{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"CO\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-douglas-county-incident", "Gardner Statement on Douglas County Incident", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following the officer-involved shooting in Douglas County:\r\n\r\nMy heart breaks for all of those affected by the terrible tragedy in Douglas County. Jaime and I are praying for the citizens and Deputies injured at the scene, and our hearts go out to the family of the Deputy who was fatally wounded. Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe and today all of Colorado stands with our law enforcement community.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2418", "Coffman Returns From Visiting U.S. Troops in Middle East", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Aurora, CO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06), who serves as the Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, returned to Colorado after spending Christmas with deployed U.S. service members in Afghanistan and conducting top-level military and diplomatic meetings in Kuwait and Jordan.\r\nIt was an honor for me to spend Christmas with our men and women in uniform, and to meet diplomatic staff deployed in the region said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran. Any opportunity I have to thank those serving on the front lines for their sacrifices and service to our nation is an opportunity I cherish. Additionally, hearing first-hand from our commanders and regional allies is crucial when crafting policy back in Washington.\r\nThe bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) took place between December 23-28, 2017 and included U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), all Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Coffman was the only Member of Congress who serves on the House Armed Services Committee to participate.\r\nOn Dec. 24th, the delegation arrived in Kabul and received a classified briefing regarding ongoing U.S. military operations in the region. Following the briefing, the group was hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr. John Bass, at his residence for a Christmas Eve working dinner. On Christmas Day, Coffman met with Colorado service members at the Resolute Support Dinning Hall for breakfast and met with Commander General John Nicholson, Jr., who is the support commander for operation Resolute Support. Later in the day, the delegation visited Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fenty, and served lunch to service members at FOB Gamberi.\r\nOn Dec. 26th, Coffman along with U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, Lawrence Silverman, met with Kuwaits Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, and the Minister of Defense, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, at the National Assembly in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Topics discussed included mutual security and cooperation interests in the region.\r\nThat afternoon, Coffman joined deployed Colorado service members for lunch at Camp Arifjan and visited with leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force of Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Army Central. Later that evening, Coffman traveled to Al Jaber Air Base to receive a special briefing regarding the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force work. Following the briefing, he joined Marines stationed at Al Jaber Air Base for dinner.\r\nOn Dec. 27th, the CODEL proceeded to travel to Jordan. Upon arrival, the party was greeted and briefed by top diplomatic personnel from the U.S. embassy in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled stops included meeting with Syrian refugees at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and its Acting Representative Daniela Cicchella. Additional sites visited by Coffman included the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center and the Joint Training Center, both located in Zarqa, Jordan.\r\nThe Congressional Delegation and support staff departed Jordan, U.S. bound, at an undisclosed time on December 27, 2017. Rep. Coffman arrived back in Colorado on December 28, 2017.\r\nTo see pictures of the Congressional delegation during its travels, click HERE. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/tipton-giving-rural-colorado-opportunity-financial-success-through-mobile-banking", "Tipton: Giving Rural Colorado Opportunity for Financial Success Through Mobile Banking", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There are many challenges facing hard-working families trying to maintain their way of life in rural America, but one of their greatest obstacles may be lack of access to a physical bank or credit union.\nBank accounts are an important tool for financial stability for Americans of all income levels in all parts of the country. Having a bank account helps families save money securely, pay bills in a timely fashion and better plan for their future financial needs.\nWhile many of us can drive a short distance, walk into a bank and open an account, there are rural communities across our state and the country where physical bank locations are few and far between. Luckily, mobile banking is increasingly improving access to financial services and has become especially important for customers in rural areas.\nUnfortunately, however, access to mobile banking products is not equal across the United States, as some state driver's license laws prevent imaging of driver's licenses, which, in turn, prevent banks and credit unions from offering their mobile account products in those states.\nFortunately, the House Committee on Financial Services recently passed myMaking Online Banking Initiation Legal and Easy (MOBILE) Act of 2017, which creates equal opportunity for every American to open a bank account on a mobile device. This bill passed the committee with broad bipartisan support.\nThe MOBILE Act will allow customers  if they so choose  to authorize a financial institution to make a scan or copy of their driver's license or identification card in order to open a bank account on a mobile device. Simply stated, this legislation will level the playing field across the United States for anyone who wishes to open a bank account online. Additionally, this legislation is careful to protect consumer privacy information by requiring a financial institution to delete all copies of a driver's license and personal identification after having used them for the permitted purpose.\nThe Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. estimates thatas many as 67 million adult Americans are unbanked or under-bankedand at heightened risk of exposure to monetary loss, fraud and the high costs associated with alternative financial services.\nHowever, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that 59 percent of unbanked individuals have access to mobile phones (50 percent of which are smartphones) and that 90 percent of under-banked individuals have access to a cell phone (56 percent of which are smartphones). By allowing those with smartphones to essentially have their bank accounts in their pocket, there are increased opportunities to improve access to bank accounts for customers across the United States and, by proxy, more opportunities to help families in rural America gain and sustain financial stability.\nEvidence from the Federal Reserve shows that mobile banking use is rising in the United States at relatively fast rates. In 2016, when the Federal Reserve studied mobile banking use, it found that 43 percent of all mobile phone owners with a bank account had used mobile banking in the past 12 months, up from 39 percent in 2014 and 33 percent in 2013. Following this trend, the use of mobile banking will continue to rise at a quick pace, and that access is only further supported by the MOBILE Act.\nAll families should have the tools they need to achieve financial stability and prosperity. The MOBILE Act will help bring these tools to communities that, by virtue of being located in rural areas, may not have access to the traditional brick-and-mortar banks that many of us take for granted.\nI'm glad this bill has gained the attention and support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to seeing it considered in the full House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2417", "Coffman Spends Christmas with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan", "2017-12-25", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kabul, Afghanistan Early yesterday morning, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) who serves as the Chairman for the Subcommittee on Military Personnel in the House Armed Services Committee, landed in Kabul, Afghanistan, to celebrate Christmas with deployed troops taking part in Operation Resolute Support.\r\nIts an honor for me to be able to spend Christmas with our service members, said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran. Having served myself, I know how hard it is being away from loved ones, especially during major holidays. Any opportunity I have to thank those serving on the front lines for their sacrifices and service is special to me.\r\nCoffman is part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation, visiting Afghanistan to spend Christmas with the troops, and includes members from the House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY), U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Coffman is the only traveling Representative who serves in the House Armed Services Committee.\r\nAfter arriving yesterday in Afghanistan at 3:00am MT (2:30 PM Kabul Time), Coffman traveled to Resolute Support Headquarters where he received an updated security briefing and met with the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, John R. Bass.\r\nThis morning, Coffman will join Coloradans serving as part of Operation Resolute for Christmas Day breakfast. Later in the day, he will be visiting tactical bases through the region and will be taking part in a Christmas Day luncheon back in Kabul.\r\nMore information and pictures will become available once the delegation has departed Afghanistan.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2238", "Expressing Disapproval of the U.N.'s Vote Against American Sovereignty", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Expressing Disapproval of the U.N.'s Vote Against American Sovereignty \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 21, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding H.Res. 671: \"This vote today at the United Nations is yet another example of the general assemblys anti-Israel nature. It is also an attack on Americas right as a sovereign nation to place our embassies where we choose, and to recognize the reality of capital cities around the world. As the founder and Chairman of the House Sovereignty Caucus, and a co-Chairman of the Israel Allies Caucus and GOP Israel Caucus, I introduced H.Res.671 to support Ambassador Nikki Haleys No vote on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.22. I echo President Trumps message to all nations who vote against our right to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: American generosity will not be taken advantage of and our friendship will not be taken for granted.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-announces-25-service-academy-nominations-colorados-third-congressional", "Tipton Announces 25 Service Academy Nominations from Colorado's Third Congressional District", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) announced the names of 25 students from Colorados Third Congressional District who received a Service Academy nomination. The individuals were selected based on meeting or exceeding the rigorous requirements of the respective academy and Congressman Tiptons office.\nOne of the greatest honors of my job is nominating deserving, well-rounded individuals for our nations prestigious military academies, said Tipton. The 25 students nominated are some of the best and brightest that Colorado has to offer, and I am sure that they will have successful careers as officers should they be accepted into the academies. We are so fortunate to have such accomplished and hardworking individuals in our midst and I could not be more proud of them for answering the call to serve our nation.\nCongressman Scott Tiptons Academy Nominations for the Third Congressional District \nUnited States Air Force Academy\nRyan Collins  Avon, CO (Eagle County)\nLogan Louser  Monument, CO (El Paso County)\nJack Ranthum  DeBeque, CO (Mesa County)\nDylan Martinez  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nDominique Trujillo  Pueblo, CO (Pueblo County)\nCyrus Malek-Madani*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nThomas Engleby*  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nAngel Martinez  Eagle, CO (Eagle County)\nJake Chaffetz  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEvan Ward  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County) West Point\nThomas Mahre  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEthan Kuhns  Eagle, CO (Eagle County)\nCaden Meilner*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nCassie Daly  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County)\nJace Dasher  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County)\nJacob Nowicki  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nThomas Engleby*  Edwards, CO (Eagle County) \nWilliam Goos* -- Colorado City, CO (Pueblo County) Naval Academy\nChris Sturt-Dilley  Gypsum, CO (Eagle County)\nSkylar Tyler*  Westcliffe, CO (Custer County)\nZachary Coutts*  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEvan Graff  Montrose, CO (Montrose County)\nCouy Harrington  Rifle, CO (Garfield County)\nIsabelle Carlson  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nJohn Kattnig  Gunnison, CO (Gunnison County)\nCyrus Malek-Madani*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nWilliam Goos* -- Colorado City, CO (Pueblo County)\nCaden Meilner*  Paonia, CO (Delta County) Merchant Marine\nNatoni Cundiff  Ignacio, CO (La Plata County)\nSkylar Tyler*  Westcliffe, CO (Custer County)\nZachary Coutts*  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\n*Received nominations to two academies\nStudents in the 3rd District who are considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy can find more information on the nomination process at:https://tipton.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-statement-passage-continuing-resolution", "Tipton Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) today voted to extend government funding through January 19, 2018. Tipton released the following statement after the Continuing Resolution passed in the House:\nI voted to pass the Continuing Resolution today because failure to pass this measure would have resulted in a government shutdown. Shutting down the government does not benefit anyone. Additionally, over the past few months I have received calls from folks all over Colorado urging those of us in Congress to reauthorize funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). While my colleagues and I in the House voted to keep CHIP funded until fiscal year 2022, the Senate has somehow still failed to act. The passage of the Continuing Resolution today will ensure that CHIP and funding for community health centers continues into fiscal year 2018, providing much needed support for families and health care providers across the country.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-supports-potential-chip-funding-extension-in-cr-but-more-needs-to-be-done", "Gardner Supports Potential CHIP Funding Extension in CR but More Needs to be Done", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement regarding discussions to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide sufficient funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to March 31stin the Continuing Resolution (CR) that Congress will consider as soon as today.Cancellation notices for Colorado are expected to go out on December 26thif Congress does not act this week to extend funding.\r\nI will do everything I can to ensure that the 90,000 Colorado children and pregnant mothers that utilize CHIP do not go a day without this funding,Gardner said. While the five year extension of CHIP funding that Senator Bennet and I continue to push in the Senate is by far the best path forward for Coloradans, absent movement on that legislation today we need to make sure funding is extended past Colorados deadline of January 31st.\r\nI support the inclusion of language in the must-pass CR that allows CHIP funding to continue while a long-term bipartisan agreement is worked out.\r\nSenator Gardner is one ofsix Republicans to sponsor The Keeping Kids Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act, legislation to extend CHIP funding through Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2416", "ICYMI:  Coffman Amendment Included in H.R. 4242", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  An amendment proposed by U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) was unanimously approved to be included into H.R. 4242. The VA Care in the Community Act is a bill originally co-sponsored by Coffman that will consolidate, streamline and improve the Veterans Affairs (VA) community care programs.\r\nThe amendment would direct the VA Secretary to establish a process to ensure safe opioid prescribing practices by community care providers and the timely sharing of a veterans medical records.\r\nShortly after its inclusion, Coffman said:\r\nAs the VA expands their partnerships with community providers, we have found that these partnerships are challenged by the lack of sharing critical health information and conflicting opioid prescribing practices, said Rep. Coffman. The Inspector General determined that these challenges put veterans suffering from chronic pain and mental health illnesses at particular risk, and creates troubling gaps in treatment plans. My amendment tackles these challenges and provides accountability in opioid prescribing practices. I thank the Veterans Affairs committee for its unanimous support of my amendment to H.R. 4242, the VA Care in Community Act, which I originally cosponsored.\r\nAccording to a VAs Inspector General report, the opioid epidemic has impacted veterans, and overdose deaths among veterans remain elevated when compared to the civilian population.\r\nH.R. 4242 will now make its way to the House Floor for a vote. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2225", "U.S. and Israel Partner in Space Program", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. and Israel partner in Space Program \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House passedH.R. 1159, the United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act, today. The act emphasizes international space cooperation between the two nations. Sharing knowledge, working together to solve problems, and discovering more about space will benefit each country's space program.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\"The United States shares an extraordinary bond in common interests and goals with the State of Israel. Working together with Israel to advance our technology and understanding of space supports NASA, and ultimately, the United States' ability to lead the world in the field,\" said Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05). \"We've always been at the forefront of science and technology and I look forward to continuing this important partnership with our ally, Israel.\"\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-historic-tax-relief-legislation-passing-senate", "Gardner Statement on Historic Tax Relief Legislation Passing Senate", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following the Senates approval of the tax relief legislation:\r\nAfter 31 years, the American people will no longer be forced to deal with an Atari-era tax code that is outdated and overly complicated. Congress has finally answered the call to cut taxes and reform the tax code, and Im proud to help deliver this relief to all of Colorado. At the beginning of this process, my goal was to bring relief to hardworking Coloradans throughout the four corners of our great state, and Im proud that after months of work we have achieved this goal. Coloradans at every income level will receive a tax cut and popular provisions that help hardworking Coloradans like greater tax relief for childcare services, the student loan interest deduction, the medical expense deduction, and tax breaks for teachers are all part of the final bill.\r\n\r\nAfter years of complacency and being told we have to accept meager economic growth, the American people will once again see their economy accelerate. This tax relief package will lead to economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs. The American people sent their representatives to Washington to bring relief and Im proud to have delivered on this promise during the first year of a unified Republican government.\r\nClickhereto download the video statement.\r\nClick here for audio of Gardners statement.\r\n\r\nBackground on Tax Relief Legislation\r\nThe nonpartisan Tax Foundation concludes that the legislation would boost long-run GDP, create 339,000 new full-time equivalent jobs, and increase wages.\r\n\r\nImpact on individuals and families\r\n \r\nIt lowers the individual tax rates for low-and middle-income Americans by expanding the zero tax bracket and maintaining the 10 percent bracket. This is to ensure that the people seeing the most positive outcome from this legislation are low and middle income Coloradans\r\nIt doubles the standard deduction to protect even more income from being considered taxable income. This would help tens of millions of Americans by increasing the amount of income shielded from taxation while simultaneously simplifying their income taxes\r\nA family of four receiving the median family income ($73,000) would see a tax cut of more than $2,000\r\nA single parent with two children and an income of $52,000 will see a tax cut of nearly $1,900\r\nExpands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and increases the refundable portion to $1,400\r\nIt also protects benefits like the adoption tax credit, student loan interest deduction, the medical expense deduction, and the deduction for charitable contributions\r\n \r\nImpact on small businesses and job creation\r\n \r\nIt reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% (which is the highest in the industrialized world) to 21%, which puts American businesses on a level playing field with competitors in other countries\r\nIt also gives tax relief to Main Streets job creators by creating the first ever 20% deduction for pass through businesses\r\nIt will lead to new jobs and investments by allowing these businesses to keep more of their profits to invest back into their businesses", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2415", "Coffman on Passage of H.R. 1 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) released the following statement after the passing of the Conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n\"I am proud to support H.R. 1 becauseit willhelp workingfamilies by lowering their taxrates, doubling the childtax credit and standard deduction,and even more importantly it willincreasejobs and wagesbyreducing the tax burdenon American small businesses.