPittsburgh has always been a city that is unafraid of thinking big and pushing the envelope.\u00a0 This grant will allow the city to focus on cutting edge transportation technology to provide access, reliability, and safety to the citizens of Southwestern Pennsylvania,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cI will continue to support infrastructure development here in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.\u201d\r\nThe funds awarded through the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act, or the \u201cFast Act,\u201d which establishes and funds new programs to support critical transportation projects to ease congestion and facilitate the movement of freight on the Interstate System and other major roads.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/following-new-cpsc-reports-casey-klobuchar-blumenthal-call-on-congress-to-pass-legislation-protecting-children-from-tipping-furniture", "Following New CPSC Reports, Casey, Klobuchar, Blumenthal Call on Congress to Pass Legislation Protecting Children from Tipping Furniture", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 As the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) releases two new reports on furniture tipovers, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), are calling on Congress to swiftly pass their legislation, the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act. The legislation comes as serious safety concerns have arisen from fatal tip-over incidents involving children in PA and across the nation. According to the CPSC, tip-overs of furniture, TVs, and appliances cause over 15,000 injuries per year to children under 9 who\u00a0are crushed, trapped or struck by falling objects, and the majority of these incidents involve furniture tip-overs.\r\n\u201cTipping furniture presents a serious danger to our nation\u2019s children.\u00a0 The STURDY Act directs CPSC to adopt a stronger, mandatory stability standard that will help protect kids from being injured or killed by tip-overs of chests, dressers and bureaus,\u201d Casey said.\u00a0 \u201cWe must move quickly to pass this legislation in Congress to stop the hundreds of preventable injuries, and even deaths, that impact children and families across the country each year. I commend the CPSC for their work in helping to make our homes safer for our children.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cNo family should live in fear that their child could be severely injured or even killed by a preventable tip-over of household furniture,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cAfter a 22-month old from Apple Valley, Minnesota was killed by a falling Malm dresser, I called on the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take action to prevent further injuries and deaths and on IKEA to act to safeguard its customers. While the dangerous IKEA dressers have been recalled and are no longer being sold, these alarming new reports show that more needs to be done. Our bill expands this call to action by ensuring stronger standards for all manufacturers that will help protect more children from the risks of furniture tip-overs.\u201d\r\n\u201cParents shouldn\u2019t have to worry that unstable furniture might seriously injure their children \u2013 or worse \u2013 every time they turn their heads in their own homes,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cThis report is further evidence of the grave danger posed by large furniture and appliances that are inadequately anchored to walls or dangerously top-heavy, and can tip-over, crushing small children. Current voluntary safety standards are plainly insufficient. American families need a strong furniture stability standard to prevent deadly tip-overs and protect our children.\u201d\r\nThe CPSC report echoes many of the findings of a recent study by Kids in Danger (KID), a child safety advocacy organization. KID found that fewer than half of the furniture units they tested met the ASTM stability standard, and the organization recommended that the standards be made stronger, mandatory and enforceable. The reports can be found below.\r\nCPSC Report on the ASTM Standard for Clothing Storage Units\r\nCPSC Report on Tip-over Injuries and Fatalities\r\nKID report \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/article/students-complete-your-fafsa-for-financial-aid", "Students: Complete your FAFSA for Financial Aid", "2016-10-01", "2016", "2016-10", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By:\u00a0\r\n                    Bob Casey\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Saturday, October 1, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n              \r\n                \r\n                  \r\n                \r\n              \r\n            \r\n            Today, October 1st, marks the start of access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, often known as the FAFSA. This is the first year the FAFSA has been accessible before January 1st. Completing the FAFSA is critically important because it is the application that college students must submit in order to apply for federal student aid including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work study opportunities. The FAFSA is also used by many states \u2013 including Pennsylvania \u2013 to determine eligibility for state grants and many colleges and private organizations use it to determine other scholarships or financial assistance.\r\nIn 2014 alone, according to NerdWallet, a personal finance website, more than 62,000 Pennsylvania high school graduates didn\u2019t complete the FAFSA and missed out on more than $96 million in total Pell Grant resources and countless more in college based financial aid. Nationwide, NerdWallet estimates students missed out on as much as $2.7 billion in free Pell Grant resources. With college costs squeezing wallets across the country, it\u2019s critical that students and families receive all the financial aid they are eligible for.\r\nThis new \u201cearly FAFSA\u201d is also coupled with a simple change from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), that will make the form even easier to fill out. Before this year, families had to manually input their tax and income information. This was difficult because most families usually wait until late winter or early spring to complete their taxes. Now, applicants will be able to instantly retrieve their IRS data from their previous year\u2019s tax return and merge it directly into their FAFSA application.\r\nThe \u201cearly FAFSA\u201d coupled with the data retrieval from the IRS means financial aid information will be more in line with the college admissions process. It will give students and families more time to fully consider their options and make an informed decision on which school they should select. The data retrieval from the IRS means fewer mistakes and a more complete picture of how much a family will have to contribute. Finally, many colleges give aid on a first come, first serve basis, and \u201cearly FAFSA\u201d will give all students and families the opportunity to get every dollar available.\r\nThese improvements should make the process easier and help more students and families fully access federal financial aid and afford college. That\u2019s why I was proud to join my colleagues in asking the Secretary of Education to implement these changes.\r\nAn \u201cearly FAFSA\u201d will help students and families receive aid to pay for college, but there\u2019s more we must do to ensure all students have a fair shot to succeed in higher education. That\u2019s why I am a cosponsor of the In the Red Act which would allow student loan borrowers to refinance their loans at a lower rate, make sure Pell Grants are adjusted for inflation, and provide two years of free community college. I also fought to extend the Perkins Loans Program, which provides critical aid for nearly 40,000 Pennsylvania students who might otherwise have to drop out of school because of financial struggles.