{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IN\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-2013-year-review", "Rokita Report 2013 Year-in-Review", "2013-12-31", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nAs we are at the end of 2013, I wanted to use this Rokita Report as a quick \"Year-in-Review\" of some of the bigger accomplishments this year.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  \u00a0\u00a0\n\n\n\tIn September, I, along with\u00a0several Republican Study Committee colleagues, introduced the American Health Care Reform Act - a consumer-driven, commonsense health care reform bill designed to increase access and reduce costs for all Americans.\nWe introduced this legislation because we believe it is important to improve health care, not just repeal ObamaCare.\u00a0 This bill now has\u00a0nearly 120 cosponsors and I look forward to more of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joining us in 2014.\nYou can view my remarks\u00a0from the press conference where we\u00a0rolled out\u00a0the legislation here.\nA brief summary of the bills reforms\n Encouraging a more competitive health care market - Allows Americans to purchase health care across state lines, increasing transparency in Medicare by making claims data public, and allowing small businesses\u00a0to pool together to lower costs.\nIncreasing access to portable, affordable health insurance - Implements an across-the-board standard deduction for all health insurance plans, and expanding access and options for Health Savings Accounts.\nImproving access to insurance for vulnerable Americans - Ensures affordable coverage for those with pre-existing conditions by funding state high-risk pools, and removing barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage.\nReforming medical liability law - Caps non-economic damages, and placing a statute of limitations on liability cases.\nRespecting human life - Prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion.\nRepealing Obamacare\n We continue to seek input from anyone that wishes to constructively contribute to meaningful and responsible health care reform.\nYou can read the full bill text, summaries of the bills, and learn more about the\u00a0American Health Care Reform Act here.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  \u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nIn August, the House considered and passed the Student Success Act.\u00a0 The Student Success Act, introduced in June, is a bill I authored\u00a0in my role as Chairman of the\u00a0Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education\u00a0that reforms No Child Left Behind and reasserts Indiana's explicit right to direct the education of Indiana's children.\nThe Student Success Act reforms our nation's K-12 education system by restoring local and state control to our schools.\u00a0 In particular, the Student Success Act gives states, not Washington, D.C., the authority and responsibility to set academic standards, to measure if students are meeting those standards, and to make changes if they are not meeting their own standards.\u00a0\u00a0\nRep. Rokita Responds to Student Success Act Criticism 7-19-13\nNo Washington bureaucrat cares more about a child than a parent does. And no one in Washington knows what is better for Indiana\u00a0students than Indiana families, teachers, and\u00a0school boards. That is why the Student Success Act (SSA) puts an end to the administration\u2019s National School Board by\u00a0returning control to state and local school districts.\n\u00a0\nMany Hoosiers will also be pleased to know that the Student Success Act prohibits the Secretary of Education from coercing states into adopting Common Core.\n\tI would like to thank my fellow Education and Workforce Hoosier colleagues - Reps. Larry Bucshon, Susan Brooks, and Luke Messer for their help with this legislation.\u00a0\nIt is my hope that the Senate considers\u00a0their reauthorization\u00a0legislation in 2014. I look forward to working with my Senate counterparts pass this plan next year.\u00a0\u00a0For more information on the bill, please\u00a0click here.\n  \u00a0\nProtecting your 4th Amendment Rights - Stopping the NSA from Spying on Americans\nLike many Hoosiers, I was greatly concerned when I learned about the\u00a0various National Security Agency spying scandals that\u00a0were reported this year.\u00a0\u00a0 As more and more revelations emerged about the NSA spying on Americans\u2019 phone calls and electronic communications, it was clear that the Obama Administration has been slow in taking responsibility for abuses and invasions of Americans\u2019 privacy.\u00a0\u00a0\nSince that news broke, I have continually been working on a bipartisan basis to rein in the NSA\u2019s domestic surveillance operations and protect Americans\u2019 privacy through legislation and congressional oversight.\u00a0\u00a0\nMost recently,\u00a0I co-authored bipartisan legislation called the\u00a0USA Freedom Act to address NSA abuses.\u00a0 The USA Freedom Act makes reforms to end the dragnet collection of Americans\u2019 phone records under Section 215 of the PATRIOT.\u00a0 This bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance.\nIn September, I introduced legislation to\u00a0establish a Select Committee to investigate and report on the surveillance operations of the National Security Administration.\u00a0\u00a0\nAlso this year, I introduced another bipartisan bill to curb unconstitutional surveillance, the Ending Secret Law Act, to require declassification of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) decisions.\u00a0 Read my op-ed regarding this bill from the UK's Guardian, which first broke the news of this surveillance, here.\nI am committed to continue and win this fight to uphold our constitutional Fourth Amendment rights.\u00a0\u00a0\n  \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0\nIn the spring of 2011, my office in conjunction with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce embarked on a critical initiative called \u201cRed Tape Rollback,\u201d\u00a0to identify and roll back unnecessary and overly burdensome federal regulations that kill jobs and hurt our economy.\u00a0\u00a0 The purpose of\u00a0Red Tape Rollback is to give businesses, individuals, and institutions across the Hoosier State one location to report information on these job-destroying rules and regulations.\nI\u2019m pleased to report that at the end of 2013\u2014just over two years into this effort\u2014we\u2019ve achieved 33 significant victories in our fight against excessive regulations, and we\u2019ve made major progress on dozens of other issues.\u00a0 From victories that will reshape the framework of regulation in America to more specific regulations that burden Hoosiers, we\u2019ve achieved victories across the federal government.\u00a0 We\u2019ve pushed back against regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, and more.\u00a0 I will be releasing an annual report in early 2014 that contains stories about some of our successes and some of our ongoing work.\nHowever, our work is far from done.\nAs economic leaders across the Hoosier State, the\u00a0Red Tape Rollback program only works with your participation.\u00a0 The Constitution vests Congress with the duty to legislate, but equally important is our duty to provide oversight of the executive branch.\u00a0 As we in Congress investigate and debate the appropriateness of federal regulations, I invite you to join us in our efforts.\u00a0 If you know of any regulation that\u00a0is destroying jobs, inhibiting growth, or slowing our economy, I want to know about it.\u00a0\nIt is important that we act now to remove unnecessary and burdensome regulations that destroy jobs.\u00a0 It is time to put Hoosiers back to work and unleash our economy by tearing down the barriers that keep businesses from growing.\nTo learn more about this program and to share your stories of regulatory overreach visit\u00a0rokita.house.gov/redtape.  \n\t\u00a0\n  I appreciate your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care and have a great 2014.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\tTodd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-military-sexual-assault-provisions-signed-into-law/", "WALORSKI MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT PROVISIONS SIGNED INTO LAW", "2013-12-26", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 26, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFreshman HASC Member Authors Measures in NDAA to Encourage Reporting\nMISHAWAKA, IN  Earlier today President Obama signed bipartisan provisions into law, authored by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, to extend whistleblower protections to military sexual assault victims as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\nThis year's defense bill contains historic provisions to combat the growing military sexual assault epidemic and create an environment for safe reporting.  I am pleased to see these bipartisan measures signed into law to begin eradicating this horrific problem, said Walorski, a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee.  \nWalorski's military sexual assault provisions specifically designate reports of sexual assault as a form of communication under existing whistleblower protections.  Her provisions also require an Inspector General investigation into allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken against victims who have reported alleged instances of rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in the military.\nEarlier this year, H.R. 1864 was passed as a standalone bill in the House by a vote of 423-0.  Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Claire McCaskill and included in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-12-23-13", "Rokita Report 12-23-13", "2013-12-23", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here  or follow me on Twitter if you prefer  @ToddRokita.\n\u00a0\n  \u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n Putting Children First - Visit to Indiana Math& Science Academy\u00a0\nListening to Business, Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association\nEngaging the Next Generation on our Debt - Harvard Institute of Politics\nObamaCare - Lie of the Year - Sunday Interview on Fox News\n \u00a0\n  Putting Children First - My Visit to the Indiana Math& Science Academy\nIn my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I visit schools throughout Indiana.\u00a0 This Thursday, I visited with students and teachers at the\u00a0Indiana Math& Science Academy (IMSA) - North.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe IMSA charter schools are free K-12 college prep schools that focus on math, science, and technology -\u00a0the very subjects and skill sets that will be required of our students in the global marketplace they will be entering.\nIMSA is practicing many of the same tenets that drove the Student Success Act - the No Child Left Behind rewrite that I introduced and led to passage in the House earlier this year as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.\u00a0 The\u00a0Student Success Act prioritizes the success of students by putting those closest to the children\u00a0in\u00a0direct guidance of their education - parents, teachers, and\u00a0local communities - not Washington bureaucrats.\nInnovative education models that prioritize each student's unique learning style\u00a0are leading the way to a brighter future for our young Hoosier students.\u00a0 I look forward to more school visits throughout 2014.\u00a0 \n  Listening to Business,\u00a0Fighting Red Tape - Indiana Motor Truck Association Directors' Meeting\n\t\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I was the guest speaker for the Indiana Motor Truck Association Board of Directors' Meeting.\nI updated the board members on the recent 2-year Ryan-Murray Budget, as well as transportation and logistics issues before Congress.\u00a0\u00a0\nAs many Rokita Report readers may know, many of the issues that impact our transportation and logistics companies very rarely come before Congress, and instead originate within the maze of federal bureaucracy.\u00a0\u00a0\nThousands of pages of rules and regulations are issued each year by agencies like the Department of Transportation that have a negative impact on Hoosier businesses and workers.\u00a0\u00a0\nThat is why, along with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, we created the\u00a0Red Tape Rollback program to solicit input from Hoosier businesses, like our transportation companies, on arbitrary, senseless, and ultimately, costly regulations that are stopping economic growth in our state and killing much-needed jobs.\u00a0\u00a0\nLearn more about our Red Tape Rollback program and more on the 33 victories we've achieved since launching the program in 2011.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  Engaging the Next Generation about our Debt\u00a0at\u00a0the Harvard Institute of Politics\n\u00a0\nOn Monday, I delivered my debt presentation at the Harvard University Institute of Politics\u00a0(IOP).\u00a0 IOP was founded in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy and educates undergraduate students in politics and public service careers.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThis is the same debt presentation I've delivered all over Indiana and on the House floor (which you can watch on YouTube).\u00a0 You can also read a PDF copy of the presentation here.\nI enjoyed meeting the students there and discussing the debt that, if unaddressed, they, along\u00a0our children and grandchildren, stand to inherit.\u00a0\u00a0It is always a surprise to people what makes up the bulk of our federal\u00a0spending - social entitlement spending - and how large the problem really is.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThank you to IOP's director Trey Grayson for the invitation and\u00a0to the students who took time out during final exam week to engage on this important issue facing them and their future.\u00a0 I look forward to visiting additional campuses in the new year to deliver the debt presentation.\n  \n\"You Can Keep Your Plan\" - The Politifact \"Lie of the Year\" - ObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue\nIt\u00a0has been widely reported that\u00a0millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their\u00a0insurance policies due to\u00a0ObamaCare.\u00a0 Just\u00a0last week, the nonpartisan political fact-finding site, Politifact.com ranked the President's claim that, \"if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan,\" the \"Lie of the Year.\"\u00a0 This lie is one that he\u00a0reused time and again in selling\u00a0ObamaCare\u00a0and seeking reelection.\u00a0 Yet, cancellations keep arriving in mailboxes all over the country.\nYesterday, I appeared on Fox News America's News HQ to talk about the impact of ObamaCare and a better way forward - the American Health Care Reform Act.\u00a0 You can watch my interview with Erich Shawn here.\nIf you or someone you know has had a similar experiences due to ObamaCare,\u00a0please send me your\u00a0story, your\u00a0cancellation notice, or rate increase documents\u00a0at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\u00a0 \u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/coats-donnelly-rokita-young-are-friends-indianas-electric-cooperatives", "Coats, Donnelly, Rokita, Young are 'Friends of Indiana's Electric Cooperatives'", "2013-12-21", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Dan Coats (R) and Joe Donnelly (D) as well as U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-9) and U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04), were recently recognized by the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives as a \u201cFriend of Indiana\u2019s Electric Cooperatives.\u201d\u00a0\nCoats, Donnelly, Rokita and Young along with five other members of Indiana\u2019s congressional delegation, received this honor for their steadfast leadership and support of the issues and policies important to Indiana\u2019s electric cooperatives.\n\n\u201cIndiana\u2019s electric cooperatives are grateful to count Sen. Coats and Sen. Donnelly as strong friends and allies,\u201d said Scott Bowers, vice president of government relations for the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. \u201cWhether seeking support on key votes or assistance with federal agencies, they consistently step forward in a bipartisan way to lend a helping hand. This award is one way of expressing our appreciation and acknowledging Sen. Coats\u2019 and Sen. Donnelly\u2019s impact on the 1.3 million Hoosiers we serve.\u201d\n\n\nThe \u201cFriends of Indiana\u2019s Electric Cooperatives\u201d award was unveiled this year to recognize members of Indiana\u2019s congressional delegation who have consistently supported policies, issues and regulatory reforms important to Indiana\u2019s electric cooperatives and their mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Important votes in support of the Coal Ash Bill (H.R. 2218), the Farm Bill (S. 954 & H.R. 2642) and the REINS Act (H.R. 367) coupled with the congressional representative\u2019s willingness to engage various federal regulatory agencies on behalf of electric cooperatives were some of the considerations for this honor in 2013.\n\n\n\u201cThe safe and affordable energy provided by Indiana\u2019s electric cooperatives is vitally important to Hoosier families and businesses,\u201d said Sen. Coats. \u201cI am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to support the efforts of Indiana\u2019s electric cooperatives to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity.\u201d\n\n\nSen. Donnelly also shared his thoughts in receiving this recognition.\n\n\n\u201cIndiana\u2019s electric cooperatives provide more than a million Hoosiers with reliable, affordable electricity,\u201d said Sen. Donnelly. \u201cI am grateful to receive this honor, and I look forward to continuing to work with Indiana\u2019s rural electric cooperatives on bipartisan efforts to make sure they are able to provide affordable, reliable energy long into the future.\u201d\n\n\nFive other members of Indiana\u2019s congressional delegation joined with Sen. Coats and Sen. Donnelly in receiving this recognition in 2013. They are:\n\n\n\u2022 Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-02)\n\n\n\u2022 Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-03)\n\n\n\u2022 Rep. Susan Brooks (R-05)\n\n\n\u2022 Rep. Luke Messer (R-06)\n\n\n\u2022 Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-08)\n\n\n\u201cIndiana\u2019s electric cooperatives are both grateful and fortunate to have so many members of our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., working on their behalf each and every day,\u201d added Bowers. \u201cTheir continued support and partnership will be essential in our efforts to address various issues and regulatory policies, specifically the EPA\u2019s latest climate change regulations, moving forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140308222912/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-statement-on-latest-changes-to-affordable-care-act", "Congressman Messer Statement on Latest Changes to Affordable Care Act Implementation", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement regarding the White House\u2019s announcement to delay the individual mandate for those who have lost their health care plans because of the President\u2019s health care law.\n\u201cThis latest announcement by the President is just more proof that the Affordable Care Act is an unworkable law. \u00a0This decision provides much needed temporary reprieve for some but not all, while adding more uncertainty to the already volatile health insurance market place. \n\u201cSadly, the decision seems more driven by politics than any genuine concern for the millions of Americans already hurt by this bad law. \u00a0It is fundamentally unfair to provide an escape hatch for a select few while the cost of health insurance is skyrocketing for many others.\u00a0 \n\u201cThe haphazard and blatantly political way the President has unilaterally delayed and modified this unworkable mess again and again shows we need to suspend the law for everyone. We need to start over with a plan to provide real, patient-centered, free market solutions. \u00a0That is the only way\u00a0to make health care more affordable for those who have insurance and for those who don\u2019t.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090710/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/298", "Stutzman on Farm Bill Split: \u201cNow Is Not the Time for Congress to Take a Step Backwards\u201d", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman on Farm Bill Split: \ufffd\ufffd\ufffdNow Is Not the Time for Congress to Take a Step Backwards\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who worked earlier this year to usher a Farm Bill that separated agriculture and nutrition programs through the House for the first time in nearly forty years, issued the following statement today in reaction to news reports stating that agriculture and nutrition programs will be combined in conference committee:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cAs a farmer and a conservative, I cannot vote for a Farm Bill that reverses a key reform to separate farm policy and food stamps. Earlier this year, the House won a historic victory for transparency and common sense by rejecting a bloated, trillion dollar spending package that was a Farm Bill in name only and instead passing farm and food stamp legislation separately.\u00a0 The conference committee should continue that work by including separate reauthorization dates for these different programs. Now is not the time for Congress to take a step backwards by returning to business as usual.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tOn October 30, 2013, Congressman Marlin Stutzman led a group of 27 members of the House in urging the Farm Bill conference committee to keep farm policy and food stamp policy separate. An electronic copy of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-the-protecting-volunteer-firefighters-emergency-responders-act/", "WALORSKI SUPPORTS THE PROTECTING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS & EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ACT", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 17, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMISHAWAKA, IN  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski recently signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, H.R. 3685, a bill to exempt volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency responders from the employer mandate included in Obamacare. \nVolunteer firefighters and emergency responders are vitally important to the continued safety of our Hoosier communities.  Implementation of the employer mandate would saddle our volunteer fire companies and emergency response units with a significant financial burden, forcing them to choose between purchasing fuel, proper equipment, or medical supplies.  Congress must act to protect our volunteers from unfair choices triggered by the cost of complying with Obamacare, allowing companies to remain fully operational, said Walorski.\nCurrently, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers volunteer firefighters and emergency responders working 30 hours per week as full-time employees, forcing volunteer companies and units to provide health insurance or a pay a fine.  The employer mandate provision states that employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must provide health insurance or face a fine.\nAccording to the U.S. Fire Administration, 75 percent of Indiana's registered fire departments are run entirely by volunteers.  This bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council.  Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-and-delbene-to-co-chair-women-s-high-tech-coalition", "Brooks and DelBene to Co-Chair Women\u2019s High Tech Coalition", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Women\u2019s High Tech Coalition (WHTC) announced today that Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (IN-5) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1) will serve as the organization\u2019s new Congressional Co-Chairs. The Coalition works to connect women in high-tech and public policy positions in order to foster conversation and cooperation on issues of mutual concern.\n\u201cThe WHTC has worked for more than a decade to facilitate discussion between high-tech business leaders and policymakers,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cHaving an environment for open, nonpartisan dialogue is vital to finding and implementing policies that will help American workers thrive in a dynamic and tech-driven global economy. I am thrilled to be working with Congresswoman DelBene and the entire WHTC team to continue empowering women with the resources needed to achieve career success and move our economy forward.\u201d\n\u201cTo stay competitive in the global economy and to spur job growth, we must have policies that foster innovation. To do this, it\u2019s important to have a forum that encourages a thoughtful, robust exchange of ideas between policymakers and the private sector,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cWHTC has been the place for this dialogue since 2000 and I am honored to join Congresswoman Brooks as one of WHTC\u2019s congressional co-chairs. I look forward to continuing WHTC\u2019s work to engage women in both the private and public sector in addressing the major economic issues facing our country today.\u201d\nThe WHTC hosts several networking and policy events each year, which tackle a wide range of issues including jobs, STEM education, professional development and corporate management structures. Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, current Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman and former Treasury Secretary John Snow have all headlined previous member gatherings.\n\"The WHTC is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Brooks and DelBene and we look forward to working with these dynamic and dedicated public servants as we strive to advance opportunities for women in the technology sector,\u201d said WHTC Executive Director Melissa Cortese Foxman. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe organization was founded in 2000 and is a 501[c][3] non-profit. Previous Congressional Co-chairs include current representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL23) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA19) as well as former representatives Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO8) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA45). To learn more, please visit https://www.womenshightech.org/.\nAbout Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks \nCongresswoman Susan W. Brooks serves on the Education and the Workforce, Homeland Security and Ethics Committees. She is a former Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Prior to serving in Congress, she was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Ivy Tech Community College where she led statewide workforce development and job training efforts.\nAbout Congresswoman Suzan DelBene\nCongresswoman Suzan DelBene serves on the Judiciary and Agriculture Committees. She has more than two decades of experience in the private sector as a successful technology entrepreneur and business leader. She helped found drugstore.com as its Vice President of Marketing and Store Development, was Corporate Vice President of Microsoft\u2019s mobile communications business and was CEO and President at Nimble Technology, a software start-up based on technology developed at the University of Washington. Most recently, she served as the Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-12-13-13", "Rokita Report 12-13-13", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here  or follow me on Twitter if you prefer  @ToddRokita.\n  \u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n Rokita Readings - How the GOP Should Fix ObamaCare\nReforming the Budget and Preventing Another Obama-Reid Shutdown\nFighting Red Tape - General Aviation Pilot Protection Act Introduced\nObamaCare\u00a0Cancellations Continue -\u00a0Politifact Lie of the Year\n   Rokita Readings A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\u00a0\nFeatured in this week's Rokita Readings is a column sent to me by a good friend by Holman Jenkins, Jr. titled \"How the GOP Should Fix ObamaCare.\"\nJenkins'\u00a0column is a good explanation of how, why, and when our\u00a0government-run health care system\u00a0came to be.\u00a0 At its core, ObamaCare is a massive redistribution of wealth.\u00a0 It relies on forcing people to purchase new health care plans that far exceed what the individual wants or needs to subsidize plans for others.\u00a0 Jenkins proposes an\u00a0thoughtful plan that could garner Democrat support.\u00a0 This is an interesting piece and worth your time to read.\u00a0\u00a0Let me know what you think on my Facebook page.\n  Reforming the Budget\u00a0and Preventing Another Obama-Reid Shutdown \n\t\t\t\t\tThis week the House passed bipartisan budget legislation to fund the remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 and 2015.\u00a0 The budget deal was reached by a conference committee established by the short-term funding agreement reached earlier this year\u00a0to end\u00a0the government shutdown.\nThe Bipartisan Budget Act would set funding levels at $1.012 trillion - roughly halfway between the proposed spending levels of the Senate-passed budget and the House-passed budget that I authored earlier this year.\u00a0 The budget also reforms the way in which\u00a0sequestration cuts are applied and in other areas of the budget.\nI spoke on the House floor in support of this budget agreement before its passage.\u00a0 You can view those remarks here.\nThis budget is a better deal than the current sequestration law because it makes spending reforms that cut more than sequester will and will continue on after sequestration is scheduled to expire.\u00a0 The reforms, and therefore budget savings, start immediately and compound over time.\u00a0 \nSince mandatory social entitlement spending is driving our debt, this budget is a step in the right direction, and a good springboard for the immense amount of reform work yet to be done.\u00a0\u00a0\nFinally, this budget prevents President Obama and Harry Reid from staging another shutdown so they can distract from the failures of ObamaCare.\nKey Spending Reforms in the Budget Agreement  \u2022\u00a0Eliminates unemployment benefits for criminals  \u2022\u00a0Ends government payments to the deceased  \u2022\u00a0Requires dead-beat dads to pay their children\u2019s outstanding Medicaid bills  \u2022\u00a0Requires federal employees to contribute more to their retirement - in line with private sector standards  \u2022\u00a0Increases the contribution private companies must pay to guarantee their pension benefits under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.\nThese important reforms yield $28 billion in additional savings compared to current law.\u00a0 While this is a modest step forward, I will continue working to enact substantial, structural reforms to the biggest drivers of our debt \u2013 Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.\u00a0\u00a0\nFor more information on the budget legislation, including legislative texts, please visit the House Budget Committee website\u00a0here.