{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"KY\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-holds-town-hall-paducah-performing-free-eye-surgeries/", "Sen. Rand Paul Holds Town Hall in Paducah Before Performing Free Eye Surgeries", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "PADUCAH, KY \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul held a Town Hall in Paducah, Kentucky at the Paducah Chamber of Commerce Center. Before heading to the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Paducah to perform pro bono eye surgeries, Sen. Paul spoke with Kentuckians in attendance and took questions from the audience. Questions ranged from local issues to immigration to national defense.\n\nFollowing the Town Hall, Sen. Paul performed pro bono eye surgeries with Dr. Barbara Bowers. Sen. Paul regularly performs free eye surgeries for charity, and since being elected to the Senate in 2010, he has continued to use his skills to help those in need.\n\nNo related posts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-holds-town-hall-paducah-performing-free-eye-surgeries", "Sen. Rand Paul Holds Town Hall in Paducah Before Performing Free Eye Surgeries", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PADUCAH, KY  Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul held a Town Hall in Paducah, Kentucky at the Paducah Chamber of Commerce Center. Before heading to the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Paducah to perform pro bono eye surgeries, Sen. Paul spoke with Kentuckians in attendance and took questions from the audience. Questions ranged from local issues to immigration to national defense.    Following the Town Hall, Sen. Paul performed pro bono eye surgeries with Dr. Barbara Bowers. Sen. Paul regularly performs free eye surgeries for charity, and since being elected to the Senate in 2010, he has continued to use his skills to help those in need.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-mrs-rand-pauls-christmas-message/", "Dr. & Mrs. Rand Paul\u2019s Christmas Message", "2015-12-24", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul and his wife, Kelley Paul, delivered the following message in celebration of Christmas and the holiday season. The video and transcript can be found below.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. AND MRS. RAND PAUL\u2019S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nMerry Christmas! As families come together this time of year to give thanks and rejoice in the holiday season, Kelley and I would like to offer our very best wishes to the hard-working families in Kentucky, and across this great nation.\n\nWith the Christmas season upon us, let us pause for a moment and remember our brave men and women serving our country and protecting our freedom at home and abroad. We thank you and your families for all the sacrifices you make.\n\nWe would also like to extend our prayers and wishes to the families across the Commonwealth of Kentucky \u2013 from the horse farms to the coal mines, from the family-owned small businesses to the factories creating products shared worldwide. Your hard work makes the Bluegrass State proud.\n\nMay your holiday be filled with love and your New Year rich with God\u2019s blessings.\n\nFrom our families to yours, merry Christmas and happy holidays!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-mrs-rand-paul%E2%80%99s-christmas-message", "Dr. & Mrs. Rand Pauls Christmas Message", "2015-12-24", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul and his wife, Kelley Paul, delivered the following message in celebration of Christmas and the holiday season. The video and transcript can be found below.\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH DR. AND MRS. RAND PAUL'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE\r\n\r\n\r\nTRANSCRIPT\r\nMerry Christmas!As families come together this time of year to give thanks and rejoice in the holiday season, Kelley andI would like to offer our very best wishesto the hard-working families in Kentucky, and across this great nation.\r\n\r\nWith the Christmas season upon us,let us pause for a moment and remember our brave men and women serving our country and protecting our freedom at home and abroad. We thank you and your families for all the sacrifices you make. \r\n\r\nWe would also like to extend our prayers and wishes to the families across the Commonwealth of Kentucky  from the horse farms to the coal mines, from the family-owned small businesses to the factories creating products shared worldwide. Your hard work makes the Bluegrass State proud.\r\n\r\nMay your holiday be filled with love and your New Year rich with God's blessings.\r\n\r\nFrom our families to yours, merry Christmas and happy holidays!\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-releases-special-festivus-airing-grievances-2015-edition-waste-report/", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special \u2018Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015\u2019 Edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special \u2018Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015\u2019 edition of \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government.\n\nThe \u2018Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015\u2019 edition highlights over 30 examples of wasteful spending, misplaced priorities, and bad management in the federal government that have cost the taxpayer more than one billion dollars. Of the 31 examples amassed from the past year, a few high-points of the \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 include: an $850,000 foreign made-for-TV cricket league in Afghanistan, a $150,000 federal government agency yoga classes, a $450,000 climate change video game, a $250,000 trip for Pakistani children to attend Space Camp and Dollywood in the U.S., and a $104 million subsidization for millionaires to live in public housing.\n\nThe special \u2018Festivus: Airing of Grievances\u2019 of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-releases-special-%E2%80%98festivus-airing-grievances-2015%E2%80%99-edition-%E2%80%98-waste-report%E2%80%99", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015 Edition of The Waste Report", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015' edition of The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government.\r\n   The Festivus: Airing of Grievances for 2015' edition highlights over 30 examples of wasteful spending, misplaced priorities, and bad management in the federal government that have cost the taxpayer more than one billion dollars. Of the 31 examples amassed from the past year, a few high-points of the The Waste Report' include: an $850,000 foreign made-for-TV cricket league in Afghanistan, a $150,000 federal government agency yoga classes, a $450,000 climate change video game, a $250,000 trip for Pakistani children to attend Space Camp and Dollywood in the U.S., and a $104 million subsidization for millionaires to live in public housing.\r\n   The special Festivus: Airing of Grievances' of The Waste Report' can be found HERE.\r\n   ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-announces-hhs-investigation-planned-parenthood-tissue-practices/", "Sen. Rand Paul Announces HHS Investigation of Planned Parenthood Tissue Practices", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following the request initiated by U.S. Senator Rand Paul, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (OIG) Daniel R. Levinson has opened an investigation, including a full audit into the compliance of HHS grantees with the fetal tissue regulations to determine whether there have been violations of the law and how the agency verifies compliance.\n\nOriginally stemming from videos showcasing Planned Parenthood\u2019s potential violations of federal law, Sen. Paul sent a letter, signed by 34 of his colleagues, on October 6, 2015, to HHS OIG Levinson calling for an audit to specifically examine the Department\u2019s oversight of contractor and grantee compliance with laws governing fetal tissue research. The full text of Sen. Paul\u2019s letter can be found HERE.\n\nSen. Paul, in response to HHS OIG Levinson\u2019s investigation, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI am encouraged to see the Inspector General take action to investigate Planned Parenthood\u2019s unconscionable practices. Planned Parenthood selling body parts of the unborn demonstrates that the organization deserves not one penny more of our taxpayer dollars, and I am confident this investigation will give further proof of that,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nIn July 2015, Sen. Paul joined 49 of his Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell immediately following the release of footage from the Center for Medical Progress depicting Planned Parenthood executives discussing \u2013 in graphic detail \u2013 the organization\u2019s involvement in the harvesting and sale of the organs of aborted babies. In the letter, the Senators asked HHS to conduct an internal review of the compliance of both HHS and their grantee, Planned Parenthood, with all applicable federal laws, including those prohibiting the sale of fetal tissue for profit. The response received from Sec. Burwell in August was unacceptable and makes clear that a thorough internal investigation of compliance was not conducted.\n\nClick HERE to read HHS OIG Levinson\u2019s response to Sen. Paul.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-announces-hhs-investigation-planned-parenthood-tissue-practices", "Sen. Rand Paul Announces HHS Investigation of Planned Parenthood Tissue Practices", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Following the request initiated by U.S. Senator Rand Paul, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General (OIG) Daniel R. Levinson has opened an investigation, including a full audit into the compliance of HHS grantees with the fetal tissue regulations to determine whether there have been violations of the law and how the agency verifies compliance.\r\nOriginally stemming from videos showcasing Planned Parenthood's potential violations of federal law, Sen. Paul sent a letter, signed by 34 of his colleagues, on October 6, 2015, to HHS OIG Levinson calling for an audit to specifically examine the Department's oversight of contractor and grantee compliance with laws governing fetal tissue research. The full text of Sen. Paul's letter can be found HERE.\r\nSen. Paul, in response to HHS OIG Levinson's investigation, released the following statement:\r\nI am encouraged to see the Inspector General take action to investigate Planned Parenthood's unconscionable practices. Planned Parenthood selling body parts of the unborn demonstrates that the organization deserves not one penny more of our taxpayer dollars, and I am confident this investigation will give further proof of that, Sen. Paul said.\r\nIn July 2015, Sen. Paul joined 49 of his Senate colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell immediately following the release of footage from the Center for Medical Progress depicting Planned Parenthood executives discussing - in graphic detail - the organization's involvement in the harvesting and sale of the organs of aborted babies. In the letter, the Senators asked HHS to conduct an internal review of the compliance of both HHS and their grantee, Planned Parenthood, with all applicable federal laws, including those prohibiting the sale of fetal tissue for profit. The response received from Sec. Burwell in August was unacceptable and makes clear that a thorough internal investigation of compliance was not conducted.\r\nClick HERE to read HHS OIG Levinson's response to Sen. Paul. \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-sends-bipartisan-bicameral-letter-president-obama-requesting-expedited/", "Dr. Rand Paul Sends Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter to President Obama Requesting Expedited Presidential Investigation for AK Steel", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, along with Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Obama requesting an expedited presidential investigation into the accusations of steel dumping.\n\nSen. Paul has been engaged on this issue since he was first notified of the situation. In the past month, Sen. Paul has met with community and regional leadership in Kentucky regarding layoffs at the AK Steel plant, sent a letter to the International Trade Administration (ITA) requesting them to expedite their decision making process and make a determination before layoffs occur in December, and met with Ashland Mayor Chuck Charles and other city representatives, as well as President and CEO of the Ashland Alliance Tim Gibbs last week.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found below.\n\nLETTER TEXT:\n\nPresident Barack Obama\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write to bring to your attention troubling developments in the domestic steel industry and ask you to expeditiously review the situation before any permanent job losses occur.\n\nOn October 16, 2015, AK Steel announced the company would temporarily layoff employees at its Ashland Kentucky facility later this month. AK Steel stated that one of the reasons for the temporarily layoff was the, \u201conslaught of unfairly traded imports.\u201d Ashland has 21,335 residents and the plant is expected to temporarily layoff over 700 people. If the plant were to temporarily shut down, not only would there be hundreds of people unemployed but surrounding businesses would also be significantly impacted.\n\nSimilar letters have been sent by other steel companies in other states warning of pending steel plant closures. City leaders in Fairfield, Alabama received notification from the US Steel Corporation that said it was closing its blast furnace and laying-off approximately 1,100 employees. US Steel issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice to 2,000 employees at its Granite City, Illinois facility in October 2015.\n\nAK Steel, U.S. Steel, and four other domestic steel producers have accused China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan of purposefully undervaluing their Corrosion-Resistant Steel (CORE) imports in order to increase market share in the US. AK Steel and plaintiffs have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Administration (FTA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) but a final decision isn\u2019t expected to occur until after the temporary layoffs have occurred at the Ashland Works facility. A preliminary ruling by TPA stated that five countries are subsidizing steel imports and selling steel products in the US at under the market rate. TPA\u2019s ruling allows for some countervailing duties to be assessed but a final ruling isn\u2019t scheduled until March 3, 2016. Temporary layoffs are expected to begin at the Ashland steel facility between December 18th and December 30th.\n\nWe ask that you review these cases expeditiously. Should your review disclose unfair practices that are harming the marketplace, the Trade Act of 1974 gives you tools to address the situation.\n\nThis letter isn\u2019t about any one steel company, but about ensuring the market is clear of actors, foreign or domestic, improperly threatening the livelihood of US citizens working hard to provide for their families and achieve the American Dream. We request that you use the tools at your disposal to inquire into this matter and have the ITC investigate the accusation in an expeditious manner.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSen. Rand Paul, M.D\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-reintroduces-separation-powers-restoration-and-second-amendment-protection-act/", "Sen. Rand Paul Reintroduces Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul last week introduced the Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act, which would void and prohibit funding for any of President Obama\u2019s executive orders on gun control that undermines the powers reserved for Congress under the Constitution.\n\n\u201cIn the United States, we do not have a king, but we do have a Constitution. We also have the Second Amendment, and I will fight tooth and nail to protect it,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nClick HERE to read the Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act in its entirety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-releases-special-christmas-edition-waste-report/", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special Christmas Edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special Christmas edition of \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. The special Christmas edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 calls attention to the federal government spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to boost the sales of Christmas trees through TV commercials during Thanksgiving weekend. With retail sales of over 30 million live trees in the U.S. every year, the market for Christmas trees is hardly in a rut and not in need of government assistance.\n\n\u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE or below.\n\nOn Friday morning, all across the world children and parents will gather around the Christmas tree to see what Santa left. Maybe you finally got the kids got the National Science Foundation\u2019s climate change video game they\u2019ve been begging for. Just kidding, we know no one actually asked for that. Even though they already paid for it.\n\nBut at the center of all those gifts is a stunted evergreen decorated with blinking lights and memories of Christmas past. Perhaps you and the family went out to cut down your tree this year, and maybe it was a TV commercial on Thanksgiving Day that inspired this joyous family experience. But, even if your tree is fake, your tax dollars paid for that commercial.\n\nSo, why is Uncle Sam making TV commercials for Christmas trees? Well, as The Waste Report showed in our Thanksgiving edition, virtually all crops (including Christmas trees) are a \u201cspecialty\u201d product according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This makes them eligible for special marketing assistance grants. Combine overly broad eligibility criteria, intergovernmental bureaucracy, and agencies flush with your tax dollars, and BOOM, Christmas tree commercials.