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2222", "Rep. Lamborn Votes Yes on Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later tonight. The bill delivers tax relief to workers, families, and job creators, and is expected to revitalize the U.S. economy. Congressman Lamborn voted in support.\r\n\"This is a historic day for the American people. Congress listened to them and simplified our complicated tax code,\" said Rep. Lamborn (CO-05). Republican leadership delivered on our promise to lower taxes across the board, create more jobs, and increase paychecks. We also eliminated the Obamacare individual mandate, giving Americans more choice in their medical care. Im pleased to have been a part in the passage of the bill.  \r\n\r\nCongressman Lamborn protected tax stipulations that were originally at risk of elimination throughout the deliberations.  \r\n\r\nThe earlier draft of the tax bill threatened to repeal the Adoption Tax Creditand the income exclusion for graduate school tuition waivers, said Lamborn. I wrote letters to Chairman Brady and Speaker Ryan insisting we must keep these important tax provisions. Millions of Americans benefit from them and it wouldve been foolish to eliminate them.  \r\n\r\nTheCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actremained in the bill. Both small and large brewers will see substantial change. Brewers producing less than two million barrels annually will see taxes halved on the first 60,000 barrels. National brewers benefit with a $2 reduction in per-barrel taxes for their first six million barrels.  \r\n\r\nColorado is home to a$3 billion craft beer industry, said Lamborn. Hundreds of breweries bring tourism to our region and provide thousands of jobs.Decreased taxes for these producers will grow the industrys job market and provide an economic boost for Colorado.  \r\n\r\nAmerican energy security is bolstered in the bill by opening part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration and development non-wilderness federal land in Alaska. Extracting oil from ANWR federal lands is estimated to bring $1 billion over 10 years to the federal treasury to fund tax cuts this bill provides.\r\nThis energy effort brings thousands of jobs on-site and to a new supply chain expected to stretch across the nation, said Lamborn. Domestic energy development means domestic energy security and stability.\r\nOther highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act include lowered individual tax rates, doubled standard deduction for both individuals and families, a doubled Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child and much more. Read a summary of the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-victory-american-people", "Tipton: House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a Victory for the American People", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted to help Coloradans  and all Americans  keep more of their hard earned money by supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) conference report. The conference report must now be approved by the Senate before it can move to the Presidents desk.\nI was proud to support comprehensive tax reform as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act moved through the House and provide Coloradans input to the House and Senate negotiators during the conference process, Tipton said. The final legislation incorporates much of the feedback I heard from my constituents: it supports families, graduate students, homeowners, and small businesses. Its a victory for Coloradans and all Americans.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help Americans keep more money in their pockets by lowering individual taxes, setting the rates at 0, 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent. The legislation also doubles the standard deduction, so the first approximately $12,000 an individual brings home and $24,000 a family brings home is free from the federal income tax. According to the Internal Revenue Service, approximately 73 percent of Coloradans living in the Third Congressional District claim the standard deduction on their taxes.\nThe legislation also supports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000, in addition to maintaining the current Child and Dependent Care and the Adoption Tax Credits.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will support small businesses by establishing a twenty percent deduction for the first $315,000 of joint income earned by businesses that are classified as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\nThe bill will also assist Americans who wish to pursue higher education by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Additionally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will restore American families' right to choose what healthcare plan is best for them by eliminating Obamacare's individual mandate tax penalty beginning in 2019.\n\"This week's vote to reform our broken tax code is historic, but more importantly, it puts the needs of the American people before special interests, Tipton added. I look forward to seeing the bill signed into law before the New Year, so Coloradans and all Americans will experience the benefits immediately.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2221", "Doug Lamborn: Republican tax legislation puts a stake through the heart of Obamacare", "2017-12-16", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn cheered word Friday that congressional Republicans had secured enough votes to pass a massive overhaul of the nations tax laws that President Donald Trump has said he hopes to sign before the end of the year but that Democrats say favors corporations and the wealthy without much helping everyone else.\r\nThe reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic reform of Americas tax code, Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, said in a statement.Congress listened to the American people and then stripped the tax code down to the bare bones and rebuilt it. Republican leadership delivered on our promise to cut taxes and help the middle class.\r\nMost importantly, he continued, this effortputs a stake through the heart of Obamacare, eliminating the individual mandate and giving Americans the freedom to choose government or private healthcare providers.\r\nA House-Senate conference committee finalized the bill Friday  the two chambers had already passed different versions  and GOP leadership announced that a few Senate holdouts had signed on, paving the way for passage next week.\r\nIncluded in the final bill is the repeal of a key component ofPresident Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act, the requirement that nearly all Americans have health insurance coverage or face a penalty. Republicans spent a big chunk of the year failing to repeal and replace Obamacare, but repealing the mandate kills perhaps the least popular element of the law.\r\nWhile the provision is widely reviled by Republicans these days  as evidenced by Lamborns gleeful dancing on its not-yet-dug grave  the individual mandate,formulated and embraced by the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, was originally considered a conservative approach. It was a linchpin of former Gov. Mitt Romneys health care reform initiative in Massachusetts and was the foundation of Republican legislation that had the support of Orrin Hatch and Chuck Grassley, two current senators who later came to oppose the idea. By the time the individual mandate was a crucial part of Obamas health care legislation, even long-time, ardent supporters like Newt Gingrich had become ferocious opponents.\r\nCritics and thenonpartisan Congressional Budget Office say that without the mandate, fewer people will be insured and premiums in the individual marketplace will increase as a result. Other independent experts differ on the precise impact, according to the Associated Press, with one calling the data on potential effects very murky.\r\nTo read this article in its original format, see Colorado Politics", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2395", "H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \n\r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 15, 2017 | \r\n      Daniel Bucheli\r\n      (202-225-7882) | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nAs the House of Representatives considers H.R. 1 - 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act',I wanted to share the following documents provided by the House Committee on Ways and Means for your review.\r\n\r\n    H.R. 1 - Conference Report [Final Text]\r\n    H.R. 1 - PolicyHighlights\r\n    H.R. 1 - Joint Committee on Taxation Revenue Table\r\n\r\nTo get the most up-to-date information about H.R. 1 as it progresses in the House, text 'TAX REFORM' to 50589 or visit www.fairandsimple.gop.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n        Tags:\r\n        \r\n            \r\n              Economy\r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    Related News\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Rep. Coffman with  Spirit of Enterprise Award\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            March 20, 2018 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Coffman Statement on Steel & Aluminum  Tariffs Announcement\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            March 8, 2018 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Coffman on Passage of H.R. 1 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            December 19, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            December 15, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2413", "Coffman Nominates Students to Service Academies", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Aurora, CO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman announced the names of forty four outstanding students from Colorados Sixth Congressional District whom he has nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.As a Marine Corps combat veteran, having the opportunity to nominate these young men and women, who will be the future military leaders of our country, is one of my highest honors, said Coffman. Every year, I am impressed by the caliber of candidates, and I know these outstanding nominees will represent Colorado, and our country well.  Every applicant was interviewed and then rigorously evaluated on factors including academic and athletic achievements, extra-curricular activities, character, and motivation. These nominees will now begin the next phase of the process and compete against other nominees from across the country for an actual appointment to the respective academies. The following is a list of the Sixth Congressional District nominees for the class of 2022: U.S. Air Force Academy  \r\nBrockman, Elijah     Eaglecrest High School\t  \r\nCordero, Cray       Mountain Vista High School  \r\nDiethorn, Kyle       Highlands Ranch High School  \r\nDouglas, Chase      Arapahoe High School  \r\nDuncan, Elton       St. Johns Military School  \r\nFantle, Sarah        Littleton High School  \r\nHerold, James       Cherry Creek High School  \r\nKim, Jane           Smoky Hill High School  \r\nLayne, Austin       Regis Jesuit High School  \r\nLennert, Veronica    Regis Jesuit High School  \r\nMcCloskey, Thomas  Mountain Vista High School  \r\nNats, Kaitlin        Mountain Vista High School  \r\nOsoba, Keelyn       Rock Canyon High School  \r\nRandolph, Caleb     Grandview High School  \r\nRobinson, Levi      Rangeview High School  \r\nRollison, Benjamin   Woodside Baptist School  \r\nSmith, Delaney      Cherry Creek High School  \r\nUm, Chanell        Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nVestecka, Kyle      Bishop Machebeuf High School  \r\nWhite, Taylor       Thunder Ridge High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy  \r\nBachman, Bryce       Discovery Canyon High School\t  \r\nBauer, Chase          Elizabeth High School  \r\nCozad, David          Mountain Vista High School  \r\nFenwick, Nicholas\t\tJ.K.  Mullen High School U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nBui, Catherine     Arvada Senior High School  \r\nDampier, Jackson  Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nde Bastos, Ricardo Cherry Creek High School  \r\nFox, Matthew     Grandview High School  \r\nGordon, Meghan   Mountain Vista High School  \r\nHogan, Ryan\t\t\tKent  Denver High School  \r\nKenney, Jackson   Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nMarpaung, Mark   Rangeview High School  \r\nOlesky, Avraham   Denver Jewish Day School   \r\nVafides, Matthew   Grandview High School U.S. Military Academy  \r\nBarnes, Michael    Colorado Early Colleges  \r\nFoster, Caden      Mountain Vista High School  \r\nHowell, Mikayla    Highlands Ranch High School  \r\nGarrison, Parker    Rock Canyon High School  \r\nMcCurdy, Jordan   Cherry Creek High School  \r\nMessner, Thomas   Colorado Academy  \r\nNaumann, William  Arapahoe High School  \r\nNolta, Landon      Mountain Vista High School  \r\nNun, Dylan        Legacy High School  \r\nPark, Jay          Cherry Creek High School Coffman is the only veteran in the Colorado Congressional delegation. Coffman represents the 6th Congressional District of Colorado and serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman for the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2220", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is historic reform of U.S. tax code", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is historic reform of U.S. tax code \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 15, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n\"The reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic reform of Americas tax code,\" said Rep. Doug Lamborn, (CO-05). \"Congress listened to the American people and then stripped the tax code down to the bare bones and rebuilt it. Republican leadership delivered on our promise to cut taxes and help the middle class. Most importantly, this effortputs a stake through the heart of Obamacare, eliminating the individual mandate and giving Americans the freedom to choose government or private healthcare providers.\"\r\nRead theReconciled Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Here\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-legislation-enhance-veteran-care-and-reduce-wait-times", "Tipton Introduces Legislation to Enhance Veteran Care and Reduce Wait Times", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  This week, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) introduced the Veterans Improved Access and Care Act of 2017 (H.R. 4642), which would expand access to medical care for American veterans and take measures to reduce wait times. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) is leading the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.\nA report by the Denver Post states that the average wait time at the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (ECHS) is eleven days. However, of all the appointments at the ECHS, 13.5 percent had a wait time that was longer than thirty days, which was considered among the worst in the nation.\nH.R. 4642 would help remedy this issue by eliminating the arbitrary 30-day, 40-mile eligibility rule, allowing veterans full access to private and local medical care regardless of situation or location.\nThis legislation would also allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot program to accelerate the staffing of licensed medical professionals in areas where there are shortages of specialists. Additionally, it would require the Secretary of the VA to submit a report specifying a strategy on how to reduce the VAs hiring process for licensed medical professionals by half.\nThe service and sacrifice of our nations veterans makes them more than deserving of quality healthcare, said Tipton. It has been disheartening to hear stories of veterans who are still forced to wait for days to see a physician and have been prevented from receiving the care they have earned. Veterans should have the opportunity to access either the VA or a community medical facility of his/her choosing, regardless of their situation. I am proud to lead legislation will make great strides in eliminating many of the barriers that veterans face when trying to receive medical care, and I thank my colleague, Senator Gardner, for leading this legislation in the Senate.\nOur veterans, who have given so much to our country, should have access to the best possible care in a timely manner,said Gardner. Colorado veterans have been put on secret wait lists and denied access to care they have earned. This is unacceptable and it must change. This legislation led by Congressman Tipton and I will expand the CHOICE program and allow veterans to see the doctor they choose and not be hamstrung by the VA bureaucracy. In order to reduce wait times and provide timely care to our veterans, we must address the root of the problem at many VA facilities in Colorado and across the country: staffing shortages. When it comes to the VA hiring medical professionals we cannot let government bureaucracy and red tape stand in the way. The VA Secretary needs to take meaningful action to reform the hiring process and make sure facilities are able to hire the medical professionals needed to serve our veterans. Its time we put partisan politics aside and deliver on our promise to our veterans.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2217", "National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 14, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The Natural Resources Committee reviewed the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act Wednesday. The Act reauthorizes funding for a national partnership to produce advanced digital geologic maps and three-dimensional models. The Committee reviewed and debated several aspects of the bill that Rep. Lamborn introduced. The mapping in consideration contributes to responsible land management nationwide, mitigate natural hazards, foster economic growth, and provide tools to educate the next generation of mappers. Increased quality of life and economic vitality depend on these measures. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislation ensures continued collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, state surveys, and universities to ensure responsible use natural resources and to mitigate the impact of geologic hazards,\u201d said Rep. Doug Lamborn. \u201cForty-nine states and Puerto Rico have participated to date, resulting in 8,500 new maps. Those of us on the Natural Resources Committee are working to produce the most efficient bill possible. We realize the importance this carries for many land, water, and mineral resources across the nation. The program data routinely impacts decisions protecting ground water, locating new municipal wells, identifying potential mineral resources, and protecting homeowners from geologic hazards in my home state of Colorado. Renewing the Act will solve a broad spectrum of land-use concerns.\u201d\r\nThe program in Colorado is credited for production of an advanced geologic map and companion report that consolidated years of research to showcase recreational and mining history. It opened up opportunities for efficiency in a major economic region from Leadville to Salida.\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-and-maloney-legislation-ensuring-treatment-during-examination-appeals", "Tipton and Maloney Legislation Ensuring Treatment during Examination Appeals Process Passes Out of Committee", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Representatives Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Carolyn B. Maloney\u2019s (D-NY) Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 4545) has been approved by the full Financial Services Committee with a bipartisan vote of 50-10, and will now move to the House Floor for consideration.\u00a0\nCurrently, federal financial regulators each have their own appeals review processes, each with their own rules and their own stipulations about what regulatory decisions can be appealed, causing supervised financial institutions to grow concerned about the timeliness, transparency, standards of practice, and application of the law in these appeals.\nH.R. 4545 would resolve these problems by moving the federal financial examination appeals process away from the regulator and reassigning it to the newly created Office of Independent Examination Review under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The Office of Independent Examination Review would provide uniformity to the appeal process and its standards, implement timeliness expectations in decisions about appeals, and increase transparency in the process.\nAdditionally, H.R. 4545 would not prevent federal financial regulators from handing down or enforcing supervisory determinations, and prevents frivolous appeals by financial institutions through rigorous qualifications for what kinds of supervisory decisions can be appealed.\n\u201cBringing the examination appeals process under an independent office provides financial institutions with greater certainty that they will receive fair and standard treatment in the appeals process,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to work with my colleague Representative Maloney to advance this bipartisan legislation to ensure financial institutions including small banks undergo an effective and fair examination process.\u201d\nMaloney said, \u201cIn the aftermath of the financial crisis, I heard from countless community banks that they were afraid to appeal exam decisions, because they thought their examiner would retaliate against them. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to have worked with Congressman Tipton to introduce this bill that would improve the examination process. This bill ensures that banks are treated fairly by their examiners, and creates a rigorous and independent process for banks to appeal certain exam decisions, which will bring transparency and consistency to the examination process. This improvement will protect the integrity of the banking system, while also improving the fairness of the examination process.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-gardner-bipartisan-senators-introduce-legislation-to-combat-sexual-harassment-in-congress", "Gardner, Bipartisan Senators Introduce Legislation to Combat Sexual Harassment in Congress", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), along with several of their colleagues, today introduced new bipartisan legislation that would overhaul the current process that victims of harassment in Congress must go through when reporting a claim,\u00a0eliminate the use of taxpayer funds to pay out claims, and increase public disclosure of claims against Members.\u00a0\r\nThe current process for victims of harassment in Congress lacks transparency and is difficult to navigate. This legislation, the\u00a0Congressional Harassment Reform Act, would bring transparency and accountability to the current process by extending protections to interns and fellows, eliminating forced mediation, ending the current required secrecy in the process by allowing victims to speak publicly about their case, requiring Members of Congress found personally liable for harassment to pay settlements out of their own pockets, and improving systems to address harassment and discrimination in Congress.\r\n\u201cOver the past few months, our country has experienced a much-needed transformation when it comes to listening to courageous women share their stories about harassment. No one should be forced to work in an environment where they are made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Let me be extremely clear: sexual harassment and workplace misconduct has no place in America, and certainly has no place in the United States Congress,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Gardner. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and my other colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to introduce this bipartisanlegislation that reforms the way Congress deals with harassment. This legislation ensures we have an open, transparent process that does not leave the taxpayers on the hook for Members of Congress\u2019 misconduct. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bill today and call on each of my colleagues to\u00a0support this important proposal.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cCongress should never be above the law or play by their own set of rules,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Gillibrand.\u00a0\u201cWe should treat every person who works here with respect and dignity, and that means creating a climate where there is accountability, fairness, respect, and access to justice if sexual harassment takes place. There are real costs to sexual harassment in the workplace. We now know that many people quit their jobs because of it, or miss out on promotions or raises, all of which can throw off the entire trajectory in their careers. We must ensure that Congress handles complaints to create an environment where staffers can come forward if something happens to them, without having to fear that it will ruin their careers. This bipartisan legislation would bring us much closer to that goal.\u201d\r\n\u201cSexual harassment is wrong. Every person, man or woman, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Cruz. \u201cIn recent months, we've seen wave after wave of appalling sexual harassment and assault allegations -- from Hollywood, to newsrooms, to the halls of Congress. And powerful men who have abused their positions have been held to account. Congress is not above the laws, and secret settlements with taxpayer money to cover up harassment should no longer be tolerated. This legislation seeks to empower victims of\u00a0harassment to report those crimes and to hold the perpetrators accountable.\"\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, the\u00a0Congressional Harassment Reform Act\u00a0would do the following:\r\n \r\nExtends protections to interns and fellows.\r\nRequires everyone working on Capitol Hill, including Members, to take the Office of Compliance training.\r\nChanges the name of the Office of Compliance (OOC) to the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.\r\nPuts victims in the driver\u2019s seat by allowing them to choose how to resolve their complaint (e.g. counseling and mediation are both no longer mandatory) and protecting their option to discuss their claim publicly\u00a0\r\nEstablishes a Confidential Advisor to consult, on a confidential basis, with any employee who has alleged harassment or discrimination; and assist any employee who has an allegation under Title IV in understanding the procedures, and the significance of the procedures.\r\nGives OOC\u2019s General Counsel the authority to conduct interviews and gather evidence regarding complaints of covered harassment and discrimination filed under this section, including interviews with former employees.\u00a0\r\nAllows individuals to work remotely without penalty throughout proceedings.\r\nImproves tracking of complaints and procedures by implementing an online platform.\r\nIf a Member of Congress is found to be personally liable for harassment or discrimination, they will be responsible for the cost of any settlement.\r\nIf a Member of Congress is found to be personally liable for harassment or discrimination, any settlement must be approved by the appropriate Senate or House committee.\r\nRequires settlements to be publicly disclosed unless the victims choose to keep them private or the Member of Congress is found to have not committed the harassment or discrimination.\r\nRequires offices to post notices with information about employees\u2019 rights and how to contact the Office of Compliance.\r\nProvides for a climate survey to identify the pervasiveness of the problem and what gaps continue to exist in its resolution.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2412", "Coffman Introduces the Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) introduced, H.R. 4635, the Peer-2-Peer Act, a bipartisan bill, to ensure the Veterans Administrations (VA) existing peer-to-peer counseling program has sufficient female peer counselors for female veterans who are separating or newly separated from military service.\r\nThe VAs existing peer-to-peer counseling program has seen great success. This bill would build upon its proven record by creating a more representative program of the veteran population and focus on the mental health needs of female veterans. Said Coffman. \r\nThe VAs 2016 suicide data report found that the risk of suicide was 2.4 times higher among female veterans when compared with civilian adult females. Additionally, rates of suicide increase more among women than that among men during the study period.  \r\n\r\nIf enacted, the bill would:\r\n \r\n    Emphasize counseling for women who suffered sexual trauma while serving, have PTSD or another mental health condition, or are at risk of becoming homeless; \r\n    Include information on VA services and benefits, and employment mentoring;\r\n    Require the VA Secretary to conduct outreach to inform female veterans of the program and assistance provided; and\r\n     Require the VA Secretary to facilitate engagement and coordination with community organizations, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, chambers of commerce, local business organizations, and organizations that provide legal assistance, etc.\r\n \r\nCurrently, the bill is supported by The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.\r\nH.R. 4635 will now be referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee, on which Reps. Coffman and Esty currently serve.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2216", "Dan Nordbergs Appointment to Small Business Administration Region VIII Position", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dan Nordberg\u2019s Appointment to Small Business Administration Region VIII Position \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 13, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement supporting Colorado State Rep. Dan Nordberg\u2019s presidential appointment as Small Business Administration Region VIII Administrator. His jurisdiction covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming: \r\n\u201cCongratulations to Dan Nordberg on his appointment to this critical regional business development leadership role. I've had the privilege of working with Dan throughout his public service in the Colorado General Assembly, and I can say confidently that he possesses both the passion and competency to fill this role with excellence. His colleagues on both sides of the aisle respect and admire him for his even-handedness, honesty and integrity. His policy expertise and sharp intelligence make him a great choice for this appointment.\u201d\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-legislation-making-mobile-banking-obtainable-rural-colorado-clears", "Tipton Legislation Making Mobile Banking Obtainable for Rural Colorado Clears Important Hurdle", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) Making Online Banking Initiation Legal and Easy Act of 2017 (H.R. 1457), otherwise known as the MOBILE Act, has been approved unanimously by the full Financial Services Committee and will now move to the House Floor for consideration.\n\u201cProviding mobile financial services access to unbanked and underserved households has been proven to improve their financial outcomes,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cUnfortunately, access to mobile financial services products is not equal across the United States, leaving some communities unable to open accounts from their mobile device.\u201d\nThe MOBILE Act would fix this problem by creating a uniform regulatory standard that would give consumers the ability \u2013 if they so choose \u2013 to authorize their bank to use the personal information on their driver\u2019s license or identification card for the purpose of opening a bank account.\nAdditionally, the bill prioritizes protecting consumer privacy information and respects state privacy laws, as well as requires that a financial institution delete all copies of a driver\u2019s license after using the information for the express purpose of opening account.\nAccording to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), at least 67 million people in the United States are under- or \u2013unbanked and could benefit from the ability to access financial services from their mobile device.\nTipton\u2019s statement can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of his statement can be downloaded here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-two-bills-passed-out-natural-resources-committee-are-wins-colorado", "Tipton: Two Bills Passed out of Natural Resources Committee are Wins for Colorado", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 The National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R.1675) and the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017 (H.R.4465) have been approved by the full Natural Resources Committee and will now move the House floor for consideration. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) cosponsored both pieces of legislation.\nThe National Landslide Preparedness Act would direct the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to identify and reduce landslide risks. In his statement before the committee, Tipton highlighted the importance of this legislation to Colorado, recognizing the three Coloradans who lost their lives in a massive landslide near Grand Junction in 2014. The men had been investigating a previous, smaller landslide when the fatal landslide occurred.\nOf this legislation, Tipton said, \u201cThe 3D Elevation program created by the National Landslide Preparedness Act will help state and local officials evaluate the effects of landslides before putting boots on the ground, as well as develop safe and effective search and rescue strategies.\u201d\nThe Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017 would extend funding for the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through fiscal year 2023. Under current law, the program is set to expire in 2019.\n\u201cThe Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs showcase the ability of federal, state and local partners to carry out effective conservation,\u201d Tipton said. \u201cThis legislation will ensure the recovery programs continue to protect four primary endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\u201d\nOf the bills\u2019 passage, Tipton said, \u201cBoth pieces of legislation are wins for Colorado, and I look forward to seeing them considered by the full House soon.\u201d\nTipton\u2019s statement can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of his statement can be downloaded here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-buck-wants-stop-settlement-sexual-misconduct-cases-taxes", "Rep. Buck Wants To STOP Settlement Of Sexual Misconduct Cases With Taxes", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A provision in the tax code meant for businesses means that tax dollars are being used to settle sexual misconduct cases.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buck-sessions-and-jones-make-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reality-our", "Buck, Sessions, and Jones Make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy a Reality for Our Veterans", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWashington, D.C. - U.S. Congressmen Ken Buck (R-CO), Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Walter B.\u00a0Jones (R-NC) have diligently worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to urge them to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for our nation\u2019s veterans. Last month, the VA made an announcement that two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will partner with local providers to offer HBOT as a treatment option for Veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms resistant to standard options. In addition, the\u00a0VA and the Department of Defense are planning a multisite research study to examine more fully the use of HBOT for patients diagnosed with PTSD.\n\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0pleased\u00a0to see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as another option in treating the physical and mental injuries that so many veterans acquire while defending our freedom,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Buck.\u00a0\u201cAfter talking to veterans and providers, I\u2019m convinced that America\u2019s heroes deserve HBOT therapy as an option in treating their injuries. I look forward to continuing our work with the VA and Congress to ensure that this important therapy is utilized to its full capacity.\u201d\n\u201cThousands of brave men and women in uniform are returning from duty with severe physical and mental injuries causing many to be unable to find a job and in many cases resulting in suicide,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Sessions.\u00a0\u201cOur nation\u2019s veterans deserve our unwavering support and that is why I have been working with my colleagues for more than a decade to research, study, and better understand how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help treat injuries. I am delighted with the VA\u2019s decision to offer this life saving treatment to our nation\u2019s heroes and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this important issue.\u201d\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s courageous veterans deserve our full help and support when healing from PTSD or a TBI. That is why for years, my colleagues and I have worked with the VA and DoD to find further treatments to help those men and women on the road to recovery,\u201d\u00a0saidCongressman Jones.\u00a0\u201cIt gives me great joy to announce that two VA facilities will now offer HBOT treatment to our heroes suffering from those invisible injuries. I want to thank Secretary David Shulkin for his leadership on this pilot program and my colleagues for their persistent support of HBOT research and treatment.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2410", "Coffman Praises the Signing into Law of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) praised the signing into law of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, now a law, contains significant policy and funding initiatives for the Department of Defense (DoD) for 2018.  \r\n\r\nCoffman, as Chairman of the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Military Personnel, worked across party lines to ensure that the bill includes key provisions for our troops, their families, while supporting military readiness and issues important to Colorados 6th district.\r\nAs chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and as a Marine Corps combat Veteran, my goal is to ensure that we have the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world. The signing of the FY18 NDAA is a very important step in providing the necessary resources to DoD to do just that. I applaud the President for signing the NDAA into law today.\r\nSome of the provisions championed by Rep. Coffman that were included in the FY2018 NDAA:\r\n \r\n    Authorizing the by-law pay raise for troops by 2.4%  the highest in 8 years;\r\n    Increasing the end-strengths of the active, National Guard, and Reserve forces, thereby heightening mission readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force;\r\n    Permanently preserving Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments, closing the gap in the widows tax, to surviving military spouses;\r\n    Improving sexual assault prevention and response by adding a new provision to the Uniform Code of Military Justice specifically prohibiting nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; and\r\n    Tackling challenges faced by military families regarding State licensure and certification requirements that interfere with a spouses employment when forced to move to a new state due to military orders.\r\n \r\nBackground for Colorados 6thCongressional District:\r\nRepresentative Coffman included in the NDAA a provision that will benefit Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) by providing additional funding for the Department of DefensesReadiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program(REPI). The REPI program provides funds to procure additional land around military bases to protect them from encroaching development. These land buffers then become additional open space for outdoor recreation for surrounding communities. This program is critical for the flying mission at Buckley AFB which is the districts largest employer.\r\nAnother provision facilitates the relocation of the Fleet Ballistic Missile program to the Denver area, which will result in about 350 new, high-paying jobswhile saving DoD & tax payers an estimated $60 million per year in recurring cost avoidance. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2206", "Trump Signs NDAA FY18", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Signs NDAA FY18 \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 was signed into law by President Trump today. The NDAA gives service members their largest pay raise in eight years, modernizes defense equipment, and funds all aspects of national defense. Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding the bill signing:\r\n\"It\u2019s great to see months of work by so many come to fruition with the signing of the NDAA. My colleagues and I on the House Armed Services Committee planned out this bipartisan legislation with a particular emphasis on enhancing military capabilities. Defense development on the space front will increase national security and protect our interests internationally. The focus on national security in space is crucial and worth the necessary funds.\u00a0 National defense is only possible because of our dedicated service members and they\u2019re highly-deserving of the pay raise this NDAA provides.\u00a0This is not the end of the road though. Rebuilding our military requires more robust appropriations from Congress.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2207", "Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017 \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The\u00a0Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017 passed the House by a vote of 402-2. Rep. Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\"Our country was founded on the bedrock of religious liberty and protected rights. Churches, synagogues, and places of worship deserve protection. In my home district, a synagogue was vandalized this past August. I\u2019m proud our multi-faith community rallied with our Jewish neighbors in a united effort against hate. \u00a0Places of worship should be the safest places in our communities. Violators of that safety are not only attacking the institution itself, but the people of our communities. This legislation strengthens prosecutors' abilities to stop hateful acts.\"  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-land-conveyance-legislation-dolores-county-fire-station", "Tipton Introduces Land Conveyance Legislation for Dolores County Fire Station", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) introduced the West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Act of 2017 (H.R. 4609), which would authorize the U.S. Forest Service to convey approximately three acres to Dolores County, permitting the county to build a fire station outside of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado.\nAfter two failed attempts to build a fire station on county and privately-owned land, Dolores County sought a land conveyance from the Forest Service to build a fire station and needed warehouse facilities. The conveyance can only be approved through an Act of Congress.\u00a0\nThe U.S. Forest Service has no objections to the land transfer, as Dolores County plays an active role in fire suppression efforts in the neighboring San Juan National Forest and a fire station would strengthen those efforts.\n\u201cFrequent and devastating wildfires have ravaged Western states, making it more vital than ever to ensure that every community is prepared for similar catastrophes,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cLocated on the border of the San Juan National Forest, Dolores County is in critical need of a fire station. I am proud to introduce legislation that will not only help to protect this national forest, but will also ensure the protection of private property and most importantly human lives.\u201d\nColorado U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet are leading companion legislation to Tipton\u2019s bill in the U.S. Senate.\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-responds-placement-bonita-peak-mining-district-top-ten-superfund-list", "Tipton Responds to the Placement of Bonita Peak Mining District on the Top Ten Superfund List", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Bonita Peak Mining District would be added to Administrator Pruitt\u2019s top ten superfund list.\n\u201cWhile over two years ago, the spill at Gold King Mine is still fresh in our minds as it jeopardized the health, safety and livelihoods of all southwest Coloradans. That is why I have always stated that the victims of this disaster must be put first and that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) superfund process in the Bonita Peak Mining District must work for the surrounding communities. The announcement by the EPA, placing Bonita Peak on the expedited superfund list is welcome news, and I hope the EPA will continue to put the needs of these communities first as the cleanup unfolds.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-gardner-applauds-epa-decision-to-elevate-bonita-peak-mining-district-as-a-priority-superfund-site", "ICYMI: Gardner Applauds EPA Decision to Elevate Bonita Peak Mining District as a Priority Superfund Site", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement applauding the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) decision to list the Bonita Peak mining district as a top priority superfund cleanup site.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAdministrator Pruitt assured me when I met with him before his confirmation and when we visited the site in August that the EPA would make the right decision for the people of Southwest Colorado, and I appreciate his agency following through on their promise,\u201d\u00a0Gardner said. \u201cThe Gold King mine spill has had a significant impact on our state and there will continue to be a lot of work done by our elected officials and community.\u00a0This latest commitment to the Bonita Peak Mining District along with continued attention to Pueblo cleanup actions are important steps in the progress that needs to be made by the EPA at both locations.