\r\nWhen the FAFSA goes live today, I hope students and families across the state will take the opportunity to fill it out. For more information, you can go to https://studentaid.ed.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-142192-in-dhs-grants-for-multiple-17th-district", "Cartwright Announces $142,192 in DHS Grants for Multiple 17th District Fire Companies", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has awarded a total of $142,192 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to fire companies throughout Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District during the month of July.\nThe grant funds will be used by each fire company to purchase a variety of equipment including breathing apparatuses, a fill station for breathing apparatuses, and thermal imaging cameras.\u00a0 The grant funds will be distributed as follows:\n Tatamy Fire Company, Tatamy, PA ($82,667)\n\tMinersville Fire-Rescue, Minersville, PA \u00a0($21,905)\n\tWind Gap Fire Company, Wind Gap, PA ($37,620)\n \u201cThe Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program continues to be a critical resource for our community fire companies.\u00a0 Day in and day out, the men and women of our fire and rescue units selflessly put their lives in harm\u2019s way as the first responders to emergency events,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.\nThe purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.\u00a0 Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $7.28 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.\nDuring the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award over $345 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-850569-in-dhs-grants-for-multiple-17th-district", "Cartwright Announces $850,569 in DHS Grants for Multiple 17th District Fire Companies", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has awarded a total of $850,569 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to fire companies throughout Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District during the month of August.\nThe grant funds will be used by each fire company to purchase a variety of equipment including turn out gear, breathing apparatuses, and a fire engine.\u00a0 The grant funds will be distributed as follows:\n Excelsior Hose Company No. 2, Duryea, PA ($36,791)\n\tSheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Department, East Union, PA \u00a0($89,015)\n\tRescue Hook and Ladder Company Number 1, Shenandoah, PA ($74,286)\n\tEast End Fire Company No. 4, Tamaqua, PA ($245,715)\n\tSouth Ward Fire Company, Tamaqua, PA ($404,762)\n \u00a0\u201cThe Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program continues to be a critical resource for our community fire companies.\u00a0 Day in and day out, the men and women of our fire and rescue units selflessly put their lives in harm\u2019s way as the first responders to emergency events,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.\nThe purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.\u00a0 Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $7.28 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.\nDuring the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award over $345 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-96753-in-hhs-funds-to-wright-center-for-hiv", "Cartwright Announces $96,753 in HHS Funds to Wright Center for HIV Capacity Planning and Care", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced that a grant worth $96,753 has been awarded to The Wright Center through the Ryan White Title III HIV Capacity Development and Planning Program.\u00a0 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds will be used for HIV treatment capacity planning and development.\n\u201cAccess to quality health care is a basic need and a right, but some residents of northeastern Pennsylvania are still underserved,\u201d said Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cThis funding will help The Wright Center to continue to meet the needs of underserved populations and to deliver the care necessary for everyone to live healthy lives.\u201d\nThe Part C Planning and Capacity Development Grants Programs provide time-limited resources to help public and private nonprofit agencies lay the groundwork for high quality HIV care.\u00a0 Planning grants were added in 1996 and capacity development grants in 2000 to increase the pool of HIV care providers in communities with limited or no access to care.\u00a0 Both programs focus on agencies in rural or urban underserved areas and in communities of color.\nThe Wright Center is a non-profit organization recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as the largest Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education consortium in the country.\u00a0 Physicians trained in THCs are twice as likely to practice in underserved areas, as compared to those not trained in THCs.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-grant-awarded-to-the-city-of-wilkes-barre-for", "Cartwright Announces Grant Awarded to the City of Wilkes-Barre for Police Overtime Pay", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wilkes-Barre, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that a grant in the amount of $28,872 has been awarded to the City of Wilkes-Barre through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).\u00a0 The funds\u2014shared with the city of Hazelton\u2014will be used for training and overtime pay for the Wilkes-Barre Police Department.\u00a0\n\u201cThrough this award, Wilkes-Barre will be able to support activities needed to prevent crime and make our neighborhoods safer,\u201d said Congressman Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cJAG grants provide our local governments with the flexibility to use these funds in the best way to improve local law enforcement and the criminal justice system.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good day when the people who need help keeping our cities safe receive this funding.\u201d\nThe JAG Program allows states and units of local government to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. \u00a0Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice.\nJAG Program funds can be used for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-announces-350000-in-doj-funds-for-domestic-violence", "Rep. Cartwright Announces $350,000 in DOJ Funds for Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes-Barre", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wilkes-Barre, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that a grant in the amount of $350,000 has been awarded to the Domestic Violence Service Center (DVSC) in Wilkes-Barre through the Transitional Housing Grant Assistance Program from the Department of Justice (DOJ).\nThe Center, in collaboration with the Luzerne County Homeless Coalition and Catholic Social Services of Wyoming Valley, will use the funds to provide transitional housing and support services to move survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking who are homeless or without permanent housing.\nAdditional support services could include:\n case management, safety planning, transportation, financial literacy, counseling, support groups, job training;\n\t\t\u00a0\n\taccess to on-site civil legal representation by attorneys and to mainstream resources and housing advocacy;\n\t\t\u00a0\n\tfollow-up services for at least 3 months once permanent housing is secured.\n \u00a0\u201cProtecting women from abusers and predators is an enormous priority, and this investment will help keep Luzerne County families safe,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased such an important federal investment is being made and the Center will have access to the support they need to help keep women, children, and families safe.