\n  Fighting Red Tape - General Aviation Pilot Protection Act\nThis week, I introduced the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revise a rule that incurs unnecessary costs and requirement on private pilots. \u00a0\nAs a pilot myself, I am pleased to introduce this important legislation with my colleagues and fellow pilots.\u00a0 The unnecessary Third Class Medical certification regulation drives up costs for pilots and prevents the general aviation industry from fulfilling its economic potential.\u00a0\u00a0Fixing this revises those requirements, essentially expanding\u00a0the comparable\u00a0driver's license medical requirements to private pilots, and allows greater access for pilots to fly.\nI'm pleased to have the support of the\u00a0Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.\u00a0 Learn more about the bill here and AOPA's support of the bill here.\n  \n\"You Can Keep Your Plan\" - The Politifact \"Lie of the Year\" - ObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue\nIt\u00a0has been widely reported that\u00a0millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their\u00a0insurance policies due to\u00a0ObamaCare.\u00a0 Just this week, the nonpartisan political fact-finding site, Politifact.com ranked the President's claim that, \"if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan,\" the \"Lie of the Year.\"\u00a0 This lie is one that he\u00a0reused time and again in selling\u00a0ObamaCare\u00a0and seeking reelection.\u00a0 Yet, cancellations keep arriving in mailboxes all over the country.\nThese cancellations are just the tip of the\u00a0iceberg of\u00a0this\u00a0insidious law.\u00a0 Hoosiers are seeing rate increases, hours and jobs being cut, and health benefits are changing so rapidly that many are unsure of exactly what coverage they will have in the new year.\u00a0\u00a0\nI recently received a note from Terri who works for a health care provider in Indiana.\u00a0 Terri recently had her hours cut, but her deductible went from $0 to $500 per year, and her premium rose from $96 to $121 per pay period.\u00a0\u00a0She is frustrated by the changes ObamaCare has made to her health insurance and she have every right to be.\u00a0 This is the direct opposite of what the President promised and that's why this law is, by\u00a0definition, insidious.\u00a0\u00a0\nIf you or someone you know has had a similar experiences due to ObamaCare,\u00a0please send me your\u00a0story, your\u00a0cancellation notice, or rate increase documents\u00a0at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\u00a0 \u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-budget-legislation-makes-important-reforms-and-takes-obama-reid-future", "Release - Rokita: Budget Legislation Makes Important Reforms and Takes Obama-Reid Future ObamaCare Shutdown Off the Table", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\nRokita: Budget Legislation Makes Important Reforms and Takes Obama-Reid Future ObamaCare Shutdown Off the Table\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement today after voting in favor of bipartisan budget legislation agreed to by Budget Chairmen Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) late Tuesday.\u00a0 The bill passed the House tonight with a strong bipartisan vote.\n\"This budget is a better deal than the current sequestration law because it makes spending reforms that cut more than sequester will and therefore will continue on after sequestration is scheduled to expire.\u00a0 The reforms, and therefore budget savings, start immediately and compound over time.\u00a0\nSince mandatory social entitlement spending is driving our debt, this budget is a step in the right direction, and a good springboard for the immense amount of reform work yet to be done.\u00a0\nFinally, this budget prevents President Obama and Harry Reid from staging another shutdown so they can distract from the failures of ObamaCare,\u201d Rokita said. \u00a0\u00a0\nRokita spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation moments before voting for its passage.\u00a0 You can view those remarks here.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nKey Spending Reforms in the Budget Agreement\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eliminates unemployment benefits for criminals\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ends government payments to the deceased\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires dead-beat dads to pay their children\u2019s outstanding Medicaid bills\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires federal employees to contribute more to their retirement - in line with private sector standards\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increases the contribution private companies must pay to guarantee their pension benefits under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.\u00a0\nThese important reforms yield $28 billion in additional savings compared to current law.\u00a0 While this is a modest step forward, Rep. Rokita will continue working to enact substantial, structural reforms to the biggest drivers of our debt \u2013 Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.\u00a0\nFor more information on the budget legislation, including legislative texts, please visit the House Budget Committee website here.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-time-for-certainty-from-washington", "Brooks: Time for Certainty from Washington", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of House Joint Resolution 59, the Ryan-Murray Budget Deal: \u201cTime and again, 5th District constituents have told me the political uncertainty coming from Washington makes planning for their own futures increasingly difficult. It\u2019s hard to plan on expanding your business, buying a new home or heading off to college when our government can\u2019t get its fiscal house in order. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for Congress to reach a budget deal that provides much needed stability for businesses and families trying to improve their standing in a tough economy. This bill cuts $23 billion from our deficit, protects our military members and does not raise taxes. It also ends the threat of another government shutdown. There is much more work to be done to put America on a path to fiscal solvency, but today\u2019s vote is an important step in the right direction.\u201d\nThe deal finds common sense spending reforms to replace sequestration cuts while still reducing the deficit by an additional $23 billion. Specifically, it prevents an additional $22 billion in cuts to our national defense efforts. The deal is $78 billion below where government spending was when Republicans took back the majority in the House in 2010 and $191 billion below where President Obama anticipated discretionary spending to be in his original budget.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=162", "Dr. Bucshon on Bipartisan Budget Agreement", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. released the following statement regarding the budget agreement reached late Tuesday night by House and Senate leaders.\rChairman Paul Ryan, the architect of the fiscally responsible Republican House budgets, has negotiated the best agreement possible with President Obama in the White House and the United States Senate controlled by Democrats.\rThe agreement achieves discretionary spending levels below what was passed in previous House budgets and includes over $20 billion in long-term deficit reduction with zero tax increases. The unmanageable across-the-board spending cuts to our national defense are partially mitigated and more than offset by changes to mandatory spending programs, which are the true long-term drivers of our debt and deficits. These changes are permanent, resulting in ongoing savings for decades.\rWe also avoid the risk of government shutdowns going forward by making these smarter cuts and reforms, jumpstarting the regular order appropriations process and reclaiming Congress' power of the purse.\rThe Hoosiers I represent expect Congress to find common ground and move this country forward. This budget agreement makes divided government work, while maintaining the core principles in which I believe. I will continue to fight for more aggressive fiscal restraints to rid our country of the burden which is our debt and deficits.\rWhile this deal is far from perfect, it is a small step in the right direction to pay down our debt and balance our nation's budget. However, I am disappointed that Democrats still refuse to acknowledge the need for broader entitlement reform to solve our long-term fiscal problems. At the end of the day, I firmly believe a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is required to force Washington, D.C. to live within its means.\rBucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, represents the 8th District of Indiana, which includes all or parts of Clay, Daviess, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Warrick, Crawford, Dubois, Perry, and Spencer counties.\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-bipartisan-budget-act-of-2013/", "WALORSKI STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2013", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 12, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, a member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement regarding passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013:\nHoosiers sit around their kitchen tables and make tough choices to keep a budget, and they expect Washington to do the same.  Today, the House took a step in the right direction by passing a budget plan with bipartisan support.  This deal is not perfect, but it serves as a building block for deficit reduction and long term reformswithout raising taxes.  \nApproval of this plan will provide much-needed certainty for the business community and improve economic outlook.  Without a doubt, there is still much work to be done to balance the budget, reduce government spending, and address tax reform.  Moving forward, I will continue reaching across the aisle to get our fiscal house in order to ensure a brighter future for the next generation.\nIn a divided government, working together is a necessity, not an option.  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this deal to prove that Congress can work together for the sake of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220233405/http://toddyoung.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=531", "Young votes in favor of Ryan-Murray Bipartisan Budget Act", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Young", "Y000064", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "On a vote of 332-94, the House passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, the budget agreement reached earlier this week by House and Senate Budget Committee Chairs Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray.\u00a0 Rep. Todd Young released the following statement about his vote in support of the bill:\n\n\t\u201cI\u2019ve always said we should replace the across-the-board and indiscriminate sequester with targeted, thoughtful spending cuts,\u201d said Young.\u00a0 \u201cBecause it achieves deficit reduction, reforms auto-pilot spending programs, and doesn\u2019t rely on tax increases, this Bipartisan Budget Act meets that criteria.\u00a0 This deal leaves much left to be accomplished, but it\u2019s a good first step.\u201d\u2014Rep. Todd Young (IN-9)\n\n\tIndiana\u2019s 9th District includes all or parts of Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties in south central Indiana.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182515/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-budget-agreement", "Dr. Bucshon on Bipartisan Budget Agreement", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. released the following statement regarding the budget agreement reached late Tuesday night by House and Senate leaders.\n\u201cChairman Paul Ryan, the architect of the fiscally responsible Republican House budgets, has negotiated the best agreement possible with President Obama in the White House and the United States Senate controlled by Democrats.\n\u201cThe agreement achieves discretionary spending levels below what was passed in previous House budgets and includes over $20 billion in long-term deficit reduction with zero tax increases. The unmanageable across-the-board spending cuts to our national defense are partially mitigated and more than offset by changes to mandatory spending programs, which are the true long-term drivers of our debt and deficits.\u00a0 These changes are permanent, resulting in ongoing savings for decades.\n\u201cWe also avoid the risk of government shutdowns going forward by making these smarter cuts and reforms, jumpstarting the regular order appropriations process and reclaiming Congress\u2019 power of the purse.\n\u201cThe Hoosiers I represent expect Congress to find common ground and move this country forward. This budget agreement makes divided government work, while maintaining the core principles in which I believe.\u00a0 I will continue to fight for more aggressive fiscal restraints to rid our country of the burden which is our debt and deficits.\n\u00a0\u201cWhile this deal is far from perfect, it is a small step in the right direction to pay down our debt and balance our nation\u2019s budget. However, I am disappointed that Democrats still refuse to acknowledge the need for broader entitlement reform to solve our long-term fiscal problems. At the end of the day, I firmly believe a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is required to force Washington, D.C. to live within its means.\u201d\nBucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, represents the 8th District of Indiana, which includes all or parts of Clay, Daviess, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Warrick, Crawford, Dubois, Perry, and Spencer counties.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301165933/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-votes-in-support-of-the-bipartisan-budget-act-of", "Congressman Luke Messer Votes in Support of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today Congressman Luke Messer voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.\u00a0 The Act is projected to reduce mandatory budget spending by $85 billion and reduce the deficit by $23 billion over the next 10 years.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThis is not a grand bargain, nor is it a perfect deal,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer.\u00a0 \u201cBut given our political reality, this is a solid step in the right direction.\u00a0 We have a democratic-led Senate and a democratic President, and we cannot continue to lurch from the brink of one economic crisis to the next.\n\u201cThis deal makes modest reforms that will reduce the deficit without raising taxes.\u00a0 It replaces indiscriminate sequester cuts with smarter ones and secures much needed funding for important domestic and defense programs. \u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to put politics aside and make genuine progress here in Washington.\u00a0 In this case, that means taking a small step forward, which is better than no step at all.\u201d\nFor the text of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 click here\nFor a brief summary, here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/cymi-rokita-introduces-general-aviation-pilot-protection-act", "ICYMI: Rokita Introduces General Aviation Pilot Protection Act", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2013\nContact:  \n\tZach Zagar (Rokita)  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nContact:  \n\tSteve Hedges (AOPA)  \n\tPhone: (301) 695-2159  \n\tE-mail: Steve.Hedges@aopa.org\nAOPA VOICES STRONG SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION REQUIRING FAA TO REVISE THIRD CLASS MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS\nFrederick, MD \u2013 The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) expressed enthusiastic support for a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today that would give the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)\u00a0180 days to redefine its Third Class Medical requirements and allow greater access for pilots to fly.\nThe General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, proposed by Representatives Todd Rokita (R-IN) and Sam Graves (R-MO), and co-sponsored by Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS), would expand on a petition submitted to the FAA by AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association nearly 20 months ago. The FAA has failed to act on that joint petition, which drew more than 16,000 comments from pilots and interested parties.\nReps. Rokita and Graves are active pilots, AOPA members and members of the House General Aviation Caucus, of which Rep. Graves is the Caucus co-chair.\u00a0 The co-sponsors are also members of the General Aviation Caucus.\n\u201cWe have waited far too long for the FAA to act on our petition,\u201d said AOPA President Mark Baker. \u201cAs a result, Representatives Rokita and Graves stepped forward to take decisive action in the best interests of fellow general aviation pilots. We appreciate their outstanding leadership on this issue and look forward to seeing this bill move forward quickly.\u201d\nThe bill would significantly revise the Third Class Medical by replacing a brief, compulsory medical examination with a requirement that pilots possess a valid driver\u2019s license as proof of health. It would also limit pilots to flying with no more than five passengers, not above 14,000 feet and at no more than 250 knots, and in aircraft that have a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs.\nBy way of comparison, most large sport utility vehicles on our nation\u2019s roads weigh in excess of 6,000 pounds and can carry 6-7 passengers.\u00a0 These vehicles may be operated by a licensed driver, in close proximity to other vehicles, pedestrians and property.\u00a0 They are therefore larger and more cumbersome than the small aircraft that would be operated with proof of a valid driver\u2019s license under the new bill.\u00a0\nOther conditions in the bill limit flights to visual flight rules (VFR) and to flights within the United States. Compensation for flights would also be prohibited.\nThe bill gives the FAA 180 days from the date the bill is enacted to adopt the changes.\n\"As a pilot, I am pleased to introduce this important legislation with my colleagues and fellow pilots,\" Rep. Rokita said. \"This bill eliminates a duplicative and therefore unnecessary medical certification regulation that drives up costs for pilots and prevents the general aviation industry from fulfilling its economic potential.\" \nRep. Graves stated, \u201cFor many recreational pilots, the FAA\u2019s third class medical certification process is nothing more than a bureaucratic hoop to jump through. It discourages new pilots and does not truly improve safety. As a pilot, I have gone through this process several times. However, like all pilots, I am responsible for determining whether I am medically fit to fly during the time between my mandated medical certifications. Expanding the current exemption makes sense and will promote greater recreational aviation activity across the U.S. without an impact on safety.\u201d\nBuilding support for the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act will be critical to its passage, and AOPA will be calling on members to show their support in January after Congress returns from recess. Details on how members can help will be sent via email and published in upcoming issues of ePilot and on AOPA.org.\nPilots are required by federal law to hold Third, Second or First Class Medicals in order to operate aircraft. Third class medicals are common among private pilots who commonly fly for\u00a0 recreational purposes.\nThe new bill is the latest example of Congressional action that is intended to encourage the FAA to adopt policies that support general aviation. Recently, the House and Senate passed a bill that President Barack Obama signed that requires the FAA to revise its certification standards for small aircraft. Congress also effectively reversed an FAA decision earlier this year when it provided bridge funding for control towers that the FAA intended to close as part of a government-wide budget sequestration measure.\nAbout AOPA\nSince 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. AOPA is the world\u2019s largest aviation member association. With representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media products. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.\n- AOPA \u2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-and-coats-applaud-passage-of-alicia-dawn-koehl-respect-for", "Brooks and Coats Applaud Passage of Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act in the House of Representatives", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and United States Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) applauded today\u2019s passage of the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill gives the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Department of the Army authority to disinter ineligible veterans buried in national cemeteries that have committed a federal or state capital crime.\n\u00a0\nThe legislation approved by the House was introduced by Coats and passed by the Senate on November 18. Brooks sponsored companion legislation in the House. The act now heads to the President\u2019s desk for final approval.\n  \u201cWe must do everything we can to protect the hallowed grounds where our nation\u2019s bravest men and women are laid to rest,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cThose who\u2019ve sacrificed so much to protect our freedom should be buried next to fellow heroes. I\u2019m grateful that we\u2019ve taken this important step to protect the integrity of our national cemeteries and give the Koehl family the closure they deserve. Alicia was a mother, daughter, caring friend and compassionate community member. We can never replace the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew and loved her, but I am heartened that we can pay tribute to her with this important piece of legislation.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cAfter more than a year of working with the Koehl family and the Department of Veterans Affairs, we are one step closer to seeing this legislation become law,\u201d Coats said. \u201cThis bill protects the integrity of our national cemeteries, enforces current law and ensures that the families of our veterans can bury their loved ones among heroes. I truly wish this legislation was not needed and the tragic situation that devastated a Hoosier family and left two children without their loving mother never occurred. I urge the president to sign this bill into law, protect our national cemeteries and allow Alicia\u2019s concern for others to be her lasting legacy. \u201d\n\u00a0\nSpecifically, the legislation ensures the VA will disinter the remains of military veteran Michael L. Anderson who shot and killed Indianapolis resident Alicia Dawn Koehl on May 30 of last year. The crime occurred at an apartment complex within the boundaries of Indiana\u2019s 5th Congressional District. Anderson shot Koehl 13 times before taking his own life and was later buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Michigan. The burial occurred with full military honors and at taxpayer expense.\u00a0 Federal law prohibits individuals who \u201chave committed a Federal or State capital crime but were unavailable for trial due to death\u201d from being buried in national cemeteries. After learning of Anderson\u2019s burial and this law, the Koehl family contacted the VA requesting that he be disinterred.\n\u00a0\nFor over a year, members of Indiana\u2019s Congressional delegation contacted the VA asking for status updates on the matter. On July 30, the VA notified the delegation that the Koehl family\u2019s request would be denied because it lacked the authority to disinter the remains of an individual buried in one of its cemeteries.\u00a0The Coats-Brooks bill gives the VA the authority it needs to correct its mistake.\n\u00a0\n\u201cMy beloved wife of 16 years, Alicia Dawn, was the glue that held our family together,\u201d said Alicia Koehl\u2019s widower, Paul Koehl. \u201cThrough this positive step, at least in some small measure, Alicia\u2019s death will not have been in vain, but instead, an instrument for justice and peace for our family as well as the families of future victims.\u201d\n\u00a0\nAlicia Koehl was a mother of two and very active in several community causes. She was a Girl Scout Leader and \u201cVolunteer of the Year\u201d at Spring Mill Elementary School. Her passing was mourned with candlelight vigils and an official tribute from the Indianapolis City County Council.\n\u00a0\nThe legislation is co-sponsored by every member of the Indiana Congressional Delegation. To learn more about Senator Dan Coats, go to\u00a0www.Coats.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-in-support-of-gabriella-miller-kids-first-research-act", "Brooks Statement in Support of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) praised passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act in the U.S. House of Representatives today. The legislation ends taxpayer funding of political conventions and directs $126 million toward potentially groundbreaking pediatric research.\n\u201cOur kids should always come first,\u201d said Congresswoman Brooks. \u201cThe Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act provides new levels of assistance for pediatric research that can help save lives. It enjoys widespread support from national children\u2019s advocacy organizations as well as 5th District medical researchers, doctors, patients and parents. I am so glad the House chose to put our kids ahead of politics today. Senator Reid must allow a vote on this critical piece of legislation.\u201d \u00a0\nIn July, Congresswoman Brooks joined Indiana University Health officials and family representatives of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to urge passage of the bill during a gathering at Riley Hospital for Children. To learn more about this event, click here. \"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is pleased to support the Kids First Research Act, which will provide much-needed additional resources for pediatric cancer research to the NIH,\u201d said Amy Kwas, Executive Director of the Indiana Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. \u201cWhile critical advances have been made in treatments for adult cancer, in 20 years, the FDA has approved only two drugs for childhood cancer, and half of all chemotherapies used for child cancers are over 25 years old. Sustained funding for researchers and health care professionals is crucial in the fight against pediatric cancers.\"\nSpecifically, the bill terminates funding from the President Election Campaign Fund that is used to support party conventions. The funding will be directed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund to support transformative research aiming to find better treatments for childhood cancer, autism, Fragile X Syndrome and other pediatric diseases.\nThe bill is named after Gabriella Miller, a 10 year-old cancer patient and advocate for pediatric research who passed away on October 26, 2013. To learn more about Gabriella\u2019s story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-passage-of-the-alicia-dawn-koehl-respect-for-national-cemeteries-act/", "WALORSKI STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE ALICIA DAWN KOEHL RESPECT FOR NATIONAL CEMETERIES ACT", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 11, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Congresswoman Jackie Walorski released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act, S.1471:\nApproval of this legislation brings the VA one step closer to correcting this intolerable mistake.  I appreciate the bipartisan effort, spearheaded by Senator Dan Coats and Congresswoman Susan Brooks, to pass this bill and bring peace of mind to the servicemembers and families impacted by this error.  We must continue to preserve the sanctity of our national cemeteries and ensure convicted criminals are not laid to rest beside our fallen veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220233408/http://toddyoung.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=530", "Rep. Young to meet with constituents in Seymour on December 20", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Young", "Y000064", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Todd Young announced today that he will meet with constituents on an individual and small-group basis at the Seymour City Hall on Friday, December 20 from 1:15 to 3:00 PM.\u00a0 The Congressman will meet with small groups of up to four constituents at a time for fifteen minutes each, and constituents will be able to determine which issues they would like to talk about.\u00a0 The opportunity to sit down with the Congressman is open on a first-come, first-serve basis to constituents who call the 9th\u00a0District Constituent Service Center in Jeffersonville at 812-288-3999.\n\n\tWHO: Congressman Todd Young (IN-9)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHAT: Meetings with individuals and small groups\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHEN: Friday, December 20, 2013 from 1:15 to 3:00 PM\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHERE: Seymour City Hall\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 301-309 N Chestnut St\n\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seymour, IN\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\t\n\t\tIndiana\u2019s 9th District includes all or parts of Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties in south central Indiana.\n\t\n\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220233410/http://toddyoung.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=529", "Rep. Young to meet with constituents in Jeffersonville on December 16", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Young", "Y000064", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Todd Young announced today that he will meet with constituents on an individual and small-group basis at the 9th\u00a0District Constituent Service Center in Jeffersonville on Monday, December 16 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.\u00a0 The Congressman will meet with small groups of up to four constituents at a time for fifteen minutes each, and constituents will be able to determine which issues they would like to talk about.\u00a0 The opportunity to sit down with the Congressman is open on a first-come, first-serve basis to constituents who call the 9th\u00a0District Constituent Service Center in Jeffersonville at 812-288-3999.\n\n\tWHO: Congressman Todd Young (IN-9)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHAT: Meetings with individuals and small groups\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHEN: Monday, December 16, 2013 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tWHERE: 9th\u00a0District Constituent Service Center\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 279 Quartermaster Court\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jeffersonville, IN\n\n\t\n\t\tIndiana\u2019s 9th District includes all or parts of Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties in south central Indiana.