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner, along with his colleagues in the Colorado Congressional delegation, has been working since the Gold King Mine spill occurred in 2015 to make sure Southwest Colorado has the necessary resources to clean up abandoned mines and prevent a similar catastrophe from happening in the future. Before voting to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator,\u00a0Gardner secured a commitment\u00a0from Pruitt to work together to address the continued fallout from the Gold King Mine spill. In March,\u00a0Gardner invited EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to visit Southwest Colorado\u00a0to hear from Coloradans regarding the Gold King Mine spill.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to the EPA, the Bonita Peak Mining District (BPMD) became a Superfund site on Sept. 9, 2016, when it was added to the National Priorities List. The site consists of historic and ongoing releases from mining operations in three drainages:\u00a0 Mineral Creek, Cement Creek and Upper Animas, which converge into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado. The site includes 35 mines, seven tunnels, four tailings impoundments and two study areas where additional information is needed to evaluate environmental concerns.\r\n\u00a0\r\nMore information from the EPA can be found\u00a0here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-congratulates-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Ken Buck Congratulates Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWindsor, CO \u2013 Today, Congressman Ken Buck announced the 4th Congressional District winners of the Congressional App Challenge. Evan Hassman and Hunter Burley, students at Erie High School, received first place for their app, \u201cIn Space, Out of Gas.\u201d The computer-based role-playing game written in the Scratch programming language challenges users to explore a perilous space environment.\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of everyone who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year. This challenge encourages students around the country to develop a STEM skillset and in doing so, prepare for a future career that contributes in important ways to the American economy,\u201d stated Congressman Ken Buck. \u201cI applaud Evan and Hunter for investing their time and effort in this creative app idea.\u201d\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Students have the opportunity to code an app of their choice, either individually or in teams. A panel of judges from Colorado\u2019s technology community evaluate the entries and choose a first-place winner who will be invited to Washington, D.C. to present the app.\nWinning entrants Hassman and Burley posted this video description of their app.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-voices-concern-about-potential-one-size-fits-all-land-management", "Tipton Voices Concern about Potential One-Size-Fits-All Land Management Approach, Says Local Voices Must be Consulted", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 During a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voiced concerns about H.R. 1349 and its potential to lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to bicycle use in Wilderness Areas. Tipton had the opportunity to question an expert witness on the potential impact of this legislation.\nH.R. 1349 would amend the Wilderness Act to ensure that the use of bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, and game carts is not prohibited across designated Wilderness Areas.\u00a0\nIn his opening statement before the committee, Tipton said, \u201cI have long supported a balanced approach to federal land management, one that supports multiple uses, keeps public lands accessible, and prioritizes the voice and wishes of the local communities. The biggest concerns that I hear out of my district are about the one-size-fits-all approach that we\u2019ve seen from the federal land management agencies over the last several years.\u201d\nDuring the hearing, Tipton asked Mr. Ted Stroll, President of the Sustainable Trails Coalition, how local land managers would work to determine if there are any trails within their Wilderness Areas that are suitable for bicycle use. Mr. Stoll testified that local communities and stakeholders play a huge role in determining whether or not trails within these areas should be open to bicycle travel.\nOf the hearing, Tipton said, \u201cI thank Mr. Stroll for his testimony, which further enhanced my belief that local input should be prioritized in any federal policy impacting the management of our nation\u2019s public lands.\u201d\nTipton\u2019s opening statement and line of questioning can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of Tipton\u2019s remarks can be downloaded here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/republican-ken-buck-reaches-across-aisle-form-bipartisan-house-reformers", "Republican Ken Buck reaches across aisle to form bipartisan House Reformers Caucus", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican, and Kathleen Rice, a Long Island Democrat, on Wednesday launched a bipartisan House caucus devoted to coming up with what organizers call common-sense congressional reforms.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-legislation-honor-wwi-veterans-grave-markers", "Tipton Introduces Legislation to Honor WWI Veterans with Grave Markers", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 In commemoration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the end of World War I (WWI), Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) has introduced a bill (H.R. 4565) directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish headstones or markers to private cemeteries for graves for certain WWI veterans if the cemeteries apply for them.\nUnder current law, private cemeteries cannot directly apply to the VA for a headstone or marker, rather the law only allows a veteran\u2019s next-of-kin to submit the application. The law has created barriers to honoring WWI veterans, as it is often difficult to identify the next of kin for deceased WWI veterans.\nH.R. 4565 would remedy the challenges created under current law, allowing private cemeteries to directly apply to the VA for a headstone or marker for a World War I veteran if the Secretary of the VA is unable to identify any next of kin of the deceased veteran.\nOf this legislation, Tipton said, \u201cIn my district, a private cemetery has identified multiple WWI veteran graves that unfortunately do not have veteran markings, and the cemetery was unable to obtain those markers to honor the individuals who have been laid there to rest. This does not sit well with me. Our nation\u2019s heroes deserve to be treated in death with the same amount of respect and honor that they earned in life, which is why I was proud to introduce this legislation and I look forward to seeing it passed out of the House soon.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-to-urge-for-an-extension-of-secure-rural-schools-program", "Gardner Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge for an Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) joined a bipartisan group of senators, including Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), in sending a letter to Senate leadership\u00a0on Thursday\u00a0to call for the inclusion of a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services, and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies,\u201d\u00a0wrote the senators.\u00a0\u201cIn the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and it has not been reauthorized for Fiscal Year 16 or beyond. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without SRS, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support critical services these counties must provide.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letter is available\u00a0HERE.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wwii-veteran-senator-gardner-made-a-promise-and-kept-it", "WWII Veteran: Senator Gardner made a promise and kept it.", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today spoke on the Senate floor to honor the U.S. Navy\u2019s decision to award the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to Joseph George for saving six sailors stationed on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn Veterans Day, Gardner visited with one of the sailors George saved, World War II veteran\u00a0Donald Stratton, at his home in Colorado Springs where the two discussed Stratton\u2019s \u201ccontinuing effort to have the sailor who saved his life awarded a posthumous medal.\u201d\u00a0Mr. Stratton had been trying to get Joseph George honored for 16 years, and recently began to work with Senator Gardner to make it happen after all these years.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n(Click\u00a0here\u00a0or on the image above to view Gardner\u2019s remarks.)\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cJoe George is an American hero and deserves this long-awaited honor,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \"Colorado Springs resident, Donald Stratton, has been fighting the bureaucracy for 16 years, and was finally able to make sure Joe George was honored for saving his life, and five other lives, that fateful day. I met with Donald Stratton twice over the past few months and am honored I was able to work with him to honor Joe George. Veterans like Joe George and Donald Stratton are the best this country has to offer and I thank God every day for Americans like them.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI thought that was the greatest thing since sliced bread,\u201d\u00a0said Donald Stratton. \u201cI spoke what we wanted and Senator Gardner took it right to his heart. Senator Gardner made a promise and kept it. I just appreciate what he\u2019s done. I knew when I met him that something was going to get done.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWithout Senator Gardner, we would have never got this done,\u201d\u00a0said Randy Stratton, Donald Stratton\u2019s son. \u201cHe took the bull by the horns and got in touch with the right people to get this medal finished. We have been working for 16 years and with the phone calls he made, Senator Gardner got it done just like he promised. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this dream, this effort come true.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nKOAA covered Gardner\u2019s Veterans Day visit and reported, \u201cFor one Colorado Springs veteran,\u00a0Saturday\u00a0morning meant a visit between him and Senator Cory Gardner. As the senator sat down on Donald Stratton's couch, the senator remarked it was one of the best Veteran's Days he's ever celebrated.\u201d In July,\u00a0Gardner met with Stratton and fellow USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner\u00a0in his office in Washington. Stratton and Bruner were in Washington to visit with Members of Congress and President Trump to advocate for Joe George, the man who saved their life on December 7, 1941, to be awarded a medal posthumously for his heroic actions.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-ken-buck-joins-rep-rice-17-others-launch-bipartisan-group", "Rep. Ken Buck joins Rep. Rice, 17 others to launch bipartisan group", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., and Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., on Wednesday launched a bipartisan group that pledges common sense reforms to the legislative process.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-kathleen-rice-and-colleagues-launch-reformers-caucus", "Ken Buck, Kathleen Rice, and Colleagues Launch Reformers Caucus", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0\nRice: Coleman Lamb (202-225-5516)  \nBuck: Kyle Huwa (202-225-4676)  \nKilmer: Tim Biba (202-225-5916)  \nNorman: Jessica Cahill (202-225-5501)  \nMoulton: Matt Corridoni (202-603-1859)  \nPeters: Colin MacCarthy (202-225-0508)\n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Ken Buck (CO-04) launched the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. Co-chairs Buck and Rice were joined by 17 of their colleagues as founding members of the caucus. The group pledges to work across the aisle in pursuit of common sense reforms to Congress and the legislative process.\n\u201cThe members of this caucus come from across the political spectrum and disagree on plenty of issues, but it\u2019s obvious to all of us that Congress is in dire need of reform, and we\u2019re committed to taking real action to change the status quo in Washington, reduce the influence of money in our political process, and get our government back to work for the people we serve,\u201d\u00a0said Representative Kathleen Rice, co-Chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus. \u201cPeople are tired of partisan gridlock and double standards for politicians, and they\u2019re waiting for leaders to step up and work together to reform our campaign finance system and legislative process so we can solve real problems. That\u2019s exactly why we created the Reformers Caucus, and I\u2019m excited to join my colleagues in this effort to start restoring the public\u2019s faith and trust in their government.\u201d\n\u201cWashington is broken. Donors and insiders have too much influence, and too often backroom deals trip up good legislation. Political party has nothing to do with good governance, which is why I\u2019m proud to be joined by my friend, Rep. Kathleen Rice, and a bipartisan group of colleagues who all want a Congress that works for the people. I\u2019m eager to develop legislation with this group that will improve America\u2019s trust in our democracy,\u201d stated Congressman Ken Buck, co-chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus.\n\u201cPeople are right to view Washington, DC in such low regard,\u201d Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) said. \u201cBills are being written by special interests in order to benefit campaign donors with no concern for the effects it has on the people who have to live with the results. That\u2019s wrong, and the Reformers Caucus will work to bring the will of the American people back into the debate.\u201d \u00a0\n\u00a0\u201cThe time is now to bring common sense reforms, accountability, and transparency to Washington. I look forward to joining this bipartisan group so that we can work to regain the trust of the American people,\u201d stated Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).\n\"I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to restore greater transparency, fairness, and ethics to the legislative process. Leaders should be held to a higher standard. It's time to bring integrity to Washington D.C.,\u201d stated Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06).\n\u201cSan Diegans know that our collaborative culture among businesses, universities, and government can be a model for Washington. I\u2019m pleased to join this Caucus, dedicated to working across the aisle in good faith to pass common-sense reform that would result in greater government transparency, an overhaul to the way our elections are run, and restore the full legislative process,\u201d stated Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52).\nThe launch of this caucus comes at a time when confidence in Congress sits at all-time lows. Americans worry that donors and Beltway insiders have undue influence over a broken legislative process. Citizens are losing confidence in our nation\u2019s capacity for good governance and functional democracy. The Congressional Reformers Caucus aims to work across the aisle on common sense reforms, fighting for greater transparency, fairness, and ethics in the legislative process.\nBelow are the founding members of the Congressional Reformers Caucus:\nDemocrat:\nKathleen Rice (NY-04)  \nDerek Kilmer (WA-06)  \nScott Peters (CA-52)  \nSeth Moulton (MA-06)  \nRon Kind (WI-03)  \nTom O'Halleran (AZ-01)  \nCheri Bustos (IL-17)  \nStephanie Murphy (FL-07)  \nDonald Norcross (NJ-01)  \nJohn Sarbanes (MD-03)\nRepublican:\nKen Buck (CO-04)  \nMike Gallagher (WI-08)  \nRalph Norman (SC-05)  \nAndy Biggs (AZ-05)  \nJack Bergman (MI-01)  \nMatt Gaetz (FL-01)  \nRodney Davis (IL-13)  \nJeff Fortenberry (NE-01)  \nMike Coffman (CO-06)\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2408", "Coffman on Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) released the following statement after the bipartisan passage of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 in the House of Representatives:\r\nConcealed CarryReciprocityis a common sense policythat will protect every states ability to control where concealed firearms can be legally carried. Like drivers licenses, concealed carry permit holders from out of state will still have to know and abide by Colorado laws. Additionally, this bill will provide grant funding to states to improve their reporting compliance and hold federal agencies accountable to ensure criminals are properly entered into the background check system.\r\nRepresentative Coffman voted for the measure and the bill passed the House with a 231-198 vote. To view the text of the bill, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2201", "President Trump's Jerusalem Announcement", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump's Jerusalem Announcement \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The president acknowledged Jerusalem as the capital of  Israel and supported an American embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Rep. Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding the announcement:\r\n\"I am pleased to see that President Trump kept his campaign promise to declare that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as it has been for thousands of years. This important announcement protects the United States\u2019 and Israel's interests in the Middle East and abroad. I applaud the president for laying the groundwork to swiftly relocate the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move will send a strong message to the world that Jerusalem is the legitimate capital of Israel.\u201d  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2202", "Bill Funding Fish Recovery Programs", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Funding Fish Recovery Programs \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) chaired a Water, Power and Oceans Hearing regarding a bill funding fish recovery programs, H.R. 4465. He issued this statement:\u00a0 \r\n\"Colorado's best interests are always at the forefront of my mind. That's why this legislation is important for our state: it delists certain protected species while protecting the reliability of water and power operations. H.R. 4465 is a bipartisan bill that will improve the cost effectiveness of the San Juan and Upper Colorado Fish Recovery Programs. Mr. Andrew Colosimo, Government and Corporate Affairs Manager for Colorado Springs Utilities, which provides services to approximate 470,000 Colorado citizens, testified in support of the bill. Water and power interests recognize this is an essential piece of legislation to recover the endangered fish and continue a solid program in Colorado. \"  \r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2203", "Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House Judiciary Committee approved two bills to protect Americans' Second Amendment right and to curb gun violence, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and the Fix NICS Act. The House voted to pass both bills today. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued this statement:\r\n\u201cThe Second Amendment clearly\u00a0protects American citizens' rights to conceal carry across state lines. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is a law-abiding piece of legislation that clearly protects gun owners. It does not arm criminals, like its opponents have falsely claimed. Nothing in the bill would permit a criminal to purchase or possess a firearm. Additionally, the Fix NICS Act requires individuals to undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This System also needs updating so the bill incentivizes states to keep accurate records and report to the FBI. The bill would also instigate a study of the use of bump stocks. Ideally I would have preferred to have voted on these two pieces of legislation separately but I\u2019m glad it was a bipartisan effort.\u201d  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-votes-improve-healthcare-americas-veterans", "Tipton Votes to Improve Healthcare for America's Veterans", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted in support of the Enhancing Veteran Care Act (S. 1266), which would help improve healthcare for America\u2019s veterans. This legislation passed the House with bipartisan support.\nThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations, allowing them to investigate VA medical centers and assess the deficiencies of the center\u2019s facilities.\n\u201cOur veterans have done so much in service of our nation, making it imperative that we serve them once they return home,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cWhile VA medical centers do so much to assist our nation\u2019s heroes, we unfortunately still hear stories about our veterans not receiving the quality care they deserve. By allowing contractors to identify the exact areas where VA medical centers could improve, they will be better equipped to take appropriate action. I thank Senator Inhofe for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law by the President.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2194", "SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case. The Justices will decide if Jack Phillips' freedom of speech protects his choice not to make a special-event cake for a gay wedding, which goes against his religious beliefs.\r\n\"I support Jack 100 percent on this issue. I believe the Constitution protects his right to refuse to use his artistic talents in a ceremony that he does not agree with religiously. Legal precedent also backs him up and provides many examples of free speech protection. If Jack wins, this is a huge step for artists and creators everywhere. If not, everyone's freedom is at risk when the government can punish citizens because the government doesn't approve of his artistic choice.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2195", "Tax Bill Goes to Conference", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax Bill Goes to Conference \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congress voted to take the House and Senate's version of the tax reform bill to conference. Speaker Ryan and several Members will reconcile the two bills. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\"I'm looking forward to voting 'yes' on the final tax bill. I hope conference can work out the differences between the bill while upholding the best interests of middle-class America. Finally, the American people will receive the first major tax overhaul since 1986.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2197", "Taylor Force Act Passes House", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Taylor Force Act introduced by Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) passed a crucial House vote today. The act, named in honor and memory of the son of Stuart and Robbi Force, sets conditions for American taxpayer aid to the Palestinian Authority. It would end the P.A.\u2019s \u201cmartyr payments\u201d policy, dubbed by critics as \u201cpay-to-slay.\u201d  \r\n\r\nFormer U.S. Army officer and combat veteran Taylor Force was murdered in a Palestinian stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in March 2016. Force, a Vanderbilt University graduate student, had been visiting Israel as part of a school-organized spring break trip in March 2016 when he was caught up in the attack that left ten others wounded. Relatives of Force\u2019s killer, Bashar Masalha, are among the beneficiaries of the PA\u2019s payments policy.  \r\n\r\n\"The vote for the Taylor Force Act on the House Floor today is an important statement from America against terrorism,\u201d said Rep. Doug Lamborn. \"In Taylor's memory, we must stop sending aid money to an entity that rewards his murderer's family and prevents any future injustice. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote 'yes' on this bill and hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for financing terrorism.\u201d  \r\n\r\n\r\nStuart and Robbi Force witnessed the vote today and visited with Congressman Lamborn and many of the 170 cosponsors of the Taylor Force Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-announces-central-70-project-funding", "Gardner Announces Central 70 Project Funding", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced Kiewit Meridiam Partners LLC has been awarded a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan of up to $416 million for the Central 70 Public-Private Partnership Project with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The project seeks to make several updates, including replacing a ten-mile segment of I-70 east of Denver, to help mitigate traffic and bolster safety.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to announce this critical funding for the Central 70 Project, as this project was one of the major reasons I fought to protect TIFIA funding during consideration of the 2015 highway bill,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cWith Colorado\u2019s growing population, it\u2019s important we ensure our state receives enough resources to properly serve Coloradans. Infrastructure affects everyone across our state and going forward, I\u2019ll keep fighting for Colorado at the federal level.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2015, Senator Gardner\u00a0led efforts\u00a0in the Senate to block changes to the TIFIA program that would have jeopardized this project and several others across the state. If the transportation measure would have passed without Senator Gardner\u2019s requested reforms, the TIFIA program would not have been able to move forward with loans like the one announced today.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-confirmation-of-kirstjen-nielsen-to-lead-the-department-of-homeland-security", "Gardner Statement on Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to Lead the Department of Homeland Security", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following the Senate\u2019s confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cKirstjen\u00a0Nielsen\u2019s expertise, years in public service, and focus on keeping Americans safe will serve her well as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner.\u00a0\u201cAt a time when we face many threats at home and abroad we must remain vigilant and work together to prevent future attacks. I look forward to working\u00a0with Ms. Nielsen\u00a0to keep Coloradans and Americans safe.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2407", "Coffman Cosponsors the STOP Act", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mike Coffman, infuriated by the use of taxpayer dollars being used to settle sexual harassment on behalf of Members of Congress, has cosponsored the Stop Taxpayer Obligations to Perpetrators of Sexual Harassment (STOP) Act offered by Rep. Mia Love (R-UT). This bill would end the use of taxpayer funds to settle such cases.\r\nI find it unconscionable that taxpayer dollars have been spent to settle sexual harassment cases on behalf of Members of Congress. As public servants, entrusted with taxpayer dollars, this is simply unacceptable Said Coffman.\r\nTo see full bill text, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2191", "Taylor Force Act Moves to House Floor for Vote", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Taylor Force Act Moves to House Floor for Vote \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 4, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-5) issued the following statement regarding the Taylor Force Act announcement: \"I am\u00a0pleased to see the Taylor Force Act come to the House Floor for a vote\u00a0on Tuesday, December 5.\u00a0It is critical that Congress pass this legislation to ensure that U.S. tax dollars do not go to supporting terrorism. This legislation is named for American army veteran Taylor Force, who was brutally murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in March of 2016. In Taylor's memory, we must stop sending aid money to an entity that rewards his murderer's family. I urge my colleagues to vote 'yes' on this bill and hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for financing terrorism.\u201d\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2193", "Safely Disposing of Needles Issue", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Safely Disposing of Needles Issue \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 4, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Lamborn issued the following statement regarding clean needle programs:\u201cDrug abuse is a terrible reality in our country. It\u2019s a reality that is destroying lives and tearing apart neighborhoods and families. With the opioid epidemic ravaging the nation and our state, subsidizing \u201cclean\u201d needle exchanges is a tone-deaf solution that will only make the problem worse. Drug abusers don\u2019t need easier access to needles and drugs, they need hope and help escaping their addiction. This year, I supported a Financial Services appropriations bill that prohibited taxpayer funds from being used to support \u201cclean\u201d needle programs in Wash., D.C. I stand by that vote and encourage leaders in Colorado Springs to oppose any proposal promoting \u201cclean\u201d needle programs. Beyond preventing drug use and addiction, safely disposing of needles is a more important local issue.\u201d Read more information here.\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/tipton-us-senate-must-act-now-save-funding-childrens-health-insurance-program", "Tipton: The U.S. Senate must act now to save funding for Children's Health Insurance Program", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, otherwise known as CHIP, is close to running out. Authorization for spending on this program expired earlier this year, and Colorado's funds will be depleted by the end of January 2018.\nThe House of Representatives passed the Championing Healthy Kids Act last month to extend funding for CHIP, as well as community health centers and other critical public-health programs. These programs are essential to providing access to health care for many families across the 3rd Congressional District, state and nation, and I was proud to work with my colleagues to send a bill to the Senate to ensure they remain funded.\nThe Senate must now act. This week, families throughout Colorado who rely on CHIP for their children's health care, received letters from state officials, urging them to look for other coverage options in the event that the Senate does not pass the funding extension soon. Without Senate action by late December 2017, Colorado will be required to send out official notices of the CHIP program's cancellation. Colorado is not the only state whose funds are set to expire. Arizona, California, Minnesota and Ohio are also on the brink of running out of money for this critical program.\nCHIP is very important for thousands of Coloradans and millions of Americans. This program was established 20 years ago with the intention of helping families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to be able to afford private health insurance. While not perfect, this program is the reason 75,000 children in Colorado and 9 million children across the nation have health benefits.\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\nThe Championing Healthy Kids Act would extend funding for CHIP through the fiscal year 2022, ensuring that children from lower-income families continue to receive coverage. On top of that, this legislation would extend funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers for two years through the Community Health Center Fund. Federally Qualified Health Centers are critical, as these community-based, patient-centered organizations successfully provide wide-ranging health services to medically underserved populations throughout Colorado.\nI urge my colleagues in the Senate to get to work and find a way to put politics aside to extend funding for CHIP. Time is running out, and failure is not an option.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2190", "Senate Moves Tax Bill Ahead", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Moves Tax Bill Ahead \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 2, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The Senate voted on the tax bill today. The Senate's plan is different than the House's version. The two chambers will reconcile their bills in a unified piece of legislation for consideration by President Trump. Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement regarding the Senate's vote:\"I'm encouraged the Senate moved their tax bill out of the Finance Committee. I see this as a tremendous opportunity to impact the American economy positively. Tax cuts are going to happen and middle-class folks are going to see a change in their quality of life. I look forward to reconciling it with the House's bill. No matter what, small businesses will flourish and jobs will be created.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-passage-of-historic-tax-relief-legislation", "Gardner Statement on Passage of Historic Tax Relief Legislation", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following the Senate\u2019s passage of tax relief legislation.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis legislation lowers the individual tax rates for low-and middle-income Americans by expanding the zero tax bracket and maintaining the 10 percent bracket. It doubles the standard deduction to reduce the amount of taxable income and expands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. It also protects deductions like the adoption tax credit, and the home mortgage interest deduction. Multiple analyses show that these pro-growth reforms will not just lead to thousands of dollars in lower taxes for middle class families, but also grow wages by thousands. Americans in every income group will have lower taxes.\r\n\r\n\u201cFor too long, too many Coloradans have felt left behind. They have been forced to cope with a tax system that favors the elites and gives advantages to those who know how to game the system. Today marks a historic day for our country. It has been over 30 years since Congress has passed major tax reform and I\u2019m excited to bring tax relief to millions of Coloradans,\u201d said Gardner. \u201cColoradans will keep more of their own money in their own pockets, and the American people will be able to invest their savings the way they want to, not how Washington dictates.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senate plan also calls for lowering the corporate tax rate to 20%. For years both sides of the aisle have recognized that our corporate tax code is uncompetitive and causing companies to leave the country in search of lower taxes. Even President Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Address advocated for lowering the corporate tax rate, saying, \u201cFor example, over the years, a parade of lobbyists has rigged the tax code to benefit particular companies and industries. Those with accountants or lawyers to work the system can end up paying no taxes at all. But all the rest are hit with one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and it has to change.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner added: \u201cWe know workers bear much of the burden of the corporate tax rate and lowering the corporate tax rate will lead to bigger paychecks for hardworking Coloradans. The United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world and in order for our businesses to be competitive, this must change. Businesses will finally bring their profits back to the United States and reinvest those dollars into their operation, which will lead to economic growth. Our country will see an economic resurgence as a result of this legislation and I\u2019m proud to deliver tax relief to Colorado.\u201d\r\n  Click\u00a0here\u00a0to view Gardner\u2019s video statement.\r\n\u00a0\r\nClick here for audio of Gardner\u2019s statement.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2405", "Coffman on Flynn's FBI Charges", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) released the following shortly after Gen. Michael Flynn (ret) pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI :\"As a retired military officer, I am deeply disappointed that someone of Gen. Flynn's stature would compromise his honor and integrity by lying to the FBI.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buck-and-colleagues-introduce-stop-act", "Buck and Colleagues Introduce STOP Act", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04), along with Reps. Dave Brat (VA-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Tom Garrett (VA-05), Jody Hice (GA-10), Mike Johnson (LA-04), Steve Pearce (NM-02), and Scott Taylor (VA-02), introduced H.R. 4495, the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP Act), legislation to prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses.\n\u201cWhen we allow companies to deduct sexual assault and sexual harassment related settlements, we\u2019re asking the American taxpayer to subsidize hush money payments that cover-up sexual misconduct,\u201d Congressman Ken Buck stated.\n\u201cOur tax code should make it harder, not easier, for sexual misconduct to occur in the workplace,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Scott Taylor. \u201cCurrently, the tax code allows companies to deduct sexual assault and harassment settlements. As with lawmakers using our tax dollars for settlements, this is outrageous. \u00a0These should have never been burdens the tax payer bears.\u201d \u00a0\n\u201cThere is absolutely no place for sexual harassment in the workplace or anywhere. Using taxpayer dollars to hide sexual harassment claims does nothing but protect the wrongdoer. It\u00a0is shameful, and it must be stopped. I will continue to seek solutions that empower those who have fallen victim to sexual harassment and promote initiatives that combat this behavior,\u201dstated Congressman Mike Johnson.\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s Hollywood, Congress or a corporate boardroom, there is no place for sexual abuse or harassment in the workplace. Just as I\u2019m committed to protecting taxpayer dollars from being misused in Washington to cover up sexual misconduct allegations, I\u2019m also committed to preventing private sector businesses from using tax breaks to sweep these heinous acts under the rug. This Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title,\u201d said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.\n\u201cThis bill is long overdue. American taxpayers should not be footing the bill for settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. I\u2019m proud to work with my colleagues today to ensure no one, regardless of their wealth or power is able to write off the crimes they commit,\u201d stated Rep. Steve Pearce.\nCurrently, companies can deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The STOP Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement.\nS.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is being considered by the U.S. Senate today, includes similar language. The legislation offered by Buck and the original co-sponsors shows support in the House of Representatives for the inclusion of this language in a final tax bill package.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-supports-legislation-reduce-risk-landslides", "Tipton Supports Legislation to Reduce the Risk of Landslides", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 During a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voiced his support for the National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R. 1675), and questioned an expert witness on how this legislation would help to evaluate and reduce the risk of landslides. Tipton is a cosponsor of this legislation.\nThe National Landslide Preparedness Act would direct the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to identify landslide hazards, reduce losses from landslides, protect communities at risk of landslide hazards and help improve communication and emergency preparedness.\nSpecifically, this legislation would establish a 3D elevation program to coordinate and facilitate the collection, distribution, and use of 3D elevation data among Federal departments and agencies. The data would also be available to state and local governments.\nIn his opening statement before the committee, Tipton spoke about a landslide that had occurred in Grand Mesa, Colorado that took the lives of three men.\nDuring the hearing, Tipton asked the witness whether they felt the 3D elevation program might help state and local agencies better evaluate the impacts of landslides and identify the risks of having individuals on the ground in areas where land has shifted. The witness agreed that this program would help better evaluate these areas and prevent future tragedies.\nOf the hearing, Congressman Tipton said, \u201cI was glad to hear from an expert on this issue. The National Landslide Preparedness Act is critical for districts like mine, and his testimony has strengthened my support for this legislation. I look forward to seeing it passed out of committee soon.\u201d\nTipton\u2019s opening statement and line of questioning can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of Tipton\u2019s remarks can be downloaded here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-buck-tours-local-manufacturing-business", "Rep. Buck tours local manufacturing business", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congressman Ken Buck made a brief stop in Sterling Monday afternoon to tour several manufacturing businesses in the community.\nRead More", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2182", "House Passes Anti-Harassment Training Resolution", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Anti-Harassment Training Resolution \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 29, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House will require all members and staffers to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training. The House Administration Committee introduced the Resolution to enforce training within the congressional workplace. \r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see this resolution pass. It\u2019s common sense and clearly a bipartisan issue. Training like this is necessary for a professional work environment. The increased effort to prevent harassment and discrimination shows Congress takes this issue seriously.\u201d  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-supports-vote-require-anti-harassment-training-house", "Tipton Supports Vote to Require Anti-Harassment Training in the House", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted in favor of H.Res. 630, which will require every Member, officer and employee of the House of Representatives to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training. This Resolution passed the House with bipartisan support.\n\u201cSexual harassment in the House of Representatives, or in any workplace, is absolutely unacceptable,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cEveryone has the right to work in an environment free from harassment or discrimination. Requiring training for Members and staff is a good first step to creating a safe and healthy workplace. We will continue to look for additional legislative options to end harassment, make those who perpetuate it fully accountable for their actions, and ensure victims are able to come forward without fear of retribution.\nH.Res. 630 will require that for the current 115th Congress, each individual must complete training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins. It will mandate that all House Members, employees, including interns and fellows, complete an annual anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.\nAdditionally, this Resolution also requires that a statement of rights and protections for employees of the House of Representative be posted under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.\nThe Committee on House Administration is currently conducting a review on harassment in Congress. The first hearing on this issue was held November 14, 2017, and a second hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2017, to examine potential reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-bennet-demand-accountability-at-va-for-unofficial-wait-lists", "Gardner, Bennet Demand Accountability at VA for Unofficial Wait Lists", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin regarding the VA Inspector General\u00a0report\u00a0that found unofficial wait\u00a0lists at a number of Colorado VA facilities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senators wrote, in part, \u201cThis practice of using unofficial wait\u00a0lists is extremely concerning, and sows distrust amongst our veterans in the very system that exists to help them. Unofficial wait lists result in a lack of transparency and deny veterans the timely care that they deserve, ultimately putting our veterans at great risk.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nFull text of the letter is below:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary Shulkin,\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe write to urge you to ensure accountability following a November 16, 2017 report that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted, which substantiates the claim that the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) used unofficial wait lists for veteran health care. This report highlights serious mismanagement, and we urge you to review its findings and implement the OIG\u2019s recommendations to ensure veterans in Colorado have a health system they deserve and to prevent future mismanagement from occurring.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis practice of using unofficial wait\u00a0lists is extremely concerning, and sows distrust amongst our veterans in the very system that exists to help them. Unofficial wait lists result in a lack of transparency and deny veterans the timely care that they deserve, ultimately putting our veterans at great risk. Unfortunately, the exact number of cases affected by this mismanagement is unknown due to the lack of documentation, but according to the OIG report, the VA placed at least 3,775 on the unofficial wait lists. This is unacceptable. It is critical that the VA holds bad actors overseeing these unofficial wait lists accountable. Moving forward, the VA must also take steps to ensure that it upholds its policy prohibiting the use of unofficial wait lists.\r\n\u00a0\r\nPlease provide a timely response on your plan of action to hold those overseeing this wrongdoing accountable. Additionally, we request that you provide us with quarterly reports on ECHCS\u2019 progress ensuring that the VA is taking corrective action to address these and other wait times issues across the area.