\u201d\nThe Domestic Violence Service Center offers emergency shelter and direct services to battered women and their children.\u00a0 DVSC\u2019s Bridge Housing Program provides transitional housing for battered and homeless women and their children.\nIn addition to emergency shelter and transitional housing, DVSC offers a wide range of free and confidential services including a 24-hour hotline for information and referral, crisis intervention, supportive counseling or a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. \u00a0Other free services include supportive options counseling, individual and group counseling for residents and non-residents, advocacy, court advocacy and accompaniment related to Protection From Abuse Orders, community outreach and education, life skills and parenting training, medical and mental health advocacy and trainings for professionals.\nThe FY 2016 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking (Transitional Housing Assistance Program) implements certain provisions of the Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003 (the PROTECT Act) and the Violence Against Women Acts of 2005 and 2013. \u00a0The primary purpose of the Transitional Housing Assistance Program is to provide aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are homeless, or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance, including short-term housing assistance and supportive services; and for whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient. \u00a0The Program also focuses on supporting a holistic, victim-centered approach to provide transitional housing services that move individuals into permanent housing.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-announces-420226-in-nasa-funds-for-nurture-nature-center", "Rep. Cartwright Announces $ 420,226 in NASA Funds for Nurture Nature Center in Easton", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Easton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that a grant in the amount of $420,226 has been awarded to the Nurture Nature Center in Easton through NASA\u2019s Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums, and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities (CP4SMPVC+).\nThe goal of the CP4SMPVC+ Program is to get more kids interested in education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).\n\u201cThis grant will help the Center get more kids interested in STEM fields,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cHopefully, some of those kids will grow up to pursue careers in these fields, which will provide our nation\u2019s businesses with the workforce it needs to compete in today\u2019s global economy.\u201d\nThe Center\u2019s project, called \u201c6 Degrees of Influence: Understanding the Interconnectedness of Earth Systems\u201d supports NASA\u2019s education mission to advance high quality STEM education through the development of programming for middle school students, teachers, and minority undergraduates.\nThe project focuses on earth science concepts and the theme of interconnectedness, relying on a \u20186 Degrees of Influence\u2019 (similar to the 6 degrees of separation) to capture interest.\u00a0 The project will include the development of a Science on a Sphere\u00ae program and associated arts-based communication workshop to help participants visualize and physically diagram their connections to global issues.\u00a0 Additionally, there will be an undergraduate internship program that engages historically underrepresented youth, as well as teacher education workshops.\u00a0 The two-year project will kick off in February 2017.\nNurture Nature Center is a dynamic center for community learning about local environmental risks.\nNASA\u2019s CP4SMPVC+ Program aims to encourage STEM education and careers by working collaboratively with other agencies to engage students, teachers, and faculty in NASA\u2019s missions and unique assets.\u00a0 Awards are announced every two years, pending availability of funds.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/about/highlight/memorial-service-for-president-shimon-peres", "Memorial Service for President Shimon Peres", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, September 30, 2016\r\n        \r\n        Memorial Service for President Shimon Peres\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\t\r\n    \t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t Jerusalem, Israel \r\nSenator Casey attended the Memorial Service for former Israeli President Shimon Peres, as part of the American delegation accompanying President Barrack Obama.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-announces-198330-grant-awarded-to-catholic-social", "Rep. Cartwright Announces $198,330 Grant Awarded to Catholic Social Services to Curb Youth Homelessness", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a Health Services grant in the amount of $198,330 to Catholic Social Services of Wilkes-Barre through the Administration for Children and Families\u2019 Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB).\n\u201cCatholic Social Services makes a big difference in the lives of young people throughout northeastern Pennsylvania,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright, member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. \u00a0\u201cThese funds will help them continue the important work they are doing on behalf of vulnerable, at-risk youth throughout our region.\u201d\nCatholic Social Services will use the funds to help administer the FYSB\u2019s Basic Center Program.\u00a0 The program works to strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. \u00a0The programs provide youth up to age 18 with emergency shelter, food, clothing, counseling and referrals for health care.\nMost basic centers can provide 21 days of shelter for up to 20 youth.\u00a0 There are exceptions for jurisdictions that have different standards for licensing.\u00a0 Basic centers seek to reunite young people with their families, whenever possible, or to locate appropriate alternative placements.\u00a0 Basic Centers provided emergency shelter for more than 30,000 youth on the streets in FY 2014.\n\u00a0Rep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cartwright-introduces-legislation-aimed-at-saving-homeowners-money", "Rep. Cartwright Introduces Legislation Aimed at Saving Homeowners Money on Their Energy Bills", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the Scoring Calculations for Our Residential Energy (SCORE) Act, legislation that will help homeowners better understand their home\u2019s energy efficiency and give homeowners a clear, cost effective plan to save money and reduce their energy use.\n\u201cHomes in the United States consume more than 20% of our nation\u2019s energy and more than half of the energy used in the buildings sector,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\u00a0 \u201cWhile there are plenty of opportunities to improve the efficiency of most homes, consumers have historically underinvested in energy efficiency upgrades.\u201d\nIn the real estate market, a fresh coat of paint can return far more in resale value than it costs, while an extra layer of insulation reduces energy bills in perpetuity but has little to no impact on resale value.\u00a0\nLong term, an energy score should be provided alongside the walking score in a real estate listing and become as common as detailing the miles per gallon when selling a car.\u00a0 In fact, the market is already beginning to move in this direction; some prospective home buyers now request information about the energy efficiency of homes before buying. \u00a0Realtors and the MLS listing service in 79 out of the top 100 metropolitan areas are responding with fields reserved for energy efficiency or environmental impacts of the residence on home listings.