\n\t\n\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090716/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/297", "Stutzman Speaks on Legislation to Protect Nation\u2019s Hallowed Grounds", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Speaks on Legislation to Protect Nation\u2019s Hallowed Grounds \n                      \r\n                      \tVideo of the Congressman\u2019s speech is available here. \r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman spoke today in support of the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act, legislation to protect the integrity of national cemeteries. The bill passed the House by a vote of 398-1.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI rise today in strong support of S. 1471, the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI thank my Indiana colleagues Senator Dan Coats and Congresswoman Susan Brooks for their hard work.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThe namesake of this bill is Alicia Dawn Koehl. She was the wife of Fort Wayne native Paul Koehl from my district and the mother of two children. She was also the daughter-in-law of Frank and Carol Koehl. Last year Alicia was tragically murdered and after her killer, an army veteran, committed suicide he was buried in a National Cemetery with military honors despite laws prohibiting such distinction.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThis bill provides the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to right such wrongs, ensuring our National Cemeteries are reserved for our country\u2019s most deserving heroes.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cMr. Speaker, my sympathies go out to the family and friends of Ms. Koehl. It is impossible for any of us here today to fully grasp the hardship they have needlessly endured.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI respectfully urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I yield back.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090729/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/296", "Stutzman on Volcker Rule: \u201cWashington\u2019s Vast Bureaucracy Never Wastes a Crisis\u201d", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman on Volcker Rule: \u201cWashington\u2019s Vast Bureaucracy Never Wastes a Crisis\u201d \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, a member of the Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement today after regulators issued a final version of the \u201cVolcker Rule.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cToday, central planners in the federal government proved that Washington\u2019s vast bureaucracy never wastes a crisis. Regulators are prohibiting banking practices that even former Chairman Volcker admits did not create the financial crisis.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cWhile Washington issues regulations in search of a disaster, red tape makes it harder for consumers and businesses to access credit. This massive new burden does nothing to put Americans back to work, help small businesses access capital, or prevent another financial crisis.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cAnyone who believes the Volcker Rule\u2019s new maze of regulations can be implemented without a wave of unintended consequences probably still thinks they can keep their health plan.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7Today, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission approved complex and sweeping regulations, commonly known as the \u201cVolcker Rule,\u201d to prevent trades in which banks risk their own capital in the purchase and sale of securities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223160545/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/peace-through-strength", "Peace through Strength", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. As we continue negotiations with Iran on its nuclear weapons program, this time honored wisdom should guide us. Seventy-five years ago, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Pact, handing portions of Czechoslovakia to Adolf Hitler's Germany.\u00a0 With the hindsight of history, we now know that Chamberlain\u2019s efforts to appease Hitler and find \u201cpeace for our time\u201d actually led to the last world war.\u00a0 History teaches that we cannot appease evil.\nThis Administration\u2019s foreign policy failures are well documented. Clearly, they are badly in need of a foreign policy success.\u00a0 However, the tentative agreement John Kerry and the Obama Administration made with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani does little to reverse the course of Iran\u2019s nuclear capacity, potentially making the world a much more dangerous place.\nGiven the high stakes of delay, we cannot allow insincere overtures to buy Iran more time to achieve nuclear capability.\u00a0 Any permanent agreement with Iran should require a halt to all uranium enrichment and an abandonment of Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions.\u00a0 Importantly, as an indication of good faith, Iran should stop uranium enrichment now.\u00a0 Period.\u00a0\nA nuclear armed Iran is a game changer that would alter the world as we know it.\u00a0 That danger is closer than you might think.\u00a0 According to physicist David Albright of The Institute of Science and International Security, Iran could have \u201cenough weapon-grade uranium for a bomb in as little as one and one and a half months\u201d and a functional weapon in several months to a year depending on the size and complexity of the device.\nIn August, I met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while on a trip to Israel. His sobering assessment of Iran\u2019s nuclear ambitions and analysis of the potential consequences of a nuclear capable Iran would strengthen anyone\u2019s resolve. In his October 1 speech to the United Nations General Assembly, the prime minister was clear that \u201cthe only diplomatic solution that would work is the one that fully dismantles Iran\u2019s nuclear weapons program and prevents it from having one in the future.\u201d\u00a0 I agree.\nOur sanctions against Iran were working.\u00a0 They damaged the Iranian economy and brought President Rouhani to the negotiating table.\u00a0 Through the tentative agreement made in Geneva, we have now eased those sanctions and given his regime more breathing room.\u00a0 I believe that move could embolden his belief that Iran is entitled to enrich uranium.\nWe may not agree on much here on Capitol Hill, but the agreement reached in Geneva has been criticized on a bipartisan basis.\u00a0 Earlier this year, 78 of my Republican and Democratic freshman colleagues in the House of Representatives signed a letter I wrote with Representative Brad Schneider.\u00a0 Together, we urged the President to broaden and strengthen the enforcement of sanctions against Iran until Tehran takes verifiable steps to reverse its nuclear activities.\nWhen we look back on this administration, the President will be judged by one simple question, did he or did he not prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon?\u00a0 The tentative agreement reached in Geneva does not go far enough to keep that from happening.\nPresident Obama must make clear to Iran that we mean what we say.\u00a0 History teaches peace through strength.\u00a0 There is no peace through appeasement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142450/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-statement-on-the-passing-of-mayor-dick-pasco", "Congressman Messer Statement on the Passing of Mayor Dick Pasco", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON--Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement today after receiving word of Mayor Dick Pasco\u2019s passing.\n\u201cThe city of Greenfield lost an invaluable civil servant today. Mayor Pasco was a lifelong resident of Greenfield and spent the better part of his life working to make it a better place to live, work and play. Dick loved his family, loved his friends and loved his hometown. I will always appreciate his friendship, his consistent smile and his straight-shooting advice. On behalf of Indiana's Sixth Congressional District, Jennifer and I offer our prayers to the Pasco family and the entire Greenfield community as we all mourn his passing.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-12-6-13", "Rokita Report 12-6-13", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here  or follow me on Twitter if you prefer  @ToddRokita.\n\u00a0\n  \u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n Rokita Readings - Yes, We do Have a Debt Problem\nCongress on Your Corner Events\u00a0- Monticello and Frankfort\nU.S. 31 Bypass - Open for Business\nFighting Red Tape - Hearing on Unfair Enforcement of Rules\nObamaCare\u00a0Cancellations Continue -\u00a0Tell me\u00a0your Story\n   Rokita Readings A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\u00a0\nFeatured in this week's Rokita Readings is a column I read recently by Veronique de Rugy titled, \"Yes, We Do Have a Debt Problem.\"\u00a0\u00a0\nThe recovery from recent storms that hit Indiana and the Midwest so hard\u00a0last month continues.\u00a0 As part of the recovery, Governor Pence submitted a request for\u00a0federal disaster aid for Howard County this week.\u00a0 As coverage\u00a0of the storms began, I received many calls regarding my position on federal disaster assistance.\u00a0 In general, I support assistance when it is needed, but it must be budgeted for and paid for.\u00a0\u00a0\nI was reminded of this column by de Rugy because there is still an important debate to be had regarding our spending priorities.\u00a0 In short,\u00a0we must live within our means. The budget process is by definition spending prioritization. Congress writes a budget by funding higher priorities, including disaster relief, at the expense of lower priorities. \u00a0If circumstances change and additional disaster funding becomes necessary, we must reevaluate our priorities in order to provide that funding. \u00a0If not, our children and grandchildren will be forced to pick up the bill, and that is neither responsible nor moral.\nThat's the basic theme of de Rugy's column - we are ignoring the bigger picture when we look at our federal spending through a short-term prism. \u00a0Just as a family would have a serious discussion about priorities during a trying difficult time, our country must also have this discussion as we consider what is most important to us.\u00a0\n  Congress on Your Corner - Monticello and Frankfort \n\t\t\t\t\tLast\u00a0Tuesday,\u00a0I hosted Congress on Your Corner events in Monticello and Frankfort.\u00a0 It was great to see so many of you who took the time out of your schedule to discuss issues that are important to you.\u00a0 Both events were very well-attended.\u00a0 Thank you to the Monticello-Union Public Library and the Frankfort City Council for hosting these events.\n\u00a0\n  Rep. Rokita Answers Questions at Congress on Your Corner in Monticello\nAt the events I fielded a wide range of questions.\u00a0 In Monticello, we spent a considerable amount of the time discussing the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and food stamp reform.\u00a0 In Frankfort, we spent more time discussing immigration reform.\n\u00a0\n  Rep. Rokita Meets with Hoosiers in Frankfort\nAt both events, however, the number\u00a0one issue people wanted to discuss, which I feel is the most important issue that faces our nation, is our $17 trillion debt and $100 trillion in unfunded promises that are on the way in the decades to come.\u00a0\u00a0\nPeople all over Indiana joining in the fight to stop the runaway spending in Washington.\u00a0 The fight is not an easy one, but I find your commitment to this cause inspiring. Even with a difficult economy, where it is just easier to expect our federal government takes care of us, Hoosiers still care more about their children and grandchildren and less about themselves and what goodies politicians can give them.\u00a0 We must continue this fight so that the children of tomorrow do not inherit the debt that we've racked up.\u00a0\u00a0\nAlso, as I do at most town hall and Congress on Your Corner events, I promised to answer several more detailed questions from the events on my Facebook page.\u00a0 I will be posting some of the questions from the events over the coming weekend.\nIf you were either unable to attend or there was not enough time to answer your question, please send me an\u00a0e-mail or call my office and I will get back to you in short order.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  US 31 Bypass - Open for Business\n\u00a0\n  Rep. Rokita with Gov. Pence, State Senator Buck, and State Rep. VanNatter\nAlso last Tuesday, along with Governor Pence and other elected officials, I attended the ribbon cutting for the new U.S. 31 Bypass in Kokomo.\nI can attest personally to the importance of this project.\u00a0\u00a0Now, and over eight years as Indiana Secretary of State, I logged thousands of miles on U.S. 31.\u00a0 While I like to stop in Kokomo any chance I can, there are times when Hoosiers simply are heading to South Bend or elsewhere.\u00a0\u00a0\nWhen the final Hamilton County section opens to traffic in 2015, a total of 32 stoplights will have been removed from U.S. 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend, saving drivers a half hour of travel time.\u00a0 For frequent travelers of the route, imagine how many days of their lives they will get back in a year!\nOn Thursday, I made remarks on the House floor to commemorate this event and hail the great work happening in the \"Crossroads of America.\"\u00a0 You can watch my remarks here.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\nAt a time short-term thinking dominates policymaking in Washington, it is great to see Indiana making sound investments not just for today, but particularly for future generations.\u00a0\u00a0\nI commend and congratulate all of the individuals, elected officials, and business and community groups involved in bringing the Kokomo corridor of U.S.31 from the drawing board to reality.\n  Fighting Red Tape - Hearing on Unfair, Selective Enforcement of Federal Rules\nOn Wednesday, I took part in a hearing held by the\u00a0House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections to provide oversight to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)'s\u00a0recent expansion of regulatory and enforcement activities.\u00a0 In enforcing the nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements applicable to federal contractors and subcontractors, the OFCCP continues to establish new and more stringent standards for the hiring and employment of veterans and persons with disabilities.\u00a0\u00a0\nI have serious concerns that the OFCCP creates these new rules with unclear language which is leading to selective and, by definition, unfair enforcement of these rules as well as a focus on citing contractors for violations rather than to advance the goals of equal employment opportunity.\u00a0 I was able to highlight these unfair inconsistencies with the OFCCP's public stance and their actual activities.\u00a0\u00a0\nDuring her testimony, OFCCP Director Shiu contradicted herself by claiming that the OFCCP is forbidden to enforce \u201cquotas,\u201d yet they are able to enter into and enforce \u201cconciliation agreements\u201d with contractors that have the force and effect of law.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe contradiction underscores the selective enforcement\u00a0this agency engages in, which is unfair to all involved.\u00a0 Once again, we are reminded of the dangers of unelected bureaucrats that think\u00a0they know better than us and do not always act in our best interest.\u00a0\u00a0You can watch my exchange with witnesses here.\n\u00a0\n\n\u00a0\nFor more information on the hearing, as well as an archived webcast,\u00a0click here.\n\n  ObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue to Hit Mailboxes - Just the Tip of the Iceberg\nIt\u00a0has been widely reported that\u00a0millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their\u00a0insurance policies due to\u00a0forced changes under ObamaCare.\u00a0 These cancellations come despite the promise made by the President, time and again, that, \"if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan.\"\u00a0 Cancellations are just the tip of the\u00a0iceberg on\u00a0this\u00a0insidious law.\u00a0 Hoosiers are seeing rate increases, hours and jobs being cut, and health benefits are changing so rapidly that many are unsure of exactly what coverage they will have in the new year.\u00a0\u00a0\nI recently received a story from Danny in Frankfort who saw his deductible increase from $500 to $5000 per year.\u00a0 Like many Hoosiers, he is frustrated by\u00a0the changes forced on him by ObamaCare.\u00a0\u00a0\nIf you or someone you know has had a similar experiences due to ObamaCare,\u00a0please send me your\u00a0story, your\u00a0cancellation notice, or rate increase documents\u00a0at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\u00a0 \u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-sends-letter-support-indiana%E2%80%99s-request-already-budgeted-federal", "Release - Rokita Sends Letter in Support of Indiana\u2019s Request for Already Budgeted Federal Assistance", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 5, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita Sends Letter in Support of Indiana\u2019s Request for Already Budgeted Federal Assistance \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement today after sending a letter to the President supporting Governor Mike Pence\u2019s request for federal disaster assistance for Howard County to aid in recovery from the damage caused by severe storms and tornadoes on November 17.\u00a0 (PDF text of letter is attached)\n\"Recovery from these storms continues.\u00a0 Hoosiers continue to help Hoosiers through these trying times, but some disasters require more.\u00a0 I fully support the Governor\u2019s request for already budgeted disaster assistance.\u00a0\u00a0 Should funds be required beyond those already appropriated, I will work with my colleagues to ensure this assistance is paid for by making cuts elsewhere in the federal budget,\u201d Rokita said. \u00a0\u00a0\nAs further damage throughout the state is evaluated, the Governor may consider requesting federal disaster assistance for other counties impacted by the storms.\u00a0 It is critical that those who have not reported damage to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security do so to ensure need for assistance can be accurately measured.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/indiana-delegation-urges-president-to-support-governor-pence-s-request", "Indiana Delegation Urges President to Support Governor Pence\u2019s Request for Federal Assistance for Howard County", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The Indiana congressional delegation today sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing strong support for Governor Mike Pence\u2019s request for the administration to provide federal assistance to Howard County following the severe tornadoes that struck Indiana on November 17.\nIn the letter, the members wrote, \u201cAfter surveying the damage and consulting with state and local government officials, it is clear the recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of the State of Indiana.\u00a0The Governor is therefore requesting federal assistance for Howard County.\u00a0The Governor is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, and may also make additional requests for other counties in the state\u2026We hope careful consideration will be given to Governor Pence\u2019s request, and believe timely federal assistance will significantly assist Indiana\u2019s recovery efforts.\u201d\nOn Wednesday, Governor Pence asked that a Major Disaster Area Declaration be declared for Howard County, which would include grants and low-interest loans for residents and businesses devastated by the storms. Small Business Administration loans also may be available. Governor Pence\u2019s request is for Individual Assistance and indicates that further damage may be identified that could require additional assistance.\nClick here for a copy of the signed letter.\nThe full text of the letter follows:\nDecember 5, 2013\nThe Honorable Barack Obama\nPresident of the United States\nThe White House\nWashington, D.C. 20500\nDear Mr. President:\nWe are writing to express our strong support for Governor Mike Pence\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Indiana following the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that hit Indiana on November 17, 2013.\nThis period of disastrous weather caused extensive damage to public and private property throughout Indiana.\u00a0 A total of 28 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on November 17, the third highest number of tornadoes in a single day in Indiana.\u00a0 In the aftermath of these storms, Governor Mike Pence requested a joint federal, state, and local damage assessment of Howard County, including the City of Kokomo, where the greatest Individual Assistance damage occurred.\u00a0 The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment verified the damage in Howard County, and noted that the affected area contained 45 percent low income residents.\u00a0\nFurthermore, the State of Indiana and this area have been subject to several other disasters since 2012 that have depleted the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).\u00a0 In particular, on April 17, 2013, heavy rains caused the citizens of Howard County to experience a record flood on Wildcat Creek, leading the state to request a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan program and to activate the SDRF.\u00a0 As a result of this and other disasters, the current SDRF balance is $348,000.\u00a0\nAfter surveying the damage and consulting with state and local government officials, it is clear the recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of the State of Indiana.\u00a0 The Governor is therefore requesting federal assistance for Howard County.\u00a0 The Governor is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, and may also make additional requests for other counties in the state.\u00a0 Hoosiers have a proud and resilient history of triumphing over tragedy and persevering past precarious circumstances.\u00a0 However, the damage from the current disaster demands further federal assistance.\nCongress plays a critical role in budgeting and appropriating funds for federal disaster relief, and we believe the damage sustained on November 17 is exactly the sort of event that should be considered for federal disaster assistance.\u00a0 Together, we firmly believe the next step on the long road to recovery is the issuance of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.\u00a0 We hope careful consideration will be given to Governor Pence\u2019s request, and believe timely federal assistance will significantly assist Indiana\u2019s recovery efforts.\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\nDan Coats\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nUnited States Senator\n\u00a0\nJoe Donnelly\nUnited States Senator\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTodd Rokita\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\nSusan Brooks\nMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nTodd Young\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMember of Congress \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAndre Carson\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\nJackie Walorski\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMember of Congress \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nLarry Bucshon\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\nLuke Messer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMember of Congress \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nMarlin Stutzman\nMember of Congress\n\u00a0\nPeter Visclosky\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301165632/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-on-the-passing-of-nelson-mandela", "Congressman Luke Messer on the Passing of Nelson Mandela", "2013-12-05", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06), who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the death of Nelson Mandela\n\u201cToday the world lost one of its greatest champions of democracy.\u00a0 Nelson Mandela courageously and peacefully stood up against apartheid and won South Africa\u2019s first fully democratic election.\u00a0 He was known by many as a humble and compassionate man who served as the moral compass for his country.\u00a0 The values he embodied of courage, equality, unity and peace must live on.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-harry-reid-members-congress-not-above-law", "Release - Rokita: Harry Reid, Members of Congress Not Above the Law", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 4, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita: Harry Reid, Members of Congress Not Above the Law \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement in response to reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, an architect and avowed proponent of ObamaCare, has exempted his employees from having to purchase health insurance through ObamaCare exchanges.\n\u201cSenator Harry Reid\u2019s decision to exempt his staff from ObamaCare\u2014a law that he helped write and shut down the government to protect\u2014is the height of hypocrisy.\u00a0 It is unconscionable that any Member of Congress would place themselves or their staff members above the laws they made, or the American people they have sworn to serve.\u00a0 From debt to failed economic policies to a disastrous health care takeover, out-of-touch, elitist Washington politicians like Harry Reid are at the root of the problems our nation faces.\n\u201cI have placed all of my staff on ObamaCare exchanges because Congress must live with the laws it passes and face the same negative consequences faced by the American people.\u00a0 I encourage all of my colleagues who have not done the same to reconsider,\u201d Rokita said.\u00a0\nDuring the passage of ObamaCare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, an amendment was offered in the Senate to require that members of Congress and their staffs purchase insurance through the exchanges.\u00a0\u00a0 Due to what many consider poorly written legislative language and administrative interpretation, members of Congress could specify the eligibility for their employees for the insurance plans other federal government employees receive.\u00a0 Representative Rokita has not applied this exemption to his staff and any of his employees that are utilizing insurance offered through their employment will enroll through the ObamaCare exchanges.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-expresses-support-indiana%E2%80%99s-request-already-budgeted-federal-disaster", "Rokita Expresses Support for Indiana\u2019s Request for Already Budgeted Federal Disaster Assistance", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 4, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita Expresses Support for Indiana\u2019s Request for Already Budgeted Federal Disaster Assistance \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement today in support of Governor Mike Pence\u2019s request for federal disaster assistance for Howard County to aid in recovery from the damage caused by severe storms and tornadoes on November 17.\u00a0\n\u201cRecovery from these storms continues.\u00a0 Hoosiers continue to help Hoosiers through these trying times, but some disasters require more.\u00a0 I fully support the Governor\u2019s request for already budgeted disaster assistance.\u00a0\u00a0 Should funds be required beyond those already appropriated, I will work with my colleagues to ensure this assistance is paid for by making cuts elsewhere in the federal budget,\u201d Rokita said. \u00a0\u00a0\nAs further damage throughout the state is evaluated, the Governor may consider requesting federal disaster assistance for other counties impacted by the storms.\u00a0 It is critical that those who have not reported damage to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security do so to ensure need for assistance can be accurately measured.\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-house-bill-to-cut-red-tape-boost-job-creation/", "WALORSKI SUPPORTS HOUSE BILL TO CUT RED TAPE, BOOST JOB CREATION", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 4, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski today voted in support of bipartisan legislation to reign in costly government regulations that are hurting small businesses and preventing job creation.  The Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act, H.R. 1105, is set to exempt advisers to certain private equity funds from the new registration requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. \nIt is clear that Washington red tape is hindering job growth at home in Indiana and across the country, said Walorski.  Hoosiers want Congress to work on sensible reforms that will get people back to work and start improving economic growth.  I am pleased to support this commonsense bill to allow private equity firms to avoid unnecessary federal regulations that rack up costs and prevent investments in job creation and company growth.\nIndiana is ranked in the top 20 for private equity investment by state, with 35 investments at a value of $8.5 billion.  Under current law, investment advisers to private investment funds must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  This requires advisers to file reports and maintain records with the SEC, costing critical resources and funds that could be better directed toward productive growth.  Passage of this legislation would mitigate this distraction for private equity firms and refocus efforts on job creation and economic growth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-statement-teachers%E2%80%99-union-settlement", "Release - Rokita Statement on Teachers\u2019 Union Settlement", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 3, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n Rokita Statement on Teachers\u2019 Union Settlement \nWashington, DC \u2013 Today Rep. Todd Rokita issued the following statement following the finalization of a $14 million settlement between the National Educators Association, the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Office of Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson for the alleged $27 million defrauding of Hoosier teachers through a health insurance plan.\u00a0 Then-Secretary of State Rokita, with the office\u2019s Securities Division, began the investigation and filed the eventual lawsuit against the teachers unions in 2009.\n\u201cAs Secretary of State, I asked then-Securities Commissioner Chris Naylor and his team to consider opening this case because Hoosier teachers and school districts deserved answers and restitution from those that misled them, yet claimed to serve their interests.\u00a0\nHeretofore, using Indiana\u2019s Security laws to right wrongs by one of the most powerful unions in our state was not only politically risky, but it had never been done.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased that the Indiana Securities Division was not deterred by politics and pursued this case doggedly.\u00a0 I applaud Commissioner Naylor, Secretary Lawson, and all who worked on this case for their hard work and determination in finding a resolution for Hoosier educators and schools,\u201d Rokita said\nThe settlement for the case was announced in August and finalized this morning by Secretary Lawson\u2019s office, which had taken over the case following Rokita\u2019s two terms in office.\u00a0 A timeline of the securities fraud case, provided by Lawson\u2019s office, is attached.