\n\nIn this case, the Georgia Christmas Tree Association got $50k in federal funds, \u201cto boost the sales of Georgia Grown Christmas trees by implementing a 30 second cable TV ad that would run for four days over the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Thanksgiving weekends.\u201d [1]\n\nOne might think Georgia must have a fledgling Christmas tree industry to need Uncle Sam\u2019s help. While Georgia is not a Christmas tree juggernaut like Oregon or North Carolina, with over 50,000 trees, they are hardly a slouch either. In fact, Georgia produces more trees than 28 other states, including Idaho and Montana.[2]\n\nTrue, a Christmas tree might not be an everyday purchase, but with about 30 million real trees sold every year [3] this is hardly a niche industry either, making its classification as a \u201cspecialty\u201d all the more absurd.\n\nBy the way, come Valentine\u2019s Day, if you see an ad reminding you to get roses for your sweetheart\u2026yep, that too could have been funded by Uncle Sam as specialty crop marketing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-sends-bipartisan-bicameral-letter-president-obama-requesting-expedited", "Dr. Rand Paul Sends Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter to President Obama Requesting Expedited Presidential Investigation for AK Steel", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  On Friday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, along with Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Obama requesting an expedited presidential investigation into the accusations of steel dumping.\r\nSen. Paul has been engaged on this issue since he was first notified of the situation.In the past month, Sen. Paul has met with community and regional leadership in Kentucky regarding layoffs at the AK Steel plant, sent a letter to the International Trade Administration (ITA) requesting them to expedite their decision making process and make a determination before layoffs occur in December, and met with Ashland Mayor Chuck Charles and other city representatives, as well as President and CEO of the Ashland Alliance Tim Gibbs last week.\r\nA copy of the letter can be found below.\r\nLETTER TEXT:\r\nPresident Barack Obama\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20500\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nWe write to bring to your attention troubling developments in the domestic steel industry and ask you to expeditiously review the situation before any permanent job losses occur.\r\nOn October 16, 2015, AK Steel announced the company would temporarily layoff employees at its Ashland Kentucky facility later this month. AK Steel stated that one of the reasons for the temporarily layoff was the, onslaught of unfairly traded imports. Ashland has 21,335 residents and the plant is expected to temporarily layoff over 700 people. If the plant were to temporarily shut down, not only would there be hundreds of people unemployed but surrounding businesses would also be significantly impacted.\r\n\r\nSimilar letters have been sent by other steel companies in other states warning of pending steel plant closures. City leaders in Fairfield, Alabama received notification from the US Steel Corporation that said it was closing its blast furnace and laying-off approximately 1,100 employees. US Steel issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice to 2,000 employees at its Granite City, Illinois facility in October 2015.\r\nAK Steel, U.S. Steel, and four other domestic steel producers have accused China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan of purposefully undervaluing their Corrosion-Resistant Steel (CORE) imports in order to increase market share in the US. AK Steel and plaintiffs have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Administration (FTA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) but a final decision isn't expected to occur until after the temporary layoffs have occurred at the Ashland Works facility. A preliminary ruling by TPA stated that five countries are subsidizing steel imports and selling steel products in the US at under the market rate. TPA's ruling allows for some countervailing duties to be assessed but a final ruling isn't scheduled until March 3, 2016. Temporary layoffs are expected to begin at the Ashland steel facility between December 18th and December 30th.\r\nWe ask that you review these cases expeditiously. Should your review disclose unfair practices that are harming the marketplace, the Trade Act of 1974 gives you tools to address the situation.\r\nThis letter isn't about any one steel company, but about ensuring the market is clear of actors, foreign or domestic, improperly threatening the livelihood of US citizens working hard to provide for their families and achieve the American Dream. We request that you use the tools at your disposal to inquire into this matter and have the ITC investigate the accusation in an expeditious manner.\r\nSincerely,\r\nSen. Rand Paul, M.D\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-reintroduces-separation-powers-restoration-and-second-amendment-protection-act", "Sen. Rand Paul Reintroduces Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul last week introduced the Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act, which would void and prohibit funding for any of President Obama's executive orders on gun control that undermines the powers reserved for Congress under the Constitution.\r\nIn the United States, we do not have a king, but we do have a Constitution. We also have the Second Amendment, and I will fight tooth and nail to protect it, Sen. Paul said.\r\nClick HERE to read the Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act in its entirety.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-releases-special-christmas-edition-%E2%80%98-waste-report%E2%80%99", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special Christmas Edition of The Waste Report", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special Christmas edition of The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government. The special Christmas edition of The Waste Report' calls attention to the federal government spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to boost the sales of Christmas trees through TV commercials during Thanksgiving weekend. With retail sales of over 30 million live trees in the U.S. every year, the market for Christmas trees is hardly in a rut and not in need of government assistance. The Waste Report' can be found HERE or below.\r\n   On Friday morning, all across the world children and parents will gather around the Christmas tree to see what Santa left. Maybe you finally got the kids got the National Science Foundation's climate change video game they've been begging for. Just kidding, we know no one actually asked for that. Even though they already paid for it.\r\n\r\nBut at the center of all those gifts is a stunted evergreen decorated with blinking lights and memories of Christmas past. Perhaps you and the family went out to cut down your tree this year, and maybe it was a TV commercial on Thanksgiving Day that inspired this joyous family experience. But, even if your tree is fake, your tax dollars paid for that commercial.\r\n\r\nSo, why is Uncle Sam making TV commercials for Christmas trees? Well, as The Waste Report showed in our Thanksgiving edition, virtually all crops (including Christmas trees) are a specialty product according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This makes them eligible for special marketing assistance grants. Combine overly broad eligibility criteria, intergovernmental bureaucracy, and agencies flush with your tax dollars, and BOOM, Christmas tree commercials.\r\n\r\nIn this case, the Georgia Christmas Tree Association got $50k in federal funds, to boost the sales of Georgia Grown Christmas trees by implementing a 30 second cable TV ad that would run for four days over the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Thanksgiving weekends. [1]\r\n\r\nOne might think Georgia must have a fledgling Christmas tree industry to need Uncle Sam's help. While Georgia is not a Christmas tree juggernaut like Oregon or North Carolina, with over 50,000 trees, they are hardly a slouch either. In fact, Georgia produces more trees than 28 other states, including Idaho and Montana.[2]\r\n\r\nTrue, a Christmas tree might not be an everyday purchase, but with about 30 million real trees sold every year [3] this is hardly a niche industry either, making its classification as a specialty all the more absurd.\r\n\r\nBy the way, come Valentine's Day, if you see an ad reminding you to get roses for your sweetheartyep, that too could have been funded by Uncle Sam as specialty crop marketing.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n[1] USASpending.gov; Grant Number 12-25-B-1455\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/Portals/22/Files/STATES%20BY%20TREES%20HARVESTED.pdf\r\n\r\n\r\n[3] http://www.statista.com/statistics/209249/purchase-figures-for-real-and-fake-christmas-trees-in-the-us/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1601", "Guthrie Votes to Permanently Extend Key Tax Provisions, Avoid Government Shutdown", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in favor of H.R. 2029, which included the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH) and an omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016. \r\n\r\n\tYear after year Congress scrambles at the last minute to retroactively extend tax provisions that families and businesses depend on each year, said Congressman Guthrie. This is not an effective way to implement tax policy and underscores the need to fix our broken tax system. I am pleased that Congress has passed H.R. 2029, which is a step in the right direction to provide more certainty to Americans by extending and making permanent several of these expired provisions.\r\n\r\n\tThe PATH Act restores and permanently extends the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit, which has been regularly extended since 1981. Congressman Guthrie has long supported this provision, which is also contained in the REBUILD Act, legislation introduced by Guthrie that seeks to increase our global competitiveness through a pro-manufacturing agenda.\r\n\r\n\tThe R&D tax credit plays an important role in promoting greater investment in new technologies across many industries, said Congressman Guthrie. The permanency of the R&D tax credit is critical in preserving our long-term global competitiveness. \r\n\r\n\tIn addition, the PATH Act restores and permanently extends the previously-expired $500,000 Section 179 expensing level for qualified property, which small businesses and farmers rely upon.\r\n\r\n\tSection 179 allows small business owners and farmers to immediately deduct property and equipment expenses, which in turn allows them to invest more in their businesses. Restoring and making permanent the Section 179 expensing level will ensure our job creators have the certainty they need to make critical investments from year to year, added Congressman Guthrie. \r\n\r\n\tThe omnibus appropriations bill funds the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year.\r\n\r\n\tThis package is far from perfect and I am disappointed that many provisions central to reigning in the administrations overreach were not included, said Congressman Guthrie. But ultimately the bill ensures our military has the tools it needs to fight the growing threat of extremism around the world, and it maintains important conservative spending limitations.\r\n\r\n\tI am hopeful the new House leadership team will end the practice of governing by crisis, pushing critical decisions to the brink, and being forced to act quickly to avert disaster. Instead, we should methodically and carefully weigh important policy choices, continued Guthrie. Passing the year-end funding bill this week will allow us to move into 2016 with a fresh slate.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://massie.house.gov/press-release/press-release-us-representative-massie-urges-courts-protect-second-amendment", "PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Representative Massie Urges Courts to Protect Second Amendment", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Thomas Massie", "M001184", "massie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Massie Urges Courts to Protect Second Amendment\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today U.S. Representative Thomas Massie and 14 members of the House of Representatives filed an amicus brief to Defense Distributed v. United States Department of State in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The attorney for the plaintiff is Alan Gura, who successfully argued McDonald v. City of Chicago and Heller v. District of Columbia before the U. S. Supreme Court. The brief is intended to advise the appellate court and support the plaintiffs case.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe expect the Court to recognize that the State Department exceeded the authority granted to it by Congress and violated the First, Second, and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution, said Rep. Massie. If the State Departments violations are allowed to stand, it could have dramatic implications for free speech on the Internet.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn June 2013, Defense Distributed, a Texas non-profit committed to defending the right to bear arms, made technical information about 3D-printing of legal firearms available for free on the Internet. The State Department forced the company to withdraw the posted information, citing the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a U.S. law which bans export of sensitive information.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDefense Distributed sought an injunction against the State Department in 2015, claiming the ban violated the First, Second, and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution. A Texas district court denied the injunction, but the company has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The amicus brief was filed in support of the appeal.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRep. Massie and the other co-signers of the brief argue that the State Departments interpretation of export regulations exceeds the authority in the foreign commerce clause of the Constitution. The foreign commerce clause allows regulation of trade with other countries, but it does not allow regulation of free speech within the United States. The co-signers also assert that the State Departments interpretation of the export regulations will stifle American innovation as well as free speech.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn addition to Rep. Massie, House co-signers include Duncan (R-SC), Gosar (R-AZ), Webster (R-FL), Labrador (R-ID), Conaway (R-TX), Rokita (R-IN), Farenthold (R-TX), Posey (R-FL), Miller (R-FL), Babin (R-TX), Jones (R-NC), King (R-IA), Fleming (R-LA), and Kelly (R-PA).\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTo read the amicus brief, click here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=73B325AB-5764-44BD-B244-D70949280946", "Rogers: Federal Spending Bill Benefits Kentucky", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05), who also serves as Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, applauds House passage of the full-year Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2016, the federal spending package known as the Omnibus. It passed with a vote of 316 to 113. The bill provides $1.149 trillion for critical government programs and services, the same level agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which was enacted last month. \"The Omnibus bill provides funding boosts for Kentucky programs to spur economic development, combat drug abuse, support the mission of SOAR, protect the sanctity of life, and keep Kentuckians safe,\" said Chairman Rogers. \"It also reins in the Obama Administration's job-killing regulations and supports an all-of-the-above, pro-coal energy strategy to help put our coal miners back to work. Finally, the bill provides much-needed funding for our veterans programs and ensures our active military men and women have everything needed to lead the way on national defense and responses to terrorism threats.\" The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration and the President is expected to sign it into law over the weekend. Highlights are listed below:\r\nEconomic and Rural Development Kentucky will specifically benefit from the following economic and rural development projects, including funding for programs proposed in the President's POWER Plus Plan to help revitalize our coal communities (national funding levels are listed):\r\n \r\n    Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provides historic funding levels, $146 million, for ARC to promote economic growth in distressed counties in the region, including $10 million to increase access to broadband in Appalachian communities.\r\n    \r\n    Economic Development Administration $222 million is available for Economic Development Assistance Programs, including $15 million to enhance regional business development in areas negatively impacted by the downturn in the coal industry.\r\n    \r\n    Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Lands provides $241 million for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in coal communities nationwide. This funding includes a new pilot program aimed at stimulating economic development specifically in Appalachia, where communities are struggling due to the recent downturn in the coal industry. Coal communities with abandoned mine lands will have access to grants that will enable them to reclaim these lands, create new job opportunities and stimulate the local economy. This program is funded at $90 million and will be piloted in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Job Training supports the Employment and Training Administration at $10.6 billion. This program has supported the ongoing efforts of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) through grants for job training initiatives to help support families impacted by layoffs in the coal industry.\r\n \r\n \r\n    National Parks provides $2.9 billion for the National Park Service, $94 million of which will be used to reduce maintenance backlogs and for the celebration of the National Park Centennial. These funds will support ongoing activities at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.