\u00a0 A study from Chicago showed that homes that provided this information online in an easy to access format stayed on the market 20 days fewer than those homes that did not provide online access to their energy use.\nSpecifically, the SCORE Act would codify the voluntary Department of Energy (DOE)\u2019s Home Energy Score Program. \u00a0The program generates a report that includes a current evaluation of the energy efficiency of the home and presents a \u201cscore with improvements\u201d that reflects the home\u2019s expected score if cost-effective improvements are made.\u00a0 By including a measurable return on investment, the score value incentivizes homeowners to make energy investments.\nRep. Cartwright concluded, \u201cThe faster the market adopts energy scoring, the more money homeowners will save on their energy bills and the less energy our homes will waste.\u201d\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-shares-stories-of-wills-eye-hospital-patients-on-senate-floor", "Casey Shares Stories of Wills Eye Hospital Patients on Senate Floor", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey Shares Stories of Wills Eye Hospital Patients on Senate Floor \n            U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) addressed the Senate to speak about Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.  Casey spoke about the hospital's amazing work and the unfair treatment it is receiving at the hands of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-85000-usda-loan-awarded-to-germania-hose-company", "Cartwright Announces $85,000 USDA Loan Awarded to Germania Hose Company", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a Rural Development Loan to Germania Hose Company.\u00a0 The funds will be used to upgrade existing facilities.\nThe $85,000 community facility loan will allow for renovations that include HVAC, floors, painting, doors, exterior signage, and ADA compliance renovations to the restrooms.\n\u201cThese funds will play an important role in modernizing Germania Hose Company and supporting our firefighters,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.\nThe USDA Community Facility Loan program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. \u00a0This program considers an essential community facility to be any facility that provides an essential service to the community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.\nRep. Matt Cartwright represents Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District, which includes Schuylkill County and portions of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, and Northampton Counties.\u00a0 Cartwright serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-brendan-boyle-introduces-legislation-require-enforceable", "Congressman Brendan Boyle Introduces Legislation to Require Enforceable Nationwide Standard for Perfluorinated Compounds in Drinking Water", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-13) recently introduced legislation (H.R. 6125) that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set an enforceable, nationwide primary drinking water standard for PFCs (including PFOA & PFOS). \u00a0Currently, the EPA sets voluntary advisory guidelines. Congressman Boyle feels the current approach is too weak considering the growing science on the risks these chemicals present to our drinking water and the national scope of the problem.\n\u201cIt is past time we address these contaminants with the seriousness they merit,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u00a0\u201cWhether it\u2019s PFCs in Horsham, Pennsylvania or lead in Flint, Michigan, when it comes to the safety of our drinking water, it\u2019s time to get serious.\u201d\nCongressman Boyle\u2019s bill is part of a larger package of safe drinking water legislation supported by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), the lead Democrat on the powerful committee of jurisdiction, the House Energy and Commerce Committee. \u00a0The package would modernize the Safe Drinking Water Act, fill funding voids and address modern threats to drinking water systems large and small across the country.\n\u201cThe crisis in Flint has highlighted the need for action, but water systems nationwide are in dire need of dramatic improvements,\u201d Pallone, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said in a statement. \u00a0\u201cThis comprehensive legislation provides the tools and resources that state and local governments need to ensure the public is provided with clean, safe drinking water.\"\nCongressman Boyle\u2019s legislation is the product of discussions with federal officials in direct response to the ongoing water contamination issues experienced by communities surrounding the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, and Horsham Air Guard Station in Pennsylvania. \u00a0Neighboring Congressmen Meehan (PA-7) and Fitzpatrick (PA-8) are original cosponsors of the bill. \u00a0The three congressmen have tirelessly worked together to address these issues in a bipartisan fashion since becoming aware of the community\u2019s health concerns.\nAlso this week, Congressman Boyle is fighting to add an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act, (\u00a0H.R. 5303\u00a0), to require the CDC\u2019s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct a study on the long term health effects of exposure to PFCs through water contamination around military installations like Willow Grove. \u00a0He is pushing House leadership to allow a vote on the amendment on the House floor before final passage of H.R. 5303.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-passing-of-former-israeli-president-shimon-peres", "Casey Statement on Passing of Former Israeli President Shimon Peres", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), member of the National Security Working Group and former Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released a statement following the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres:\r\n\u201cShimon Peres, a Founding Father of the State of Israel, was the consummate public servant, leader and fighter for the people of Israel. In a world too often driven by conflict, Shimon Peres constantly challenged us to move towards peace. I had the honor to meet with Shimon Peres twice as part of a congressional delegation and then again for a one-on-one meeting in 2013, which remains a highlight of my Senate tenure; his love for his country and commitment to the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel was evident. Peres was a voice for peace, even when the odds were against him. We lost a true servant-leader today, and we must count ourselves as blessed to have been on this earth during his lifetime. My prayers are with his family and with the people of Israel.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-grant-awarded-to-the-city-of-pottsville-for-police", "Cartwright Announces Grant Awarded to the City of Pottsville for Police Body Cameras", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pottsville, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a grant in the amount of $40,000 to the City of Pottsville through the Office of Justice Programs\u2019 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) program.\u00a0 The funds will be used to purchase body-worn cameras for the Pottsville Police Department.\u00a0\n\u201cThrough this award, the Pottsville Police Department will be able to improve community policing and make our neighborhoods safer,\u201d said Congressman Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Department of Justice provides another opportunity to increase trust between the police department and the community it serves.