\u00a0 Additional details and archives on the investigation are available on the Indiana Secretary of State\u2019s website.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085133/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/295", "Stutzman: \u201cObamaCare Has Bigger Problems than a Failed Website\u201d", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: \u201cObamaCare Has Bigger Problems than a Failed Website\u201d \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement today after President Obama continued to defend ObamaCare despite the fact that millions of Americans, including 108,000 Hoosiers, have lost their insurance.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cObamaCare has bigger problems than a failed website, just ask the thousands of Hoosiers who lost their insurance plans, the families bracing for unaffordable premium increases, or the seniors concerned they\u2019ll lose their doctors. President Obama\u2019s latest sales pitch can\u2019t fix the basic flaws of government-controlled health care. While President Obama is more concerned with campaigning for an unpopular law than fixing the real problems, House Republicans have introduced plans to repeal this unworkable law and reform our broken health care system with real solutions that expand choices, lower costs, and put patients first.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tCongressman Stutzman is a cosponsor of The American Health Care Reform Act, H.R. 3121, legislation to lower insurance costs, expand patient choices, and protect Americans with pre-existing conditions by bolstering innovative state-based solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223160631/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/a-time-to-give-thanks", "A Time to Give Thanks", "2013-11-28", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "While the first Thanksgiving Day feast occurred during the Pilgrims\u2019 and Indians\u2019 harvest celebration in the 1600s, it was President Abraham Lincoln who declared Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.\u00a0 The nation was torn by civil war, yet the President thought it fit to give thanks for America\u2019s many blessings.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,\u201d said Lincoln.\u00a0 \u201cTo these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come\u2026the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.\u201d\nAs I reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving, I can't help but recall fond memories from prior years.\u00a0 One of my favorites is a Thanksgiving gala performed several years back by my daughter's first grade class.\u00a0 All of the songs and costumes were great, but my favorite was a little song called: \"Let's Have a Gratitude Attitude!\" Dressed as Pilgrims and Indians, the students would sing the chorus \"let's have a gratitude attitude\" together and then one of the students would step forward to tell the audience something specific for which they were grateful.\u00a0 Answers varied from \"my Mom and Dad,\" to \"Jesus,\" to \"friends\" to \"my goldfish.\" It was all in good fun. But, the song reminds us all that Thanksgiving is a time to look past our struggles, thank the Lord and remember all of the small things that make our lives great. This Thanksgiving has particular meaning to the Messer family.\u00a0 We feel blessed by the opportunity to serve the people of Indiana\u2019s 6th Congressional District, and we appreciate the trust that voters have placed in us. While our nation\u2019s economic and fiscal difficulties continue, the future of health care is uncertain and many dwell on what divides us in Congress instead of what unites us, let us never forget that America is a blessed country that has faced big challenges before. The desire for freedom and the belief that government should not intrude on the everyday lives of its citizens are the very ideas that brought the Pilgrims to this land. These time-honored principles are the key to bringing prosperity back to our great country.\nWorking together, we can make a big difference for our state and our nation. So, enjoy time with family and friends during this holiday season. Then, let's get back to work the needed to move our country forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301165809/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-statement-on-supreme-court-s-decision-to-consider", "Congressman Messer Statement on Supreme Court\u2019s Decision to Consider Religious Rights Under Affordable Care Act", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdCongressman Luke Messer (IN-06) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds decision to hear two challenges to the Obama administration\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds health care mandate that requires employers to provide contraceptive coverage in their employee health insurance plans despite religious objections.\ufffd\ufffd\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdI am pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to hear these two important cases involving Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Woods. This case will have a huge impact on employers across the nation including a major employer in my district, Grote Industries, which is also fighting this mandate. \ufffd\ufffd\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdThe Federal government should not be able to discriminate against businesses because they refuse to pay for or participate in services that are absolutely contrary to their deeply-held religious beliefs.\ufffd\ufffdThat\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds why I have cosponsored legislation that would repeal the HHS mandate to provide contraception, ensure that people can abide by their religious convictions and uphold the protections afforded all Americans by the First Amendment.\n\ufffd\ufffd\ufffdI look forward to the Supreme Court\ufffd\ufffd\ufffds deliberations and hope that the Court will strike down this unconstitutional provision.\ufffd\ufffd?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-11-22-13", "Rokita Report 11-22-13", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here \u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer \u00a0@ToddRokita.\n\u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n November 17 Disaster - Surveying the Damage\nCreating Jobs Through Domestic Energy Production\nHelping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive Continues\nCongress on Your Corner Tuesday - Frankfort and Monticello\u00a0\n \nNovember 17 Disaster - Surveying the Damage  On Sunday, many parts of the Midwest were hit with violent storms and tornadoes. \u00a0Hoosiers were not spared from the damage the storms caused. \u00a0While the extent of the damage has yet to be fully measured, I am thankful that Indiana did not report a single loss of life in this tragedy. \u00a0\u00a0\n  Aerial View of Damage in Kokomo\u00a0\nImmediate Assistance  If you or someone you know is still displaced, or still in need of assistance, one helpful resource available to you would be your county emergency management agency (EMA). \u00a0For a county by county listing of EMA contacts, click\u00a0here. \u00a0\nIn addition,\u00a0there are also local non-profits like the American Red Cross, United Way, the Salvation Army, faith based groups and community service organizations who are providing help to Hoosiers impacted by the storm.\u00a0\u00a0\n  Gov. Pence, Mayor Franklin and Rep. Rokita Survey Damage in Logansport\u00a0\nAssessing Damage  On Tuesday, I joined with Governor Pence, Senator Donnelly, other state and local officials, and emergency responders to survey the damage. \u00a0\n  Mayor\u00a0Roswarski, Rep. Rokita, Gov. Pence Survey Damage at Subaru Indiana w/ SIA's Tom Easterday\nFrankly, pictures do not do the damage justice, but I was able to take some photos from the damage on the ground in Boone, Cass, Howard, and Tippecanoe\u00a0Counties that I wanted to share with you. \u00a0While the safety of Hoosiers was the top priority, you can see by the pictures that the damage to infrastructure and property is significant. \u00a0Our hearts go out to anyone who has suffered loss of property or disaster through this disaster.\u00a0\n  Mayor Lewis and Rep. Rokita Talk with Volunteers Cleaning Up Abner-Longley Southside Park in Lebanon\u00a0\nWhat impressed me most on Tuesday, and has always impressed me, is that through the visits I made on Tuesday to survey the damage was the caring and generosity all Hoosiers show each other. \u00a0Whether it was the children that were volunteering to clean up the park in Lebanon Tuesday afternoon, or the neighbors who were digging in to help begin the long cleanup and rebuilding process in Lafayette or Kokomo, Hoosiers didn't wait for someone to come help them. \u00a0It has always humbled me and will continue to inspire me that the people of this great state are so compassionate towards one another.\nMy staff and I remain in continual contact with emergency responders from every impacted county in the Fourth District. \u00a0I stand ready to work with them, as well as state and local officials to secure federal disaster assistance should it be necessary.\nReport Damage  While emergency response and clean up are underway, it is still vitally important to have a full accounting of the\u00a0property damage sustained during these storms, and I encourage everyone affected to report damage through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security as soon as reasonably possible. This will help local and state officials as they determine how to proceed with disaster recovery efforts. \u00a0You can report damage via the IDHS website here.\u00a0\nI also made remarks on the House floor to recognize the resiliency of Hoosiers during this trying week.\u00a0 Watch here.\n\u00a0\nCreating Jobs Through Domestic Energy Production\nThis week, the House considered a series of bills designed to create job growth through increased domestic energy production and streamlines a burdensome regulatory process that has led to increased energy costs.\nJob creation remains a top priority of mine. \u00a0These commonsense jobs bills will lead to thousands of American jobs and reduce the skyrocketing gas and energy prices that are preventing small businesses across Indiana and the nation from hiring new employees.\nIncreasing American energy production is the most critical step Congress can take to reduce energy prices now and in the future while creating thousands of new jobs. We must put a stop to the Obama administration\u2019s attack on domestic energy production. \u00a0Domestic energy leads to American jobs.\nFor more information on the pro-jobs energy bills passed this week, click the bill name below.\u00a0\nHelping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive Continues\nOur two district office locations are now accepting nonperishable food donation items for our annual holiday food drive through Friday, December 20.\nAs you'll recall, this is the second year in a row we are collecting food for local food pantries.\u00a0 Earlier this year, during the August town hall events, we also collected food items.\u00a0\u00a0Year-to-date, you have helped our offices collect 500 pounds of food.\u00a0\nOffice hours are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.\u00a0 Addresses for my Danville and Lafayette offices are below.\nObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue to Hit Mailboxes\nIt\u00a0has been widely reported that\u00a0millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their\u00a0insurance policies\u00a0due to\u00a0forced changes under ObamaCare.\u00a0 These cancellations come despite the promise made by the President, time and again, that, \"if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan.\"\u00a0 If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, please send me your insurance cancellation notices\u00a0at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n  Congress on Your Corner Events This Tuesday\nI will be holding Congress\u00a0on Your Corner events this Tuesday in Frankfort and Monticello.\u00a0 For full details click here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care. \u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090738/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/294", "Stutzman: Iran Deal \u201cRewards Our Enemies and Alienates Our Friends\u201d", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: Iran Deal \u201cRewards Our Enemies and Alienates Our Friends\u201d \n                      \r\n                      \tIndianapolis, IN \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman will deliver remarks tonight on the United States\u2019 relationship with Israel, the growing Iranian threat, and the recent agreement between the United States and Iran at the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Indiana Annual Event.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tExcerpts of his remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThe Geneva agreement that was announced over the weekend is, as Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summarized, a historic mistake. To put it simply, this deal rewards our enemies and alienates our friends.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThe Geneva agreement puts Israel in a box when our strategic interest has been and should be forcing Iran in a box.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cOur government should make it clear that a threat to Israel\u2019s freedom is a threat to freedom everywhere. We\u2019ve seen this clearly as Iran funds terror abroad and we can ill afford to see the consequences of a nuclear Iran.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cWhen life and liberty are at stake, trading security for a hollow political victory guarantees defeat. This misguided strategy risks permanent damage to our effort for peace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301163650/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-releases-statement-on-nuclear-deal-with-iran", "Congressman Luke Messer Releases Statement on Nuclear Deal with Iran", "2013-11-24", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06), who sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, released the following statement in response to the agreement finalized between Iran and the United States on Iran\u2019s nuclear program:\n\u201cWe all want a world free from a nuclear Iran. Unfortunately, the deal announced yesterday may make that less likely. The deal provides billions of dollars of sanctions relief to the Iranian regime while requiring only cosmetic changes in their nuclear program.\u00a0 A smarter course would be to strengthen sanctions until Iran agrees to give up its nuclear ambitions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140220233413/http://toddyoung.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=527", "Rep. Young announces 2014 service academy nominations", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Young", "Y000064", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Todd Young (R-IN9) announced on Friday his nominations for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy at Kings Point, NY; and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO.\n\n\t\u201cEach year when selecting military service academy nominations, I\u2019m inspired by the patriotism of our state\u2019s youth and their selfless desire to serve their country,\u201d said Young.\u00a0 \u201cThis year, nominees have once again shown exemplary leadership skills and devotion to a higher cause.\u00a0 As a U.S. Naval Academy Graduate, I take great pride in our 9th District nominees, and I hope that Hoosiers throughout the State of Indiana join me in acknowledging their tremendous amount of ambition.\u201d\n\n\tEach year in the fall, Congressman Young holds an informational Service Academy Day in the 9th District, in which representatives from each academy meet with interested high school students.\u00a0 Later in the fall, those wishing to apply meet with the nomination selection boards made up of southern Indiana residents put together by Young to help determine who will receive the 9th District nominations.\u00a0 While receiving a Congressional or Senatorial nomination is required for admission into U.S service academies, it does not guarantee admission.\u00a0\n\n\tStudents interested in applying for 2015 can find information online at http://toddyoung.house.gov/service-academy-nominations, or by calling the 9th District Constituent Service Center in Jeffersonville at (812) 288-3999.\n\n\tYoung\u2019s nominees for 2014 are:\n\n\tU.S. Military Academy at West Point\n\n\tAlexander Aukerman (Johnson County)\n\n\tJoshua E. Chaney (Lawrence County)\n\n\tTanner M. Cook (Floyd County)\n\n\tJohn Dever (Johnson County)\n\n\tChapman Johnson (Johnson County)\n\n\tNicholas Medlock (Washington County)\n\n\tAustin Montgomery (Johnson County)\n\n\tDennis Rumpel (Clark County)\n\n\tAnthony Thompson (Brown County)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tU.S. Naval Academy\n\n\tJoshua E. Chaney (Lawrence County)\n\n\tTanner M. Cook (Floyd County)\n\n\tHarrison Davis (Floyd County)\n\n\tBenjamin Delaney (Clark County)\n\n\tJohn Dever (Johnson County)\n\n\tMandy Dunlap (Floyd County)\n\n\tRoger Howard (Clark County)\n\n\tChapman Johnson (Johnson County)\n\n\tNoah Johnston (Floyd County)\n\n\tJulie Martin (Morgan County)\n\n\tNicholas Medlock (Washington County)\n\n\tJohn P. Morrison (Monroe County)\n\n\tAlexander Olson (Monroe County)\n\n\tDennis Rumpel (Clark County)\n\n\tCharmaine Solis (Harrison County)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tU.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point\n\n\tJoshua E. Chaney (Lawrence County)\n\n\tTanner M. Cook (Floyd County)\n\n\tNicholas Medlock (Washington County)\n\n\tDennis Rumpel (Clark County)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tU.S. Air Force Academy\n\n\tTimothy R. Bernier (Johnson County)\n\n\tJoshua E. Chaney (Lawrence County)\n\n\tTanner M. Cook (Floyd County)\n\n\tHarrison Davis (Floyd County)\n\n\tBenjamin Delaney (Clark County)\n\n\tJohn Dever (Johnson County)\n\n\tKyle Gordon (Johnson County)\n\n\tDennis Rumpel (Clark County)\n\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tIndiana\u2019s 9th District includes all or parts of Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson,\u00a0 Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties in south central Indiana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-%E2%80%93-domestic-energy-leads-american-job", "Release - Rokita \u2013 Domestic Energy Leads to American Job", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: Zach.Zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita \u2013 Domestic Energy Leads to American Jobs \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement after the passage of several pro-jobs domestic energy bills on Wednesday, November 20, and Thursday, November 21, 2013.\n\u201cJob creation remains a top priority of mine.\u00a0 These commonsense jobs bills will lead to thousands of American jobs and reduce the skyrocketing gas and energy prices that are crushing Hoosier families and preventing businesses from hiring new employees.\nIncreasing American energy production is the most critical step Congress can take to reduce energy prices now and in the future while creating thousands of new jobs. We must put a stop to the Obama administration\u2019s attacks on domestic energy production.\u00a0 Domestic energy leads to American jobs,\u201d said Rokita.\nThese bills, if they become law, will lead to job creation through increased domestic energy production and streamlining a burdensome regulatory process that has increased energy costs and slowed job growth.\n\u00a0\nLegislation Summary:\nProtecting States\u2019 Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728)  \n\tA bipartisan bill that prohibits the Interior Department from enforcing federal hydraulic fracturing regulations in any state that already has regulations and recognizes states\u2019 authority to regulate this type of activity.\nThis bill passed the House 235 to 187.\n\tFederal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act (H.R. 1965)  \n\tH.R. 1965 Protects and expands onshore American energy production and create new American jobs by streamlining government red-tape and regulations to improve onshore American energy leasing processes.\nThis bill passed the House 228 to 192.\nNatural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900)\nThis bill expedites the federal review process for natural gas pipeline permit applications.\nH.RES. 420 passed the House 225 to 194.\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-urges-fema-to-make-vital-data-accessible-for-social-media-use", "Brooks Urges FEMA to Make Vital Data Accessible for Social Media Use During Disasters", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications (EPRC) Chairman Susan W.\u00a0 Brooks (R-IN5), sent a bipartisan letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, W. Craig Fugate, urging FEMA to adopt open data standards to enhance information sharing in a disaster situation. In a July 9 EPRC hearing led by Brooks and Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA15) on the role of social media in an emergency situation, witnesses noted certain obstacles undermining the dissemination of vital, life-saving information. Of particular note, the hearing revealed that a significant amount of government data is only available via PDF or another unusable format for emergency personnel.\nAn Executive Order issued in May by the Administration directed government agencies to provide newly generated data in a publicly accessible machine readable and open format like CSV, SCML and JSON. In turn, emergency managers, first-responders, volunteer organizations will have timely access to life-saving information, and innovators can take advantage of the data to develop new products, like mobile applications, that can assist in an emergency situation.\n\u201cOne of the main\u00a0take-aways from the series of hearings the Subcommittee held\u00a0on\u00a0how\u00a0social media is transforming\u00a0emergency management was the need for the government to provide data in a readable and usable format,\u201d said Rep. Brooks. \u201cThis is especially important in disasters when critical\u00a0information can save lives. Just this week, I visited storm damaged communities in Indiana where local emergency management agencies harnessed the power of social media to keep citizens informed and safe. I look forward to working with FEMA to ensure the data they\u00a0provide can be leveraged in the most efficient and effective\u00a0way possible.\u201d\nIn the letter, Brooks requested FEMA provide an update on their progress collecting and creating data in an open format. The letter was signed by Reps. Swalwell, Peter King (R-NY2), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ10), Steven Palazzo (R-MS4) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY9).\n\u201cFrom the devastating tornados this past weekend in Illinois and Indiana to Superstorm Sandy, we know the game-changing power of social media when disaster strikes, whether it be Twitter and Facebook, mobile applications, or Google Docs,\u201d said Rep. Swalwell. \u201cSocial media alerts can lead people to safety before a storm strikes and direct them to important resources like food and shelter after the event. I want to ensure that FEMA follows through on implementing the Executive Order in a timely fashion so their data is open and accessible for those who need it in a catastrophic emergency situation.\u201d\n\u201cSocial media has revolutionized the way we respond to disasters,\u201d said Rep. Payne, Jr. \u201cAfter Hurricane Sandy, survivors used social media to reconnect with loved ones; to share information about which gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies were open; and to coordinate volunteer efforts.\u00a0 Big data technologies can be used to facilitate more effective, efficient emergency response, but we need to make sure that the information made available is usable.\u00a0 That\u2019s why it is critical FEMA provide our emergency responders the tools and life-saving information in a readable format so that they can respond more appropriately and effectively in times of emergency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-house-advances-commonsense-energy-bills-to-create-more-jobs/", "Walorski: House advances commonsense energy bills to create more jobs", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 21, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- This week, the House of Representatives passed three bill to address energy needs, lower energy costs, and create more jobs for American families.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski voted for each measure as part of her continued efforts to create more jobs, move toward energy independence, and eliminate overreaching federal regulations.\nThis week, the House advanced commonsense energy bills to create more jobs.  Times are still tough for many families, but there are certain steps we can take to create jobs and reduce energy costs using our own available resources.  As we approach the holidays and prepare for winter weather, Hoosiers deserve to know that Congress is proactively passing bills that will help lower their heating bills and get people back to work, said Walorski.\nSummary of House Passed Bills:\nThe Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act (H.R. 1965): Reduces government red tape, streamlines regulations, and promotes onshore development of oil, natural gas, and renewable energy.\nThe Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act (H.R. 2728): Limits the Administration's ability to impose duplicative federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing in any state that already has hydraulic fracturing regulations.  This bipartisan legislation allows states to regulate this type of energy production while still permitting the federal government to issue baseline standards for hydraulic fracturing in states where no regulations exist.\nThe Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act (H.R. 1900): Provides Americans families with access to affordable energy by expediting infrastructure expansion and modernizing the gas pipeline approval process while ensuring environmental safeguards remain in place.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085002/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/293", "Stutzman: \u201cHoosiers Deserve an All-of-the-Above Energy Plan\u201d", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: \u201cHoosiers Deserve an All-of-the-Above Energy Plan\u201d \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement today after the House passed three bills this week to enhance domestic energy security and encourage job growth.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cFrom ObamaCare\u2019s premium increases to the red tape holding back job growth, Washington is making daily life unaffordable for too many Americans. When energy prices rise, Hoosiers feel the squeeze at the gas pump, the checkout line and their monthly utility bills. Families are already stretching to make ends meet and Washington is making it worse by ignoring American energy opportunities. Hoosiers deserve an all-of-the-above energy plan that lowers prices, develops new resources, and encourages real job growth. This week the House passed three separate common-sense bills to do exactly that.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cOver the past month, President Obama and Senate Democrats have lost credibility with the American people. If they\u2019re serious about rebuilding that trust they should start by realizing that the solution can\u2019t be bigger government. They can start by supporting these three energy and jobs bills.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On Wednesday, November 20, 2013, the House passed H.R. 1965, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act of 2013, to expand onshore energy production.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Additionally, the House passed H.R. 2728, the Protecting States\u2019 Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act, to responsibly expand opportunities for hydraulic fracturing.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, today the House passed H.R. 1900, the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act, to speed up the federal government\u2019s review of applications for natural gas pipeline certificates.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090746/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/292", "Stutzman: CFPB \u201cDisgracefully Unaccountable, Even by Washington\u2019s Standards\u201d", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: CFPB \u201cDisgracefully Unaccountable, Even by Washington\u2019s Standards\u201d \n                       House Committee on Financial Services approves CFPB reform bills \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued the following statement today as the committee moves a legislative package forward to bring accountability to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cVirtually unaccountable to Congress, the President and even the courts, the CFPB may as well be the fourth branch of government. While the agency holds vast control over the personal choices of everyday Americans, it is disgracefully unaccountable\u2014even by Washington\u2019s standards.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cConsumers must be protected from an agency with so much power over the kinds of checking accounts, credit cards, and mortgages families can and cannot use. Americans deserve choices, competition and transparent markets, not command-and-control bureaucracies. That\u2019s exactly why we\u2019re working to enact responsible checks and balances that will hold the CFPB accountable and serve consumers best.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tToday, the Financial Services Committee held a markup of the following CFPB reform bills:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 2385, the CFPB Pay Fairness Act of 2013\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 2446, the Responsible Consumer Financial Protection Regulations Act of 2013\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 2571, the Consumer Right to Financial Privacy Act of 2013\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 3183, a bill to provide consumers with a free annual disclosure of information the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection maintains on them.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 3193, the Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Improvement Act of 2013\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 H.R. 3519, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Accountability and Transparency Act of 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090758/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/291", "Stutzman Congratulates Senator Richard Lugar for Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Congratulates Senator Richard Lugar for Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement today, congratulating Senator Richard Lugar on receiving the nation\u2019s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cDuring his years of service, Senator Lugar embodied the spirit of civility and resolve that Hoosiers expect. Indiana\u2019s distinguished statesman protected American security at home and made the world a safer place by reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction. Like so many Hoosiers across our great state, I congratulate Senator Lugar, celebrate this well-deserved honor, and offer my thanks for his lasting achievements.