\r\n \r\n \r\n    USDA Rural Development includes $2.8 billion to assist rural communities in creating affordable housing options and critical infrastructure investments, including utility and power systems.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Head Start promotes school readiness, an important part of preparing children for a successful future in the region, with $9.168 billion for Head Start programs.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Community Service Block Grants, Rural Community Facilities, and Community Economic Development Grants provides $751 million that will allow Community Action Agencies to continue their efforts to support low-income individuals increase self-sufficiency.\r\n    Natural Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides $157 million to help communities recover from emergencies created by natural disasters. Kentucky communities utilize these funds to respond to imminent hazards to life and property created by floods, fires, and windstorms.\r\n    Support for rural housing programs $950 million is included for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to help state and local governments provide affordable housing options to low-income people. An additional $900 million is included for USDA Section 502 Direct Loans and $27.5 million for Self-Help Housing programs.\r\n    Community Development Financial Institutions provides $233.5 million to promote economic revitalization in low-income communities. Kentucky-based organizations like Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and Community Ventures use these funds to help individuals buy homes, start and grow small businesses, as well as fund projects that improve our local communities.\r\n    HubZone includes $3 million to help small businesses in rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.\r\n    Payment in Lieu of Taxes fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for Fiscal Year 2016 at $452 million. The PILT program allows local communities to compensate for losses in their tax base due to the presence of Federal lands within their boundaries. Funding from this program will benefit almost every county in the 5thCongressional District.\r\n    Clean Water and Drinking Water provides $2.3 billion to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which support local drinking water and sewer construction projects. The bill also provides funding to improve water quality and ensure the safety of drinking water in rural communities through technical assistance grants.\r\n \r\n\r\nReins in the Obama Administration's Regulatory Overreach\r\nto Advance an All of the Above, Pro-Coal Energy Policy Since 2009, Eastern Kentucky has lost more than 9,000 coal mining jobs, plus countless more coal-reliant jobs in the region. In an effort to put coal miners back to work and reduce overburdensome and ineffective regulations, the following measures were included in the federal funding bill:\r\n\r\n \r\n    \tCuts EPA funding to pre-fiscal year 2010 levels\r\n \r\n \r\n    \tReduces the EPA staff to its lowest levels since 1989\r\n \r\n \r\n    \tRejects the President's proposal to spend $138 million on new or expanded EPA regulatory programs\r\n    \tProhibits the EPA from issuing regulations on lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle\r\n \r\n \r\n    \tEnhances congressional oversight of EPA's review of mining permits, which often languish when left in the agency's hands\r\n \r\n \r\n    Definition of Fill Material and Clean Water Act Permits prohibits the US Army Corps of Engineers from modifying the definition of fill material. Such modifications could harm critical US industries, including the coal industry in Appalachia. The bill also protects farmers by restricting the application of the Clean Water Act in certain agricultural areas, including farm ponds and irrigation ditches.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Stream Protection Rule requires the Department of the Interior to engage with the States in developing the Stream Protection Rule, which will have a direct impact on the mining industry. The Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) has mismanaged this rulemaking from the beginning, wasting taxpayer dollars and withholding information from State partners. This provision will require OSMRE to produce all data and documents relevant to the rulemaking and engage in a transparent process with the States.\r\n    Keeping foreign coal markets open the bill prohibits a component of President Obama's damaging Climate Change Policy that would stop the United States from investing in coal-fired power plants in developing countries.\r\n    Mine Safety provides oversight of the Mine Safety and Health Administration in order to ensure that agency resources are being utilized efficiently and effectively throughout the region to protect our miners hard at work in the coal fields.\r\n    Fossil Energy Research advances an all of the above energy strategy by making substantial investments in fossil energy research. Department of Energy (DOE) Fossil Energy Research programs are funded at $632 million, which is $61 million above fiscal year 2015 funding levels. The DOE Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) and Power Systems Program is funded at $430 million, with $53 million set aside for the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), which focuses on coal, natural gas and oil technologies.\r\n \r\n\r\nCombats Drug Abuse Great strides have been made in combatting drug abuse in Southern and Eastern Kentucky andacross the Commonwealth, however, still too many lives are lost each year due to accidental drug overdoses. In fact, one person dies every 15 minutes from a drug overdose in America. The following measures are included in the bill to help save lives and prevent generational drug abuse trends.\r\n \r\n    Drug Enforcement the bill provides $250 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program to assist federal, state, and local authorities clean up trafficking hot-spots, which will enable the Appalachian HIDTA to continue its work in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. The legislation also includes $2.5 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a $52 million increase over 2015. $372 million is specifically allocated to combat the diversion of prescription drugs. In addition, $192.9 million is included for the National Guard's Counterdrug program, which supports ongoing marijuana eradication efforts in the Daniel Boone National Forrest, and $11 million is provided to support state and local law enforcement efforts to clean up methamphetamine labs.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) the legislation provides $13 million to implement and enhance PDMPs, requiring the Department of Justice to increase interstate connectivity amount PDMPs and to explore opportunities to increase utilization by authorized users.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Prevent and Treatment the legislation provides $1.77 billion for states to plan, implement, and evaluate their efforts to prevent and treat substance abuse, and includes $1.25 million to help states implement model drug legislation. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is provided with $70 million to continue its Opioid Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention program. Kentucky has already been awarded $940,000 per year for four yearsunder this program.The bill allocates $95 million to the Drug Free Communities Program, which provides funding to community-based groups seeking to prevent youth substance abuse. Finally, the legislation also encourages HHS to facilitate training of healthcare professionals and paramedics and to increase access to emergency devices, like Naloxone. \r\n \r\n \r\n    Drug Courts provides historic funding levels for drug courts, including $104 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help non-violent offenders struggling with addiction. An additional $6 million is included for Veterans Treatment Courts to help our men and women in uniform who are struggling with addiction, and $2 million will be available to train drug court judges around the country.\r\n \r\nNational Defense Priorities and Taking Care of our Veterans The Veterans Administration has greatly reduced the backlog of veterans benefit claims and this bill will help continue that work, while expanding upon other services. It also ensures that our active U.S. Forces are prepared to combat the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, both overseas and on U.S. soil.\r\n \r\n    Responding to Worldwide Threats provides necessary funding to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), bolster our intelligence capabilities abroad, and support our allies in Europe who are being threatened by Russian aggression.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Readiness and Training addresses current shortfalls in military readiness, training, and depot maintenance in order to ensure that our servicemen and women are fully prepared to respond to threats around the world.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Health Care & Research provides $32.3 billion for the Defense Health Program to provide healthcare for our active and retired service members and their families. The bill funds crucial research on traumatic brain injury, cancer, and suicide prevention programs. The measure also provides $50 billion to the VA for medical services for our nation's veterans, including funding for Hepatitis C treatment, mental health care, and caregivers of injured veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Veteran Homelessness provides $6.7 billion for medical care, support services, housing and job training and placement programs for our homeless veterans.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Rural Health provides $270 million in rural health initiatives in order to provide care to veterans who do not have immediate access to a veterans medical center or community-based outpatient clinic.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Disability Compensation Backlog includes $2.7 billion for the VA to continue reducing the disability compensation claims backlog.\r\n \r\nClick here to watch the Chairman's floor speech in support of the bill.  \r\nClick here for the full text of the Chairman's floor speech. For the full text of the bill and accompanying reports, please visit:www.rules.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=c9876b3c-73c5-4292-a1a6-ba5a687c5754", "Bipartisan Funding and Tax Relief Legislation Will Strengthen the Economy and National Security", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the bipartisan omnibus and tax relief legislation:\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\nWe know our constituents are deeply concerned about Americas struggling economy. So lets take steps  as the legislation well consider proposes  to support more jobs, more opportunity, and more economic growth.\r\n\r\nLets enact permanent tax relief for American families and small businesses.\r\n\r\nLets set the table for pro-growth tax reform.\r\n\r\nLets permanently eliminate an energy policy from the 1970s that not only costs American jobs, but also strengthens American adversaries like Iran and Russia.\r\n\r\nBecause heres something else.\r\n\r\nWe know our constituents are deeply concerned about Americas national security. So lets take steps  as the legislation well consider proposes  to strengthen our national security in a dangerous world.\r\n\r\nLets help ensure our military has more of the funding it needs to train, equip, and confront the threats that face us from every corner of the globe.\r\n\r\nLets bolster the FBIs ability to confront terror within our borders.\r\n\r\nLets bring badly needed reform to the Visa Waiver Program.\r\n\r\nLets prevent the transfer of dangerous terrorists from Guantanamos secure detention center into American communities.\r\n\r\nLets provide the people we represent with some long-overdue protection from cyberattacks.\r\n\r\nLets honor our veterans and enact critical reforms to help address the crises weve seen at the V.A.\r\n\r\nThe legislation well consider today would take steps to strengthen our economy and strengthen our national security.\r\n\r\nIt would bolster the First Amendment.\r\n\r\nIt would attack key pillars of Obamacare and prevent a taxpayer bailout of this partisan law.\r\nThat last provision is especially important. Protecting the Middle Class from financing a bailout of Obamacare means were likely to speed up Americas day of liberation from Obamacare too.\r\n\r\nSo heres my view.\r\n\r\nThis legislation helps our economy, helps our national security, and strikes more blows to a partisan health law that hurts the Middle Class.\r\n\r\nI think its legislation worth supporting.\r\n\r\n***\r\n\r\nThe American people voted for a new majority last November.\r\n\r\nWe were humbled to have their support to take the Senate in a new direction.\r\n\r\nThe Senate has made great strides in the year since. I think weve shown how the Senate can not only get back to work, but also return to a place of higher purpose.\r\n\r\nWe got committees working again. We opened up the legislative process. We gave Senators from both parties more of a say.\r\n\r\nAs a result, weve gotten a lot done for the American people.\r\n\r\nThere are numbers that help tell the story, like the fact that this Senate allowed about 200 roll-call amendment votes compared to just 15 last year.\r\n\r\nBut its the substance of what we passed that really shows what a new and more open Senate can achieve for the American people.\r\n\r\nReplacing No Child Left Behind with the most significant K-12 education reform in more than a dozen years.\r\n\r\nAddressing crumbling roads and bridges with the first long-term transportation bill in a decade.\r\n\r\nA balanced budget, for the first time since 2001.\r\n\r\nHelp for our veterans.\r\n\r\nHope for the victims of modern slavery.\r\n\r\nModernizing changes for our military and its acquisition systems.\r\n\r\nNotable, bipartisan reforms for programs like Medicare  reforms that set a precedent for further positive action in the future.\r\n\r\nWe brought a permanent end to more of Washingtons artificial cliffs and manufactured dramas, by working toward real reform instead of just temporary patches.\r\n\r\nWell do that again today.\r\n\r\nWell enact permanent tax relief for families and small businesses.\r\n\r\nWell bring an end to a job-destroying 40-year ban on energy exports.\r\n\r\nWell finally pass landmark cybersecurity legislation after years of Senate inaction.\r\n\r\nAnd just last night, we passed the first significant environmental reform bill in decades  one that will create more certainty for businesses and ensure uniform safety standards for products our families use.\r\n\r\nThis is all good news for the American people.\r\n\r\nNearly all of the policies I mentioned were  or will be  signed into law by the President.\r\n\r\nOthers, while important, do not have his support.\r\n\r\nThat includes legislation to rescue the Middle Class from the pain of Obamacare, to support Keystones energy jobs, and to protect Kentuckys small businesses and coal families from Washingtons regulatory assault.\r\n\r\nIts now clear that it will take a new President to achieve those things for the American people.\r\n\r\nBut were proving that you can still get a lot done with a President from a different party.\r\n\r\nWere proving you can actually enact significant, long-term reforms  achieve conservative policy goals  and get them signed into law.\r\n\r\nIm proud of what the new Senate has accomplished. Id like to thank the many friends across the aisle who joined us in passing so many bipartisan reforms for the American people too.\r\n\r\nWere not only putting the Senate back to work, weve put it back on the side of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-announces-senate-audit-fed-vote/", "Sen. Rand Paul Announces Senate \u201cAudit the Fed\u201d Vote", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) today announced plans for the Senate to vote in relation to the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as \u201cAudit the Fed,\u201d on January 12, 2016. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) filed cloture on the motion to proceed to \u201cAudit the Fed\u201d today, setting up the cloture vote when the Senate returns in January.\n\nThe legislation, S.2232, would eliminate restrictions on the U.S. Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandate that the Federal Reserve\u2019s credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight.\n\nSen. Paul originally introduced the legislation for the 114th Congress in January 2015. In November 2015, Sen. Paul invoked Rule XIV, which allowed \u201cAudit the Fed\u201d to be placed directly on the Senate Legislative Calendar so that the legislation can be called up for immediate consideration.\n\n\u201cMy legislation to conduct a complete and thorough audit of the Federal Reserve will be voted on in the Senate on January 12, 2016. The Fed operating under a cloak of secrecy has gone on for far too long. The American people have a right to know exactly how Washington is spending their money. The time to act is now,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nCosponsors of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 include: U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and David Vitter (R-LA).\n\nClick HERE to read the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 in its entirety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-opposes-omnibus-spending-bill/", "Sen. Rand Paul Opposes Omnibus Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement today opposing the FY2016 \u201comnibus\u201d spending bill:\n\n\u201cSince coming to Washington, I have voted against every spending bill that continues to add to our nation\u2019s mountain of debt, and this bill is no different. By adding $700 million of new debt this year, this bill will continue to fund President Obama\u2019s priorities such as Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, and sanctuary cities. The 2,242-page bill will do nothing to stop the flow of refugees from terrorist countries and expand big government\u2019s intrusion into every American\u2019s internet activity. I cannot and will not support any legislation that adds debt on top of debt and enables President Obama\u2019s lawlessness. Ultimately, this reckless spending will only be hurting the hard-working families in Kentucky and across the nation, and the American people deserve better,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-announces-senate-%E2%80%9Caudit-fed%E2%80%9D-vote", "Sen. Rand Paul Announces Senate Audit the Fed Vote", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) today announced plans for the Senate to vote in relation to the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015, widely known as \"Audit the Fed, on January 12, 2016. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Audit the Fed today, setting up the cloture vote when the Senate returns in January.\r\nThe legislation, S.2232, would eliminaterestrictions on the U.S. Government Accountability Office audits of the Federal Reserve and mandate that the Federal Reserve's credit facilities, securities purchases, and quantitative easing activities be subject to congressional oversight.\r\nSen. Paul originally introduced the legislation for the 114th Congress in January 2015. In November 2015, Sen. Paul invoked Rule XIV, which allowed Audit the Fed to be placed directly on the Senate Legislative Calendar so that the legislation can be called up for immediate consideration.\r\n\"My legislation to conduct a complete and thorough audit of the Federal Reserve will be voted on in the Senate on January 12, 2016. The Fed operating under a cloak of secrecy has gone on for far too long. The American people have a right to know exactly how Washington is spending their money. The time to act is now,\" Sen. Paul said.\r\nCosponsors of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 include: U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Capito (R-WV),John Cornyn (R-TX),Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), and David Vitter (R-LA).\r\nClick HEREto read the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 in its entirety.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-opposes-omnibus-spending-bill", "Sen. Rand Paul Opposes Omnibus Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul issued the following statement today opposing the FY2016 omnibus spending bill:\r\nSince coming to Washington, I have voted against every spending bill that continues to add to our nation's mountain of debt, and this bill is no different. By adding $700 million of new debt this year, this bill will continue to fund President Obama's priorities such as Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, and sanctuary cities. The 2,242-page bill will do nothing to stop the flow of refugees from terrorist countries and expand big government's intrusion into every American's internet activity. I cannot and will not support any legislation that adds debt on top of debt and enables President Obama's lawlessness. Ultimately, this reckless spending will only be hurting the hard-working families in Kentucky and across the nation, and the American people deserve better, Sen. Paul said.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8315B99E-483C-4208-A30B-E3D77D15D3AD", "Rogers Pushes for Plan to Destroy ISIS' Social Media Empire", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) pushed for the President to deliver a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorist use of social media to recruit extremists to carry out attacks on Americans. Rogers joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass theCombat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act of 2015(H.R. 3654) in response to the hijacking of this emerging global technology. \"Unfortunately, we've witnessed the grave results of social media being used as an international recruiting tool for terrorism,\" said Rogers. \"We know that terrorists are blatantly using sources like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to radicalize individuals around the world in order to carry out attacks in the United States and abroad, and it's time that we disrupt their prime communication tools.\" The need for this bill was highlighted by the tragedy in San Bernardino, California earlier this month where 14 people were killed and 21 people were injured by a radical Islamist married couple who used social media to pledge support of ISIS. Although the Obama Administration committed to developing a comprehensive plan four years ago to counter terrorists' use of social media, no strategy has yet been released. The bill requires the President to update Congress on social media usage by terrorists, along with a summary of efforts made thus far to disrupt it, including:\r\n An evaluation of the role social media plays in radicalization in the U.S.;\r\n Analysis of how terrorists and terrorist organizations use social media; and\r\n Recommedations to improve the federal government's efforts to disrupt and counter the use of social media by terrorists.\r\nEarlier this month, Rogers also voted for theVisa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015(H.R. 158)and theAmerican Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015(H.R. 4038)to help reduce threats of terrorism in America. Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitter,Instagramor onFacebook.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-highlights-us-forest-service-building-smokey-bear-laundromat-costing-taxpayers/", "Sen. Rand Paul Highlights U.S. Forest Service Building the Smokey Bear Laundromat Costing Taxpayers $25,000", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government. The latest edition highlights the U.S. Forest Service spending nearly $25,000 taxpayer dollars to build the Smokey Bear Laundromat at the Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso, N.M. \u2013 all while the closest laundromat can be found 0.2 miles away.\n\n\u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE or below.\n\nMaybe you have anguished over a coffee stain on your pants or prayed an errant blotch of marinara sauce would come out of a white shirt. Well, it seems the U.S. Forest Service is concerned about laundry too, which is why earlier this year they spent almost $25,000 to build the Smokey Bear Laundromat at the Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso, New Mexico.[1]\n\nThe project solicitation calls for converting a single-car garage at the Smokey Bear Ranger House into a six-machine laundromat. However, this expense is just for the facility, the washers and dryers were not included in the $25,000 price.\n\nSome readers may be envisioning a remote outpost[2] far from civilization. However, the Lincoln National Forest abuts the town of Ruidoso, and the Ranger House itself is right off of a highway, across from a golf resort and next to commercial shopping on both sides.[3] It is basically just another business, with a giant back yard, off a city street. Even the solicitation for the project notes that lodging and meals can be found within two miles of the worksite.[4]\n\nMore surprising is the proposed location for the government laundromat would be just 0.2 miles from Becker\u2019s Mountain Laundry and just 0.3 miles to Evergreen Cleaner, which offers laundry services.[5] But when the taxpayer is footing the bill, 0.2 miles seems a lot longer.\n\nRuidoso, by the way, is hardly a small, remote hamlet. In fact, Ruidoso is something of a tourist destination with a Micropolitan Statistical Area population of 21,223 and over 7,500 housing units.[6] Forest Service personnel can easily live in the local community and hardly need a full complement of accommodations, such as laundry services, at the Smokey Bear Ranger House.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-highlights-us-forest-service-building-smokey-bear-laundromat-costing-taxpayers", "Sen. Rand Paul Highlights U.S. Forest Service Building the Smokey Bear Laundromat Costing Taxpayers $25,000", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government. The latest edition highlights the U.S. Forest Service spending nearly $25,000 taxpayer dollars to build the Smokey Bear Laundromat at the Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso, N.M.  all while the closest laundromat can be found 0.2 miles away.   The Waste Report' can be found HERE or below. Maybe you have anguished over a coffee stain on your pants or prayed an errant blotch of marinara sauce would come out of a white shirt. Well, it seems the U.S. Forest Service is concerned about laundry too, which is why earlier this year they spent almost $25,000 to build the Smokey Bear Laundromat at the Lincoln National Forest in Ruidoso, New Mexico.[1]  The project solicitation calls for converting a single-car garage at the Smokey Bear Ranger House into a six-machine laundromat. However, this expense is just for the facility, the washers and dryers were not included in the $25,000 price.  Some readers may be envisioning a remote outpost[2] far from civilization. However, the Lincoln National Forest abuts the town of Ruidoso, and the Ranger House itself is right off of a highway, across from a golf resort and next to commercial shopping on both sides.[3] It is basically just another business, with a giant back yard, off a city street. Even the solicitation for the project notes that lodging and meals can be found within two miles of the worksite.[4]  More surprising is the proposed location for the government laundromat would be just 0.2 miles from Becker's Mountain Laundry and just 0.3 miles to Evergreen Cleaner, which offers laundry services.[5] But when the taxpayer is footing the bill, 0.2 miles seems a lot longer.  Ruidoso, by the way, is hardly a small, remote hamlet. In fact, Ruidoso is something of a tourist destination with a Micropolitan Statistical Area population of 21,223 and over 7,500 housing units.[6] Forest Service personnel can easily live in the local community and hardly need a full complement of accommodations, such as laundry services, at the Smokey Bear Ranger House.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-statement-on-the-un-climate-proposal", "McConnell Statement on the U.N. Climate Proposal", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.15\n\t\t\t McConnell Statement on the U.N. Climate Proposal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The President is making promises he can't keep, writing checks he can't cash, and stepping over the middle class to take credit for an agreement' that is subject to being shredded in 13 months.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement regarding the President's support for the United Nations climate proposal:  The climate proposal announced today represents nothing more than a long-term planning document. The President is making promises he can't keep, writing checks he can't cash, and stepping over the middle class to take credit for an agreement' that is subject to being shredded in 13 months. His commitments to help leaders abroad are based on proposals at home that would hurt jobs and raise utility rates for American families.  Before his international partners pop the champagne, they should remember that this is an unattainable deal based on a domestic energy plan that is likely illegal, that half the states have sued to halt, and that Congress has already voted to reject. Background: Sen. McConnell wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post (Obama takes his reckless energy plan to the United Nations, 11/29/15) in advance of the Paris talks. You can read it here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEnergy,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMiddle Class,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tJobs,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCoal,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRegulations,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEPA\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=75C4FAAC-563B-412F-9227-3F7269BF3E91", "Rogers Applauds Comprehensive Trade Bill", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) applauds passage of theTrade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act(H.R. 644) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has been operating without authorization. It also strengthens the enforcement of trade laws, gives Treasury stronger tools to responsibly fight currency manipulation, and makes it clear that Congress won't consider any trade deals that obligate the United States with respect to greenhouse gas emissions or require changes to U.S. immigration law. \"Nearly 530,000 jobs in Kentucky are dependent upon trade, so when our customs agreements are enforced, we become more competitive in the global marketplace,\" said Rogers. Additionally, this bill increases congressional oversight of trade negotiations and will strengthen our ability to fight human trafficking by enhancing incentives for our partners to address this form of modern-day slavery. This legislation also includes the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (H.R. 235), which permanently blocks states and local governments from taxing Internet access or placing multiple and discriminatory taxes on e-commerce activities. \"As a cosponsor of the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, I'm please that it was included in this legislation,\" Rogers stated. \"Keeping Internet access free from unnecessary taxes is a key component of promoting the digital economy, particularly as we work to expand broadband access through the KentuckyWired project.\" Click here for a full summary of H.R. 644. Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitter,Instagramor onFacebook.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=6adf1021-7809-4c63-93c6-8c4c7645a6ab", "Passage of Education Reform Another Example of Congress Back to Work Under Republican Leadership", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding bipartisan accomplishments in the 114th Congress:\r\nWhat a difference a new Senate can make.\nSome may have thought Washington would never agree on a replacement for No Child Left Behind. Years of inaction on the Senate floor gave ample cause for doubt. Some may have been skeptical when a new Senate with a new approach resolved to finally solve the problem too.\nBut no longer.\nYesterday, the new Senate voted overwhelmingly to deliver the most significant K-12 education reform in well over a decade. The President will sign the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act later this morning.\r\nHeres what this bipartisan law will do: Replace a broken law with conservative reform that will help students succeed instead of helping Washington grow. \nThat means swapping one-size-fits-all federal mandates for greater state and local flexibility.\nThat means bringing an end to the ability of faraway bureaucrats to impose Common Core.\nThat means strengthening charter schools.\nThat means putting education back in the hands of those who know students needs best: parents, teachers, states, and school boards.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act is conservative reform passed on a bipartisan basis. The Wall Street Journal calls it the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century. And its an important achievement for our kids and for our country.\nLet me again thank the Senators who worked together to make this possible.\nSenator Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee.\nSenator Murray, a Democrat from Washington.\nThey took advantage of the opportunities a new and more open Senate provided. They put good legislation together and then placed personal stakes in its success. They worked hard. They labored over many months. And they didnt lose sight of what a legislative exercise like this one should really be about.\r\nGood policy. Better outcomes for our country. And with the bill we passed yesterday  the bill the President will sign today  greater opportunities for every student to succeed. \nSenator Alexander was right when he said this bill is just one more example that Congress is back to work. Its worth noting a point he made the other day too.\nThis has been one of the most productive Senate years in a long time, he said. The Republican Senate majority is making a real difference, particularly [for] 100,000 public schools, [for] 3  million teachers, and [for] 50 million children.\r\nBut perhaps the American people are wondering why.\nPerhaps theyre wondering why the Senate is suddenly back to work this year.\nPerhaps theyre wondering why some issues are suddenly passing now when they werent passing previously.\nLet me turn back to the rest of what Senator Alexander said, because I think the answer for a bill like ESSA is actually quite simple.\nWe're doing it, he said, by working in a bipartisan way with our colleagues which is, I think, the way the American people want us to govern.\nHeres the idea. \nGive Senators of both parties more of a say in the process, and Senators of both parties are likely to take more of a stake in the outcome.\nThats why on this bill you saw a more open process that started way back in the committee stage. \nSenators Alexander and Murray, the top Republican and top Democrat on the education committee, understood that No Child Left Behind had to be fixed after years of inaction. So they worked together on a bipartisan basis  and the Senate passed the most significant K-12 education reform in years.\nTake another example.\nSenators Inhofe and Boxer, the top Republican and top Democrat on the public works committee, understood that crumbling roads and bridges had to be fixed after years of inaction. So they worked together on a bipartisan basis  and the Senate passed the first long-term transportation bill in a decade.\nOr how about this one.\nSenators Burr and Feinstein, the top Republican and top Democrat on the intelligence committee, understood that Americans online privacy and financial transactions deserved some protection after years of inaction. So they worked together on a bipartisan basis  and the Senate passed an important cybersecurity bill.\nAcross the new Congress, you saw several other stuck issues come unstuck too.\nA decisive end to Washingtons annual Doc Fix drama.\nAction to help knock down foreign trade barriers.\nExtending a hand of compassion to victims of modern slavery.\nAll of it passed in the new Congress, and all of it passed on a bipartisan basis.\nNow let me be clear.