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you for your time, and we look forward to your response.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-hatch-bennet-heinrich-and-udall-introduce-legislation-to-protect-endangered-species-in-upper-colorado-river", "Gardner, Hatch, Bennet, Heinrich, and Udall Introduce Legislation to Protect Endangered Species in Upper Colorado River", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), along with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tom Udall (D-NM), introduced the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017. The legislation will continue to fund the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through FY2023, and aims to protect four primary endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cProtecting endangered species living in Colorado\u2019s natural habitat can be done in a responsible manner, and I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner.\u00a0\u201cUpper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program is a great example of a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies to promote conservation. It\u2019s important we provide adequate resources to this project to ensure our partners on the ground have the necessary tools to protect these endangered species.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m happy to join my Western colleagues\u2014including Utah\u2019s newly elected Representative John Curtis\u2014in introducing this commonsense legislation. Our bipartisan bill builds on the successful conservation efforts on the Upper Colorado River, encouraging the federal government to work in cooperation with Western states,\u201d\u00a0said Hatch. \u201cThis proposal will help guide the sustainable usage of our water resources in a way that fosters both species recovery and responsible development.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Endangered Fish Recovery Programs are exemplary of the successful, collaborative conservation championed in the West by states, tribes, federal agencies, and other stakeholders,\u201dsaid Bennet. \u201cThis bipartisan bill provides the resources to continue recovery efforts in the Upper Colorado River and to ensure that these endangered fish species are protected for years to come.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe San Juan and Upper Colorado River Fish Recovery Programs are vital to rebuilding our native fish populations that are an important part of our state\u2019s heritage,\u201d\u00a0said Heinrich.\u00a0\u201cWe cannot allow these important conservation programs to lapse and threaten the progress we\u2019ve made up to this point. This bipartisan legislation will ensure federal, state and local agencies have the resources they need to continue protecting endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe San Juan River Basin is an important region in New Mexico\u2019s ecology, and I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to continue the collaborative efforts to help protect the area's endangered species,\u201d\u00a0said Udall. \u201cThe most successful way we can balance the needs of water security with species conservation is to work collaboratively with local, state, Tribal, federal and non-governmental partners to find solutions. This initiative has been an excellent example of how we can conserve natural habitats by working together.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nRepresentative John Curtis (UT-3) introduced the House companion legislation.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2180", "Minting the World War I Centennial Coin", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the United States Mint hosted a ceremonial strike of the 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar honoring the 100th anniversary of American participation in World War I. The World War I Centennial Silver Dollar was authorized by statute in 2014 with bipartisan Congressional support. Three of the sponsors of the legislation, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Missouri), and U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) personally attended the strike event. A fourth sponsor of the coin legislation, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), was unable to attend. Rep. Lamborn issued the following remarks:\r\n\"Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice with Germany, marking the end of battlefield hostilities in World War I. During the war, more than 4 million men and women from the United States served in uniform, and more than 100,000 gave their lives.\"\r\n\"To honor their service and sacrifices, Congress created the World War I Centennial Commission in 2013.\u00a0 The Commission was tasked with planning and executing activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I through the use of private donations and coin sales.\"\r\n\"While other great conflicts, including the Civil War, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, have all been memorialized on United States commemorative coins, there currently exists no coin to honor the brave veterans of World War I.\u00a0 That is why I introduced the bill that allowed us to honor the memory, service, and sacrifices of the brave veterans of World War I, while also providing the means to pay tribute to the end of World War I battlefield hostilities.\u00a0 Along with my colleagues in the House and Senate, including Rep Emmanuel Cleaver of Missouri, and Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill of Missouri, we authorized the World War I Centennial Silver Dollar in 2014.\"\r\n\"The $10 surcharge collected on the sale of this historic coin will assist the World War I Centennial Commission in commemorating the centenary of World War I, which includes building the new national World War I memorial in Washington D.C.\u00a0 Each coin is its own commemoration of our veteran\u2019s sacrifice during the war, but the funds raised will build this new lasting memorial for all visitors to enjoy.\u00a0 I had the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking event a few weeks ago at Pershing Park and see the new site.\u00a0 When complete, the memorial will pay a fitting tribute to our heroes.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-s-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-delta-montrose-ouray-and-garfield", "Tiptons Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Garfield Counties Next Week", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 A member of Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) staff will hold a series of office hours in Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Garfield Counties from December 4th-6th. During these mobile office hours, Tipton\u2019s staff will be able to assist constituents with issues regarding Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as acquiring American Flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. Appointments are not necessary, and all constituents are welcome to attend.\nMobile Office Hours Delta County\nWHO: Brian Meinhart, Regional Director\nWHEN: Monday, December 4, 2017, 2:30PM \u2013 4:30PM MT\nWHERE: Delta County Courthouse, 501 Palmer Street, Delta, CO 81416\n(Proceed to Room 122)\nMobile Office Hours Montrose County\nWHO: Brian Meinhart, Regional Director\nWHEN: Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 11:30AM \u2013 1:30PM MT\nWHERE: Elks Civic Building, 107 S. Cascade Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401 (Proceed to the Black Canyon Conference Room)\nMobile Office Hours Ouray County\nWHO: Brian Meinhart, Regional Director\nWHEN: Tuesday, December 5, 2017, 3:00PM \u2013 4:45PM MT\nWHERE: Ouray County Courthouse, 541 4th Street, Ouray, CO 81427 (Proceed to the Courtroom)\nMobile Office Hours Garfield County\nWHO: Brian Meinhart, Regional Director\nWHEN: Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 2:00PM \u2013 4:00PM MT\nWHERE: Garfield County Administration Building, 108 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (Proceed to the Commissioners Meeting Room)\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiptons-bill-name-peaks-honor-colorado-climbers-passes-house", "Tipton's Bill to Name Peaks in Honor of Colorado Climbers Passes House", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) bill to name two mountain peaks in honor of mountaineers Charlie Fowler and Christine Boskoff passed off the House Floor. Tipton\u2019s bill, the Fowler and Boskoff Peaks Designation Act (H.R. 2768) would designate two unnamed mountain peaks on the border of San Miguel and Dolores Counties, Colorado, as \u201cFowler Peak\u201d and \u201cBoskoff Peak.\u201d Both climbers were tragically killed in a 2006 avalanche while attempting to summit Genyen Peak in Tibet. H.R. 2768 passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 409-0.\n\u201cCharlie Fowler and Christine Boskoff were celebrated mountaineers, but they were also known for their tireless advocacy for human rights, dedication to philanthropy, and stewardship of the environment,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cThrough the designation of these peaks, their legacy and life\u2019s work will live on for generations to come.\u201d\nThe Senate Companion to H.R. 2768 (S. 1271) was introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet on May 30, 2017. It received a legislative hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining on July 27, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-introduces-legislation-to-fix-veterans-affairs", "Gardner Introduces Legislation to Fix Veterans Affairs", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced today he has introduced the Veterans Improved Access and Care Act of 2017, legislation designed to increase access to care for our nation\u2019s veterans and reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hiring process to make it easier to fill staffing shortages at the agency.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis legislation follows an\u00a0explosive Inspector General report\u00a0Gardner demanded that revealed secret wait lists at a number of Colorado VA facilities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to a Denver Post report, the average wait time to see a primary physician at a VA facility nationwide is 4.8 days, but the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (ECHCS) has an average wait time of eleven days, Grand Junction\u2019s average wait time is 18 days, and 13.5% of all appointments at the ECHCS had longer than a 30-day wait. Under current law, the CHOICE Act, a veteran can see a medical professional outside the VA system if they have to wait longer than 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles away from a VA facility.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Veterans Improved Access and Care Act expands on the success of the CHOICE Act by eliminating the 30 day, 40 mile eligibility rule, giving veterans full access to private and local medical care regardless of their situation or location.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur veterans, who have given so much to our country, should have access to the best possible care in a timely manner,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cColorado veterans have been put on secret wait lists and denied access to care they have earned. This is unacceptable and it must change. My legislation will expand the CHOICE program and allow veterans to see the doctor they choose and not be hamstrung by the VA bureaucracy. It\u2019s time we put partisan politics aside and deliver on our promise to our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nMany VA hospitals\u00a0continue to experience long wait times and staffing shortages as a result of a lengthy hiring process, and a primary driver of the protracted hiring process is the onboarding process for licensed medical providers.\u00a0According to a McKinsey and Company Assessment from September 2015, the VA hiring timeline spans 4-8 months while a typical private sector organization hires staff between 0.5 and 2 months. Furthermore, \u201ccandidates for many roles are often unwilling to wait roughly six months to be on boarded, especially when positions with other hospitals are readily available.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner\u2019s legislation aims to address this problem by authorizing the VA to establish a pilot program to expedite the hiring of licensed medical professionals in locations where there are shortages of available specialists. The bill also requires the VA Secretary to submit a report detailing a strategy on how to reduce the length of the VA\u2019s hiring process by half for licensed medical professionals.\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner added: \u201cIn order to reduce wait times and provide timely care to our veterans, we must address the root of the problem at many VA facilities in Colorado and across the country: staffing shortages. When it comes to the VA hiring medical professionals we cannot let government bureaucracy and red tape stand in the way. The VA Secretary needs to take meaningful action to reform the hiring process and make sure facilities are able to hire the medical professionals needed to serve our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner\u2019s legislation will also turn into law the requirement for the VA to report all major disciplinary action taken against medical providers to be reported to a national database that was originally established by Congress.\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-budget-committee-passage-of-tax-relief-package", "Gardner Statement on Budget Committee Passage of Tax Relief Package", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the below statement following the Budget Committee voting to send the Tax Cut and Jobs Act to the Senate floor:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cToday marked an important step forward to bring Coloradans and the American people tax relief,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cThis legislation will increase wages, grow the economy, create jobs, and benefit hardworking Coloradans. I look forward to the bill being debated on the Senate floor through an open amendment process, and I\u2019m hopeful my colleagues from both sides of the aisle will work together to bring much needed tax relief to the American people.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner\u00a0released a statement\u00a0when the original legislation was introduced at the beginning of the month.\r\n\u00a0\r\nBackground on Senate Tax Relief Legislation\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Council for Economic Advisors (CEA) estimates that simply lowering the corporate income tax rate to 20% will result in the median wage for the\u00a0average Colorado Household increasing by $4,385.\u00a0The academic literature cited by the CEA suggests the wage gains could even be up to $9,000 or more.\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lowers the individuate tax rates for low-and middle-income Americans by expanding the zero tax bracket and maintaining the 10 percent bracket\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Doubles the standard deduction to protect even more income from being considered taxable income\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A family of four\u00a0earning the median family income ($73,000) would see a tax cut of nearly $2,200\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A single parent with one child and an income of $41,000 will see a tax cut of more than $1,400\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Expands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, lowers the threshold income required for the refundable portion of the credit, and indexes the refundable portion for inflation\r\n \r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ken-buck-draws-attention-small-businesses-small-business-saturday", "Ken Buck draws attention to small businesses before Small Business Saturday", "2017-11-24", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On a day many Americans are focused on big-box, Black Friday sales, Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., issued a statement bringing attention back to small businesses, saying Congress should work hard to create an environment that allows small business to thrive.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2404", "Coffman Spends Thanksgiving with Troops in South Korea", "2017-11-23", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pyeontaek, South Korea U.S. Representative Mike Coffman spent the Thanksgiving holiday with U.S. troops stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.\r\nI am honored to be spending Thanksgiving with our troops, said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran. Having served, I understand how hard it is to be away from loved ones especially during the holidays, so for me its important to thank them and their families, for their service and sacrifice.\r\nIn addition to his stop at Camp Humpreys, Representative Coffman spent some time with Colorado service members currently stationed at Osan Air Base. (pictured below)\r\nCoffman who serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, on the House Armed Services Committee, is leading a bi-partisan Congressional delegation to South Korea and Japan to meet with U.S. service members and their leadership. Site visits included a stop at the Korean Demilitarized Military Zone (DMZ), where recent news events have heightened tensions in the region and has increased the U.S. diplomatic pressure on North Korea.\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-celebrating-thanksgiving", "Gardner Statement Celebrating Thanksgiving", "2017-11-23", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement celebrating Thanksgiving:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThanksgiving is a blessed time to spend with family and friends and reflect on all that we are thankful for. As a Coloradan, I\u2019m thankful for living in the greatest state in the greatest country on earth. We live in a free, democratic society where every person has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I\u2019m thankful for the men and women in uniform, many of whom are unable to be with their families today, who defend these freedoms. To all living in the Centennial state and around the country, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and hope you have a wonderful start to this holiday season.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory\u00a0Gardner\u00a0is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/buck-take-time-today-be-thankful-all-we-have", "Buck: Take time today to be thankful for all we have", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "These days, it's easy to turn on the news and find discouragement. For me, spending almost every week in Washington, D.C., a city that sees many problems but arrives at very few solutions, can be challenging.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2174", "Thanksgiving Message from Congressman Lamborn", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thanksgiving Message from Congressman Lamborn \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 22, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \u201cI'm deeply grateful for life's many blessings this Thanksgiving. On this day, as a nation, we join in celebration and thanks for family, freedom, and faith in one of our most treasured American holidays. In our community, we\u2019re especially mindful and thankful for those in uniform, far from home, representing each of us through their service. We pray for their safe return. I\u2019m also thankful for all those dedicated to making our community better every day \u2013 our elected officials, first responders, teachers, and many others. I wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.\u201d  \u2013 Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05)\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-encourages-coloradans-shop-small-small-business-saturday", "Tipton Encourages Coloradans to Shop Small this Small Business Saturday", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) is encouraging Coloradans to participate in Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 25, 2017. As a former small business owner and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, Tipton is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of small businesses and all that they contribute to the nation\u2019s success. Small Business Saturday is a day for Americans to head out into their communities and support locally owned small businesses.\n\u201cSmall businesses are one of the strongest pillars of our economy,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cIn Colorado, small businesses support forty nine percent of our workforce, making our support absolutely vital. That\u2019s why I will be out on Saturday shopping small, and I hope you will be too.\u201d\nTipton is a cosponsor of the Congressional resolution (H. Res. 603) recognizing Saturday, November 25, 2017 as Small Business Saturday.\u00a0\n\u201cAs a former small business owner, I am all too familiar with the barriers that hinder the success of our small businesses,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cFor that reason, I also remain committed to reducing the federal regulations and reforming our nation\u2019s broken tax code, so that small businesses can once again thrive.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2175", "Rep. Lamborn Introduces Veterans Empowerment Act", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-05) introduced the Veterans Empowerment Act in the House today. This landmark reform legislation allows veterans to choose civilian medical providers or use existing VA medical facilities, without requiring VA pre-authorization.  The Veterans Empowerment Act comes in the wake of systemic issues in VA programs widely documented since the 2014 nationwide scandal. Last Thursday, a VA Inspector General report highlighted the falsified patient wait times at the Colorado VA for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress. The legislation would give veterans options similar to the highly-successful Tricare Standard program long in use by the active duty military community.\r\n\u201cThis bill throws out the idea of acceptable patient wait times and eliminates the requirement of the veteran to ask for VA permission to use civilian medical providers,\u201d said Congressman Lamborn. \u201cIt gives veterans full authority to use the existing VA system or not.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cOur veterans deserve the highest degree of care. Giving them options to choose their healthcare plans and doctors is empowering. This bill means veterans, especially those with extreme disabilities, can expect to have their needs taken care of quickly and efficiently. Its good policy and makes sense.\u201d\r\nRep. Mark Meadows (NC-11) and Rep. Franks (AZ-08) are original cosponsors of the bill.\u00a0This legislation builds on work done last Congress by Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) to ensure that veterans have access to the high-quality care they deserve.\r\nNote: Critics have inaccurately claimed this approach would \u201cprivatize\u201d the VA.