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-surveys-storm-damage-boone-cass-howard-and-tippecanoe-counties", "Release - Rokita Surveys Storm Damage in Boone, Cass, Howard, and Tippecanoe Counties", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2013\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: Zach.Zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita Surveys Storm Damage - Update \nDanville, IN \u2013 Today Rep. Todd Rokita joined Governor Mike Pence, Senator Joe Donnelly and other state and local elected officials, as well as emergency management officials in touring areas of Boone, Cass, Howard and Tippecanoe impacted by Sunday\u2019s storms.\u00a0\n\u201cThe toll of the damage from yesterday\u2019s storms is just starting to become clear.\u00a0 As bad as the losses are in property and possessions for families and businesses, the good news is that no lives were lost.\u00a0 I stand ready to assist local authorities in getting federal disaster relief to those who need it should it be necessary,\u201d Rokita said. \u201cMaybe the most encouraging thing I saw today was Hoosiers helping Hoosiers.\u00a0 No one was waiting around for help.\u00a0 People were just pitching in to help family, friends, neighbors and complete strangers in need.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nRokita and his staff remain in continual contact with emergency management personnel from every county in the Fourth District to stay updated on local conditions.\u00a0\nBelow is a summary of what Rep. Rokita saw on the ground.\u00a0 Links to photo albums from the day are linked.\nEarlier today, Rokita commented on the severity of the storm, and the need for Hoosiers to report any and all damage the State of Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Link.\nKokomo Link to photos\nThe damage in Kokomo was indiscriminate, hitting houses and businesses.\u00a0 In some neighborhoods, homes with little damage stood next to homes that were nearly destroyed.\u00a0 One home was ripped from its foundation with water pipes spraying uncontrollably in what was once a basement.\u00a0 Kokomo appears to have been the hardest hit community.\nLafayette Link to photos\nIn Lafayette, Rokita visited Southwestern Middle School, Subaru Indiana, and Voestalpine.\u00a0 Southwestern Middle School and Voestalpine were in shambles.\u00a0 Local officials pledge to get students back in classrooms as quickly as possible. Luckily no one was injured at Subaru\u2019s and Voestalpine\u2019s facilities, and repair work is under way to get Hoosiers back to work.\nLebanon Link to photos\nDuring the stop in Lebanon, the tour went through the hardest hit neighborhoods.\u00a0 Homes and trees were ripped apart, but through it all, the community came together to be there for another.\u00a0 Hoosiers were helping other Hoosiers and there were dozens of children volunteering to clean debris from Abner Longly Southside Park\u00a0 This is why America and Indiana is so exceptional, we don\u2019t want for help, we just start helping each other.\u00a0 Damage was serious throughout the industrial park.\nLogansport Link to photos\nSeveral businesses and plenty of homes were damaged in Cass County.\u00a0 The ARaymond factory lost part of its roof, a women\u2019s clothing store had roof damage and water damage inside.\u00a0 Roofs were ripped off homes and the Logansport BMV endured water damage.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140308223022/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-republicans-deliver-a-better-way-to-health-care-reform-0", "House Republicans Deliver a Better Way to Health Care Reform", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (November 19, 2013)\u2014Today Congressman Luke Messer hosted a special order hour in the U.S. House \u00a0dedicated to the American Health Care Reform Act (H.R. 3121).\u00a0 Produced by the Republican Study Committee, the bill provides a free-market patient-centered alternative to the Affordable Care Act. \u00a0\n\u201cThe President\u2019s health care law has hurt more people than it has helped,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cTaxes are going up. Premiums are rising to unaffordable levels and workers\u2019 hours are being cut.\u00a0 People are losing the plans they like. After more than $500 million spent, the website doesn\u2019t even work.\u00a0 Americans needed genuine health care reform before President Obama signed his signature law\u2014and we still do.\u00a0 \u00a0That\u2019s why I am proud to co-sponsor the American Health Care Reform Act.\u201d\nH.R. 3121 fully repeals the President\u2019s health care law. It spurs competition to lower health care costs by allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines and allows small businesses to pool together to get the same buying power as large corporations.\nThe American Health Care Reform Act also gives families the ability to deduct health care costs on their taxes and addresses the medical liability crisis which has played a significant role in escalating health care costs.\u00a0\nTo view the bill in its entirety click here\nFor a clip of Congressman Messer\u2019s quote click here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-surveys-storm-damage-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cpictures-don%E2%80%99t-do-it-justice%E2%80%9D", "Release - Rokita Surveys Storm Damage \u2013 \u201cPictures Don\u2019t Do It Justice\u201d", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2013 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\n\tContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: Zach.Zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n Rokita Surveys Storm Damage \u2013 \u201cPictures Don\u2019t Do It Justice\u201d \n Encourages Hoosiers to Report Damage \n\u00a0\nDanville, IN \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita today joined Governor Mike Pence, Senator Joe Donnelly, Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, State Senators, State Representatives, emergency responders, and local elected officials of Kokomo, Logansport, and Lafayette to survey damage caused by the storms that visited Indiana on Sunday.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  Rokita talks with Kokomo residents regarding the storm damage\n\u00a0\n\u201cFirst and foremost, we must thank God for protecting all Hoosiers through this natural disaster. We are fortunate to not see a report of a single Hoosier casualty due to these storms. Pictures do not do this damage justice.\u00a0 While that is good news, we are facing a difficult situation with significant damage to infrastructure and property.\u00a0 The primary focus right now is on helping those people who are in immediate need of shelter or relief.\n\u201cMy staff and I have been in regular contact with emergency management personnel from every county in the Fourth District to get an update on local conditions as they continue to assess the damage to infrastructure and to people\u2019s homes.\u00a0 I stand ready to work with state and local officials to secure federal disaster assistance should it be necessary.\n\u201cHoosiers have always shown that we are always willing and able to help one another in times of crisis, and we\u2019ve already seen that proven true again today,\u201d said Rokita.\nThe Red Cross has setup a shelter in Kokomo for those displaced at Memorial Gym (200 N. Apperson Way).\u00a0 Additional shelters are under consideration for Boone and Tippecanoe Counties.\nRokita also encourages Hoosiers who have not yet reported damage caused by the storms to do so by visiting www.in.gov/dhs. Rokita also distributed an update from IDHS on preliminary damage assessments that will begin tomorrow in four central Indiana counties.\n\u201cIt\u2019s vitally important to have a full accounting of the property damage sustained by Hoosiers during the recent storms and flooding, and I encourage everyone affected to report damage through IDHS as soon as reasonably possible. This will help local and state officials as they determine how to proceed with disaster recovery efforts,\u201d said Rokita.\nAccording to an IDHS release, Hoosiers who sustained damage caused by severe weather on November 17 can report online at www.in.gov/dhs. In the middle of the page under \u201cFeatured Topics,\u201d click on \u201cReport Damage from Severe Storms and Flooding \u2013 November 17.\u201d\nThe full text of today\u2019s release from IDHS is below.\n\u00a0\n-30-\n\u00a0\nHOOSIERS CAN REPORT DAMAGE FROM SEVERE STORMS ONLINE\n\u00a0Hoosiers who sustained damage caused by severe weather on November 17 can report damage online at: https://myoracle.in.gov/hs/damage/ia-public.do?method=active&incidentId=IA20131118083856.\n\tA link to the form is also available on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) website at in.gov/dhs. In the middle of the page under \"Featured Topics,\" click on \"Report Damage from Severe Weather - November 17\"\n\tIndividuals will be asked to provide their name, address, phone number and type of damage the property sustained. Losses can include structural damage to homes and loss of personal property.\n\tFOR QUESTIONS  \n\tFor questions, contact your county emergency management agency. Local agency's contact information is available at https://www.in.gov/dhs/2797.htm.\u00a0\n\tIF YOU DO NOT HAVE INTERNET ACCESS  \n\tIndividuals without Internet access are encouraged to contact a friend, family member or neighbor for assistance. Web access is also available at many libraries, religious institutions, community centers or other public facilities. If none of those options are available, individuals may also contact their county emergency management agency to report damage.\n\tTHIS REPORT IS NOT AN APPLICATION FOR ANY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM  \n\tThis is NOT an application for a grant with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Information will be used to help local emergency management agencies and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security preliminarily assess damage to determine if federal assistance can be pursued.\nMedia Contact Info IDHS public information officer on duty at 317.234.6713 or pio@dhs.in.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-reflects-on-storm-damage-after-visiting-5th-district-counties", "Brooks Reflects on Storm Damage After Visiting 5th District Counties", "2013-11-18", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) surveyed storm damage today in Hamilton, Tipton and Grant Counties. In Grant County, she was joined by Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, Mayor Wayne Seybold and State Representative Kevin Mahan.\u00a0\n\u201cI am deeply saddened by the destruction and loss too many Hoosier communities are facing right now. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by yesterday\u2019s storms. On behalf of 5th District residents, I\u2019d like to extend my most sincere thanks to our tremendous first responders who acted quickly and courageously to protect the lives and property of so many Hoosiers. Too often, we take their efforts for granted. This was a powerful reminder of the essential and exceptional services they provide.\u00a0\nIn Atlanta (IN), Jackson Fire Territory Chief Steve White told me of volunteer firefighters who bravely continued working even as their own fire department building sustained significant structural damage. In Marion (IN), I met a police officer who fearlessly attempted to rescue a family trapped within an overturned trailer. I also witnessed many utility workers attending to broken lines so that Hoosier families could regain access to power as quickly as possible.\nMany of our local police, fire and emergency management departments deserve additional applause for their smart use of social media during this very difficult time. The alerts and tips they provided residents were timely and useful and undoubtedly save lives.\u00a0\nSince taking office, I have seen Hoosiers repeatedly rally together when faced with challenging circumstances. I know that this occasion will be no different. We will all work together to help our communities recover and rebuild.\u201d\nHoosiers needing to report damage can go to the following link: https://myoracle.in.gov/hs/damage/ia-public.do?method=active&incidentId=IA20131118083856. Local county emergency management agencies can also help those in need of assistance. For a list of local contacts, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-repeal-obamacare-still-goal", "Release - Rokita: Repeal of ObamaCare Still Goal", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 15, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nRokita: Repeal of ObamaCare Still Goal\nWashington, DC \u2013Representative Todd Rokita released the following statement\u00a0 after helping lead passage of the Keep Your Health Plan Act, H.R. 3350.\u00a0 H.R. 3350, legislation cosponsored by Rokita, that prevents ObamaCare from forcing millions of Americans from their individual health insurance plans.\u00a0 The bill passed with bipartisan support 261-157.\n\u201cReal people are feeling real pain due to the harmful impact of ObamaCare and I will continue standing up for them by chipping away at this law, and working for its complete repeal.\u00a0 Millions of Americans are finding out the hard way that the President willfully deceived the American people when he told them they could keep their insurance, underscoring just how insidious ObamaCare really is.\u00a0 Hoosiers like Rick Lee of Plainfield (see attached), who contacted me last week about his cancellation letter and the fact that he now will have to purchase more expensive insurance he simply does not want or need.\u201d said Rokita.\n  Rick Lee (Plainfield) shows his cancellation letter\nEstimates vary as to how many Americans may lose their current health insurance plan under ObamaCare.\u00a0 The Obama Administration\u2019s own Federal Register, in 2010, estimated as many 93 million would lose their insurance plan.\u00a0 Despite that knowledge, the President continued to repeat the lie that Americans could keep their insurance plans.\u00a0\nRokita added, \u201cContrary to the ObamaCare\u2019s government knows best philosophy, health care reform should focus on patients and the best outcome for each individual.\u00a0 I introduced the American Health Care Reform Act with these ideas in mind.\u00a0 We must control health care costs by harnessing free-market principles and not the heavy hand of government price controls in ObamaCare that is hurting Hoosiers.\u201d\nHonest reforms like Rokita\u2019s American Health Care Reform Act, introduced in September, offer patient-centered, free market health care solutions that increase competition, lower costs, improve access for vulnerable Americans, and reform medical liability law.\u00a0 Learn more about the American Health Care Reform Act here.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-announces-11-26-congress-your-corner-events", "Rokita Announces 11-26 Congress on Your Corner Events", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rokita Announces 11-26 Congress on Your Corner Events                     Rep. Todd Rokita                      \n              Nov 15, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \nRep. Todd Rokita will be hosting Congress on Your Corner events on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 in Monticello and Frankfort.\nWhat: Congress on Your Corner  When: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm  Where:  Monticello-Union Township Library  \n\t321 West Broadway  \n\tMonticello, IN  Map It!\nWhat: Congress on Your Corner  When: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm  Where:  Frankfort City Building\n\tCity Council Chambers - Lower Level\n\t301 East Clinton Street\n\tFrankfort, IN 46041  Map It!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/speech/rokita-report-11-15-13", "Rokita Report 11-15-13", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook page by clicking here  or follow me on Twitter if you prefer  @ToddRokita.\n\u00a0\n  In this week's Rokita Report\n Rokita Readings - Is Welfare the New Normal?\nProtecting Hoosiers from ObamaCare - Repealing ObamaCare is Still the Goal\nCommittee Hearing - ObamaCare's Impact on Schools, Colleges, and Universities\nTeam Rokita Recognizes 15q Day - Supports Angelman Syndrome\nHelping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive Continues\n   Rokita Readings  A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\nFeatured in this week's Rokita Readings is an Investor's Business Daily (IBD) editorial I recently read titled, \"Is Welfare the New Normal?\"\nI read this several weeks ago, and decided to forward it now because earlier this week WLFI ran a story regarding SNAP benefits and an anticipated vote on a Farm Bill that is being debated in a Senate-House Conference Committee. Much of the debate has hinged on reforms to our food stamp program.\nIn our communities and across our country, we must have a serious debate about how best to help our neighbors in need, and first, who really is in need on a relative basis. As IBD's editorial concludes, we are seeing record numbers of spending on welfare, welfare dependents, and working age Americans no longer in the labor force, several years since the Great Recession officially ended. We must have an honest debate about these numbers, who to help, how best to help, and how not to take money from our children and grandchildren in doing it.\n\u00a0\n  Repeal of ObamaCare Still the Goal  \n\t\t\t\t\tThis week, the House passed legislation, the Keep Your Health Plan Act that I cosponsored to help prevent ObamaCare from forcing millions of Americans from their individual health plans. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support 261-157.\nReal people are feeling real pain due to the harmful impact of ObamaCare and I will continue standing up for them by chipping away at this law, and working for its complete repeal. The President willfully deceived the American people when he told them they could keep their insurance, underscoring just how insidious ObamaCare really is. Hoosiers like Rick Lee of Plainfield, who contacted me last week about his cancellation letter, are upset that they now will have to purchase more expensive insurance they simply do not want or need.\nThe Obama Administration\u2019s own Federal Register, in 2010, estimated up to 93 million could lose their insurance plan. While millions are losing their preferred plans, others are having difficulty signing up for the federal exchanges.\nThe Obama Administration announced this week that just 26,000 Americans successfully enrolled in the federal health care exchanges. In Indiana, only about 700 Hoosiers signed up.\nClearly, and in contrast to the ObamaCare\u2019s government knows best philosophy, health care reform should focus on patients and the best outcome for each individual. Honest reforms like the American Health Care Reform Act, which I introduced in September, offer patient-centered, free market health care solutions that increase competition, lower costs, improve access for vulnerable Americans, and reform medical liability law. Learn more about the American Health Care Reform Act here.\n\u00a0\n  ObamaCare's Impact on Schools, Colleges, and Universities\nOn Thursday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing to examine the impact that ObamaCare is having on our schools, colleges, and universities.\nYou can watch my exchange with witnesses here:\nEvery day we learn more of the harmful effects of ObamaCare, a law that we were told by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi we would have to \"pass it to find out what's in it.\" Hoosiers are learning the negative impact that this redistributive law is having on our schools, in addition to the rest of our lives.\nSchools across Indiana are being forced to cut hours, and in some cases employees because they cannot meet the financial demands placed on them by ObamaCare regulations and skyrocketing insurance premiums. This is depriving students of many key support staff and instructional aides.\nIn our colleges and universities, like Ivy Tech Community College, part-time instructors are being forced to teach less hours, limiting the access of students to experienced instructors.\nThis is just one more example of the unintended consequences of ObamaCare and why it is so important we must continue to fight to protect Hoosiers by delaying, defunding, and repealing it.\nFor more information on the hearing or to watch an archived webcast, click here.\n  Team Rokita Recognizes 15q Day - Supports Angelman Syndrome\nOn Friday, Team Rokita dressed in blue to recognize International 15q Day, a day to raise awareness of the similarities between Angelman, Prader-Willi, and Chromosome 15q Duplication syndromes. All three are genetic disorders and their complications originate in the 15th chromosome.\nMy son, Teddy, who is nearly 6 years old, was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome in 2010. Angelman significantly impairs his capacity for motor development and severely inhibits his intellectual development. In addition to that, it is likely he will never speak. But through his challenges, he is such an inspiration to everyone he meets. We do not know what Teddy\u2019s ultimate impact on this world will be, but we know it will be great.\nI also made remarks on the House floor to recognize 15q Day and thank my staff for their help today. You can view those remarks here.\nLearn more about 15q Day and Angelman Syndrome here.\n\u00a0\n  Helping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive\nOur two district office locations are now accepting nonperishable food donation items for our annual holiday food drive through Friday, December 20.\nAs you'll recall, this is the second year in a row we are collecting food for local food pantries. Earlier this year, during the August town hall events, we also collected food items. Year-to-date, you have helped our offices collect 500 pounds of food.\nOffice hours are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Addresses for my Danville and Lafayette offices are below.\n  ObamaCare Insurance Cancellations Continue to Hit Mailboxes\nIt has been widely reported that millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their insurance policies due to forced changes under ObamaCare. These cancellations come despite the promise made by the President, time and again, that, \"if you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your plan.\" If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, please send me your insurance cancellation notices at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\n\u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    \n\t\t\t\t\tTodd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-president-obama-s-broken-promise", "Brooks Statement on President Obama\u2019s Broken Promise", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of House Resolution 3350 \u2013 the Keep Your Health Plan Act \u2013 which allows health insurance plans currently offered through the individual marketplace to be offered through 2014:\n\u201cMore than 3.5 million Americans on the individual marketplace have seen their healthcare plans cancelled because of Obamacare. By giving insurance companies the flexibility to renew cancelled plans for one more year, the Keep Your Health Plan Act will help some of these individuals regain the coverage they want and need. However, the ultimate truth is simple: because of Obamacare these people will eventually lose their plans. This is simply not acceptable.\nPresident Obama made a tremendous error when he told the American people they could keep their health insurance if they liked it. This statement is clearly a broken promise and he has since apologized. But apologies aren\u2019t enough when people\u2019s access to quality and affordable healthcare is hanging in the balance. Apologies aren\u2019t enough when people are forced to spend hours trying to replace cancelled insurance on a web site that is woefully inadequate. This is no time for pride, it\u2019s time for action. It\u2019s time to start over and work on sensible reforms that increase access to quality and affordable care.\n5th District Hoosiers continue to reach out to me at public forums, on the phone, through the mail and via social media to share their frustrations with Obamacare. This is the number one issue they talk to me about because too many of them have lost coverage, lost work hours or been otherwise victimized by the careless implementation of this law. They deserve better, and I will continue to make sure their voices are heard.\u201d\nIt\u2019s estimated that the policies of over 100,000 Hoosiers on the individual marketplace are at risk because of Obamacare. Concerned Hoosiers can share their Obamacare stories with Congresswoman Brooks by visiting\u00a0https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/contact/share-your-story-zipauth.\u00a0\nH.R. 3350 was passed the House or Representatives this afternoon. For more information on the legislation, please visit: https://www.gop.gov/bill/113/1/hr3350.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=498", "Dr. Bucshon: These are real stories that affect real people", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday afternoon, Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician, spoke on the House floor and shared stories from constituents who have contacted his office through his webpage, www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory, and on social media.\rA full script of the speech is included below. To access the video, click here. \rMr. Speaker, as a physician, my goal is to make certain that every American has access to quality affordable health care.\rThe President and Congressional Democrats promised that you can keep your health insurance if you like it.\rWell, we learned yesterday that in my home state of Indiana only 701 Hoosiers have signed up successfully for the Affordable Care Act while over 108,000 Hoosiers have had their current plans cancelled.\rI think the people know this promise has not been kept.\rMary from Evansville, Indiana wrote to me about this very thing. She said: Our insurance is excellent. I had a heart attack a year ago - we met our deductible this year, but insurance has paid for everything recommended, including 2 months of cardiac rehab, prescriptions, and hernia surgery this summer. My insurance and my doctors saved my life, and now both are at risk.'\rOn Facebook, Andrea wrote that she was able to extend a plan for her and her son until next December, and then it would be cancelled. She went on to say, What happened to if you want to keep your healthcare, you can?'\rAnd finally Allen summed up his frustration in one sentence: I will not have insurance beginning January 1. End of story.'\rMr. Speaker, these are real stories that affect real people; hardworking families just trying to get by.\rMr. Speaker, we need to hold the President and Congressional Democrats to their promise. \rEarlier this week, Bucshon asked for constituents to share their experiences with the Affordable Care Act with him via the website, www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory. Constituents are still encouraged to send these stories through the webpage, social media, letters, or by calling Bucshon's office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-applauds-passage-of-the-keep-your-health-plan-act/", "WALORSKI APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF THE KEEP YOUR HEALTH PLAN ACT", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, November 15, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, a bill she co-sponsored:\nToday's vote represents a step in the right direction for Hoosiers and Americans across the country.  This commonsense legislation restores the broken promise President Obama made to the American people by ensuring they can keep the health care plans they like and need into next year.  \nI continue to hear shocking stories from Hoosiers across the Second District reporting cancelled plans, higher premiums, and fewer care options due to Obamacare.  It is unfair for our families to enter the holiday season under additional stress and frustration because of this disastrous health care rollout.\nDespite the president's veto threat, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote on this bill immediately so that Americans can keep their health care plans and regain some peace of mind.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182548/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-these-are-real-stories-affect-real-people", "Dr. Bucshon: These are real stories that affect real people", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday afternoon, Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician, spoke on the House floor and shared stories from constituents who have contacted his office through his webpage, www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory, and on social media.\nA full script of the speech is included below.\u00a0 To access the video, click here. \u00a0\n\u201cMr. Speaker, as a physician, my goal is to make certain that every American has access to quality affordable health care.\n\u201cThe President and Congressional Democrats promised that you can keep your health insurance if you like it.\n\u201cWell, we learned yesterday that in my home state of Indiana only 701 Hoosiers have signed up successfully for the Affordable Care Act while over 108,000 Hoosiers have had their current plans cancelled.\n\u201cI think the people know this promise has not been kept.\n\u201cMary from Evansville, Indiana wrote to me about this very thing. She said:\u00a0 \u2018Our insurance is excellent. I had a heart attack a year ago - we met our deductible this year, but insurance has paid for everything recommended, including 2 months of cardiac rehab, prescriptions, and hernia surgery this summer. My insurance and my doctors saved my life, and now both are at risk.\u2019\n\u201cOn Facebook, Andrea wrote that she was able to extend a plan for her and her son until next December, and then it would be cancelled.\u00a0 She went on to say, \u2018What happened to if you want to keep your healthcare, you can?\u2019\u201d\n\u201cAnd finally Allen summed up his frustration in one sentence: \u2018I will not have insurance beginning January 1. End of story.\u2019\n\u201cMr. Speaker, these are real stories that affect real people; hardworking families just trying to get by.\n\u201cMr. Speaker, we need to hold the President and Congressional Democrats to their promise.\u201d \nEarlier this week, Bucshon asked for constituents to share their experiences with the Affordable Care Act with him via the website, www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.\u00a0 Constituents are still encouraged to send these stories through the webpage, social media, letters, or by calling Bucshon\u2019s office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140308223051/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-votes-for-hoosiers-to-have-the-right-to-keep", "Congressman Luke Messer Votes for Hoosiers to have the Right to Keep Their Health Care Plans", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (November 15, 2013)\u2014Today Congressman Luke Messer voted for H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act.\u00a0 The bill gives tens of thousands of Hoosiers the ability to keep their health care plans despite receiving cancellation letters due to the Affordable Care Act.