\nNo one is saying that all of the Senates challenges have been ironed out. Of course we know that our work is ongoing. Of course we know that there will always be bumps along the way.\r\nBut heres what we can say for sure.\nThe new Senate has taken serious steps to foster a more open atmosphere on many issues.\nThe new Senate has seen real progress made for our country, often on a bipartisan basis.\nAnd were proud of that. \nWhether were Republicans or Democrats, I think thats something we can all take pride in as Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://massie.house.gov/press-release/press-release-us-representatives-jones-and-massie-introduce-bill-cut-ex-speaker-office", "PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Representatives Jones and Massie Introduce Bill to Cut Ex-Speaker Office", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Thomas Massie", "M001184", "massie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Jones and Massie Introduce Bill to Cut Ex-Speaker Office\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) and Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-4) introduced legislation to de-authorize the post-speaker office that retired speakers enjoy for up to five years after they leave office. The practice started in 1971 when former Speaker John McCormack retired. In the past 44 years, the perk has grown to include office allowances, franking privileges, and staff help for the former speaker. Former Speaker Dennis Hastert spent $1.9 million in taxpayer money running his post-speaker office. Meanwhile, he was making big money as a Washington, DC lobbyist and had the disposable income to pay $1.7 million to someone who was blackmailing him over allegedly molesting young boys.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is ridiculous that a former speaker needs 5 years and millions of taxpayer dollars to maintain an office in the Capitol building, said Congressman Jones. They are no longer a member of Congress. Upon leaving office, former speakers have access to many perks and opportunities, including government pensions, book deals, lobbying, speaking engagements, and consulting. If they want an office, they can pay for it themselves.We need to cut this unnecessary taxpayer-funded perk and deal with our $18 trillion debt.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIm confident that when we get this legislation to the floor, every member of Congress will vote with us to eliminate this waste of taxpayer dollars, Massie said.This week's omnibus presents an immediate opportunity to defund the ex-speaker's office, but the most probable vehicle is an amendment containing Mr. Jones' legislation, that we can offer next summer during the appropriations debate, he added.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Jones also sent a letter to Speaker Ryan today about the need to de-authorize to the post-speaker office. Watch video of Congressman Jones remarks at the press conference here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=7e4aa330-3b17-4ffc-b675-69ee4d0fac74", "Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Thirteenth Amendments Ratification", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate held a ceremony today commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. The following are Leader McConnells remarks delivered during the ceremony, which took place in Emancipation Hall, in the U.S. Capitol:\r\nIt was a January afternoon.\r\nThe air was frozen in apprehension. It was leavened with anticipation.\r\nHope and fear danced together that day, intermingling as they sometimes do at such important moments in our history.\r\nBut only briefly.\r\nFrom a presiding officer came the news.\r\nAyes, 119. Noes, 56.\r\nMinds processed the calculations silently.\r\nIn one instant, nervous calm.\r\nIn the next, uproarious cheer.\r\nIt was two-thirds, if only just.\r\nThe House of Representatives had passed the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, as the Senate had done the previous year.\r\nHeres how the moment was described when House Speaker Colfax announced the results:\r\nA moment of silence succeeded, and then, from floor and galleries, burst a simultaneous shout of joy and triumph, spontaneous, irrepressible and uncontrollable, swelling and prolonged in one vast volume of reverberating thunder\r\nOn the floor, members wept and hugged.\r\nIn the galleries, the thunder that was described  joyous and hopeful  rumbled on. Some onlookers who, because of the color of their skin, had been denied access to that very gallery until just the year before, were now celebrating congressional passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.\r\nFrom there, history.\r\nPresident Lincoln would soon add his signature, even though the President plays no formal role in the ratification process.\r\nWithin just a few short months, the amendment would be ratified.\r\nYears of slavery would be legally abolished.\r\nMillions of slaves would win their freedom.\r\nAnd a country would set off on a new path.\r\nWounded, but hopeful.\r\nScarred, but capable.\r\nAlways striving. Always believing. Looking to the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=f27069b5-0966-4717-befd-366089115df4", "Senate to Vote Today on Landmark Education Reform Bill", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding bipartisan education reform, another in a series of bipartisan accomplishments in the 114th Congress:\r\nSome questioned whether Washington could ever agree on a replacement for No Child Left Behind.\r\nThey neednt question any longer. Just consider todays headline from the Associated Press: Outdated education law up for major makeover in Senate.\r\nThis morning, we expect that a new Senate thats back to work will send the Every Student Succeeds Act to the President for his signature.\r\nThis forward-looking replacement for a broken law would open new opportunities for our kids, and put education back in the hands of those who understand their needs best: parents, teachers, states, and school boards.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation would strengthen charter schools.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation would prevent distant bureaucrats from imposing Common Core.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation would substitute one-size-fits-all federal mandates for greater state and local flexibility.\r\nIn short, its conservative reform designed to help students succeed instead of helping Washington grow.\r\nIts a significant achievement for our country.\r\nI want to thank everyone who helped make this moment possible.\r\nAt the top of that list are two Senators.\r\nTheres Senator Alexander, a former Education Secretary from Tennessee  a Republican.\r\nTheres Senator Murray, a former preschool teacher from Washington  a Democrat.\r\nThey worked hard, they worked across the aisle, and they worked in good faith.\r\nTheir success in this effort is our countrys gain. Its a win for parents. Its a win for dedicated teachers. Most importantly, its a win for children, because these young Americans deserve the enhanced opportunities the bill would provide.  Heres something else we know about what Senator Alexander and Senator Murray accomplished.\r\nIts a testament to what a new and more open approach can bring to the legislative process.\r\nIt gives Senators of both parties more of a say. It gives Senators of both parties more of a stake.\r\nAnd so, Senators are more likely to be interested in working together and seeing good ideas through to completion. Thats just what weve seen here.\r\nHeres how Senator Murray put it: I am very proud of the bipartisan work we have done on the Senate floordebating amendments, taking votes, and making this good bill even better.\r\nHeres how Senator Alexander put it: The bill is just one more example that Congress is back to work.\r\nI couldnt agree more.\r\nFinding a serious replacement for No Child Left Behind eluded Washington for years. Today it will become another bipartisan achievement for our country.\r\nI urge every colleague to join me in voting to send this forward-looking, conservative reform to the Presidents desk. Lets vote to help every student succeed by passing a bill NPR calls a sea change in the federal approach and The Wall Street Journal hails as the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century.\r\n***\r\nThe new Congress and the new Senate have had a habit this year of turning third rails into bipartisan achievements.\r\nYou might say we did so on highways and transportation last week.\r\nYou might say were doing so on schools and education this week.\r\nWeve also overcome significant obstacles to pass important legislation that would protect Americans privacy online through the sharing of cyber threat information, that would help fight against unfair trade barriers, that would help our military modernize and prepare for future threats, and that would bring hope to victims of deplorable crimes who suffer in the shadows.\r\nBut when it comes to the truest of third rails in American politics, some boil that down to just two phrases.\r\nMedicare.\r\nSocial Security.\r\nWe all know that positive action will be needed if we care about saving these programs for future generations.\r\nRepublicans and Democrats are both aware of this inescapable fact.\r\nYet too many politicians have been conditioned to believe that bringing one comma of positive reform to either law is political suicide.\r\nWell, bipartisan majorities in the new Congress voted to change a lot more than just commas in both laws.\r\nWe took bipartisan action on Medicare, reforming a broken payment system that threatened seniors care.\r\nWe took bipartisan action on Social Securitys disability insurance component, enacting the most significant reform in a generation.\r\nAs a result of these bipartisan reforms, we put a permanent end to Congress annual Doc Fix drama, we brought reform to a program for disabled Americans that was scheduled to go broke next year, and we broke through  on a bipartisan basis  an important psychological barrier thats held back broader positive action for the American people.\r\nThe scale of what this new Congress was able to achieve on these issues is noteworthy, but its important for another reasonit clears a path for future wins for our constituents.\r\nThats good news for our country today. Thats good news for future generations tomorrow. And its another example of a Congress thats back to work for the American people, and back on their side.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-time-op-ed-lets-destroy-isis-not-constitution/", "TIME Op-Ed: Let\u2019s Destroy ISIS \u2014 Not the Constitution", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "In his Oval Office address Sunday night, President Obama continued his failure of leadership and his outrageous quest to turn a necessary discussion on terrorism and national security into an unnecessary and ineffective gun control debate.\n\nLet\u2019s be clear: disarming more law abiding citizens will not stop mass murderers and terrorists.\n\nPresident Obama often refers to Australia as a gun control success story. The problem is that the statistics prove otherwise. Between 1996 \u2013 1997, Australia gained control of over 600,000 civilian guns. The country\u2019s murder and manslaughter rates remained the same, while its armed robbery rate actually increased by nearly 10 percent. In 2003, the Australian government took possession of 50,000 more firearms, but its crime statistics still hardly budged.\n\nThe truth is that the increasing use of guns in the United States has made our country safer. Though the number of firearms in the U.S. has increased by over 50 percent since 1993, our gun homicide rate has decreased by nearly 50 percent.\n\nThe worst thing we could do for our national security is further trample on our civilians\u2019 Second Amendment rights. Instead, we should be doing the opposite \u2014 advocating for more concealed carry ability for law-abiding Americans and an end to unconstitutional gun free zones.\n\nSecond, we must fully examine and reform our border security, including refugee and visa programs. While the President paid lip service to this fight, he plans to keep the failed current rules in place and allow tens of thousands of refugees to enter our country.\n\nI couldn\u2019t disagree more strongly. Today, the question is not whether the U.S. accepts refugees. It\u2019s whether the U.S. takes refugees at this time under these conditions. We can and should accept refugees, but not until they can be properly screened.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, we currently do not have access to any type of database in Syria to track these refugees\u2019 criminal records. As a result, over 90 percent of Syrian refugee applicants are approved, some of whom could possibly be allied with ISIS. At least one of the terrorists responsible for the Paris attack is surmised to have entered Europe as a refugee. In light of this, it should not surprise anyone that multiple Syrian refugees have reported seeing suspected ISIS fighters in their midst.\n\nFor our national security\u2019s sake, immigration, visas and refugees from countries with active terror networks must be halted while we determine how to better secure our borders and our people.\n\nFinally, we must stop doing the same foolish things overseas that the President advocated for throughout his remarks.\n\nIn his remarks, Obama promised the administration will continue to flounder without a comprehensive strategy to combat ISIS. Specifically, Obama vowed to continue the failed status quo of arming the allies of ISIS. ISIS\u2019s power is reinforced by the staggering arsenal that the movement has taken from the fleeing Iraqi and Syrian army \u2014 including tanks, Humvees and major artillery \u2014 and Obama wants to send more arms to the allies of ISIS.\n\nObama has undertaken military action against ISIS for over a year and only wants to continue his failed policies that are the reason we fight against the very weapons U.S. taxpayers bought.\n\nWe must stop arming and training allies of ISIS and al Qaeda. We must arm our allies the Kurds and insist on Arab boots on the ground for our allies in the region.\n\nObama also said he wants cooperation with Russia without indicating how he hopes to achieve this. As long as Obama is unwavering in calling for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad\u2019s removal from power, there\u2019s realistically very little cooperation to be had with the Russians.\n\nWe need a comprehensive strategy to combat ISIS, not only in Syria but around the world. The Obama administration\u2019s fixation on the Syrian civil war as the cause and solution to ISIS is actually detrimental to destroying ISIS. ISIS is a threat that has gone well beyond Syria\u2019s borders, into places like Libya, Egypt, France, and \u2014 as we saw last week \u2014 even the U.S.\n\nThere are answers here to make our nation safe, but once again the President seems incapable of finding them. His administration is focused on enacting gun laws that won\u2019t stop terrorists while it continues to push policies that will let more of them into the country.\n\nTo defeat radical Islam once and for all, America must have confidence in our constitutional republic, our leadership and our values. I will do everything I can to protect and uphold the liberty of all Americans, all while making the country stronger and safer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/time-op-ed-let%E2%80%99s-destroy-isis-%E2%80%94-not-constitution", "TIME Op-Ed: Lets Destroy ISIS  Not the Constitution", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In his Oval Office address Sunday night, President Obama continued his failure of leadership and his outrageous quest to turn a necessary discussion on terrorism and national security into an unnecessary and ineffective gun control debate.\r\nLet's be clear: disarming more law abiding citizens will not stop mass murderers and terrorists.\r\nPresident Obama often refers to Australia as a gun control success story. The problem is that the statistics prove otherwise. Between 1996  1997, Australia gained control of over 600,000 civilian guns. The country's murder and manslaughter rates remained the same, while its armed robbery rate actually increased by nearly 10 percent. In 2003, the Australian government took possession of 50,000 more firearms, but its crime statistics still hardly budged.\r\n\r\nThe truth is that the increasing use of guns in the United States has made our country safer. Though the number of firearms in the U.S. has increased by over 50 percent since 1993, our gun homicide rate has decreased by nearly 50 percent.\r\nThe worst thing we could do for our national security is further trample on our civilians' Second Amendment rights. Instead, we should be doing the opposite  advocating for more concealed carry ability for law-abiding Americans and an end to unconstitutional gun free zones.\r\nSecond, we must fully examine and reform our border security, including refugee and visa programs. While the President paid lip service to this fight, he plans to keep the failed current rules in place and allow tens of thousands of refugees to enter our country.\r\nI couldn't disagree more strongly. Today, the question is not whether the U.S. accepts refugees. It's whether the U.S. takes refugees at this time under these conditions. We can and should accept refugees, but not until they can be properly screened.\r\nAccording to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, we currently do not have access to any type of database in Syria to track these refugees' criminal records. As a result, over 90 percent of Syrian refugee applicants are approved, some of whom could possibly be allied with ISIS. At least one of the terrorists responsible for the Paris attack is surmised to have entered Europe as a refugee. In light of this, it should not surprise anyone that multiple Syrian refugees have reported seeing suspected ISIS fighters in their midst.\r\nFor our national security's sake, immigration, visas and refugees from countries with active terror networks must be halted while we determine how to better secure our borders and our people.\r\nFinally, we must stop doing the same foolish things overseas that the President advocated for throughout his remarks.