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good day when the people who help to keep our cities safe receive funding to do their jobs more effectively.\u201d\nThe awards are part of a nationwide program funded under the Office of Justice Programs\u2019 BJA Fiscal Year 2016 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program.\u00a0 According to the DOJ\u2019s announcement, \u201cThe grants will help law enforcement organizations implement body-worn camera policies, practices, and evaluation methods to make a positive impact on the quality of policing in individual communities.\u201d\u00a0\nThrough this grant program, BJA awarded more than $16 million to state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as a $3 million supplemental award to continue support for body-worn camera training and technical assistance.\u00a0\nThe Body Worn Camera program was launched by the DOJ last year in response to a recommendation by the President\u2019s Task Force on 21st Century Policing that urged law enforcement agencies to use technology to strengthen relationships with communities.\u00a0 Initial research has shown that law enforcement use of body-worn camera programs improve law enforcement\u2019s interaction with the public and benefit law enforcement officers.\u00a0 Body-worn cameras provide a video of what the officer sees during any interaction with the public, and that video can be used to both corroborate written police reports and for other analytics.\u00a0 Furthermore, preliminary studies have shown that the use of body cameras leads to a reduction in both officer complaints and the use of force.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-announces-grant-awarded-to-the-city-of-scranton-for-police-0", "Cartwright Announces Grant Awarded to the City of Scranton for Police Body Cameras", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 Today, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a grant in the amount of $94,268 to the City of Scranton through the Office of Justice Programs\u2019 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) program.\u00a0 The funds will be used to purchase body-worn cameras for the Scranton Police Department.\u00a0\n\u201cThrough this award, the Scranton Police Department will be able to improve community policing and make our neighborhoods safer,\u201d said Congressman Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Department of Justice provides another opportunity to increase trust between the police department and the community it serves.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good day when the people who help to keep our cities safe receive funding to do their jobs more effectively.\u201d\nThe awards are part of a nationwide program funded under the Office of Justice Programs\u2019 BJA Fiscal Year 2016 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program.\u00a0 According to the DOJ\u2019s announcement, \u201cThe grants will help law enforcement organizations implement body-worn camera policies, practices, and evaluation methods to make a positive impact on the quality of policing in individual communities.\u201d\nThrough this grant program, BJA awarded more than $16 million to state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as a $3 million supplemental award to continue support for body-worn camera training and technical assistance.\nThe Body Worn Camera program was launched by the DOJ last year in response to a recommendation by the President\u2019s Task Force on 21st Century Policing that urged law enforcement agencies to use technology to strengthen relationships with communities.\u00a0 Initial research has shown that law enforcement use of body-worn camera programs improve law enforcement\u2019s interaction with the public and benefit law enforcement officers.\u00a0 Body-worn cameras provide a video of what the officer sees during any interaction with the public, and that video can be used to both corroborate written police reports and for other analytics.\u00a0 Furthermore, preliminary studies have shown that the use of body cameras leads to a reduction in both officer complaints and the use of force.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-push-us-department-defense-increase-funding-water", "Congressmen Push U.S. Department of Defense to Increase Funding for Water Contamination Correction Efforts", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressmen Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Patrick Meehan (R-PA.) and Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) met today with the U.S. Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) point-person for PFC water contamination, Maureen Sullivan, Director of Environmental Management for the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Installations and Environment. \u00a0 Sullivan is overseeing the DOD\u2019s response to PFC contamination from firefighting foams nationwide. \u00a0The Congressmen discussed their recent requests made of the DOD regarding communities surrounding the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, and Horsham Air Guard Station in Pennsylvania.\u00a0\nThe congressional trio is pushing the Navy and the Air National Guard to provide additional funding governing the remediation effort. Specific issues addressed include costs for additional filtration systems on public and private wells as needed, infrastructure improvements required to deliver clean, safe drinking water from nearby water authorities, and funding to offset water rate increases experienced by local customers. Rate hikes are attributed directly to costs incurred to mitigate the contamination and provide clean drinking water to residents in affected areas. \u00a0All three congressmen feel it is the Navy\u2019s responsibility to shoulder that financial burden, not the water utilities or their customers.\nIn addition to costs of water purchases, the three Pennsylvania congressmen also demanded action by the Navy on recent requests they\u2019ve made regarding funding of blood tests, health studies. Recently, Congressmen Boyle, Meehan and Fitzpatrick and Senators Casey and Toomey asked the Navy to provide health screenings for Horsham and Warminster residents. \u00a0In response, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Karnig Ohannessian explained that, after consultation with the CDC\u2019s ATSDR, blood testing was not advisable in these communities. The Congressmen also hosted an August health expert panel discussion in Horsham.\nDuring the meeting, the congressmen also requested an update on the DOD\u2019s plans for addressing firefighting foam contamination nationwide, as well as their legislation to clarify the DOD\u2019s authority to fund blood testing and health studies in impacted communities like the ones they represent.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-takes-a-stand-for-wills-eye", "Casey Takes a Stand for Wills Eye", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey Takes a Stand for Wills Eye \n            Wills Eye is a public trust gifted to the City of Philadelphia that was founded in 1832 and it was the first dedicated eye hospital in the country, providing care to the blind and the indigent, something they still do today.  \nUnfortunately, if the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has its way, Wills Eye Hospital will no longer be able to provide this care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-introduces-legislation-to-advance-medical-research-for-pulmonary-hypertension-2016", "Casey Introduces Legislation to Advance Medical Research for Pulmonary Hypertension", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced legislation that would work to improve health outcomes for pulmonary hypertension (PH) by advancing medical research and improving care for PH patients.