\n\u201cMore than 108,000 Hoosiers are set to lose the health care plan they chose because of the President\u2019s health care law mandates,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer.\u00a0 \u201cWhile we work toward suspending the Affordable Care Act and finding a long term solution to our nation\u2019s health care crisis, this bill will allow patients to remain in charge of their own health care.\u201d\nH.R. 3350 allows plans available on the individual market today to be offered next year and provides millions of Americans the opportunity to keep their policies in 2014. \u00a0The bill also ensures that Americans keeping their plans would not face a penalty under the Affordable Care Act\u2019s individual mandate.\u00a0\nThe Keep Your Health Plan Act passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 261 to 157 with 39 Democrats supporting it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-hoosiers-tired-of-broken-promises", "Brooks: Hoosiers Tired of Broken Promises", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services announced that only 701 Hoosiers have successfully signed up for healthcare plans on the Obamacare exchanges:\n\u201cHealthcare.gov is a broken web site and Obamacare is a broken law. Too many of my constituents have had their insurance plans cancelled because of Obamacare. Too many of my constituents have been forced to navigate a website that simply doesn\u2019t function properly.\nThese low enrollment numbers prove that Hoosiers are frustrated by the careless implementation of Obamacare. They\u2019re tired of this administration\u2019s broken promises and want a better path forward.\u201d\u00a0\nThe figures reflect those who enrolled between October 1st and November 2nd. Overall, just over 106,000 Americans were able to sercure a plan during the first month of enrollment. For national numbers, and Hoosier specific figures, go to: https://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2013/MarketPlaceEnrollment/rpt_enrollment.pdf. State numbers begin on page nine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=425", "Dr. Bucshon questions EPA Administrator", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dr. Bucshon questions EPA Administrator \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, DC,\r\n        November 14, 2013\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    \r    \r    At a Science hearing on Thursday, Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician, questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy about the impact of the administration's new coal regulations on Indiana.\rWatch the full exchange by clicking on the image below.\r\rIn September, the Administration announced new regulations that are likely to prevent the construction of new coal-fired plants.\rIn late October, Dr. Bucshon joined over 5,000 Americans from the coal industry at the American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington, DC where he spoke about these regulations. Pictures from the event can be found here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/replarrybucshon/sets/72157637672956503/. \rYou can also click this link to access the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcGzyQ-p80&list=PL4CE9BC61F1ADA6A6&index=1.\r    \r      \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://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=458", "Bucshon selected for second conference committee", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bucshon selected for second conference committee \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, DC,\r\n        November 14, 2013\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    \r    \r    On Thursday, Congressman Larry Bucshon was appointed as a conferee on the Water Resource Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) by Speaker of the House John Boehner and Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bill Shuster.\rI am honored to be selected, for the second time in my Congressional tenure, as a conferee on legislation that is important to Indiana, said Bucshon. The 8th district is home to the Mt. Vernon Port, which is one of the largest inland ports in the Nation and I look forward to bringing the perspective of all of our state's ports and waterways to the table as we craft this critical legislation. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from both chambers of Congress to help improve our nation's water infrastructure and economy.\rWRRDA passed the House on October 23, 2013 by a vote of 417 to 3 and provides reforms to our nation's water transportation system that are critical for Indiana's ports and waterways.\rDr. Bucshon has been a tremendous advocate for Indiana's waterways and ports, said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. The water resource legislation includes a number of important policy initiatives crucial to Indiana's Ohio River and Lake Michigan ports. These include reconstruction of federal navigation locks, maintenance of deep draft harbors, and preservation of commerce through the Chicago Area Waterway System. As a member of the House-Senate conference committee, Dr. Bucshon will have a seat at the table for crafting this final version of the legislation and is well positioned to protect Indiana's interests.\rAs a House conferee, Bucshon will work to develop a final version of the WRRDA bill with his Senate colleagues.\rDr. Bucshon has been a valuable member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Rep. Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I am pleased that he will continue his contribution as a conferee on WRRDA. Dr. Bucshon will play an integral role in working with our Senate colleagues to ensure our country has an efficient and effective water transportation system.\rLast year, Bucshon was selected as a conferee on the Surface Highway Transportation Bill Reauthorization during the 112th Congress.\r    \r      \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://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=503", "Dr. Bucshon on ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dr. Bucshon on ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers \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, DC,\r\n        November 14, 2013\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    \r    \r    Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that only 701 Hoosiers have selected healthcare plans via the failing healthcare.gov website in the first month. In comparison, according to state officials, more than 108,000 Hoosiers have received cancellation notices due to the law.\rAs a physician, I want every American to have access to quality, affordable health care, but this law is only creating obstacles for families, not solutions, said Bucshon. More Hoosiers have lost coverage than have signed up for plans under ObamaCare. The flawed website is only a symptom of more systemic failures. Despite the President's promises, Hoosiers are receiving cancellation notices for plans they like, they are at risk of losing their current physician they know and trust, and many are faced with higher costs for inferior coverage. These are real stories that affect real hardworking families who are just trying to make it.\rNationally, 27,000 Americans have enrolled in federal run exchanges and 79,000 Americans have enrolled in state-based exchanges, bringing the total to only 106,185. An enormous failure when compared to the President's September projection of 494,620 enrollees.\rAccording to the Washington Times, more than 4.2 million Americans have had their health insurance policies cancelled thanks to ObamaCare and the number could triple over the next few months. (Washington Times; 11/13/13)\rHHS classifies enrollees as individuals who have paid the first month's premium and those who have not yet paid the first month's premium.\rBucshon has asked 8th District constituents to share their healthcare stories or experiences through the webpage www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.\r    \r      \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://web.archive.org/web/20140221085139/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/290", "Stutzman: \u201cEnough Is Enough\u201d", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: \ufffd\ufffd\ufffdEnough Is Enough\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd \n                       \ufffd\ufffd\ufffdMillions of Americans find themselves in the heartbreaking situation of losing their health care plans\ufffd\ufffd\ufffd \n                      \r\n                      \tVideo of the Congressman\u2019s speech is available here.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman spoke on the House floor this evening, urging President Obama to keep his promise to allow Hoosiers to keep their health insurance and support H.R. 3350, the \u201cKeep Your Health Plan Act\u201d that the House will vote on tomorrow.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cMr. Speaker, millions of Americans find themselves in the heartbreaking situation of losing their health care plans thanks to a broken promise that the White House is now scrambling to try and fix.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cHoosiers like Jared from Woodburn, Indiana were told that they could keep their plans. But unfortunately, Jared found this cancellation letter in his mailbox on September 23. He\u2019s just one of the more than 3.5 million Americans who lost coverage under ObamaCare.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cFor Jared, the timing couldn\u2019t have been worse. In the middle of selling their home and making an offer on another, Jared, his wife, and one year old son, were hit with a cancellation letter and the real possibility that their health care costs will become unaffordable.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cPresident Obama\u2019s health care law is hurting Hoosiers. If he\u2019s serious about helping Americans like Jared, he should start by keeping his promise and signing the Keep Your Health Plan Act as soon as it is passed. Enough is enough.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163524/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-questions-epa-administrator", "Dr. Bucshon questions EPA Administrator", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "At a Science hearing on Thursday, Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician, questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Gina McCarthy about the impact of the administration\u2019s new coal regulations on Indiana.\nWatch the full exchange by clicking on the image below.\nIn September, the Administration announced new regulations that are likely to prevent the construction of new coal-fired plants.\nIn late October, Dr. Bucshon joined over 5,000 Americans from the coal industry at the American Energy Jobs Rally in Washington, DC where he spoke about these regulations. Pictures from the event can be found here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/replarrybucshon/sets/72157637672956503/. \u00a0\nYou can also click this link to access the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcGzyQ-p80&list=PL4CE9BC61F1ADA6A6&index=1.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221175852/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/bucshon-selected-second-conference-committee", "Bucshon selected for second conference committee", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, Congressman Larry Bucshon was appointed as a conferee on the Water Resource Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) by Speaker of the House John Boehner and Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bill Shuster.\n\u201cI am honored to be selected, for the second time in my Congressional tenure, as a conferee on legislation that is important to Indiana,\u201d said Bucshon. \u201cThe 8th district is home to the Mt. Vernon Port, which is one of the largest inland ports in the Nation and I look forward to bringing the perspective of all of our state\u2019s ports and waterways to the table as we craft this critical legislation. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from both chambers of Congress to help improve our nation\u2019s water infrastructure and economy.\u201d\nWRRDA passed the House on October 23, 2013 by a vote of 417 to 3 and provides reforms to our nation\u2019s water transportation system that are critical for Indiana\u2019s ports and waterways.\n\u201cDr. Bucshon has been a tremendous advocate for Indiana\u2019s waterways and ports,\u201d said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. \u201cThe water resource legislation includes a number of important policy initiatives crucial to Indiana's Ohio River and Lake Michigan ports. \u00a0These include reconstruction of federal navigation locks, maintenance of deep draft harbors, and preservation of commerce through the Chicago Area Waterway System. As a member of the House-Senate conference committee, Dr. Bucshon will have a seat at the table for crafting this final version of the legislation and is well positioned to protect Indiana's interests.\u201d\nAs a House conferee, Bucshon will work to develop a final version of the WRRDA bill with his Senate colleagues.\n\u201cDr. Bucshon has been a valuable member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,\u201d said Rep. Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that he will continue his contribution as a conferee on WRRDA. Dr. Bucshon will play an integral role in working with our Senate colleagues to ensure our country has an efficient and effective water transportation system.\u201d\nLast year, Bucshon was selected as a conferee on the Surface Highway Transportation Bill Reauthorization during the 112th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182626/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-obamacare-enrollment-numbers", "Dr. Bucshon on ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that only 701 Hoosiers have selected healthcare plans via the failing healthcare.gov website in the first month.\u00a0 In comparison, according to state officials, more than 108,000 Hoosiers have received cancellation notices due to the law.\n\u201cAs a physician, I want every American to have access to quality, affordable health care, but this law is only creating obstacles for families, not solutions,\u201d said Bucshon. \u201cMore Hoosiers have lost coverage than have signed up for plans under ObamaCare.\u00a0 The flawed website is only a symptom of more systemic failures.\u00a0 Despite the President\u2019s promises, Hoosiers are receiving cancellation notices for plans they like, they are at risk of losing their current physician they know and trust, and many are faced with higher costs for inferior coverage. These are real stories that affect real hardworking families who are just trying to make it.\u201d\nNationally, 27,000 Americans have enrolled in federal run exchanges and 79,000 Americans have enrolled in state-based exchanges, bringing the total to only 106,185.\u00a0 An enormous failure when compared to the President\u2019s September projection of 494,620 enrollees.\nAccording to the Washington Times, \u201cmore than 4.2 million Americans have had their health insurance policies cancelled thanks to ObamaCare\u201d and \u201cthe number could triple over the next few months.\u201d (Washington Times; 11/13/13)\nHHS classifies enrollees as individuals \u201cwho have paid the first month\u2019s premium and those who have not yet paid the first month\u2019s premium.\u201d\nBucshon has asked 8th District constituents to share their healthcare stories or experiences through the webpage www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142648/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-urges-colleagues-to-vote-for-keep-your-health", "Congressman Luke Messer Urges Colleagues to Vote for \u201cKeep Your Health Plan Act\u201d", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Luke Messer delivered the following speech on the House floor today.\u00a0 For a link to the video, click here.\n\u201cThank you Mr. Speaker. Once again today the President said to the American people, if you like your health care plan you can keep it\u2014at least for one more year, if you\u2019re lucky.\u00a0 The problem is, saying something many times doesn\u2019t make it magically come true. \nRight now only 701 people in the state of Indiana have been able to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act Exchanges.\u00a0 According to the Indiana Department of Insurance more than 108,000 Hoosiers will receive or have received cancellation letters. \n\u201cOne of those people is Michael of Greensburg.\u00a0 He called my office after receiving a cancellation letter from his insurance company.\u00a0 Michael was told his monthly premium was going to increase from $397 a month to $831 a month. \u00a0His $5,000 deductible will go up to $7,300.\n\u201cThat is unacceptable, and it is certainly not affordable.\n\u201cThat\u2019s why we need to pass H.R. 3350 the Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013 and let the American people remain in charge of their health care.\u201d\u00a0 \n\u00a0 H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, is scheduled to come up for a vote tomorrow in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/icymi-%E2%80%93-rokita%E2%80%99s-american-health-reform-act-gains-100-cosponsors", "ICYMI \u2013 Rokita\u2019s American Health Reform Act Gains 100+ Cosponsors", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2013  \n\tContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nICYMI \u2013 Rokita\u2019s American Health Reform Act Gains 100+ Cosponsors  Patient-Driven, Free Market Health Care Reform Continues to Gain Support\nWashington, DC \u2013 In Case You Missed It \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita\u2019s health care reform legislation, the American Health Care Reform Act, H.R. 3121, now has over 100 cosponsors.\nThe American Health Care Reform Act was introduced in September by Rokita and a Republican Study Committee health care working group and has steadily gained support from House colleagues and third-party policy and advocacy organizations.\nSupport for the bill continues to build as Americans are seeing the disastrous impact of ObamaCare \u2013 an insidious law that is increasing insurance costs and kicking millions of Americans off the insurance plans that President Obama promised they could keep.\nFor more information on the American Health Care Reform act, a full list of cosponsors, and outside support, click here.\n\u00a0\nSummary of the American Health Care Reform Act\nEncourages a More Competitive Health Care Market to Drive Down Costs\no\u00a0 Allows Americans to purchase insurance across state lines  \n\to \u00a0Restores antitrust laws to the health insurance marketplace to foster competition  \n\to \u00a0Increases transparency in Medicare by making claims data public  \n\to \u00a0Allows states to establish health insurance portals to promote transparency  \n\to \u00a0Allows small businesses to pool together to lower insurance costs\nIncreases Access to Portable, Affordable Health Insurance to Provide Choice\no\u00a0\u00a0Implements a standard deduction for health insurance  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Above-the-line tax deduction applied to income and payroll taxes of $7,500 per individual and $20,000 per family  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Deduction applies to employer-sponsored, individual or small group market plans  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Provides flexibility for families to pick coverage that best fits their needs  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Allows portability by ensuring deduction doesn\u2019t go away if a person loses or changes jobs  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Expands access to health savings accounts (HSAs)  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Increases maximum contributions to HSAs  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Expands HSA account use for purchase of individual health insurance  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Increases access for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and Veterans to use HSA accounts  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Increased ability to rollover Flexible Spending Accounts to HSA accounts in future years\nImproves Access to Insurance for Vulnerable Americans\no\u00a0\u00a0Ensures affordable coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions by funding state high risk pools  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Removes barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage and eliminates COBRA-first requirement\nReforms Medical Liability Law\n\to\u00a0\u00a0Places a statute of limitations on liability cases  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Caps non-economic damages at $250,000  \n\to\u00a0\u00a0Allows courts to restrict attorney contingency fees\nRespects Human Life\no\u00a0\u00a0Prohibits taxpayer funding of abortions\nFully Repeals ObamaCare\no\u00a0\u00a0Legislation completely repeals ObamaCare\n\u00a0\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-obamacare-numbers-millions-lose-health-insurance-only-26000-sign", "Release - ObamaCare Numbers: Millions Lose Health Insurance, Only 26,000 Sign-Up", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 13, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\n\tMillions Lose Health Insurance, Only 26,000 Sign-Up\nWashington, DC \u2013 Today Rep. Todd Rokita released the following statement in response to figures released by the Department of Health and Human Services showing that\u00a0 106,000 Americans (32,000 Hoosiers) signed up for ObamaCare in the first month of operation, and only 26,000 (700 Hoosiers)\u00a0of those managed to sign-up through the failed federal website HealthCare.gov:\u00a0\n\u201cThis is not a faculty lounge exercise.\u00a0 Real people \u2013 men, women and children are suffering.\u00a0 Today\u2019s news is just the latest evidence that ObamaCare is failing.\u00a0 Proponents said ObamaCare was necessary to insure the uninsured.\u00a0 Not only has ObamaCare failed to insure the uninsured, it has added millions of Americans to the ranks of the uninsured, the unemployed, and the underemployed,\u201d Rokita said.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for President Obama to show leadership, put ideology aside and admit he was wrong.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for the President to join us in at least delaying ObamaCare if not beginning its outright repeal.\u201d\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-the-writing-is-on-the-wall-with-obamacare/", "Walorski: The writing is on the wall with Obamacare", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 13, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski released the following statement in response to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services this afternoon stating only 701 Hoosiers have successfully selected insurance plans through the health care exchange website:\nThe writing is on the wall with Obamacare.  So far, a mere two percent of Hoosier applicants have selected an insurance plan through the health care exchange website.  This report does not specify how many individuals have actually purchased these selected plans.   After years of preparation, this is simply unacceptable to our families.\nI continue to hear troubling stories from many Hoosiers about website malfunctions, cancelled insurance plans, increased premiums, and employer cutsall because of Obamacare.  Especially as we enter the holiday season, this is truly unfair to our hardworking families. \nSince November 2nd, at least 108,000 Hoosiers have received notices that their current insurance plans will be discontinued due to new regulations in the health care law.  Alternative options are often unaffordable and limit care options, preventing Hoosiers from securing the health care plans they need.  It is time for the president to look at the facts and put a stop to harmful policies that are creating real hardship for our families.\nIn October, Congresswoman Walorski and Hoosier lawmakers sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius requesting information on the number of Hoosiers currently enrolled in the health care exchange.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085149/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/289", "Stutzman: \u201cPresident Obama Can No Longer Defend the Indefensible\u201d", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: \u201cPresident Obama Can No Longer Defend the Indefensible\u201d \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement responding to Obamacare\u2019s first month figures:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cToday\u2019s numbers from the Obama Administration confirm that ObamaCare is failing the American people.\u00a0Despite President Obama\u2019s promise that they could keep their health insurance, millions of Americans find themselves in the heartbreaking situation of being forced off plans they wanted to keep and pushed into a system that just won\u2019t work.\u00a0President Obama can no longer defend the indefensible.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                       \r\n                      \t\r\n                      \t\tToday, the Obama Administration announced that only 106,185 Americans, including just 701 Hoosiers, were able to select health insurance plans during ObamaCare\u2019s first month.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142723/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-on-dismal-obamacare-enrollment-numbers", "Congressman Luke Messer on Dismal Obamacare Enrollment Numbers", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cThe Obamacare enrollment numbers released today are abysmally low.\u00a0 According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only 701 Hoosiers have signed up for Obamacare. What\u2019s worse, the Indiana Department of Insurance estimates more than 108,000 people in Indiana will likely be kicked off of their health insurance plans.\u00a0 That means for every one person who has successfully signed up for Obamacare over 150 have or will receive cancellation letters.\u00a0\n\u201cThese numbers prove the problems with Obamacare are much deeper than a flawed website; it is a flawed law.\u00a0 I continue to receive letters, emails and phone calls from Hoosiers upset about losing their current health care plan, having to change doctors, and being required to pay more each month for health insurance.\u00a0\n\u201cNo Washington bureaucrat should come between Hoosiers and their health care. It\u2019s time for the President to work with Republicans in our bipartisan effort to allow people to keep the health insurance plans that work for them.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-11-8-13", "Rokita Report 11-8-13", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here\u00a0\u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer\u00a0\u00a0@ToddRokita.\n  \u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n Rokita Readings - A 50-Year-Old Question\nAmerican Health Care Reform Act\nExploring Sustainable Agriculture at BioTownAg\nHelping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive\nObamaCare Update\u00a0- Millions Can't Keep Their Insurance\n   Rokita ReadingsA clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\nFeatured in this week's Rokita Readings is a column I recently read by Thomas Donlan, \"A 50-Year-Old Question.\"\nAt the core of the debate about improving health care has been a question of fairness, and\u00a0beyond the question of\u00a0fairness\u00a0lies a deeper issue, and that is how to eradicate poverty.\u00a0\u00a0\nDonlan's column asks some very important questions about how to best help the poor.\u00a0 He argues, and I agree, that many American political leaders have given up on the poor and that they are more interested in preserving broken programs as opposed to really encouraging economic mobility for all Americans.\u00a0 And this is very much the core of the debate we are having today -\u00a0more government is clearly not helping , there a better way.\n  American Health Care Reform Act - Patient-Centered, Market-Driven Health Care\n\u00a0In September, along with a working group of fellow Republican Study Committee colleagues, I introduced theAmerican Health Care Reform Act\u00a0- a patient-centered, market-driven health care reform bill designed to increase access and reduce costs for all Americans.\nI\u00a0introduced this legislation because\u00a0I believe it is important to offer solutions for what could be, instead of just pointing out the obvious flaws in ObamaCare - an\u00a0insidious\u00a0law.\nA brief summary of the bills reforms\n Encouraging a more competitive health care market\u00a0- Allowing Americans to purchase health care across state lines, increasing transparency in Medicare by making claims data public, and allowing small businesses to pool together to lower costs.\nIncreasing access to portable, affordable health insurance\u00a0- implementing an across-the-board standard deduction for all health insurance plans, and expanding access and options for Health Savings Accounts.\nImproving access to insurance for vulnerable Americans\u00a0- Ensuring affordable coverage for those with pre-existing conditions by funding state high-risk pools, and removing barriers that prevent continual insurance coverage.\nReforming medical liability law\u00a0- Capping non-economic damages, and placing a statute of limitations on liability cases.\nRespecting human life\u00a0- Prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion.\nRepealing Obamacare\n This bill is a starting point and\u00a0I welcome input from anyone that wishes to constructively contribute to meaningful and responsible health care reform.\nYou can read the full bill text, summaries of the bills, and learn more about the\u00a0American Health Care Reform Act here. I'm eager to hear your feedback and answer your questions on the bill. Let me know what you think on my\u00a0Facebook post about the bill.\u00a0 When discussing the harmful impact of ObamaCare with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, tell them about this legislation.\n  Exploring Sustainable Agriculture at BioTownAg\nOn Thursday, I visited with Brian Furer and the\u00a0BioTownAgteam in Reynolds.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0  Rep. Rokita with Stuart Gutwein of Gutwein Law, Brian Furrer of BioTownAg, and Miles Ridgway of FBI Buildings\nBioTownAg is a\u00a0farm on the forefront of sustainable agriculture.\u00a0 Aside from appearing as a traditional farm, BioTownAg is actually able to recycle the waste and byproduct of their farming operations through a digester into usable methane gas.\u00a0 They use this methane to power generators and transfer electricity back to the electric grid.\u00a0\u00a0\nBioTownAg is just one more Hoosier farm that is a leader in innovative agricultural practices.\u00a0 Learn more about them\u00a0here.\n  Helping Our Neighbors - Our Annual Food Drive\nOur two district office locations are now accepting nonperishable food donation items for our annual holiday food drive through Friday, December 20.\nAs you'll recall, this is the second year in a row we are collecting food for local food pantries.\u00a0 Earlier this year, during the August town hall events, we also collected food items.\u00a0\u00a0Year-to-date, you have helped our offices collect 500 pounds of food.