\r\nIn his remarks, Obama promised the administration will continue to flounder without a comprehensive strategy to combat ISIS. Specifically, Obama vowed to continue the failed status quo of arming the allies of ISIS. ISIS's power is reinforced by the staggering arsenal that the movement has taken from the fleeing Iraqi and Syrian army  including tanks, Humvees and major artillery  and Obama wants to send more arms to the allies of ISIS.\r\nObama has undertaken military action against ISIS for over a year and only wants to continue his failed policies that are the reason we fight against the very weapons U.S. taxpayers bought.\r\nWe must stop arming and training allies of ISIS and al Qaeda. We must arm our allies the Kurds and insist on Arab boots on the ground for our allies in the region.\r\nObama also said he wants cooperation with Russia without indicating how he hopes to achieve this. As long as Obama is unwavering in calling for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's removal from power, there's realistically very little cooperation to be had with the Russians.\r\nWe need a comprehensive strategy to combat ISIS, not only in Syria but around the world. The Obama administration's fixation on the Syrian civil war as the cause and solution to ISIS is actually detrimental to destroying ISIS. ISIS is a threat that has gone well beyond Syria's borders, into places like Libya, Egypt, France, and  as we saw last week  even the U.S.\r\nThere are answers here to make our nation safe, but once again the President seems incapable of finding them. His administration is focused on enacting gun laws that won't stop terrorists while it continues to push policies that will let more of them into the country.\r\nTo defeat radical Islam once and for all, America must have confidence in our constitutional republic, our leadership and our values. I will do everything I can to protect and uphold the liberty of all Americans, all while making the country stronger and safer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-to-reform-visa-waiver-program", "Barr Votes to Reform Visa Waiver Program", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) today voted for H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bipartisan legislation makes reforms to the Visa Waiver Program in light of recent terrorist attacks and concerns that security gaps in the program could make it easier for foreign fighters and terrorists to enter the United States.\nEnsuring the national security of the United States is my top priority, said Congressman Barr. In light of recent terrorist attacks, it is essential that we review programs and processes that may leave our country vulnerable. This legislation will help close security gaps in the Visa Waiver Program so that we can keep terrorists out of the country, and keep Americans safe.\nCreated in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program allows more than 20 million people annually from 38 participating countries to more easily travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days.\nIt is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are not a threat to the United States.\nIn order to address these vulnerabilities, the H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015:\n Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S.;\n\tdenies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011;\n\trequires all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant e-passports;\n\tallows for the suspension of high-risk countries.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B7E31924-4C89-430D-B43B-3CF5619355E3", "Rogers Applauds Improved Visa Waiver Program", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) voted for theVisa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015(H.R. 158) to close critical security gaps and ensure those traveling to the United States without a visa are not a threat to Americans. The bill would also deny visa waivers for those who have traveled to terrorist hotspots, like Iraq and Syria, since 2011. \"The American people deserve to feel safe and they expect a thorough screening for every person who travels to our country. This bill will strengthen security protocols that will greatly reduce the threat of a terrorist entering the United States using the Visa Waiver Program,\" said Rogers. \"Every person who enters the U.S. will be required to have a tamper resistant 'e-passport' to provide us with critical intelligence about their background and purpose for visiting the U.S.\" Approximately 5,000 Europeans have reportedly traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. This bill will help screen for potential terrorists trying to enter the U.S. from our allied nations. It also requires all 38 Visa Waiver Program countries to provide identification and counterterrorism information for every person who travels to the U.S. without a visa. If a country fails to comply, the Secretary of Homeland Security can suspend the country's Visa Waiver Program. The bill passed in the U.S. House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=2d7c3058-fcee-4aab-bc57-23917958b9b5", "Senate Set to Pass Bipartisan Education Bill That Replaces No Child Left Behind", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In short, the Every Student Succeeds Act would put education back in the hands of those who know our kids best: parents, teachers, states, and school boards. It would help students succeed instead of helping Washington grow.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding bipartisan education reform, another in a series of bipartisan accomplishments in the new Congress:\r\nBoth parties have long agreed that No Child Left Behind is broken and needs to be fixed.\r\nThe House of Representatives passed reformist replacements for this law over the past few Congresses, but the Senate didnt consider legislation on the floor for years  until now.\r\nA new majority in Congress thought it was time to finally change that dynamic.\r\nSo we demonstrated how a functioning committee process in a functioning Senate could help break through gridlock.\r\nWe showed how it could lead to important work across the aisle from a Republican like Senator Alexander and a Democrat like Senator Murray. And in so doing, we not only proved that conservative reform was possible  we proved that it could pass by big bipartisan margins.\r\nThe version of the Every Student Succeeds Act the Senate considered this summer passed 81 to 17.\r\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act before us just passed the House 359 to 64.\r\nAnd soon, well have the opportunity to send it to the President for his signature.\r\nThe Wall Street Journal dubbed this bill the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century.\r\nIt would stop Washington from imposing Common Core.\r\nIt would strengthen the charter school program.\r\nIt would substitute one-size-fits-all federal mandates for greater state and local flexibility.\r\nIn short, the Every Student Succeeds Act would put education back in the hands of those who know our kids best: parents, teachers, states, and school boards. It would help students succeed instead of helping Washington grow.\r\nThats something all of us can get behind. Because all of us represent different states with different children who have different needs.\r\nI know Kentuckys newly appointed education commissioner is enthusiastic about this landmark reform. He wrote me to say that this bill would be good for Kentucky because it would do things like ensure more flexibility, support rural schools, and help the commonwealth provide for teacher development.\r\nI want to thank the Senior Senators from Tennessee and Washington for all their hard work on this bill.\r\nSome may have questioned whether Washington could ever agree on a replacement for No Child Left Behind.\r\nBut today we have the Every Student Succeeds Act before us.\r\nIts a good replacement.\r\nIts a conservative reform with significant bipartisan support  and one that will do right by those who matter most in this discussion: our children, our future.\r\n***\r\nJust days after the President signed an important bipartisan highway bill we passed, we soon expect to send him an important bipartisan education bill to sign as well.\r\nWe might even pass it as soon as today.\r\nPassing either of these bipartisan bills after years of inaction would have represented a pretty big win for our country.\r\nWhats more, its notable that both could now be signed into law within such a short timeframe.\r\nPassage of these bills follows Senate passage of many other achievements for the American people too: on issues ranging from cybersecurity, to trade, to energy, to entitlement reform  even combatting modern-day slavery.\r\nSometimes, it was assumed that Washington could never come to agreement on certain issues.\r\nBut not only did we pass some long-stalled priorities for Americawe often did so on a bipartisan basis.\r\nThe question is, how do you achieve passage of important bills?\r\nOne way is to foster an atmosphere where both parties can have more of a say in more issues, starting at the committee level.\r\nLet me give you an example.\r\nConsider what the American people saw in the debate over the education bill.\r\nThey saw the Senators they sent to Washington having their voices heard again, regardless of party.\r\nThey saw them making meaningful contributions in committee.\r\nThey saw them working across the aisle.\r\nThey saw them having more opportunities to offer amendments.\r\nThe American people actually saw the Senate take more amendment roll-call votes on this single bill than the Senate took all of last year, on all bills, combined.\r\nHeres what Senator Murray, a Democrat, said when the Senate first passed this bill in July: I am very proud of the bipartisan work we have done on the Senate floordebating amendments, taking votes, and making this good bill even better.\r\nI know her Republican counterpart, Senator Alexander, feels the same way.\r\nJust like Senator Inhofe, a Republican, agrees with Senator Boxer, a Democrat, when she refers to the highway bill as a major accomplishment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=c811dc57-9bce-47f6-ad32-bc1ab8fc3655", "Education Bill a Bipartisan, Reformist Replacement for No Child Left Behind", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding bi-partisan education reform:\r\nLast November, the American people elected a new Congress to get Washington working again.\r\nNearly every day seems to bring more signs that we are.\r\nOver the weekend, President Obama signed the FAST Act, a multi-year highway bill, into law.\r\nIt represents a significant departure from years of short-term extensions and congressional inaction.\r\nIn fact, the FAST Act is the longest-term highway bill to pass Congress in almost two decades, proving 5 full years of highway funding.\r\nHeres what Kentuckians for Better Transportation  a top transportation advocacy organization in the commonwealth  had to say about it:\r\nAfter many, many years of short term continuing resolutions we finally have a long term authorization that will give our states the opportunity to plan for and implement major road projects, they said, and now we can plan for the future.\r\nThats because, in a new and more open Senate, Senator Inhofe, a Republican, and Senator Boxer, a Democrat, were able to work together for its passage.\r\nSenator Boxer herself called it a major accomplishment.\r\nHeres another major accomplishment.\r\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act.\r\nIts a bipartisan, reformist replacement for No Child Left Behind.\r\nPundits said Washington could never agree on how to replace No Child Left Behind. The issue went unresolved for many years.\r\nBut in a new and more open Senate, Senator Alexander, a Republican, and Senator Murray, a Democrat, worked hard and found success in the bill before us.\r\nThe House already passed it, 359-64.\r\nThe Senate previously passed a very similar version of the bill too, 81-17.\r\nTomorrow, we should work together to pass it for a second and final timeand send it to the President for his signature.\r\nIt will be the latest important achievement for the American people, from a new Congress thats back to work and back on their side.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ea100902-540a-43ce-8382-7de1881a5c80", "Presidents Oval Office Address A Missed Opportunity, Says McConnell", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Presidents insufficient plan defeat ISIL:\r\nLast evening President Obama addressed the Nation concerning the threat ISIL poses to our people.\r\nUnfortunately, the American people did not hear of a strategy or plan to defeat and destroy this terrorist army. Instead, they heard a restatement of a military campaign crafted to contain ISIL within Iraq and Syria.\r\nFollowing the attacks in Paris and California, and the downing of the Russian airliner, about 60 percent of the American people disapprove of the Presidents handling of terrorism. Nearly two-thirds disapprove of his handling of ISIL.\r\nThey understand intuitively that ISIL and the wider terrorist threat has not been contained, but rather that it has evolved into something increasingly more serious and challenging.\r\nAmericans also know that the operational concept ordered by the President is insufficient to defeat ISIL.\r\nIts not just the American people saying this. Its not just Republicans saying it either.\r\nPresident Obamas last Defense Secretary recently criticized his approach. So have several other former Obama Administration officials.\r\nHeres a sampling of what theyve said over just the last week or two.\r\nOne called on the Obama Administration to wake up to the threat.\r\nAnother said that the Obama Administration seems to be really flailing and tone deaf to this latest challenge.\r\nA third called on the President to change your strategy because by any measure, our strategy in Iraq and Syria is not succeeding.\r\nAnd then theres President Obamas former Secretary of State, Secretary Clinton, who put it plainly: were not winning.\r\nSo the President had a real opportunity last night to show the American people that defeating ISIL is his priority.\r\nHe had an opportunity to demonstrate his willingness to adapt to the threat.\r\nHe had an opportunity to explain how he can better prepare our nation for a fight that will inevitably be passed on to his successor.\r\nBut he didnt.\r\nThe American people were looking for a serious strategy and a real vision last night  not a recap of an approach that hasnt worked.\r\nLast night was only the Presidents third Oval Office address, and it was a missed opportunity.\r\nLook.\r\nThroughout his time as Commander in Chief, President Obama has shown and inflexible adherence to policies he advocated as a candidate for office in 2008, most specifically to end our nation's war on terror.\r\nIn his first days in office he issued a series of executive orders designed to weaken the ability of our warfighter and intelligence community to gather targeting information, capture terrorists, and interrogate and detain them to advance our understanding of terrorist networks and plans, as well as protect the American people.\r\nAlthough the President conceded that the complete withdrawal of our forces from Afghanistan would be harmful to our national security interests, and slowed our withdrawal in the face of Al Qaeda and Taliban resilience, he inflexibly clung to a fixed date for our drawdown of forces in Iraq, which allowed for the growth of ISIL.\r\nAnd as the President inflexibly pursued an end to the War on terror, the terrorist threat evolved and adapted as Al Qaeda affiliates advanced in presence and capability and Al Qaeda in Iraq grew into the terrorist army we now know as ISIL.\r\nISIL's use of social media and encrypted communications burgeoned at the very moment that the President and his allies were working to take critical electronic surveillance tools from our intelligence community.\r\nSo heres what we need from the President now.\r\nWhat we need from the President is for him to clearly outline what it is he aims to achieve, how he aims to achieve it, and what authorities he thinks hell need to make that happen.\r\nHe needs to match strategic objectives to the means to reach these goals.\r\nThe President needs to tell us what authorities he needs to defeat encrypted online communications.\r\nThe President needs to tell us what is needed to reestablish our capture, interrogation, and surveillance capabilities.\r\nThe President needs to tell us how the coalition or NATO will forge a ground force capable of not just trying to contain ISIL, but actually driving it from Raqqa.\r\nThe President needs to tell us the force structure and funding our commanders will need to rebuild our conventional capabilities so we can continue and expand this fight while facing other global threats.\r\nThe President should also explain why he wont use the secure facility at Guantanamo Bay to safely hold and interrogate newly captured terrorists in order to help prevent the next plot against Americans.\r\nThese are the kinds of things the American people are looking for and, by leading on them, President Obama can demonstrate his commitment to protecting our nation and leaving it better-prepared for his successor.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-introduces-full-expensing-act-2015/", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces Full Expensing Act of 2015", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "Permanently Expands Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced S.2350, the Full Expensing Act of 2015. This legislation would level the playing field for all U.S. industries by expanding and extending Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (tax code) to permanently allow businesses to deduct 100% of their business expenses within the year of purchase. According to the Tax Foundation, this simple tax reform will boost the gross domestic product (GDP) by 5.13%, increase wages by 4.36% percent, create nearly 900,000 jobs, and raise federal revenues by $121.3 billion.\n\nCurrently, under Section 179, businesses are able to deduct the purchase price of certain qualified business expenses from their taxable income. Section 179\u2019s current deduction limits of $25,000 on purchases of up to $200,000 fail to reflect high costs in the agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries that make up the Commonwealth of Kentucky\u2019s economy. Hefty startup costs and routine equipment purchases ranging from $35,000 to $400,000 per item continue to act as an unnecessary barrier for young entrepreneurs and aspiring farmers. Full expensing is a vital part of supporting small business and job creation.