\u00a0 S. 3361, the Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act of 2016, would ensure that the federal investment in research is directly leading to prolonged life and improved quality of life for PH patients, while working to lower health care expenses for patients with PH, such as by reducing the rate of disability and the need for organ transplantation. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is an original cosponsor.\r\n\u201cPulmonary Hypertension is a truly devastating disease that affects individuals of all race and age,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cWhile we have made meaningful advancements for PH treatment, we still have a long way to go.\u00a0 This legislation is an important step in providing hope for the future for all people suffering from PH.\r\nCasey first introduced legislation addressing PH after hearing the story of Colleen Connor, a West Chester mother of two who suffers from PH:\u00a0 \u201cI was 38 years old when I was diagnosed.\u00a0 My husband and I had a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. The PH diagnosis slammed the breaks on our lives and dreams,\u201d said Connor.\u00a0 \u201cPH patients are considered 'long term survivors' after living with the disease eight years. Had I been diagnosed sooner, there is a chance more immediate therapy could have delayed the disease and helped me lead a more normal life - with a job, and without supplemental oxygen and being dependent on an invasive IV therapy.\u00a0 I have no ill-will or loss of respect for the doctors who could not diagnose my PH.\u00a0 They are all highly intelligent and well regarded in my community.\u00a0 They were not armed to detect PH.\u00a0 I've learned that my story of delayed diagnosis is not the exception but rather the norm for PH patients.\u201d\r\nThe Pulmonary Hypertension Research and Diagnosis Act establishes an Interagency Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinating Committee for a period of five years.\u00a0 This Committee, which will consist of representatives from federal agencies, the patient community, the caregiver community and the advocacy community, will be responsible for coordinating activities relating to PH.\u00a0 The bill also requires a series of reports to Congress on pulmonary hypertension and the progress being made to address the impact of this disease.\r\nPH is a debilitating and often fatal progressive condition where the blood pressure in the lungs rises to dangerously high levels.\u00a0 In PH patients, blood flow between the heart and lungs is blocked or constricted.\u00a0 As a result, the heart must pump harder, causing it to enlarge and ultimately fail.\u00a0 PH can be idiopathic, occurring without a known cause, or be secondary to other conditions, such as scleroderma, lupus, blood clots, and sickle cell disease.\u00a0 PH impacts individuals of all races and ages.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-boyle-announces-federal-grant-award-school-district", "Congressman Boyle Announces Federal Grant Award for School District of Philadelphia", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13) today announced a $750,000 U.S. Department of Education Grant for the School District of Philadelphia.\u00a0\n\u201cIn our ever-changing technological landscape, students, parents and educators need access to the latest in educational technology. \u00a0 It is imperative that our students and parents stay compeititive and up-to-date in the digital education arena,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u00a0The Congressman is a strong supporter of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program and is constantly fighting to protect its annual funding. \u00a0\u201cGrants like this are essential to adequately supporting our educators and families.\u201d\nThe federal award, part of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, will enable the School District to provide high-quality early literacy activities, both inside the classroom and at the local public library. These activities will incorporate print and online reading materials created for students in grades K-3, and provide critical opportunities for parent engagement in reading at schools and public libraries.\nThe grant will also enable classroom teachers and public librarians to collaborate on literacy activities to ensure that the resources of the public library are in regular use by young students. Through the introduction of tablets, students and their families will be able to reserve books from any FLP branch, and even chat directly with a local librarian.  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-finance-committee-passage-of-legislation-to-protect-pensions-and-health-care-for-coal-miners-and-their-families", "Casey Statement on Finance Committee Passage of Legislation to Protect Pensions and Health Care for Coal Miners and their Families", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) releases a statement following passage of the Miner\u2019s Protection Act of 2016 by the Senate Finance Committee.\r\n\u201cThe Senate Finance Committee\u2019s passage of the Miner\u2019s Protection Act of 2016 \u00a0is an important step forward for this legislation and most importantly to guarantee coal miners and their families, through no fault of their own, don't lose their health coverage or pension. This effort has been about ensuring that the federal government keeps the promises it made to the coal miners who descended in to the depth and darkness of our nation\u2019s mines in order to power our country. I was proud to vote to pass this bill out of Committee,  but I won\u2019t be satisfied until this legislation becomes law and we provide these coal miners and their families with a full measure of security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/senate-advances-bipartisan-legislation-sponsored-by-senators-casey-and-burr-to-enhance-the-able-act", "Senate Advances Bipartisan Legislation Sponsored by Senators Casey and Burr to Enhance the ABLE Act", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The Senate Finance Committee today advanced the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act \u2013 two bills sponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) aimed at enhancing ABLE accounts. The ABLE to Work Act builds on the success of the ABLE Act by making it possible for people with disabilities who work to save an additional amount in an ABLE account without risking loss of benefits. The ABLE Financial Planning Act will allow financial rollovers from 529 college savings plans to ABLE accounts.\r\n\u00a0\u201cAdvancing these pieces of legislation moves us one step closer to building on the foundation of the ABLE Act,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cFundamentally, these efforts are about breaking down barriers for those with disabilities so they have a fair shot to achieve their dreams.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am excited this legislation to strengthen the ABLE Act has advanced out of committee and can soon be considered by the full Senate,\u201d said Senator Burr. \u201cThe ABLE to Work Act is about promoting employment and independence for people with disabilities.\u00a0 It will allow people with disabilities to save more money if they have a job and earn an income, and it will also make them eligible for the Saver\u2019s credit.\u00a0 I\u2019m also pleased to see the Committee advance the ABLE Financial Planning Act, which will allow families with a special needs child to have more control over their financial futures. I\u2019m urging my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible.\u201d\r\nBackground:\r\nThe\u00a0ABLE to Work Act\u00a0expands on the goals of the ABLE Act by encouraging work and self-sufficiency. The legislation allows individuals and their families to save more money in an ABLE account if the beneficiary works and earns income. Specifically, an ABLE beneficiary who earns income from a job could save up to the Federal Poverty Level, which is currently at $11,770. The bill will also allow ABLE beneficiaries to qualify for the existing Saver's Credit when they put savings in.