\u00a0\nOffice hours are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.\u00a0 Addresses for my Danville and Lafayette offices are below.\n\u00a0\n  ObamaCare Insurance CancellationsContinue to\u00a0Hit Mailboxes\nIt\u00a0has been widely reported that\u00a0millions of Americans are being sent cancellation notices of their\u00a0insurance policies\u00a0due to\u00a0forced changes under ObamaCare.\u00a0 These cancellations come despite the promise made by the President, time and again, that if you can keep your insurance plan.\u00a0 If you or someone you know has had a similar experience, please send me your insurance cancellation notices\u00a0at InsuranceCancellations@mail.house.gov.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,\u00a0  \u00a0  Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=437", "Dr. Bucshon Asks for Constituent Stories", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Eighth District Congressman and heart surgeon, Dr. Larry Bucshon, recently launched a webpage for constituents to share their experiences and stories with the Affordable Care Act.\rAs we have seen over the past month, the consequences of the Affordable Care Act are widespread. Despite the President's promise, Americans are receiving cancellation notices for plans they like, they are losing their current physician, and many cannot even access the website necessary to get coverage, said Bucshon. If you have a story, I want to hear from you. Filling out the form is quick and easy and these stories are critical for me as I head back to Washington, D.C. to fight on behalf of my constituents. \rBucshon has already received numerous accounts from people eager to have their voice heard.\rHere are a few examples of these stories: \rThey [insurance company] have informed me that the policy I have, that I have had for the past three years that I like and that fits my needs will no longer be available. - Nicole from Evansville, IN\rEven after the subsidy we would still have to pay well over $500 per month. We simply can't afford it.  Kim from Worthington, IN\rThe week of Oct. 1, the initial week of ObamaCare, I received my Your policy has been eliminated effective Jan. 1, 2014 letter.' I have since chosen a new policy with them for next year at a higher premium and with higher copays and deductibles. I will also be losing one of my doctors who will no longer accept Anthem due to changes they have made in paying doctors.  Mary from Evansville, IN\rConstituents can share their story with Dr. Bucshon through the webpage at www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.\rBucshon is also expected to share a number of constituent healthcare stories on the House floor later this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182655/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-asks-constituent-stories", "Dr. Bucshon Asks for Constituent Stories", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Eighth District Congressman and heart surgeon, Dr. Larry Bucshon, recently launched a webpage for constituents to share their experiences and stories with the Affordable Care Act.\n\u201cAs we have seen over the past month, the consequences of the Affordable Care Act are widespread. Despite the President\u2019s promise, Americans are receiving cancellation notices for plans they like, they are losing their current physician, and many cannot even access the website necessary to get coverage,\u201d said Bucshon. \u201cIf you have a story, I want to hear from you. \u00a0Filling out the form is quick and easy and these stories are critical for me as I head back to Washington, D.C. to fight on behalf of my constituents.\u201d \u00a0\nBucshon has already received numerous accounts from people eager to have their voice heard.\nHere are a few examples of these stories: \u00a0\n\u201cThey [insurance company] have informed me that the policy I have, that I have had for the past three years that I like and that fits my needs will no longer be available.\u201d\u00a0 - Nicole from Evansville, IN\n\u00a0\u201cEven after the subsidy we would still have to pay well over $500 per month.\u00a0 We simply can't afford it.\u201d \u2013 Kim from Worthington, IN\n\u00a0\u201cThe week of Oct. 1, the initial week of ObamaCare, I received my \u2018Your policy has been eliminated effective Jan. 1, 2014 letter.\u2019 \u2026I have since chosen a new policy with them for next year at a higher premium and with higher copays and deductibles. I will also be losing one of my doctors who will no longer accept Anthem due to changes they have made in paying doctors.\u201d \u2013 Mary from Evansville, IN\nConstituents can share their story with Dr. Bucshon through the webpage at www.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.\nBucshon is also expected to share a number of constituent healthcare stories on the House floor later this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223160716/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/land-of-the-free-home-of-the-brave", "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.\" -Elmer Davis, Director of the United States Office of War Information during WWII\nThose words are just as true today as they were when first spoken decades ago. While much has changed since the 1940s, the bravery, skill and dedication of our veterans remain unwavering.\u00a0\nRight now, more than 22 million veterans live in the US. They have served around the world during times of peace and times of war. It is up to all of us to ensure that those who served this country so proudly know their sacrifice is appreciated.\u00a0 But saying \u201cthank you\u201d is just the beginning.\u00a0 It\u2019s imperative we welcome our veterans home with open arms, help them reintegrate into society, find meaningful employment and receive all the benefits they have earned for their service to this nation.\nI am proud that in Indiana we have taken a lead in providing veterans with in-state tuition for higher education regardless of where they live.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I cosponsored H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act, which would implement this worthwhile practice nationwide.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve also worked to encourage Hoosier businesses to hire veterans by creating \u201cveterans only\u201d hours at our yearly job fairs in Muncie and Lawrenceburg.\nBut, more needs to be done and can be done. The Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims and appeals process is severely backlogged nationwide.\u00a0 In Indiana alone, claims take an average of more than a year to process. After dedicating their lives to protecting our freedoms, veterans should not have to spend years cutting through government red tape.\u00a0 H.R. 2189, which I voted for, and which passed the House with bi-partisan support, establishes a task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims at the VA and find potential improvements to the claims process. It\u2019s a small step, but it\u2019s a start toward reform.\nMost of us have someone close to us who is either serving or has served in the U.S. military. They are our fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, teachers, neighbors and friends who have proudly worn the uniform.\u00a0 On Veterans Day, as we reflect on the blessing it is to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, we have them to thank\u2014those who shaped our nation\u2019s history and made it the greatest country on earth to call home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/advisory-rokita-offices-begin-annual-food-drive", "Advisory: Rokita Offices Begin Annual Food Drive", "2013-11-09", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 8, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\nAdvisory: Rokita Offices Begin Annual Food Drive\nDanville, IN \u2013Representative Todd Rokita is pleased to announce that his District Office locations in Danville and Lafayette are collecting food for the office\u2019s annual holiday food drive to benefit local food pantries.\nNonperishable food items can be dropped off at either of Rokita\u2019s District Office Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm through Friday, December 20.\nIn addition to the holiday food drive, Rokita\u2019s office collected food during Rokita\u2019s August town hall events.\u00a0 Year-to-date, Rokita\u2019s office has collected 500 pounds of food for local food pantries.\nDanville District Office  \n\t355 S. Washington  \n\tDanville, IN 46122\nLafayette District Office  \n\t337 Columbia St  \n\tLafayette, IN 47901\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085835/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/287", "Stutzman Statement on Veterans Day", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Statement on Veterans Day \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cOn Memorial Day we pause to remember the Americans who gave \u2018the last full measure of devotion\u2019 for our freedoms.\u00a0 On Veterans Day we honor and celebrate those who returned safely. Our national strength has never rested in economic might or overpowering force but in individual courage and commitment. America ended slavery, freed Europe, defeated communism, and fights terrorism today because courageous men and women answered freedom\u2019s call. We owe our veterans a lasting debt of gratitude and ask for God\u2019s protection for those serving in harm\u2019s way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094453/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/288", "Stutzman Announces Swiss Caucus Membership", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Announces Swiss Caucus Membership \n                      \r\n                      \tBerne, IN \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who represents Berne, Indiana, announced his membership of the Friends of Switzerland Caucus today.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI have the honor of serving Berne\u2019s vibrant and historic Swiss-American community and I\u2019m proud to be a member of the Friends of Switzerland Caucus. From the mid-nineteenth century when Adams County first welcomed Swiss immigrants to today as the citizens of Berne live by hard work and Hoosier values, our community is proud of its rich heritage and lasting traditions. As a legislator and a descendent of Swiss ancestors and with relatives in Adams County, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the caucus to encourage and strengthen Swiss-American relations.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                       \r\n                      \t\r\n                      \t\tThe Friends of Switzerland Caucus was founded in 2003 to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the \u201cSister Republics\u201d of Switzerland and the United States by \u201ccreating more opportunities for political dialogue between legislators of both countries.\u201d\r\n                      \t\t\u00a0\r\n                      \t\r\n                      \t\tMore information can be found on the Embassy of Switzerland\u2019s website, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-obama-needs-act-decisively-stop-domestic-spying", "Release - Rokita: Obama Needs to Act Decisively to Stop Domestic Spying", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 7, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\nObama Needs to Act Decisively to Stop Domestic Spying  Administration Should Show Same Concern for Americans\u2019 Privacy Shown to Foreign Nations \nWashington, DC \u2013 Today Rep. Todd Rokita released the following statement in response to recent remarks by Secretary of State John Kerry pledging review and reform of the National Security Agency\u2019s intelligence gathering related to foreign officials and citizens.\u00a0\n\u201cWith revelation after revelation emerging about the NSA spying on Americans\u2019 phone calls and electronic communications, it is far past time the Administration take responsibility for abuses and invasions of Americans\u2019 privacy.\u00a0 The Administration needs to affirm to the American people that it will act swiftly to end invasions of our privacy like Secretary Kerry did last week in regard to the NSA\u2019s surveillance activities abroad,\u201d Rokita said.\u00a0 \u201cMeanwhile, I will continue my work on a bipartisan basis to rein in the NSA\u2019s domestic surveillance operations and protect Americans\u2019 privacy.\nRep. Rokita has been leading on addressing NSA abuses of Americans\u2019 Fourth Amendment protections.\u00a0\u00a0 Most recently he co-authored bipartisan legislation called the USA Freedom Act to address NSA abuses.\u00a0 The USA Freedom Act makes reforms to end the dragnet collection of Americans\u2019 phone records under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act and ensure that other authorities cannot be used to justify similar dragnet collection. The bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance.\nIn September, Rep. Rokita introduced legislation to establish a Select Committee to investigate and report on the surveillance operations of the National Security Administration.\nEarlier this year Rep. Rokita, along with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), introduced the Ending Secret Law Act, to require declassification of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) decisions.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364", "Four Pinocchios and a Pants on Fire", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Four Pinocchios and a Pants on Fire \rAlthough the President repeated the promise, if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it over 36 times, millions of Americans are receiving cancellation notices from their providers.\rJust yesterday, we found out that 250,000 health plans in Colorado are being cancelled, while only four people have enrolled in Delaware.\rIn fact, Health insurance cancellation notices soar above ObamaCare enrollment rates.\rWhat's worse? NBC reports that despite the repetition of his broken promise, President Obama has known for over three years that that cancellation notices would plague mailboxes across the country.\rWhich is why the Washington Post found the President's claim so outrageous that they gave it four Pinocchios .\rSo the President reverted back to the usual campaign-style tactics to rewrite history and add a caveat to one of his most well-known and discredited promises.\rBut Politifact.com, gave the President a Pants on Fire rating because he, is ignoring the overwhelming majority of times he addressed the issue.\rAnd while top insurers are preparing for a one-year delay in the law, the President is waging an offensive to blame insurance companies for the disastrous impacts of his law.\rYet, the Washington Post rightfully highlighted that this is only a classic case of misdirection and gave it three Pinocchios.\rThe Las Vegas Review-Journal reminded us that, ObamaCare's broken promises, cancellations are only the beginning.\rIt's no wonder House and Senate Democrats are joining their Republican colleagues in calling for a one-year delay of the law.\r\tOne prominent Senate Democrat even referred to the President's handling of the rollout as a crisis of confidence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221182724/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/four-pinocchios-and-pants-fire", "Four Pinocchios and a Pants on Fire", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Four Pinocchios and a Pants on Fire \nAlthough the President repeated the promise, \u201cif you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it\u201d over 36 times, millions of Americans are receiving cancellation notices from their providers.\nJust yesterday, we found out that 250,000 health plans in Colorado are being cancelled, while only four people have enrolled in Delaware.\nIn fact, \u201cHealth insurance cancellation notices soar above ObamaCare enrollment rates.\u201d\nWhat\u2019s worse? NBC reports that despite the repetition of his broken promise, President Obama has known for over three years that that cancellation notices would plague mailboxes across the country.\nWhich is why the Washington Post found the President\u2019s claim so outrageous that they gave it four Pinocchios .\nSo the President reverted back to the usual campaign-style tactics to rewrite history and add a caveat to one of his most well-known and discredited promises.\nBut Politifact.com, gave the President a \u201cPants on Fire\u201d rating because he, \u201c\u2026is ignoring the overwhelming majority of times he addressed the issue.\u201d\nAnd while top insurers are preparing for a one-year delay in the law, the President is waging an offensive to blame insurance companies for the disastrous impacts of his law.\u00a0\nYet, the Washington Post rightfully highlighted that this is only \u201c\u2026a classic case of misdirection\u201d and gave it three Pinocchios.\nThe Las Vegas Review-Journal reminded us that, \u201cObamaCare\u2019s broken promises, cancellations are only the beginning.\u201d\nIt\u2019s no wonder House and Senate Democrats are joining their Republican colleagues in calling for a one-year delay of the law.\u00a0\n\tOne prominent Senate Democrat even referred to the President\u2019s handling of the rollout as a \u201ccrisis of confidence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142746/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-urges-leadership-to-repeal-the-health-insuranc-0", "Congressman Luke Messer Urges Leadership to Repeal the Health Insurance Tax and Save Consumers from Increased Premiums", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) and 27 of his Freshman Colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives expressed strong support for repeal of the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) imposed by the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0\nExperts estimate the cost of this massive new sales tax on health insurers will amount to more than $100 billion over the next decade and a loss of up to 262,000 jobs due to labor cutbacks and other cost-cutting measures.\n\u201cIt\u2019s the largest and one of the most damaging tax increases imposed by the Affordable Care Act,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cThis tax increase will lead to higher rates for consumers at a time when rates are already increasing due to the President\u2019s health care law. That\u2019s unfair.\u201d\nAccording to the Congressional Budget Office, this policy will cause the average family to pay more than $300 in higher premiums next year alone and an average of $5,080 more over the next decade.\nRight now, there is strong bipartisan support for legislation in the House that would repeal the Health Insurance Tax.\u00a0 There are 228 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle for H.R. 763 including 35 of 37 Republican freshmen.\n\u00a0\u201cCommon sense dictates that taxing health insurance won\u2019t improve its quality or make it more affordable,\u201d the signers state in the letter. \u201cIt just will make it more expensive, especially for those on fixed incomes who least can afford it.\u201d\nThe letter urges House Republican Leadership to include repeal of the HIT in any tax reform proposals considered in the House.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142809/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-urges-leadership-to-repeal-the-health-insurance", "Congressman Luke Messer Urges Leadership to Repeal the Health Insurance Tax and Save Consumers from Increased Premiums", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Today Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) and 27 of his Freshman Colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives expressed strong support for repeal of the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) imposed by the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0\nExperts estimate the cost of this massive new sales tax on health insurers will amount to more than $100 billion over the next decade and a loss of up to 262,000 jobs due to labor cutbacks and other cost-cutting measures.\n\u201cIt\u2019s the largest and one of the most damaging tax increases imposed by the Affordable Care Act,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cThis tax increase will lead to higher rates for consumers at a time when rates are already increasing due to the President\u2019s health care law. That\u2019s unfair.\u201d\nAccording to the Congressional Budget Office, this policy will cause the average family to pay more than $300 in higher premiums next year alone and an average of $5,080 more over the next decade.\nRight now, there is strong bipartisan support for legislation in the House that would repeal the Health Insurance Tax.\u00a0 There are 228 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle for H.R. 763 including 35 of 37 Republican freshmen.\n\u00a0\u201cCommon sense dictates that taxing health insurance won\u2019t improve its quality or make it more affordable,\u201d the signers state in the letter. \u201cIt just will make it more expensive, especially for those on fixed incomes who least can afford it.\u201d\nThe letter urges House Republican Leadership to include repeal of the HIT in any tax reform proposals considered in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-report-11-1-13", "Rokita Report 11-1-13", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 113th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook\u00a0page by clicking here\u00a0\u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer\u00a0\u00a0@ToddRokita.\n\u00a0\n  \u00a0In this week's Rokita Report\n Rokita Readings - The Myth of Government Default\nObamaCare Update\u00a0- Millions Can't Keep Their Insurance\nServing Our Veterans\nStanding with Hoosier Steelworkers\nLou Dobbs on Friday Night, WRTV Indianapolis This Week w/Rafael Sanchez on Sunday AM\n   Rokita ReadingsA clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\nFeatured in this week's Rokita Readings is a column I recently read by David Rivkin and Lee Casey titled \"The Myth of Government Default.\"\nRivkin and Casey's column provide a more thorough explanation of exactly what the debate over debt ceiling and ultimately default really entails. During the debt ceiling debate, the President lead an effort to use the threat of a \u201cdefault\u201d on our debt to obscure the fundamental truth of our debts, which is that we take in $200 billion per month, but spend only $21 billion on our debt.\u00a0 Yet every month we still add over $100 billion more to our debt.\u00a0\u00a0\nIt is dishonest to continue to promise Americans that our federal government will provide them with money and benefits that we do not actually have.\u00a0 By definition of the word, we will not default, despite what politicians of both parties were saying.\u00a0 We can pay our creditors.\u00a0 What we wouldn't have money to pay for EVERYTHING we promised to give ourselves, an entirely different question.\u00a0 And that is the point - it is immoral to continue to borrow money and stick our children with the bill for things we are not willing or able to actually pay for.\n\u00a0\n  Affordable Care Act - Insidious I Tell You\nWhile a few weeks ago, I was ridiculed in the mainstream media for calling the law one of the most insidious ever created (see definition here), this week\u00a0the White House Press Secretary\u00a0finally\u00a0fessed up to\u00a0one of the four main lies of ObamaCare.\u00a0 The President has said on many occasions,\"if you like your health plan, you can keep it.\"\u00a0 As we now know,\u00a0that is not true.\u00a0 Hundreds of thousands of Americans are receiving cancellation of policy notices that effectively end their plans as they know it.\u00a0 While the opportunity to get a different plan is available, in most cases they are paying more and receiving services they did not ask for.\u00a0\u00a0\nIn a\u00a0NBC News story this week, it was estimated that\u00a050-75%\u00a0of the 14 million consumers on individually-purchased plans should expect a cancellation notice in coming weeks.\nEven worse, the same report stated that the Obama Administration had\u00a0known for three years that many Americans would lose the health care plan\u00a0they had under ObamaCare.\u00a0 Why did the President continue to lie about ObamaCare in the years to follow?\nIn an effort to make Hoosiers voices heard loud and clear in Washington, I am asking\u00a0you to\u00a0send me copies of\u00a0your cancellation notices\u00a0via mail, fax, email, or social media.\u00a0 Note: Submissions of personal information should be redacted or \u201cblacked out.\u201d\nThis isn't the last ObamaCare lie\u00a0that the Obama Administration will need to finally admit to.\u00a0\u00a0We must\u00a0continue to sound the alarm on the\u00a0insidious\u00a0nature of ObamaCare \u2013 a law that is continuing to prove it was intentionally something other than what was promised.\u00a0 Not only\u00a0have Americans been forced off the insurance plans they were happy with, we\u00a0have been lied to in several ways.\nThe Four Lies of ObamaCare\u00a0  Lie #1 \u2013 Consumers will be Empowered\u00a0  Lie #2 \u2013 Americans can Keep Their Health Care\u00a0  Lie #3 \u2013 Health Care will be More Affordable\u00a0  Lie #4 \u2013 The Law will Reduce the National Debt\nLearn more about the four lies of ObamaCare and the insidious nature of the law\u00a0here.\n  Serving Our Veterans\nThis week, the House considered several important pieces of legislation aimed at helping our veterans and improving the Department of Veterans Affairs.\nMany of these bills are aimed at improving service and access to benefits are veterans have earned.\u00a0 I encourage you to look into these bills further by clicking the links above or visiting the\u00a0House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.\u00a0\nIf you or someone you know is experiencing trouble with VA claims, please contact my Danville office via phone (317-718-0404) or\u00a0e-mail\u00a0for immediate assistance.\u00a0 Assisting veterans is an important case work function of my office\u2019s services.\n  Standing With\u00a0Hoosier Steelworkers - Free Trade Should Mean Playing by the Same Rules that All Parties Agreed to\nOn Thursday, I offered testimony before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on the antidumping pricing rules\u00a0applied to\u00a0foreign steel being imported into our country.\n\u00a0Rep. Rokita with Steelworkers at the ITC Hearing\nMy testimony supported the continuation of these tariffs to ensure our steelworkers receive fairness in the global marketplace.\u00a0 While the trade agreements agreed to by the countries this tariff applies to is fair, many are ignoring the rules and it is leaving our steelworkers at an unfair advantage.\nAs someone that grew up in Northwest Indiana, I understand the importance of steel to our Hoosier economy.\u00a0 Over half of my immediate and extended family rely directly or indirectly on the steel industry.\u00a0 Throughout my life, I have seen firsthand the trials, as well as the benefits of working in the industry.\n\u00a0Rep. Rokita and Nucor CEO, John Ferriola, a former VP and GM of the Crawfordsville plant 1998-2001\nToday, the 4th District is home to two of the nation's largest steel producers - Nucor Steel Indiana in Crawfordsville and Steel Dynamics Inc. in Pittsboro.\u00a0 Both are critical to the continued success of the American steel industry and we must ensure a fair marketplace for their products.\nFor further information on the hearing and the antidumping hot steel issue, you can read my press release that followed the hearing\u00a0here.\n  Catch me tonight on Fox Business Network when I join\u00a0Lou Dobbs\u00a0to talk about ObamaCare and the American Health Care Reform Act at 7:00 pm ET.\nYou can also catch me this Sunday morning on WRTV 6 in Indianapolis when I sit down with Rafael Sanchez on\u00a0Indianapolis This Week\u00a0at 7:30 am (and a replay at 5:00 pm).\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,\u00a0  \u00a0  Todd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131106050225/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/286", "Stutzman: \u201cIt\u2019s Time for Congress to Protect Organic Farmers\u201d", "2013-11-04", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman: \u201cIt\u2019s Time for Congress to Protect Organic Farmers\u201d \n                       Members of the House urge Farm Bill conference committee to adopt due process protections \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Last Friday, U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman led a bipartisan group of Representatives in urging members of the Farm Bill conference committee to include critical due process protections for organic producers.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cWhen small farmers face legal threats from the Department of Agriculture, they deserve nothing less than a fair and full hearing process. Unfortunately, until Congress comes together to protect farmers, certified organic producers have no guarantee to a fair defense if the USDA suspends their license. My colleagues and I urge the conference committee to include the Senate\u2019s due process protections for organic producers in the Farm Bill. It\u2019s time for Congress to protect organic farmers.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                       \r\n                      \t\r\n                      \t\tUnder current law, an organic producer must obtain certification from a certifying agent accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, without a change to the current law, a producer whose license has been suspended is not guaranteed an administrative appeal after receiving a ruling from an administrative law judge and before receiving a final judicial appeal.\r\n                       \r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe letter is found below.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tDear Conferees:\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe write to urge you to support the enforcement language from Section 10009 of S. 954, the Senate Farm Bill, instead of its companion language in Section 9005 of H.R. 2642, the House Farm Bill.\u00a0Section 10009 of S. 954 provides critical due process protections for organic agricultural operations, of all varieties and sizes, nationwide, while the House bill has inadequate due process protections.\u00a0With constituents in this fast-growing industry, we support the strong language of the Senate Farm Bill.\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tUnder existing law, when USDA takes enforcement action against a certified organic producer, the producer is granted the opportunity for an informal administrative appeal, which is then followed by an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).\u00a0 Only then is there a final decision from USDA, which can be appealed in court.\u00a0 The Senate bill preserves the all-important right to an informal administrative appeal at the agency level in cases where USDA acts to suspend the organic certificate from a certified organic producer.\u00a0 This point is critical, yet precisely where the House language is lacking.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe House bill would also roll back other needed due process protections.\u00a0For \u201creckless\u201d violations \u2013 a much lower legal threshold than the Senate\u2019s \u201cwillful, noncorrectable\u201d violation threshold \u2013 a 90-day suspension order could be issued after notice and a hearing before an ALJ.\u00a0A suspension order can be terminated if the producer \u201ccures,\u201d or corrects, the deficiency.