\u00a0 The Washington Post gave this claim three Pinocchio\u2019s\u2026 twice. Articles are here and here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-will-help-colorado", "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Will Help Colorado", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This past week the House of Representatives took a historical step forward and passed a comprehensive tax reform package. The last time the tax code was reformed was 1986, and since then, it has become convoluted, burdensome and has started working against Coloradan families and businesses. It is past time for tax reform, and the House delivered on its promise to provide relief for Americans at every income level.\nIn my travels around the 3rd Congressional District, I have met and spoken with many hardworking Coloradans who are living paycheck to paycheck. They are single parents who work two jobs, seven days a week, but still cannot pay their bills. They are small business owners on Main Street, who are weighed down by federal regulations and a tax code that punishes them for being successful. They are families who are forced to make the difficult decision of paying their mortgage or putting food on the table.\nDespite the pleas for help from their constituents, some lawmakers in Washington voted to keep our current, harmful tax code in place. There are some in Congress who would prefer to preserve tax loopholes for special interests and tell Americans how they should spend their money, rather than deliver relief for families and job creators.\nThese are the same individuals who have characterized the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a tax cut for the rich, despite independent analysis that shows it will help Americans at every tax level, especially Americans at the low- and middle-income level.\nThe tax reform bill will reduce the number of tax brackets from seven to four, reducing tax rates for those who need it the most. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, individuals who are currently taxed in the lowest bracket, at 10 percent, will have an effective tax rate of zero percent. Individuals in the second lowest tax bracket, who are currently taxed at 15 percent, will be taxed at 12 percent under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nThe legislation doubles the standard deduction so that hardworking families can keep more of their paychecks. This is extremely important in the 3rd Congressional District, because data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that 70 percent of individuals and families claim the standard deduction. By doubling the standard deduction, the first $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 that families take home each year will be free from federal income tax \u2013 putting that money straight back into the taxpayer's pocket.\nAnother widely spread misconception about this legislation is that it will only help major corporations. This accusation is inaccurate. The truth is that The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will also help Colorado's small businesses, which are truly the backbone of our economy.\nUnder our current tax code, small businesses can be taxed at a rate as high as 44.6 percent and are also currently taxed on the money they reinvest in their business to expand and create more jobs. The tax reform legislation that passed the House will correct this blunder by capping the rate at which small businesses can be taxed to 25 percent.\nAs a former small business owner myself, I am all too familiar with the obstacles in place that punish small businesses rather than empower them to do what they do best: create good-paying jobs. By reducing the tax rates for small businesses, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will allow the 57,000 small business owners in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District to keep their doors open and create jobs in their communities.\nIn short, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be good for Colorado. A recent study by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates that, under the new tax plan, Colorado will add 15,993 new jobs and median-income families will see a $2,682 increase in their income.\nThe duty now falls to the United States Senate to champion tax reform for the American people. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to finalize a comprehensive tax reform plan that delivers the relief Coloradans, and all Americans, need and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-s-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-lake-gunnison-counties-next-week", "Tiptons Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Lake, Gunnison Counties Next Week", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Members of Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) staff will hold office hours in Lake and Gunnison Counties on November 28-29th. During these mobile office hours, Tipton\u2019s staff will be able to assist constituents with issues regarding Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as acquiring American Flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. Appointments are not necessary, and all constituents are welcome to attend.\nMobile Office Hours Lake County\nWHO: Brian Meinhart, Regional Director\nWHEN: Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 11:30AM \u2013 1:30PM MT\nWHERE: Lake County Courthouse, 505 Harrison Avenue, Leadville, CO 80461  \n\t(Proceed to the Commissioners Meeting Room)\nMobile Office Hours Gunnison County\nWHO: Brenda Felmlee, Field Representative\nWHEN: Wednesday, November 29, 2017, 10:00AM \u2013 12:00PM MT\nWHERE: Gunnison County Courthouse, 200 E. Virginia Ave, Gunnison, CO 81230  \n\t(Proceed to the downstairs conference room)\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-designation-of-north-korea-as-a-state-sponsor-of-terror", "Gardner Statement on Designation of North Korea as a State Sponsor of Terror", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following President Trump\u2019s announcement that he will designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terror.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud the Administration\u2019s decision to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terror, which is something I have been pushing the Trump Administration to do for several months,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cNorth Korea imprisons and tortures their own citizens, murdered American citizen Otto Warmbier, and continues to defy international sanctions. Their evil knows no limits and it is time the United States applies maximum pressure to contain this rogue regime. I will continue to work with the Administration to sanction all entities, wherever they may be based, that aide North Korea's nuclear program.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner authored the North Korea Sanctions Policy and Enhancement Act,\u00a0which\u00a0was\u00a0signed into law by President Obama in February of 2016\u00a0and\u00a0marked the first time Congress imposed stand-alone mandatory sanctions on North Korea. Gardner\u00a0recently introduced comprehensive bipartisan legislation\u00a0to\u00a0impose an economic and diplomatic embargo against North Korea and its enablers, and to authorize efforts to combat Pyongyang\u2019s widespread human rights and labor trafficking abuses.\u00a0He has also\u00a0sent a letter\u00a0to Ambassadors of nations maintaining diplomatic ties with North Korea, calling on these nations to cease all official diplomatic and economic relations with North Korea.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory\u00a0Gardner\u00a0is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy.\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2172", "Brenda Burmans Senate Confirmation to U.S. Department of Interior", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Brenda Burman\u2019s Senate Confirmation to U.S. Department of Interior \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 17, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Representative Lamborn (R-CO) issued the following statement upon Brenda Burman\u2019s Senate confirmation:\r\n\u201cCongratulations to Brenda Burman on her confirmation as the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner. Her extensive experience previously in the Bureau and as director of water policy for Arizona's Salt River Project speaks volumes to her capabilities and qualifications. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, I look forward to working with her on the West's water policy.\u201d\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-to-hold-pueblo-town-hall", "Gardner to Hold Pueblo Town Hall", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) will hold a\u00a0town\u00a0hall\u00a0meeting on\u00a0Monday, November 20th\u00a0in\u00a0Pueblo. It will be Senator Gardner\u2019s 6th\u00a0town\u00a0hall\u00a0since August.\r\n\u00a0\r\nConstituents are encouraged to arrive early, as space is limited. The event is open to the public and the media. If you are a member of the media interested in attending the event, please RSVP by sending an email to Senator Gardner\u2019s Deputy Press Secretary, Jerrod Dobkin, at\u00a0Jerrod_Dobkin@gardner.senate.gov\r\n\u00a0\r\nPUEBLO\u00a0TOWN\u00a0HALL\r\n\u00a0\r\nWho:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)\r\nWhat:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Pueblo\u00a0Town\u00a0Hall\r\nWhen: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Monday, November 20th, 11:30 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m. MT\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Doors open at\u00a010:30\u00a0a.m. MT\r\nWhere:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Pueblo Convention Center\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0320 Central Main St, Pueblo, CO 81003\r\nParking:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Please use the SRDA parking lot (located off Alan Hammel between Union Ave and Central Main Street)\r\n\u00a0\r\nNOTE: Date and time are subject to change per Senate schedule. Gardner\u2019s office will make an additional announcement if the schedule changes.\r\n###\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy.\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-tax-reform-to-include-bipartisan-investing-in-opportunity-act", "Senate Tax Reform to Include Bipartisan Investing in Opportunity Act", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0- In a major step toward helping distressed communities nationwide, U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Tim Scott (R-SC), along with a group of their colleagues, announced that the amended Senate tax reform plan will include the bipartisan Investing in Opportunity Act (IIOA) as a part of the tax reform bill that will be voted on by the full Senate in the coming weeks. The IIOA incentivizes investment in economically distressed areas by allowing trillions of dollars in private capital to be used to encourage small businesses, support entrepreneurs, and to develop dilapidated properties in zip codes most in need of a resurgence.\r\n\u201cAs a fifth generation Coloradan who grew up on the Eastern Plains, I know how important it is to attract growth to local communities, and particularly rural communities, in Colorado,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cThe Investing in Opportunity Act will encourage investment, incite growth, and extend opportunities to communities that are struggling. This commonsense legislation is a stepping stone to restoring faith in the American Dream for some people who feel like they have been left behind.\u201d\r\n\u201cSince I entered Congress, my goal was simple: create opportunity for everyday Americans wherever possible,\u201d\u00a0said Scott.\u00a0\u201cIt\u00a0is\u00a0a passion because I grew up in a single-parent household, surrounded in poverty, with very little expectation that I would find my way to success. But I learned that opportunity can truly be the difference that changes the course of one\u2019s life. I know that when the IIOA is passed, when it actually reaches the people it\u2019s intended to help, the results will be truly amazing because it will help everyday people in South Carolina and beyond build their way to a brighter future.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to give our middle class the boost they need following several years of job loss and economic distress,\u201d\u00a0said Sen. Capito (R-WV).\u201cThe Investing in Opportunity Act can help spur growth in these communities and level the playing field, creating new opportunity in West Virginia and other regions. I\u2019m pleased to see it included in the latest version of the Senate\u2019s tax proposal.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that our legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act, has been included in the Senate tax reform plan,\u201d\u00a0said Sen. Ernst (R-IA).\u00a0\u201cThis provision compliments much-needed tax relief for low and middle-income earners. By incentivizing private investment in struggling communities, it would spur economic growth in poverty-stricken areas, bringing hope and opportunity back to many distressed rural communities in Iowa.\u201d\r\n\"Too many low-income Ohioans have been left behind as our broken tax code hampered economic growth,\"\u00a0said Sen. Portman (R-OH).\u00a0\"I\u2019m pleased that the\u00a0Investing in Opportunity Act\u00a0was included in our landmark tax reform package to pave the way for long-term investments in Ohio\u2019s small businesses and entrepreneurs,\u00a0which in turn means more jobs and opportunities for the families in distressed communities across our state. Every hard-working Ohioan should be able to reach their God-given potential.\"\r\n\"Lack of opportunity is a common circumstance in distressed communities across the country,\"\u00a0said Sen. Young (R-IN).\u00a0\"This proposal is a common-sense way to unleash investment and entrepreneurship in distressed communities to create hope and new opportunity. Ultimately, this is exactly the kind of behavior we should strive to promote and incentivize.\"\r\nThere are currently 52 million Americans living in distressed communities across the country, and trillions of dollars in unrealized capital gains sitting on the sidelines. The IIOA would provide an opportunity for U.S. investors to use a temporary capital gains referral in exchange for investing the capital in these communities. This public-private partnership will create new channels for investment that will grow jobs, inspire entrepreneurship, and improve the local economy for future generations.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2399", "Passage of H.R. 1, the 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act'", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n\"This is pro growth tax reform. I've always believed that simplifying our tax code and reducing the tax burden on hardworking families and businesses will promote job growth and higher wages in communities all across our country. The same CBO that projected a $1.5 trillion deficit over the next 10 years is also projecting that there will be $1 trillion in additional revenue for every .4% of economic growth. I'm amazed that the same loud voices that defended voting for $2.7 trillion in deficit spending to grow the size of government, in just the first two years of the Obama Administration, are now suddenly concerned about deficit spending when it comes to reducing the tax burdens on families and businesses in order to grow the economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2168", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Passes House", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the House today with a 227-205 vote. The American tax code is now one major step closer to a total overhaul. Congressman Lamborn (R-CO) issued the following statement:\r\n\"Today is a historic moment for our economy, our businesses, and our families. I'm happy the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the House with strong support. This bill is for middle-class America. The tax cuts will help families and individuals save money. It not only lowers the individual tax rate but it provides a new Family Credit and doubles the Standard Deduction. Business will also flourish with the write-off for investments and pro-job growth. The mere fact this is the first major overhaul of the tax code since 1986 is worth applauding.\"\r\n\"Colorado is going to see thousands of jobs created, along with the average family saving over $3,000 a year. In our fifth congressional district, the 57, 047 who claim the Child Tax Credit are going to get an expansion from $1,000 to $1,600. The new tax code is going to simplify how over 99,000 constituents in CO-05 itemize taxes by sending them in a postcard sized form.\"  \r\n\r\n\"Today is a momentous occasion for all Americans. The old tax code has burdened many for too long, and the new bill revolutionizes it in the best way possible.\"  \r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nClick here for information on Colorado's Fifth Congressional benefit.\r\nWhat You Need to Know.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2171", "Statement On Falsified VA Patient Wait Times", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement On Falsified VA Patient Wait Times \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 16, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (R-CO) issued the following statement regarding falsified VA patient wait times:\r\n\"I'm very disappointed in the latest reported failures of the VA in providing mental health services, in particular PTSD treatments for our veterans in Colorado. This is why we need to support reform and pass legislation that cuts through the red tape. I'm working on legislation that will empower our veterans to have real choice in their healthcare, like they do for education under the GI Bill.\"\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-votes-move-nation-one-step-closer-tax-reform", "Tipton Votes to Move Nation One Step Closer to Tax Reform", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted to help Coloradans keep more of the money they earn, grow U.S. jobs and support a globally competitive America by supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). The bill passed the House with a vote of 227-205.\n\u201cWith the passage of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we moved one step closer to achieving comprehensive tax reform,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cThis legislation will put our nation and Colorado back on track by providing much needed assistance to families and small businesses. I am especially optimistic as this legislation will bring an estimated 17,520 new jobs to my state and median income households in Colorado are estimated to see an average $3,105 increase in their income. Coloradans know best how to spend their hard earned paychecks and this legislation will allow them that opportunity.\u201d\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce rates for people at the low and middle income levels by lowering the number of tax brackets from seven to four\u00a0and doubling the standard deduction so that families can keep more of their money. It will cap tax rates for small businesses at twenty five percent and cap rates for corporations at twenty percent, allowing the United States to become globally competitive.\nThis legislation increases the Family Credit from $1,000 per child to $1,600. An analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows that over 49,000 individuals in the 3rd Congressional District of Colorado benefit from the credit. The bill will also eliminate the Estate Tax, allowing Coloradans to keep the small businesses and farms that have been in their families for generations.\nIn reducing the tax rates for small businesses, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help the over 57,000 small business owners in Colorado\u2019s 3rd Congressional District to keep their doors open and create jobs in their communities.\n\u201cI recognize that this legislation is not yet perfect, but it is a great starting point,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cThe Senate has yet to pass their tax reform bill, and I anticipate that adjustments will be made in the House-Senate conference process.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-johnson-statement-on-secret-wait-lists-at-colorado-va-facilities", "Gardner, Johnson Statement on Secret Wait Lists at Colorado VA Facilities", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statements on Thursday following a Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General report finding secret wait lists at a number of Colorado VA facilities. \u00a0Johnson and Gardner requested the inspector general investigation in September 2016.\r\n\u201cMy worst fears have been realized in this Inspector General\u2019s report that Chairman Johnson and I demanded,\u201d\u00a0Gardner said.\u00a0\u201cIt highlights even more VA mismanagement and lack of accountability in Colorado. This cannot happen again, and it\u2019s time for the VA to finally wake up and ensure our men and women are getting the best care possible. I will continue to work with Chairman Johnson to ensure the accountability that somehow the VA refuses to accept.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cPutting veterans on secret wait lists is not acceptable. The VA should implement changes to provide the highest quality care for our veterans and hold wrongdoers accountable. I thank Brian Smothers, the whistleblower who bravely came forward to shed a light on these unacceptable practices at the VA so they can be prevented in the future,\u201d Johnson said.\r\n\r\nThe VA IG report that senators Johnson and Gardner requested can be found here.\u00a0\r\n\r\nIn September 2016 senators Johnson and Gardner requested that the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael Missal open an inquiry into possible wait lists that may have contributed to a veteran\u2019s suicide while waiting for post-traumatic stress disorder treatment at a Colorado Springs Veterans Affairs facility. A whistleblower alleged that the facility might have falsified the veteran\u2019s medical records following his death. The senators\u2019 September 2016 letter to Missal is available here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2164", "NDAA Conference Report Passes House", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NDAA Conference Report Passes House \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 15, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report for the fiscal year of 2018. It succeeded with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House with a 356-70 vote.\u00a0The nearly $700 billion budget provides the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years, increases the size of all defense branches, and assists surviving military spouses. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding NDAA's passage: \r\n\"National security is a top priority for me as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and an NDAA Conferee. I'm pleased to see the improvements made to our national defense through this Conference Report. At a time when our national defense is challenged by threats like North Korea, strengthening our missile defense is key. These initiatives prepare us for the future,\" Congressman Lamborn said. \"The increased budget will prioritize reforms to save taxpayer dollars, cut wasteful bureaucracy, and streamline our military.