\n\n\u201cBy eliminating the need for continual tax extenders and removing the complicated depreciation schedule, the Full Expensing Act will act to promote economic growth and capital investment and, ultimately, bring stability to our nation\u2019s tax code,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nClick HERE to read the legislation in its entirety.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-uncovers-400000-grant-reduce-regulations-armenia-latest-waste-report/", "Sen. Rand Paul Uncovers $400,000 Grant to Reduce Regulations in Armenia in Latest \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government.\n\nThe latest edition reveals the U.S. Agency for International Development\u2019s expenditure of approximately $400,000 in grants to reduce and streamline the regulatory burdens for businesses in Armenia. However, at the same time, other agencies of the government are increasing the pace of expanding regulations at home and spending tens of billions of dollars to enforce them every year.\n\n\u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE or below.\n\nAfter years of complaints from across the country about the burdens of over-regulation, the federal government is finally cracking down and taking a \u201cguillotine\u201d to the regulatory colossus\u2014only in Armenia, and not in the United States.\n\nIn a glaring display of contradiction, the U.S. Agency for International Development has backed approximately $400,000 in grants to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to reduce and streamline the regulatory burdens on businesses in Armenia.[1]\n\nIt should be noted, of course, that eliminating burdensome regulations is generally a good thing. In fact, the \u201cguillotine,\u201d as it is known, applies important criteria to regulations, such as whether a regulation is legal, necessary, and business-friendly.[2] This is obviously criteria that our own federal government should be applying to regulations here at home. Unfortunately, the American taxpayer will have to wait to see their tax dollars support U.S. regulatory reform at home.\n\nIn fact, while the federal government is funding a \u201cregulatory guillotine\u201d in foreign countries, the Obama administration is adding approximately 81 major regulations annually, which is just slightly worse than the 62 added annually under President Bush.[3]\n\nAnd what is a major regulation? Well, according to law, it costs the economy at least $100 million in economic activity, creates a major cost increase for consumers, or has an adverse effect on employment and the competitiveness of American businesses.[4] In total, it is estimated that regulations cost the American economy $1.88 trillion annually.[5] Aside from the cost to the economy, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University estimates that the federal government itself spends almost $50 billion creating and enforcing regulations.[6]\n\nOne would justifiably assume that Armenia is suffering under a terrible regulatory climate if it requires intervention from our government. Armenia is trying to address about 25,000 laws and regulations hindering business. Project documents note this number is burdensome and that, \u201c[o]bviously, the creation of open competitive market[s] require simple and transparent rules for doing business.\u201d\n\nHow, then, does the U.S. stack up? According to Regdata.org, the U.S. has over 1.04 million regulations,[7] or over 40 times the number of crushing regulations as Armenia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-introduces-full-expensing-act-2015", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces Full Expensing Act of 2015", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Permanently Expands Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code \r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Last week, U.S. Senator Rand Paul introduced S.2350, the Full Expensing Act of 2015. This legislation would level the playing field for all U.S. industries by expanding and extending Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (tax code) to permanently allow businesses to deduct 100% of their business expenses within the year of purchase. According to the Tax Foundation, this simple tax reform will boost the gross domestic product (GDP) by 5.13%, increase wages by 4.36% percent, create nearly 900,000 jobs, and raise federal revenues by $121.3 billion.\r\nCurrently, under Section 179, businesses are able to deduct the purchase price of certain qualified business expenses from their taxable income. Section 179's current deduction limits of $25,000 on purchases of up to $200,000 fail to reflect high costs in the agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing industries that make up the Commonwealth of Kentucky's economy.Hefty startup costsandroutine equipment purchasesranging from $35,000 to $400,000 per item continue to act as an unnecessary barrier for young entrepreneurs and aspiring farmers. Full expensing is a vital part of supporting small business and job creation.\r\n   By eliminating the need for continual tax extenders and removing the complicated depreciation schedule, the Full Expensing Act will act to promote economic growth andcapital investment and, ultimately, bring stability to our nation's tax code, Sen. Paul said.\r\nClick HERE to read the legislation in its entirety.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-uncovers-400000-grant-reduce-regulations-armenia-latest-%E2%80%98-waste-report%E2%80%99", "Sen. Rand Paul Uncovers $400,000 Grant to Reduce Regulations in Armenia in Latest The Waste Report", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government.\r\nThe latest edition reveals the U.S. Agency for International Development's expenditure of approximately $400,000 in grants to reduce and streamline the regulatory burdens for businesses in Armenia. However, at the same time, other agencies of the government are increasing the pace of expanding regulations at home and spending tens of billions of dollars to enforce them every year. The Waste Report' can be found HERE or below.\r\nAfter years of complaints from across the country about the burdens of over-regulation, the federal government is finally cracking down and taking a guillotine to the regulatory colossusonly in Armenia, and not in the United States.  In a glaring display of contradiction, the U.S. Agency for International Development has backed approximately $400,000 in grants to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to reduce and streamline the regulatory burdens on businesses in Armenia.[1] It should be noted, of course, that eliminating burdensome regulations is generally a good thing. In fact, the guillotine, as it is known, applies important criteria to regulations, such as whether a regulation is legal, necessary, and business-friendly.[2] This is obviously criteria that our own federal government should be applying to regulations here at home. Unfortunately, the American taxpayer will have to wait to see their tax dollars support U.S. regulatory reform at home.  In fact, while the federal government is funding a regulatory guillotine in foreign countries, the Obama administration is adding approximately 81 major regulations annually, which is just slightly worse than the 62 added annually under President Bush.[3]\r\nAnd what is a major regulation? Well, according to law, it costs the economy at least $100 million in economic activity, creates a major cost increase for consumers, or has an adverse effect on employment and the competitiveness of American businesses.[4] In total, it is estimated that regulations cost the American economy $1.88 trillion annually.[5] Aside from the cost to the economy, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University estimates that the federal government itself spends almost $50 billion creating and enforcing regulations.[6] One would justifiably assume that Armenia is suffering under a terrible regulatory climate if it requires intervention from our government. Armenia is trying to address about 25,000 laws and regulations hindering business. Project documents note this number is burdensome and that, [o]bviously, the creation of open competitive market[s] require simple and transparent rules for doing business.  How, then, does the U.S. stack up? According to Regdata.org, the U.S. has over 1.04 million regulations,[7] or over 40 times the number of crushing regulations as Armenia. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n    \r\n[1] USAID Award Number AID-111-IO-12-00001 accessed from ForeignAssistance.gov. November 2015\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] Minasyan, Karine; First Deputy Minister of Economy, Republic of Armenia; Better Regulation in Armenia Case of the Guillotine Reform, Penetration made at OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum; Dublin, Ireland; April 2012\r\n\r\n\r\n[3] Ten Thousand Commandments 2015: Fact Sheet; Competitive Enterprise Institute; Washington, DC; 2015\r\n\r\n\r\n[4] Carey, Maeve; Counting Regulations: An Overview of Rulemaking, Types of Federal Regulations, and Pages in the Federal Register; Congressional Research Service, Washington, DC; July 2015.\r\n\r\n\r\n[5]Ten Thousand Commandments 2015: Fact Sheet; Competitive Enterprise Institute; Washington, DC; 2015\r\n\r\n\r\n[6] Ellig, Jerry, & Broughel, James; While Regulatory Spending and Output Increase, Economic Analysis of Regulations Is Often Incomplete; Mercatus Center at George Mason University; Arlington, VA; May 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n[7] Why We Need Regulatory Reform in Two Charts; Regdata.org; Mercatus Center at George Mason University; Arlington, VA; 2013", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=a7971aa0-893c-4e26-8429-8027d0c1cd47", "McConnell Previews Presidents Speech", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement in advance of the Presidents speech to the nation:\r\nAs we approach the last year of President Obama's term, Americans understand that the terrorist threat has evolved but not vanishedand it has certainly not been contained. Whether ISIL terrorists are training in camps in Syria or using online magazines to instruct and inspire lone wolves, they represent a serious threat to this country and now is the time to prepare our nation for defeating ISIL abroad in order to protect Americans at home. The President has the opportunity tonight to tell the American people how he is willing to adapt to the threat and how he can better prepare our nation for a fight that will inevitably be passed on to his successor.\r\nHe should tell us what legal authorities he needs to defeat encrypted online communications, and what is needed to reestablish our capture, interrogation, and surveillance capabilities. He should tell us how the coalition or NATO will forge a ground force capable of not just attempting to contain ISIL within its interior lines in Iraq and Syria  even as the group expands its reach into other countries  but actually driving it from Raqqa. He should tell us the force structure and funding our commanders will need to rebuild so we can continue and expand this fight while facing other threats around the globe. And he should explain why he wont use the secure facility at Guantanamo Bay to safely hold and interrogate newly captured terrorists in order to help prevent the next plot against innocent Americans.\r\nIf he does these things, it will show that he has learned in office and cast off old campaign promises in favor of serious solutions to protect Americans at home and our allies abroad, and it will show that he is committed to leaving our nation better prepared for his successor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-previews-presidents-speech", "McConnell Previews Presidents Speech", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.15\n\t\t\t McConnell Previews President's Speech \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t The President has the opportunity tonight to tell the American people how he is willing to adapt to the threat and how he can better prepare our nation for a fight that will inevitably be passed on to his successor.'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement in advance of the President's speech to the nation:\r\nAs we approach the last year of President Obama's term, Americans understand that the terrorist threat has evolved but not vanishedand it has certainly not been contained.' Whether ISIL terrorists are training in camps in Syria or using online magazines to instruct and inspire lone wolves, they represent a serious threat to this country and now is the time to prepare our nation for defeating ISIL abroad in order to protect Americans at home. The President has the opportunity tonight to tell the American people how he is willing to adapt to the threat and how he can better prepare our nation for a fight that will inevitably be passed on to his successor.\r\nHe should tell us what legal authorities he needs to defeat encrypted online communications, and what is needed to reestablish our capture, interrogation, and surveillance capabilities. He should tell us how the coalition or NATO will forge a ground force capable of not just attempting to contain' ISIL within its interior lines in Iraq and Syria  even as the group expands its reach into other countries  but actually driving it from Raqqa. He should tell us the force structure and funding our commanders will need to rebuild so we can continue and expand this fight while facing other threats around the globe. And he should explain why he won't use the secure facility at Guantanamo Bay to safely hold and interrogate newly captured terrorists in order to help prevent the next plot against innocent Americans.\r\nIf he does these things, it will show that he has learned in office and cast off old campaign promises in favor of serious solutions to protect Americans at home and our allies abroad, and it will show that he is committed to leaving our nation better prepared for his successor.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSyria,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWar on Terror,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Security,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tISIL\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1599", "Guthrie Supports First Long-Term Highway Bill In A Decade", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in support of H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a bipartisan, bicameral 5-year surface transportation authorization bill.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe House has finally put an end to the decade-long practice of passing only short-term highway bill extensions which fail to give states and localities the ability to plan for current and future transportation projects. The FAST Act ensures states have the certainty to invest in projects to improve our roads and bridges, provides states additional flexibility with federal resources and streamlines the project approval process.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 22 also includes language championed by Congressman Guthrie and included in the House-passed Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015which designates the William H. Natcher Parkway as a future I-65 spur. Guthrie led Kentuckys federal delegation to ensure this provision was in the final agreement.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased this legislation designates the Natcher Parkway as a future I-65 spur. I believe this designation will open the door to many economic opportunities for Western Kentucky and I look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders to see this through to the finish line, said Congressman Guthrie.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1600", "Guthrie Votes to Update Energy Laws and Oppose President Obama's War on Coal", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted in support of H.R. 8, legislation to modernize U.S. energy infrastructure, protect the electric grid, and support our allies abroad.\r\n\r\n\tThe reforms contained in this bill provide important updates to our energy laws, said Congressman Guthrie. The United States has become a global leader in energy productionthe number one producer of oil and gas in the worlddue to our technological innovation and exceptional workforce, but many of the laws that govern energy development were passed during times of energy scarcity in our country. The time has come to update these laws to reflect our new position as a major energy producer.\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, directs the Secretary of Energy to develop procedures for enhanced communication and coordination between state and local governments, federal agencies, and private entities in the event of an emergency related to the electric grid. The bill also streamlines permitting processes to eliminate duplicative studies that delay energy development, and it expedites approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, an important step to support our allies abroad.\r\n\r\n\tEarlier this week, Congressman Guthrie voted in favor of S.J. Res 23 and S.J. Res 24, Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval that would nullify Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations targeting new and existing power plants. These new rules underpin President Obamas War on Coal and effectively impose a cap-and-trade scheme by executive fiat when a similar scheme was soundly defeated in Congress.\r\n\r\n\tIt is important for Congress to send another strong message to President Obama, reinforcing the fact that the American people oppose his War on Coal. The so-called Clean Power Plan will fundamentally shift energy markets in our country and cause a dramatic increase in consumer electric bills, to the tune of double-digit increases in 4 out of 5 states, including Kentucky. I voted against these regulations to protect jobs and consumers, and ultimately to protect the Kentucky economy, added Congressman Guthrie.