\u00a0However, according to the House bill, in such suspension cases, there exists no due process guarantee of an administrative appeal of the decision by the ALJ.\u00a0This is another significant step back from the protections that organic agricultural producers have today, with the potential to cripple business operations.\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThis is why it is crucial for the Senate language to be included in the final, conference-negotiated Farm Bill.\u00a0The difference could mean millions of dollars and thousands of jobs lost if organic agricultural operations are harmed because their due process protections are diminished.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tSincerely,\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tRep. Marlin Stutzman (R, IN-3), Rep. Jared Polis (D, CO-2), Rep. John Garamendi (D, CA-3), Rep. Cory Gardner (R, CO-4), Rep. Dan Benishek (R, MI-1), Rep. Susan Brooks (R, IN-5), Rep. Todd Rokita (R, IN-4), and Rep. Scott Tipton (R, CO-3).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/editorial/rokita-readings-11-1-13-myth-government-default", "Rokita Readings 11-1-13 The Myth of Government Default", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Danville Office  \n      355 S. Washington Street        Danville, IN 46122\nPhone: (317) 718-0404        Fax: (317) 718-0405\nHours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM (If you arrive after 4pm and the doors to the main building are locked, please call 317-718-0404 for assistance.)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-stands-hoosier-steel-jobs", "Release - Rokita Stands Up for Hoosier Steel Jobs", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 31, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nRokita Stands Up for Hoosier Steel Jobs \nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Todd Rokita released the following statement after delivering testimony before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) at hearing concerning American marketplace pricing of foreign-made steel.\u00a0 Rokita\u2019s remarks were in support of marketplace fairness for American-made steel by Hoosier companies such as Nucor and Steel Dynamics.\n\u201cSteel has been the backbone of American and Hoosier manufacturing for decades.\u00a0 I was honored to be able to testify on behalf of the thousands of steelworkers in our state. I support free and fair trade, which is why we must insist that our trading partners keep their promises. When they do not keep their word, we must protect our own interests.\u00a0 I ask that the ITC and the Commerce Department continue these orders because American steelworkers will succeed when they can compete in a truly free market\u201d said Rokita.\nIndustry Reaction to Rokita\u2019s Testimony\n\u201cAn unprecedented level of overcapacity in the global hot-rolled steel market presents a serious threat to the health of the U.S. industry,\u201d said Ron Dickerson, Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Indiana.\u00a0 \u201cWe are asking that the trade laws be enforced to ensure that our Crawfordsville teammates, and countless others across Indiana, are not injured by unfairly traded imports.\u00a0 I commend Congressman Rokita for his efforts to prevent unlawful trade practices from destroying good-paying American jobs, and hampering a lasting economic recovery.\u201d\n\u201cWe were very pleased that Congressman Rokita was able to provide testimony at today\u2019s hot-rolled steel sunset hearing at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)\u201d said Mark Millett, President and CEO of Steel Dynamics.\u00a0 The Congressman delivered a strong and resounding message in support of the industry and its workers in Pittsboro and all across Indiana and we appreciate his support and look forward to working with him on these issues, added Millett.\nEditor\u2019s Note:\nThe ITC is responsible for administering U.S. trade remedy laws and to provide the President independent quality analysis of tariffs and international trade and competitiveness.\u00a0 The ITC scheduled this hearing as \u201cantidumping\u201d or AD orders on hot-rolled steel products from China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ukraine will sunset after five years.\u00a0 (background)\u00a0\nThe point of contention for American-made steel companies and workers at this hearing is the ability of foreign-made steel to enter the marketplace below the cost of production, either through subsidies or other means.\u00a0 U.S. trade law allows for tariffs to be enacted in order to protect American companies.\u00a0 Representative Rokita advocated for the protection of American steel companies and their employees by requesting action in this regard.\nRokita\u2019s Testimony as Prepared is Available here.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223160802/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/no-bureaucrats-between-you-and-your-doctor", "No Bureaucrats Between You and Your Doctor", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cIf you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period.\u201d That\u2019s the promise the President made to the American people in 2009. Yet, multiple news outlets report millions of hardworking Americans in the individual market will not be able to keep their plans, \u201ceven if they like them.\u201d People are losing the health care coverage that meets their individual needs because Washington says those plans aren\u2019t acceptable.\nThat is unacceptable. No Washington bureaucrat should come between a patient and their doctor.\u00a0 Your health care is your business.\u00a0 You deserve individualized, patient-centered care, not the plan the government says you have to accept.\nBecause of Washington\u2019s interference, premiums are rising, out-of-pocket expenses are going up, people are losing their current plans and taxes are increasing. Workers\u2019 hours are being cut so employers won\u2019t have to carry the burden of the Affordable Care Act\u2019s mandates.\nI have introduced and co-sponsored numerous bills to provide some reprieve from the worst parts of the President\u2019s health care law for individuals and small business owners.\u00a0 Those bills include restoring the traditional 40-hour work week, exempting schools from the law\u2019s penalties, and delaying the individual mandate for those living in an area where either a state or federally-operated exchange website is not fully functional.\u00a0 Yet, all of them were rebuffed by the President and the Senate. We need to put politics aside and make genuine progress.\nDuring this week\u2019s House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified more than 20 million people have visited healthcare.gov, yet when asked about enrollment numbers, she had no answer.\u00a0 I, along with other Hoosier lawmakers, sent a letter to Secretary Sebelius requesting information on the number of people in each congressional district statewide who have successfully enrolled in the health insurance exchanges. We have yet to get it. The President\u2019s health care law requires every American to carry insurance.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have any, you\u2019re asked to go to the website to buy it. But, the website doesn\u2019t work.\u00a0 Do you really trust the government to control your health decisions when that same government can\u2019t make its own website work?\nThe American people are being let down.\u00a0 We need to do better. Democrats and Republicans must work together and go line-by-line through the President\u2019s health care law.\u00a0 We should keep the ideas that work and get rid of the failures that are holding back real progress toward making health care more affordable.\u00a0 It will take time to get this right.\u00a0 But, we must suspend the individual mandate and put you back in charge of your health care.\nIn my next column, I will lay out a common sense, nonpartisan health care plan with free-market, patient-centered reforms to lower costs and solve problems in our health care system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140223171335/https://bucshon.house.gov/event/terre-haute-town-hall-0", "Terre Haute Town Hall", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Start: \n         \t  November 5, 2013 6:30 pm\n\n         \t  \nEnd: \n         \t    November 5, 2013 7:30 pm\n         \t   \n         \t           \t    \nLocation: \n         \t      Oakley Auditorium; Ivy Tech Community College Campus,  Terre Haute, Indiana", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-co-chairs-cybersecurity-and-emergency-management-hearing", "Brooks Co-Chairs Cybersecurity and Emergency Management Hearing", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) co-chaired a joint Committee on Homeland Security subcommittee hearing today on cybersecurity and emergency management. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications, she heard testimony from witnesses at the national and state level as well as from the private sector.\u00a0 The hearing explored opportunities to bridge the gap between cybersecurity defense and the emergency management community in order to manage the potential catastrophic physical consequences of a successful cyber attack.\n  Click here to view the Congresswoman\u2019s full opening statement. \nBrooks on State-Level Preparedness  \u201cThe 2013 National Preparedness Report, released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency earlier this year, again highlighted states\u2019 concerns about their own cybersecurity capabilities. The 2013 report noted gains in cybersecurity at the state level, but states continue to report cybersecurity is among the lowest of their capabilities.\u201d\nBrooks on the Indianapolis Division of Homeland Security and National Progress\n\u201cJust as I have noted the challenges we face in addressing the cyber threat, we must also discuss the progress that is being made.\u00a0 In my own district, I\u2019m proud to say the Indianapolis Division of Homeland Security has established a Cyber Defense Force to improve the overall cyber security preparedness of the Indianapolis metropolitan area and the State of Indiana has included cybersecurity in its Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA).\nThe National Emergency Management Association is working with Texas A&M to develop cybersecurity awareness training programs for emergency managers.\u00a0 Fusion centers are also becoming much more engaged in cybersecurity.\u201d\u00a0\nBrooks on Private Sector Coordination \u201cI hope our state and local witnesses will also discuss how they share information and coordinate with relevant officials in their states and localities and with the private sector, which I must note controls at least 85 percent of our nation\u2019s critical infrastructure. We must ensure that this coordination is taking place now so we are prepared to respond to a cyber incident that will have physical consequences.\u201d\nToday\u2019s hearing was in partnership with the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies, chaired my Congressman Pat Meehan (PA-7).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131204114624/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/285", "Stutzman and Colleagues Urge Continued Farm Bill Separation", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman and Colleagues Urge Continued Farm Bill Separation \n                       House Members request Farm Bill conferees keep farm and food stamp policy separate \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 As the Farm Bill Conference Committee meets for the first time today, U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman led a group of 27 members of the House in urging the committee to keep farm policy and food stamp policy separate.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tStutzman and his colleagues in the House asked the committee to maintain the separate reauthorization dates for food stamp and farm policy programs to ensure that each program receives separate consideration on its own merits in the future.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cWashington is $17 trillion in debt and taxpayers deserve an honest conversation about how Congress spends their money,\u201d said Stutzman. \u201cInstead of passing trillion dollar spending packages that are Farm Bills in name only, we should consider food stamps and farm policy separately. That\u2019s exactly what the House did earlier this year and the Conference Committee shouldn\u2019t reverse this historic victory for transparency.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tIn the letter, members write in part, \u201cOur constituents deserve a Congress that thoughtfully and separately considers the legislation that it passes. It\u2019s just common sense. And in a historic move this summer, the House of Representatives did just that. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the House voted on and passed separate and substantive reform bills governing farm and food stamp policy.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cNow that substantial reforms have been made, we request the Conference Committee adopt the separate reauthorization timelines, three years for food stamps and five years for farm policy, in order to ensure that these policies are debated and voted on apart from each other in the future. It\u2019s time to do this right.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe full text of the letter and a list of cosigners can be found below. An electronic copy of the letter is available here.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tDear Conferees,\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe write to express our strong support for maintaining the separate reauthorization timelines that were included in the House-passed Farm Bill, H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 and the House-passed food stamp reauthorization bill, H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tAs you know, for decades reauthorization bills for farm policy and food stamp policy have been combined together. Because of this union, mutually-assured and dramatic growth has occurred with respect to both policies. As a combined piece of legislation, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected the Senate Farm Bill to cost nearly one trillion dollars over ten years \u2013 with an astonishing 80 percent of this spending going towards the food stamp program. This kind of \u201cFarm Bill\u201d can hardly be called a Farm Bill at all.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe American people are tired of this type of out-of-control spending and irresponsible \u201csausage-making.\u201d Our constituents deserve a Congress that thoughtfully and separately considers the legislation that it passes. It\u2019s just common sense. And in a historic move this summer, the House of Representatives did just that. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the House voted on and passed separate and substantive reform bills governing farm and food stamp policy.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe House-passed Farm Bill, H.R. 2642 enacted major changes to the farm safety-net by eliminating direct payments, repealing or consolidating more than 100 programs administered by the USDA and saving taxpayers $12.8 billion over ten years, in addition to the $6 billion in sequestration cuts already made to Farm Bill programs. The separate House-passed food stamp reauthorization bill, H.R. 3102 also pursued dramatic reform, saving taxpayers nearly $40 billion over ten years. This was done by scaling back automatic qualifications for the food stamp program known as categorical eligibility, eliminating the ability for states to waive work requirements for able-bodied adults without children, by giving states the opportunity to establish similar successful TANF-style work provisions on parents with dependents, clarifying states\u2019 ability to require drug-testing for applicants and preventing certain convicted felons from receiving benefits.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tTransparency is the surest way to guarantee good public policy and that our constituents\u2019 voices are heard in the halls of Congress. Now that substantial reforms have been made, we request the Conference Committee adopt the separate reauthorization timelines, three years for food stamps and five years for farm policy, in order to ensure that these policies are debated and voted on apart from each other in the future. It\u2019s time to do this right.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe strongly urge you to adopt these historic changes and thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tMarlin Stutzman (IN-3), Joe Barton (TX-6), Kerry Bentivolio (MI-11), Jim Bridenstine (OK-1), Paul Broun (GA-10), Ron DeSantis (FL-6), Jeff Duncan (SC-3), John Fleming (LA-4), Trent Franks (AZ-8), Louie Gohmert (TX-1), Paul Gosar (AZ-4), Bill Huizenga (MI-2),Jim Jordan (OH-4), Raul Labrador (ID-1), Doug Lamborn (CO-5), Cynthia Lummis (WY- At Large), Thomas Massie (KY-4), Tom McClintock (CA-4), Mick Mulvaney (SC-5), Joe Pitts (PA-16), Mike Pompeo (KA-4), Matt Salmon (AZ-5), Steve Scalise (LA-1), David Schweikert (AZ-6), Chris Stewart (UT-2), Randy Weber (TX-14), Lynn Westmoreland (GA-3).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/icymi-%E2%80%93-white-house-admits-you-can%E2%80%99t-keep-your-health-care", "ICYMI \u2013 White House Admits You Can\u2019t Keep Your Health Care", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 28, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nICYMI \u2013 White House Admits You Can\u2019t Keep Your Health Care\nMonday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney finally fessed up to the President\u2019s lie that \u201cif you like your health plan, you will be able to keep your health plan,\u201d when he admitted that there are existing plans that do not qualify for the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, during a White House press briefing.\nThese are not just a few boutique insurance plans that will be ending.\u00a0 NBC News, in a story yesterday, reported an estimated 50-75% of the 14 million consumers on individually-purchased plans should expect a cancellation notice in coming weeks.\u00a0\nEven worse, the same report stated that the Obama Administration had known for three years that many Americans would lose the health care plan they had under ObamaCare.\u00a0\nIn an effort to make Hoosiers voices heard loud and clear in Washington, Representative Rokita is encouraging Hoosiers to send them copies of their cancellation notices to him via mail, fax, email, or social media.\u00a0 Note: Submissions of personal information should be redacted or \u201cblacked out.\u201d\nRokita has continued to sound the alarm on the insidious nature of ObamaCare \u2013 a law that is continuing to prove it was intentionally something other than what was promised.\u00a0 Not only are Americans being forced off the insurance plans they were happy with, we are being lied to in several ways.\nThe Four Lies of ObamaCare  \n\tLie #1 \u2013 Consumers will be Empowered  \n\tLie #2 \u2013 Americans can Keep Their Health Care  \n\tLie #3 \u2013 Health Care will be More Affordable  \n\tLie #4 \u2013 The Law will Reduce the National Debt\nLearn more about the four lies of ObamaCare and the insidious nature of the law here.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-rokita-coauthors-major-bipartisan-intelligence-reforms-includes-rokita-fisc", "Release - Rokita Coauthors Major Bipartisan Intelligence Reforms - Includes Rokita FISC Bill", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 29, 2013\nContact: Zach Zagar  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-5037  \n\tE-mail: zach.zagar@mail.house.gov\nRokita Coauthors Major Bipartisan Intelligence Reforms  Rokita-Smith Ending Secret Law Act Included in Reform Legislation\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Todd Rokita joined a bipartisan group of Senate and House members to introduce the USA Freedom Act \u2013 legislation that\u00a0 restores Americans\u2019 privacy rights by ending the government\u2019s bulk collection of phone records and requiring greater oversight, transparency, and accountability with respect to domestic surveillance authorities.\u00a0\n\u201cI am proud to co-author this legislation because it is clear that our national intelligence services have made serious mistakes and have violated the Constitutional rights of millions of Americans.\nThe only solution to these on-going violations is for Congress to step forward with new laws that clearly protect our rights and provide real oversight, appropriate transparency and the due process all Americans are guaranteed under our Constitution.\nIncluding my legislation, the Ending Secret Law Act, means that our federal government will finally be required to disclose to us the legal cases and reasoning behind so many intelligence and surveillance decisions,\u201d said Rokita.\nAdditional National Security Legislation by Rokita  \n\tThis September, Rokita introduced legislation to establish a Select Committee to investigate and report on the surveillance operations of the National Security Administration.\nAlso this year, Rokita, along with Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), introduced the Ending Secret Law Act, to require declassification of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) decisions.\nAbout the USA Freedom Act  \n\tThe USA Freedom Act includes elements of the Ending Secret Law Act and makes reforms to end the dragnet collection of Americans\u2019 phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and ensure that other authorities cannot be used to justify similar dragnet collection. The bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance under the FISA Amendments Act.\nThe bill includes other significant privacy and oversight provisions, provides for the creation of a Special Advocate to focus on the protection of privacy rights and civil liberties before the FISA Court, and requires more detailed public reporting about the numbers and types of FISA orders that are issued.\nThe bill has 16 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate and has more than 70 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and enjoys the diverse support of groups ranging from the National Rifle Association to the American Civil Liberties Union.\nAn op-ed on the bill by lead authors Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Sensenbrenner (R-WI)\u2019s joint op-ed on the USA FREEDOM Act, which Tuesday appeared in Politico, can be viewed here.\u00a0 An outline of the legislation can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-leads-passage-of-hr-1791-in-homeland-security-markup", "Brooks Leads Passage of H.R. 1791 in Homeland Security Markup", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) led today\u2019s passage of House Resolution 1791 \u2013 the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act \u2013 during a markup session of the House Committee on Homeland Security. The bill, introduced by the Congresswoman and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12), ensures homeland security grant dollars are available for medical preparedness activities, including the purchase of vital medical equipment and supplies used by first responders.\n\u201cThe importance of medical preparedness was on full display in the aftermath of the horrific Boston Marathon bombings,\u201d Rep. Brooks said. \u201cThis bill provides clear legislative authority for the continued use of Homeland Security Grants to support vital training exercises and the purchase of equipment that protects first responders and citizens in the event of a catastrophic event such as a chemical or biological attack.\u00a0I\u2019m proud to be working with Congressman Bilirakis, as well as Congressmen King and Palazzo, on this common-sense solution that will assist preparedness and response efforts in communities across the nation.\u201d\nThe bill does not include any new funding not already provided through current grant programs. It is supported by a coalition of first responder groups including the Emergency Services Coalition for Medical Preparedness, International Association of Emergency Managers and the International Association of Fire Chiefs\n\"Experts have repeatedly noted that the threat of a WMD attack is real,\u201d said Bilirakis.\u00a0\u201cWe must take steps now to ensure the necessary plans,\u00a0medication\u00a0and equipment\u00a0are\u00a0available to protect the public, especially emergency response providers, in the event of an attack. The legislation passed by the Committee today recognizes the continued importance\u00a0of ensuring\u00a0medical preparedness activities remain allowable grant uses.\u00a0I look forward to working with my colleagues\u00a0in the House to get\u00a0this bill\u00a0signed into law.\" \u00a0\nTo learn more about the Committee on Homeland Security, go to www.homeland.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-upton-support-the-keep-your-health-plan-act/", "WALORSKI, UPTON SUPPORT THE KEEP YOUR HEALTH PLAN ACT", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, October 29, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today announced support for the Keep Your Health Plan Act, a bill introduced yesterday by Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06), to protect the many Americans whose health plans are being cancelled due to Obamacare. \nChoosing a health care plan is a personal decision that should not be dictated by the federal government.  It is unfair for our families to lose their health care plans because of Obamacare, especially after the president personally promised the American people that this would not happen.  Unfortunately, some Hoosiers have already been notified of premium increases and discontinued insurance plans due to reforms in the health care law.  Our families are clearly frustrated with the health care overhaul and deserve to know that they can keep their preferred plans, said Walorski.\nSadly, folks across Michiana and the nation are now finding out the harsh reality of the President's broken promise that if you like your health plan you'll be able to keep it, no matter what.' What's worse, media reports now reveal the administration has known for three years that they could not keep this promise, and yet they kept repeating it. This is a matter of fairness. We are working together to provide folks the peace of mind that they will be allowed to keep their current coverage if they so choose, said Upton.\nPresident Obama repeatedly promised, If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what. Unfortunately, many Americans across the country are all too familiar with the consequences of the president's broken promise and are already receiving health plan termination notices in the mail.\n\tThe Keep Your Head Plan Act would allow health care plans available today on the individual market to continue to be offered so Americans have the option to keep the plan they have if they like it. The bill also ensures that Americans maintaining their health care plan would not face a penalty under the Affordable Care Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140912142832/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-introduces-bill-to-delay-affordable-care-act", "Congressman Luke Messer Introduces Bill to Delay Affordable Care Act Fines until Website Works", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Luke Messer made good on his promise to Hoosiers in the 6th\u00a0District of Indiana and filed a bill delaying the Affordable Care Act\u2019s individual mandate fines until the enrollment websites work.\n\u201cIn an era when Google is making cars that drive themselves, it is inexcusable that the Federal Government spent three years and more than $500 million on a website that doesn\u2019t work,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cThat\u2019s why I introduced H.R. 3358 to make sure the American people aren\u2019t punished for the Administration\u2019s mistakes.\u201d\nHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi herself called the problems with the website \u201cunacceptable.\u201d And, while President Obama said from the Rose Garden, \u201cNobody\u2019s madder than me about the fact that the website isn\u2019t working as well as it should,\u201d Congressman Messer disagrees.\n\u201cThe American people are the ones who should be mad,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are the ones whose hard-earned tax dollars have been wasted and who still can\u2019t go online and sign-up for the health care needed to comply with the individual mandate and avoid its steep fines.\u201d\nH.R. 3358:\u00a0\n \nDelays the individual mandate for people living in areas where their exchange website is not working\n\tCalls on the Government Accountability Office to establish standards for website functionality\n\tRequires the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to certify functionality of exchange websites based on GAO established standards\n\tDelays Affordable Care Act fines until exchange websites are deemed functional", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301170320/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/luke-messer-votes-to-find-ways-to-fix-va-claims-backlog", "Luke Messer Votes to Find Ways to Fix VA Claims Backlog", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON--Today Congressman Luke Messer voted for a thorough review of the claims backlog at the Department of Veterans affairs. H.R. 2189 passed with bi-partisan support and requires the VA to commission a task force to evaluate the backlog of claims and analyze potential improvements to the claims process. He released the following statement:\n\u201cThe VA disability claims and appeals process is severely backlogged nationwide. We have been pressuring the Obama Administration on this issue for months,\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cI hope that through this thorough review, the VA can find ways to improve the claims process and ensure our veterans can more quickly get the compensation they\u2019ve earned.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bucshon.house.gov/your-health-care-story-thankyou", "Your Health Care Story - Thank You", "2013-10-24", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The following information has been submitted:\nName: [prefix] [required-first] [required-last] [suffix]\nAddress: [required-address], [address2]\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 [required-city], [required-state] [zip5] [zip4]\nE-mail: [required-valid-email]\nMeeting Details: [details]\nHave you signed up for insurance in the health care exchange?: [signed-up]\nCan we share your story?: [share]", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 563, "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": "IN", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IN&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "IN", "label": "IN", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 563, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-10-24,http~3A~2F~2Fbucshon~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fyour-health-care-story-thankyou", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IN&year=2013&_next=2013-10-24%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fbucshon~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fyour-health-care-story-thankyou&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 149.62424570694566, "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"}