\"  \r\n\r\n\"The report also reforms our nation's approach to defense in space. It eliminates red tape and gives our district's Air Space Command support for continued success. This will strengthen our overall national security. I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this into law.\u201d  \r\n\r\nPlease find a summarized fact sheet here.  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2165", "Taylor Force Act Markup", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Taylor Force Act Markup \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 15, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) introduced the Taylor Force Act earlier this year. Taylor Force was an American veteran murdered in a March 2016 terrorist attack in Israel. The Palestinian Authority allocates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to pay terrorists to murder innocent Israelis and Americans. The bill is an important first step in ending U.S. tax dollars from supporting terrorists who kill innocents like Taylor. Rep. Lamborn issued the following statement regarding the Taylor Force Act markup today:\r\n\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m pleased the Taylor Force Act made it through the House Foreign Affairs Committee with bipartisan support. I believe the changes to my bill maintain the important points in the legislation. I\u2019ve enjoyed working closely with Chairman Royce and his staff to ensure it is good U.S. policy. It is unacceptable that American taxpayers are funding Palestinian terrorism \u2013 the very terrorism that took the life of an American veteran like Taylor Force. This must be stopped and that's what this bill does. The Palestinian Authority must be held accountable for glorifying terrorism by paying terrorists and naming streets in Ramallah after Palestinians who murder innocent Americans and Israelis.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2166", "Flood Insurance Reform Pass Houses", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Flood Insurance Reform Pass Houses \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 15, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 2874, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act. The act is a collection of seven bills that reform the National Flood Insurance Program:\r\n\u201cThe National Flood Insurance Program has cost taxpayers billions. This act reforms the government monopoly by increasing competition. There are many strong reforms in this bill that will help everyone involved. We\u2019ve also reduced the total spending to save money and provide an efficient program.\u201d\r\nPlease find a summary of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-bill-increases-oversight-over-federal-reserve", "Tipton Bill Increases Oversight over Federal Reserve", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) Congressional Accountability for Emergency Lending Act of 2017, a bill to implement Congressional oversight over the Federal Reserve\u2019s 13(3) Emergency Lending practices, passed out of the Financial Services Committee and will now move to the House Floor. The bill cleared the Committee with a vote of 34-25.\nSpeaking before the Committee, Tipton highlighted the importance of placing guardrails on the Federal Reserve\u2019s emergency lending practices in order to provide both accountability and certainty in times of financial crisis.\n\u201cIn the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, it became clear that rules for Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act Emergency Lending procedures needed to be adjusted,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cToday, the Congressional Accountability for Emergency Lending Act better clarifies the emergency lending powers and procedures of the Fed and codifies the Fed\u2019s accountability to the American taxpayer in times of crisis.\u201d\nWatch Tipton\u2019s full statement here. Get audio from his full statement here.\nThe Congressional Accountability for Emergency Lending Act of 2017 would make the Federal Reserves\u2019 Emergency Lending process more rigorous by requiring the Secretary of Treasury and two-thirds of the Federal Open Market Committee to agree that there are urgent circumstances that justify the Fed\u2019s use of its authority as a lender of last resort.\nThe legislation does not limit the authority of the Federal Reserve to practice its emergency lending power, but it would give Congress the power of oversight over those practices, requiring Congress to pass a joint resolution to ratify any emergency loan activity from the Fed within 30 days of the extending the loan. If Congress does not approve the emergency lending activity within those 30 days, the recipient financial institution would be required to repay the loan within 30 days after Congress disapproves.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-joins-effort-to-reform-tax-laws-on-marijuana-businesses", "Gardner Joins Effort to Reform Tax Laws on Marijuana Businesses", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced he is cosponsoring the Small Business Tax Equity Act introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). If passed and signed into law, this legislation will ensure marijuana businesses legally operating in Colorado and other states that have legalized the sale of marijuana are able to utilize common business tax deductions and credits, such as those for normal business expenses or for hiring veterans. Currently, a marijuana business is not able to use these provisions when filing their taxes.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur current tax code puts thousands of legal marijuana businesses throughout Colorado at a disadvantage by treating them differently than other businesses across the state,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cColoradans made their voices heard in 2012 when they legalized marijuana and\u00a0it\u2019s time for\u00a0the federal government to allow Colorado businesses to compete. This commonsense, bipartisan bill will allow small businesses in Colorado and other states that have legal marijuana businesses to grow their operations, create jobs, and boost the economy.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"I commend Senator Gardner for fighting for Colorado's small businesses,\u201d\u00a0said Sal Pace, former Democratic Leader in the Colorado State House and sitting Pueblo County Commissioner.\u00a0\u201cBy sponsoring S.777, Senator Gardner is saying that he wants to put millions of dollars back into Colorado's economy. This is a watershed moment. We don't hear of a lot of bipartisanship these days. But, this Democrat wants to publicly thank Senator Gardner for his leadership.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"Because of section 280E of the tax code, marijuana businesses operating legally under state law face a federal income tax rate of 80 percent,\u201d\u00a0said Grover Norquist, Founder and President of Americans for Tax Reform.\u00a0\u201cThe Small Business Tax Equity Act is a commonsense fix to this and Sen. Gardner should be applauded for his leadership on this issue.\"\r\n###\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy.\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-offers-amendment-fight-sexual-assault-hollywood", "Ken Buck Offers Amendment to Fight Sexual Assault in Hollywood", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Ken Buck offered an amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, prohibiting tax subsidies for legal settlements related to sexual assault or sexual harassment.\n\u201cAmerica has been watching Hollywood for decades, but not watching closely enough. Behind the red carpets and glitzy premieres is a culture of deceit and depravity. As Congress rethinks our tax code, we need to rethink the way we treat Hollywood by eliminating the business expense deduction for hush money associated with sexual assault and sexual harassment cases,\u201d stated Congressman Ken Buck.\nWhen companies pay settlements and legal fees in the regular course of their business, these costs can typically be written off as ordinary and necessary business expenses. In allowing these businesses to expense the cost of resolving legal issues, the tax code makes it less financially costly for the business to engage in or allow activity that draws lawsuits. In Hollywood, this means that when companies settle a sexual harassment or sexual assault case and then deduct that settlement from their tax liability, the American taxpayer effectively subsidizes those companies\u2019 costs of covering up the illegal behavior.\nRep. Buck\u2019s amendment would eliminate business expensing for legal settlements, fines, fees, and legal expenses associated with sexual assault and sexual harassment.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2398", "Coffman Passes First Defense Bill as Subcommittee Chairman", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) lauded the passage of the Fiscal Year (FY)2018 National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) conference report, a bill that contains significant policy and funding initiatives for the Department of Defense (DoD).\r\nCoffman, as Chairman of the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Military Personnel, worked across party lines to ensure that the bill includes key provisions for our troops and their families, all while maintaining military readiness and issues important to the 6th Congressional district.\r\nAs chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee my goal is to ensure that we have the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world. The FY18 NDAA that we just passed makes tremendous strides in that direction and I look forward to getting this bill through the Senate and onto the Presidents desk for his signature.\r\nSome of the provisions championed by Rep. Coffman that were in the FY2018 NDAA include:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    Authorizing the by-law pay raise for troops by 2.4%  the highest in 8 years;\r\n    \r\n    Increasing the end-strengths of the active, National Guard, and Reserve forces, thereby heightening mission readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force;\r\n    Permanently preserving Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments, closing the gap in the widows tax, to surviving military spouses; \r\n    Improving sexual assault prevention and response by adding a new provision to the Uniform Code of Military Justice specifically prohibiting nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; and\r\n    Tackling challenges faced by military families regarding State licensure and certification requirements that interfere with a spouses employment when forced to move to a new state due to military orders.\r\n \r\nThe bill passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 356-70.\r\nBackground for Colorados 6th Congressional District:\r\nAdditionally, Coffman included in the NDAA a provision that will benefit Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) by providing additional funding for the Department of Defenses Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI). The REPI program provides funds to procure additional land around military bases to protect them from encroaching development. These land buffers then become additional open space for outdoor recreation for surrounding communities. This program is critical for the flying mission at Buckley AFB which is the districts largest employer.\r\nAnother provision facilitates the relocation of the Fleet Ballistic Missile program to the Denver area, which will result in about 350 new, high-paying jobswhile saving DoD & tax payers an estimated $60 million per year in recurring cost avoidance. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-votes-support-final-2018-defense-bill", "Tipton Votes in Support of Final 2018 Defense Bill", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted in favor of H.R. 2810, the House-Senate Conference Report to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (NDAA). The final bill ensures that our troops have every resource to defend our nation, authorizes the highest allowable pay raise for U.S. troops, and makes important reforms to the military acquisitions process. The House agreed to the report with a bipartisan vote of 356-70.\n\u201cAfter eight years of decreased military spending, we have seen the rise of ISIS and dangerous states like Iran and North Korea become more emboldened,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cIn the increasingly volatile world in which we live, it is more important than ever to guarantee the defense of our nation.\u201d\u00a0\nThe final 2018 NDAA will allow for nearly $700 billion in defense spending, which will go towards rebuilding active and reserve military forces, as well as the National Guard. The bill will strengthen the missile defense system, improve military facilities and infrastructure and ensure U.S. forces have the training and equipment they need. The bill also requires more oversight of defense contracts to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent judiciously.\nThe 2018 NDAA will also take care of military families by providing the biggest pay raise for U.S. troops in eight years. Additionally, it will permanently preserve Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments that assist the more than 60,000 surviving military spouses.\nThe final bill also defines the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant Program as a major program within the chemical demilitarization programs of the Department of Defense. The program, conducted at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, destroys WWII-era chemical munitions and chemical material.\n\u201cI was proud to support legislation that will ensure military readiness,\u201d Tipton added. \u201cI commend both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees for their great work on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing the 2018 NDAA be signed by the president.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-eagle-county", "Tipton Staff to Hold Mobile Office Hours in Eagle County", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 A member of Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) staff will hold office hours in Eagle County on November 17, 2017. During these mobile office hours, Tipton\u2019s staff will be able to assist constituents with issues regarding Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as acquiring American Flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. Appointments are not necessary, and all constituents are welcome to attend.\nMobile Office Hours Eagle County \nWHO: George Rossman, Constituent Services Representative\nWHEN: Friday, November 17, 2017, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM MT\nWHERE: Eagle County Building in the Holy Cross Room, 500 Broadway, Eagle, CO 81631", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/celebrating-our-veterans-every-day", "Celebrating Our Veterans Every Day", "2017-11-11", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Saturday is an important one for our nation. It is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Since the founding of our nation, brave men and women have answered the call to serve during times of peace, and during times of great need. They put their lives on hold, often missing birthdays and anniversaries with their loves ones, in order to defend the many liberties that we as Americans hold dear. Without their bravery, we would not be the land of the free and the world would be a less stable one.\u00a0\nWe are fortunate to have many veterans living among us in Colorado\u2019s Third Congressional District. In fact, Pueblo, Colorado has the proud title \u201cHome of Heroes\u201d due to the high number of Medal of Honor recipients who lived there. I always look forward to spending Veterans Day at home, honoring these heroes at different events throughout the district. Honoring our veterans just one day a year is not enough though, and in some way, every day should be Veterans Day, dedicated to improving the lives of our nation\u2019s heroes and thanking them for all they have done.\u00a0\nIn the House we remain focused on working to ensure veterans receive the recognition and benefits they have earned. That is why this week, my colleagues and I voted on several measures to guarantee veterans receive the health care and support they deserve year round.\u00a0\nWe all know that combat can take a terrible physical toll. However, many more who serve face psychological and emotional wounds from experiencing things that the rest of us will never be able to understand.\u00a0\nThat\u2019s why I was especially proud to support legislation (H.R. 918), sponsored by my friend and colleague Representative Mike Coffman to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide early mental health evaluations and other vital mental healthcare services to veterans at risk. It will even provide these services to veterans who have not been honorably discharged. Very often, misbehavior by a service member is the result of the trauma that they experienced during their service, making it more critical than ever to provide them with the support they need.\u00a0\nI was also proud to support The Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support (VETS) Act of 2017. This legislation will create a VA state licensure exemption, allowing VA-credentialed health care professionals to work across state borders to perform tele-medicine without having to acquire a new license in that state. This is especially important as it better enables our VA professionals to provide veterans who live in rural areas with greater access to the healthcare services that they deserve.\u00a0\nAfter everything that our veterans have done for us, we must always ensure that we are standing up for them. While we have a lot more to do to ensure the success of our heroes, both of these measures are important steps forward.\nTo all of you who have served, thank you from the bottom of my heart for stepping up for your fellow Americans. Your service is greatly appreciated, and we all owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. As Americans, I believe that we all share a commitment to ensuring that the benefits our veterans have earned work for them. I\u2019m dedicated to that common goal and my office stands ready to help. May God bless our veterans, all who serve and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-on-senates-tax-relief-legislation", "Gardner on Senates Tax Relief Legislation", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following the release of tax relief legislation in the Senate. This is a big step in bringing tax relief to Coloradans in the form of lower, simpler personal taxes and more competitive business taxes that will lead to more jobs and higher wages for Coloradans. Bipartisan hearings will take place in the coming weeks.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor too long, Coloradans and Americans across the country have felt like they\u2019ve been left behind,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cCongress has not passed major tax reform in over 30 years and I\u2019m excited for the opportunity to finally bring tax relief to hardworking Coloradans.\u00a0This is just the beginning of the Senate\u2019s process and I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve this legislation in the days ahead and make sure it benefits Coloradans. Lower taxes will mean bigger paychecks and result in Coloradans keeping more of their hard earned dollars. It\u2019s time for Washington to get out of the way and let Americans spend their money how they want, not how Washington dictates.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senate proposal will not only simplify the tax code, but also create a fairer system for all Americans by eliminating special interest carve outs and loopholes.\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner continued: \u201cWashington insiders and those who know how to game the system have had an unfair advantage over hardworking Americans when it comes to our complex, out-of-date tax code. Those with enough money find ways to game the system and use loopholes to their advantage. It\u2019s time for this to end. It\u2019s time to level the playing field and provide tax relief to all Americans. A simpler, fairer tax code will allow individuals and Main Street businesses to save time and money on preparing their taxes. Coloradans should make decisions based on what is good for them, their families, their employees, and their business, not because of the tax code.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Senate plan also calls for lowering the corporate tax rate to 20%. For years both sides of the aisle have recognized that our corporate tax code is uncompetitive and causing companies to leave the country in search of lower taxes.\u00a0Even President Obama in his 2011 State of the Union Address advocated for lowering the corporate tax rate, saying, \u201cFor example, over the years, a parade of lobbyists has rigged the tax code to benefit particular companies and industries. Those with accountants or lawyers to work the system can end up paying no taxes at all. But all the rest are hit with one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and it has to change.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner continued: \u201cLowering the corporate tax rate will jumpstart the economy and will allow businesses to hire more workers and reinvest their earnings into their business operations. Without tax relief, I worry about the future of Main Street America. We know American workers bear much of the burden of a high corporate tax rate in the form of lower wages, but now we have the opportunity to fix this. We can lower the corporate tax rate that could result in an additional $4,000 in the pockets of the average American household. This will be good for small businesses and American workers.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner\u2019s number one priority is to make sure the interests of Coloradans are front and center throughout this debate. His office has launched a new web page and is encouraging Coloradans to go to\u00a0Gardner.Senate.Gov/Taxes\u00a0to provide input on how we can fix our tax code.\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner added, \u201cI have already heard from Coloradans around the state and am eager to get more feedback as this process continues. We have a real opportunity to grow our economy and bring relief to hardworking Coloradans and I\u2019m excited to work on tax relief on behalf of all Coloradans.\u201d\r\n###\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy.\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 761, "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": "Republican", "p1": "CO", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CO&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "CO", "label": "CO", "count": 761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-09,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egardner~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fgardner-on-senates-tax-relief-legislation", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=CO&year=2017&_next=2017-11-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egardner~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fgardner-on-senates-tax-relief-legislation&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 215.94645781442523, "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"}