\r\nText of the ABLE to Work Act is available\u00a0here.\r\nThe\u00a0ABLE Financial Planning Act\u00a0would allow families to rollover savings in a 529 college savings plan into an ABLE account. Many families save for a child\u2019s college education by opening a 529 account, sometimes before their child is even born, only to learn later that their child has a severe disability like autism.\u00a0 In other cases, a child could incur a disability from a tragic accident. In such instances, these families have funds trapped in a 529 that they could use to help cover their child\u2019s lifelong expenses.\u00a0 If they withdraw the funds for anything other than college expenses, they face taxes on their withdrawals.\u00a0 The ABLE Financial Planning Act would help these families by allowing them to rollover the funds in their 529 account into an ABLE account for their child. \r\nText of the ABLE Financial Planning Act is available\u00a0here.\r\nIn 2014, the bipartisan group of lawmakers led the effort to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which lets families who have a child with a disability save for their long-term care through 529-style savings accounts. The ABLE Act was a significant step forward and has been heralded as one of the most important pieces of disability legislation since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/national-day-of-remembrance-for-murder-victims", "National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims", "2016-09-20", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims \n            U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.\n            \n                \n                    \n                       \t\n        \t\t\t\t\n                        \n                            \n                                \n                                \n                                    \n                                    \n                                    \n                                \n                                \n        \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \n                        \n                        \n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n                            \t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\t\n    \t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                \n            \n        \t\n            \n            \n            \n                \n                \n                \n                \n                    \n                   \tSee Video on YouTube\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                    Copy Link", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/more-tired-truck-drivers-casey-fights-back-against-plan-to-loosen-rules-for-truck-drivers", "More Tired Truck Drivers: Casey Fights Back Against Plan to Loosen Rules for Truck Drivers", "2016-09-20", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 At a time where truck-crash deaths are rising, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is calling on his colleagues in Congress to do more to increase truck safety. Truck drivers\u2019 often drive for hours without much-needed rest and recovery, and their rest breaks are increasingly in jeopardy due to funding in Congress.\r\nIn the FY17 THUD appropriations bill, there are policy riders that will roll back \u201chours of service\u201d (HOS) rules that were implemented to give truck drivers longer rest periods to recover and reduce fatigue. Casey is calling on Congress reject all attempts to repeal important HOS protections for truck drivers.\r\n\u201cThe less sleep and breaks that truck drivers receive, the more likely they are to put our families and themselves in danger on the roads,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cWe have to remember that these are the roads that take our kids to school, our elderly to their appointments and our first responders to the sites of emergencies. We have an opportunity to remove this provision and we should take it.\u201d\r\nHOS rules protect truck drivers from the dangerous effects of fatigue. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has repeatedly cited fatigue as a contributor to truck crashes and included reducing fatigue related crashes on the 2016 Most Wanted List of safety changes.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/casey-takes-to-senate-floor-to-discuss-isis-and-terrorism-financing", "Casey takes to Senate Floor to Discuss ISIS and Terrorism Financing", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Casey takes to Senate Floor to Discuss ISIS and Terrorism Financing \n            In June, Senator Casey introduced the Stop Terrorist Operational Resources and Money (STORM) Act with Senator Johnny Isakson. This bill provides a strong set of tools to compel greater cooperation from partner nations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/media/view/the-daily-toll-of-gun-violence", "The Daily Toll of Gun Violence", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Daily Toll of Gun Violence \n            This summer we endured the worst mass shooting in U.S. history in Orlando. 49 people were killed in an act of hatred and terrorism. But it\u2019s also true that just this week, more than 280 Americans have been shot and 99 killed [source: Gun Violence Archive]. That\u2019s the truth hiding in plain sight in headlines like that one from the Philadelphia Inquirer: that the daily toll of gun violence, often concentrated in cities, adds up to nothing less than a mass shooting. This daily gun violence demands our attention, because this Thursday is certainly anything but average for the families, friends and communities of the dozens of Americans shot this week. And next Thursday won\u2019t be for the dozens more who will surely lose their lives before then.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-us/israel-mou", "Casey Statement on US/Israel MOU", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the national security working group,\u00a0 released a statement following the finalization of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Israel.\r\n\u201cI welcome the finalization of this historic agreement, which represents a transformational investment in our bilateral defense relationship with Israel.\u00a0 In February, I traveled to Israel where I heard directly from leaders including PM Netanyahu and senior officials in the Israeli Defense Forces about the security challenges Israel is facing on a daily basis.\u00a0 Our partnership with Israel is unbreakable, and this MOU will allow our militaries to address current threats and plan for future challenges.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-named-to-powerful-house-appropriations-panel", "Cartwright Named to Powerful House Appropriations Panel", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced that the Democratic Caucus has elected him to serve on the House Committee on Appropriations, the panel that makes annual spending decisions for all federal agencies and is considered one of the most powerful committees in Congress.\nFor fully one-half century, between the end of World War II and the turn of the millennium, northeastern Pennsylvania had strong and able representation on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.\n\u201cFor almost a generation now, our area has not had a voice on Appropriations.\u00a0 I am happy to say that the wait is over.\u00a0 This is not only a great honor, but also an opportunity to shape spending that can have a tremendous effect on the lives of seniors, veterans, children, students, commuters, federal workers, federal contractors, and military service personnel,\u201d said Rep. Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cEvery discretionary dollar goes through the Appropriations Committee, and I intend to use my voice and vote on the Committee to protect the health and retirement security of my constituents and to help spur economic growth in the 17th congressional district.\u201d\n\u201cI welcome Matt Cartwright as the newest member of the House Appropriations Committee,\u201d said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 \u201cCongressman Cartwright has been a vocal and effective leader on behalf of Pennsylvania\u2019s 17th Congressional District.\u00a0 I look forward to his joining Appropriations Democrats as we work to invest in hard-working American families, create more good-paying jobs, and build a stronger America.\u201d\nThe House Appropriations Committee serves an indispensable role as the originator of all annual federal spending bills, as referenced in Article I of the Constitution.\u00a0 Each year, under normal operating procedure, twelve spending bills are reported to the full House covering areas such as transportation infrastructure, energy development, military construction, education and student loan programs, rural development, environmental protection, and homeland security.\u00a0 Appropriators wield the \u201cpower of the purse\u201d at the programmatic level and enjoy close working relationships with federal agencies and offices as their yearly budgets are set.\n\u201cMunicipal officials, regional planners, business managers, nonprofit directors, and constituents in the 17th congressional district are not shy about letting me know what\u2019s important to them, and I intend to make those concerns and desires my top appropriations priorities,\u201d continued Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cTo me, this appointment is an opportunity to be even more responsive to the needs of the six counties I represent, and to help them grow and thrive, even as budgets are tight.\u201d\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen comparatively restrictive discretionary budgets under the 2012-enacted sequester law, which runs through 2023,\u201d Cartwright added. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s a law we need to rethink, especially where additional strategic investments would create jobs.\u201d\n\u201cMatt Cartwright has consistently proven himself to be a forceful and effective champion for America\u2019s hard-working families,\u201d said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.\u00a0 \u201cCongressman Cartwright\u2019s tireless leadership has been invaluable to House Democrats\u2019 effort to build a stronger America for all Americans.\u00a0 In his new role on the Appropriations Committee, Matt Cartwright will be a powerful voice for a budget that invests in America, creates more good-paying jobs, and strengthens hard-working families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-statement-us-israel-memorandum-understanding", "Boyle Statement on U.S.- Israel Memorandum Of Understanding", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2013 \u00a0Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-13), Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the announcement of a new 10-year Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel:  \n\t\"This MOU is a tangible commitment that the United States will continue to stand with Israel. \u00a0Every day Israel faces existential threats from around the globe and those that knock upon its borders. \u00a0This MOU also reinforces our commitment to keeping Israel's security tantamount and its military advantage strong, vigorous and formidable.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cartwright-introduces-legislation-to-protect-our-children-from-bullying", "Cartwright Introduces Legislation to Protect Our Children from Bullying, Ensure Schools Districts Are on Notice", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright introduced the Bullying Redress and Verified Enforcement (BRAVE) Act, legislation that would address bullying behavior within schools.\nAccording to the Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 3 students say they have been bullied at school.\u00a0 Moreover, 1 out of 10 students who drops out of school does so because of repeated bullying.\n\u201cBullying can have destructive consequences on our children and their education,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\u00a0 \u201cAs a parent and a Member of Congress, I believe we must take steps to create a school environment that prevents bullying and where our children can feel safe.\u201d\nIn 2014, Robin Zotynia of Plainfield Township lost her 14-year-old daughter to suicide as a result of incessant bullying at school.\u00a0 An eighth-grader at Wind Gap Middle School at the time, Courtney had her first experience with bullying in sixth grade.\u00a0 The family tried to get Courtney help, putting her in different programs and sending her to several psychiatrists.\u00a0 But her mom said she wasn\u2019t getting what she needed.\nCurrently, bullying laws exist in all fifty states, including Pennsylvania, but these laws provide varying levels of protection.\u00a0\nThe bill requires school personnel to report instances of bullying in order to increase their awareness of the problem and oversight in schools.\u00a0 Requiring districts to keep accurate records may make it easier for students to demonstrate that the district has a policy or custom of allowing bullying to occur, facilitating litigation and enabling students to pressure the school district for equal protection in the courts.\u00a0 If schools fail to comply, the bill establishes a procedure to submit complaints to the Office of Civil Rights for the Department of Education, allowing parents and students to hold the districts accountable and prevent further bullying.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-condemns-north-korea-s-nuclear-test", "Boyle Condemns North Koreas Nuclear Test", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-13) released the following statement today in response to reports that North Korea has tested a nuclear device:\n\"Today's actions involving the detonation of a nuclear warhead by North Korea are deeply troubling. \u00a0Kim Jong-un's continued actions are clearly intended to provoke and destabilize that region of the world. \u00a0This latest test is an escalation that sends a clear message that North Korea has no interest in being a responsible member of the international community. \u00a0I support President Obama's declaration this morning that he will continue to work with the U.N. Security Council and international community to impose additional penalties and sanctions upon North Korea as a result of this and previous actions.\"\n###\n\u00a0Congressman Boyle is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 240, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "PA", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 240, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=PA&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 240, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "PA", "label": "PA", "count": 240, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 240, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-09,https~3A~2F~2Fboyle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fboyle-condemns-north-korea-s-nuclear-test", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=PA&year=2016&_next=2016-09-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fboyle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fboyle-condemns-north-korea-s-nuclear-test&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 384.9145779386163, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}