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-for-long-term-transportation-bill", "Barr Votes for Long-Term Transportation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) today voted for and the House passed H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The bill funds improvements to Americas surface transportation infrastructure including roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail transportation network. The bill includes a number of reforms to refocus funding on national priorities, provide certainty and flexibility for states and local governments, streamline approval processes, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety.\nAccording to the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for Americas Infrastructure, the U.S. transportation network has a cumulative grade of D+.\nThe final legislation also includes Congressman Barrs H.R. 1259, the Helping Expand Lending Practices (HELP) in Rural Communities Act.\nWhile more needs to be done to address Americas infrastructure crisis and ensure our global competitiveness, I voted for the FAST Act because it provides much needed certainty and stability in our transportation investments for the next several years while implementing important reforms, said Congressman Barr. The FAST Act not only provides funding for safer and more efficient roads, bridges, and railways, it also cuts through the bureaucratic red tape that is holding these projects back. Better infrastructure will boost our economy through improved interstate commerce, and will help keep us safe while traveling.\nIm also pleased that this legislation contains my bill to help rural communities contest lending restrictions intended for urban areas. The HELP in Rural Communities Act has passed the House twice with overwhelming bipartisan support and is now likely to become law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5BA959DF-1C5F-4BAB-B9DF-2C9710084517", "Rogers Votes for Modernized Energy Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY05) voted for theNorth American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act(H.R. 8), to modernize the Nation's outdated energy policies. \"We need an all of the above energy policy that will put our people back to work, keep our energy rates low and strengthen our energy security,\" said Rogers. \"The energy policies of this Administration have failed the American people and no one has felt the damaging impacts more than in Kentucky's Appalachian region. We've lost more than 9,000 coal mining jobs since 2009, devastating our small rural communities. It's time to retool and redouble our efforts as the top global energy producer.\" The four main components of the energy bill include: modernizing energy infrastructure, protecting the electricity system, strengthening energy security and diplomacy, and improving energy efficiency and government accountability. The legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Click here to review the North American Security and Infrastructure Act Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitter,Instagramor onFacebook.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ACD1F113-63CF-4C00-AEA0-95311C0DAF3D", "Rogers Applauds Long-Term Federal Transportation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for taking final action to pass the Nation's first long-term transportation bill in a decade. Today, the House approved a conference report for the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (H.R. 22), a five-year reform bill aimed at improving roads, bridges, transit systems and rail transportation by giving states and local governments more flexibility to make important investments in our transportation infrastructure. \"The FAST Act will put us on the fast-track to better roads and transportation across the country, paving the way for safer commutes and better jobs,\" said Rogers. \"This bill cuts through the red-tape in Washington and allows each state to get to work faster on the most critical projects at home.\" The Fast Act is fully funded and ensures the Highway Trust Fund can meet all obligations over the next five years. Click here for a full summary Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitter,Instagramor onFacebook. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=91b50fec-aad6-463c-9606-7742c716c3a8", "Senate Will Vote Today on Bill to Repeal Obamacare", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act:\r\nMiddle Class Americans continue to call on Washington to build a bridge away from Obamacare. They want better care. They want real health reform.\nFor too long, Democrats did everything to prevent Congress from passing the type of legislation necessary to help these Americans who are hurting.\nToday, that ends.\nToday, a Middle Class thats suffered enough from a partisan law will see the Senate vote to build a bridge past Obamacare and toward better care.\nThe Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act we're debating deserves the support of every member of this body.\nBecause heres what we all know.\nObamacare is a direct attack on the Middle Class.\nIts riddled with higher costs and broken promises.\nIts defined by failure.\nIts punctuated with hopelessness.\nAnd the scale of its many broken promises is matched only by the scale of its defenders rigid and unfeeling responses to them.\nLets consider just a few now.\nAmericans were promised they could keep their health plans if they liked them.\nIts a promise Democrats made to sell Obamacare, and its a promise they broke. \nAmericans could only keep their plans if the President liked them. Millions saw the coverage they liked ripped away as a result of a callous and partisan law.\nDemocrats response to their broken promise? They tried to dismiss stories about folks losing insurance by saying they had lousy plans anywaythat they should be grateful the government was taking them away.\nThe American people took a different view.\nHeres a note I received from a constituent in Caldwell County when her family lost their plan:\nI was lied to by the President and Congress when we were told that the Affordable Care Act would not require us to switch from our current insurance provider. My husband and I work hard, pay a lot in taxes and ask for little from our government. Is it asking too much for government to stay out of my health insurance?\nAmericans were promised that Obamacare would lower costs, and even bring down premiums by $2,500 per family.\nIts a promise Democrats made to sell Obamacare, and its a promise they broke. \nJust last night, we learned from the governments own actuaries that Obamacare is leading to higher health care costs. We also know that premiums continue to shoot up by double-digits in many areas, including Kentucky.\nDemocrats response to their broken promise? President Obama said that Americans who already had health insurance may not know that theyve got a better deal now [under Obamacare] than they did, but they do.\nThe American people took a different view.\nOne Kentuckian wrote me after being forced into an Obamacare plan she called subpar with a nearly $5,000 deductible. I cried myself to sleep, she said. I work hard for every penny I earn, and this is unacceptable.\nAmericans were promised that Obamacare would create millions of jobs.\nIts a promise Democrats made to sell Obamacare, and its a promise they broke. \nObamacare is leading to fewer jobs, not more of them. In Kentucky, our Democrat Governor once declared it an undisputed fact that Obamacare's Medicaid expansion had added 12,000 jobs to Kentuckys economy. But as Kentuckians now know, he was undisputedly wrong. Not only did those jobs fail to materialize, but healthcare jobs have actually declined in Kentucky since the passage of Obamacare. \nDemocrats response to their broken promise? I think this headline about the comments from a senior Democrat captures it perfectly: Obamacare allows workers to escape their jobs.\nThe American people took a different view.\nA constituent from Somerset wrote to tell me that Obamacares mandates were causing her to lose up to eleven hours per week at work, which meant about $440 less in her pocket every month. Obamacare [is] causing us to lose hours [and] lose wages, she said, Yet expecting us to spend more.\nAmericans were promised that Obamacare wouldnt touch Medicare.\nAmericans were promised that taxes wouldnt increase.\nAmericans were promised that shopping for Obamacare would be as a simple as shopping for a TV on Amazon.\nThree more promises. Three more betrayals.\nAnd on and on it has gone.\nFor more than five long years.\nDemocrats need to understand that its time to face up to the pain and failure their law has caused\nThey can keep trying to talk past the Middle Class. They can keep trying to deny reality. But they have to realize that no one is buying the spin but them.\nAmericans are living with the consequences of this broken law and its broken promises every day. Its negative effects are often felt in the most personal and visceral ways. And Americans are tired of being condescended to.\nThey want change and they want a bridge to better care, not Obamacare.\nThis bill offers it.\nI think Democrats have a particular responsibility to the millions their law has hurt already to help pass it.\nI think the President has a particular responsibility to the millions his law has hurt already to then sign it.\nThats the best way to build a bridge to a fresh startto a better, healthier, and stronger beginning.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ad2d6a90-0c7d-4a04-8d68-4892855ab555", "McConnell Bill to Help Rural Communities in Kentucky Passes Congress", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised passage of legislation he introduced to help rural communities harmed by Obama Administration policies that restrict access to rural lending opportunities. His legislation was also co-sponsored by Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Deb Fischer (R-NE). Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6) also introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives, where the measure passed earlier this year by a vote of 401-1.\nThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)  created by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act of 2010  permits certain rural lending practices in areas it deems rural or underserved. However, as many rural communities have noted, the CFPBs original definition of rural unfairly excluded a significant number of demonstrably rural areas and neglected to provide rural communities with any input in the process. While the CFPB recently undertook efforts to revise its definition, it once again, neglected to allow input from rural communities themselves.\nThe Helping Expand Lending Practices in (HELP) Rural Communities Act would create a process to allow areas to petition the CFPB with important local information for reconsideration of their rural status. This would give rural counties across the country a voice when the CFPB has incorrectly deemed them non-rural. The bill also takes important steps to address the challenges rural communities face by eliminating arbitrary mortgage origination requirements that will help ensure that rural communities bordering urban areas are still able to access credit services that are essential to rural small businesses and farmers.\nWashingtons bureaucrats at the CFPB have continually struggled to understand rural America, labeling counties in Kentucky, such as Bath County, as non-rural and limiting rural lending practices that are helpful to farmers and small businesses, Senator McConnell said. While I welcome the CFPBs recent efforts to improve the rural definition, I remain concerned that rural communities  particularly those in Kentucky  have been left without a voice. Our legislation seeks to correct this by putting into statute a process that allows areas that have been improperly designated as non-rural to petition the CFPB with additional local information to reconsider their status and to ensure no rural community is ever improperly designated. It will also help ensure that rural communities have the access to lending opportunities they need to grow their economy. I want to thank Senators Heller, Capito, Rounds and Fischer, as well as Representative Andy Barr, for their support of this important legislation.\r\nBallard Cassady, President and CEO of the Kentucky Bankers Association, praised Senator McConnells efforts on behalf of Kentuckys rural community banks: This legislation will give rural communities a voice in the federal, top-down regulations coming out of the CFPB that they often dont have a say in. It will provide Kentucky communities with the opportunity to weigh in on the determination of whether an area qualifies as rural or not, and it expands community bank lending opportunities in rural areas. This legislation is crucial in helping rural communities access the credit they need to survive, and we commend Senator McConnell for standing tall for rural Kentuckians by representing their needs in Washington, Cassady said.\r\nThomas Richards, Assistant Vice President of the Owingsville Banking Company in Bath County, explained how this bill will specifically help Kentucky rural communities: The HELP Rural Communities Act addresses a problem that arose from the CFPBs errant classifications, which originally excluded Bath County from its definition of rural. This bill ensures that no Kentucky rural community will again be misclassified and helps ensure Kentuckys rural communities will have access to the lending opportunities they need. As a community banker, I truly appreciate Senator McConnells efforts to stand up for communities like Bath County in Washington, Richards said.\r\nWendell Lyons, President and CEO of the Kentucky Credit Union League, thanked Senator McConnell for his leadership on this issue: The HELP Rural Communities Act will go a long way to ensure that Kentuckys credit unions are afforded the regulatory relief needed to serve its rural constituents. It provides a valuable opportunity for rural communities to ensure they are identified as such and are able to access the credit services they need. The Kentucky Credit Union League thanks Senator McConnell for his work to stand up for Kentucky rural communities and the community financial institutions that serve them, Lyons said.\r\nCharles A. Vice, Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions, stated, I am pleased that the HELP Rural Communities Act was passed as part of the FAST Act. The HELP Rural Communities Act creates a petition process for rural areas that have not been designated as rural by the CFPB. It creates a method for community banks and other stakeholders to seek rural designation for a specific geographic area under the CFPBs mortgage rules, and provides the needed flexibility for community banks to provide appropriate loan products to individuals living in rural areas. Community banks are vital to Kentuckys economy expansion and growth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=f2c0d62a-5cd7-47af-80f9-145058ba09f2", "Senator McConnell Helps Deliver Long-Term Highway Bill to Benefit Kentucky", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Senate passage today of a five-year transportation bill, the longest-term transportation bill to pass Congress in almost two decades. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act provides 5 years of fully paid for transportation funding and long-term certainty in a fiscally responsible way.\r\nWhile Kentucky has a strong network of interstates, highways and parkways, its obvious to anyone who has driven in the Commonwealth lately that many important transportation infrastructure projects are in urgent need of repair. This disrepair complicates and delays the commutes of the millions of Kentucky drivers and businesses who rely on our roads and bridges every day, Senator McConnell said. In previous years, Congress processed only short-term highway funding extensions, which made vital transportation projects difficult to undertake and manage. Under the new Senate, I made transportation infrastructure a priority and led the Senate in taking bipartisan action to meaningfully improve our roads and bridges over the coming years. Many said that a long-term highway bill would never pass Congress, but we proved them wrong  we proved it could actually pass by a wide, bipartisan margin.\r\nThis bipartisan, long-term highway and transportation bill which I helped shepherd through the Senate provides five years of guaranteed funding and stability for interstate highway projects and gives state and local governments more flexibility in how they spend federal transportation dollars. And most importantly, it would also support jobs in Kentucky and across the nation as these and other important infrastructure projects get underway, Senator McConnell added.\nKentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT) -- the Commonwealths major transportation advocacy group -- thanked Senator McConnell for his work in passing the legislation: Congress passing the five-year FAST Act transportation funding bill is a major victory for Kentucky commuters and businesses that rely on our vital transportation network and it would not have happened without Senator McConnells leadership. KBT thanks Senator McConnell for making transportation infrastructure a top priority in the Senate and for his pushing this important bill through Congress, said Juva Barber, Executive Director of KBT.\r\nBeyond providing five years of funding certainty to the Commonwealth for transportation projects -- which is prioritized in Frankfort -- the FAST Act includes a number of measures that could specifically benefit Kentucky, including:\r\nNatcher Parkway/I-65 Spur designation\r\n \r\n\r\nDesignates the existing Natcher Parkway between Bowling Green and Owensboro an official Spur of I-65 in an effort to help attract additional economic development to the region. Representative Brett Guthrie (KY-02) worked on the provision in the House of Representatives.\r\n\r\n \r\nNationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects\r\n \r\n\r\nMakes it easier for Kentucky to compete for federal funding to help advance major transportation infrastructure projects like the Brent Spence Bridge that have not been funded through existing resources. $4.5 billion is provided for this competitive program over the life of the bill.\r\n\r\n \r\nNational Highway Freight Program\r\n \r\n\r\nEstablishes a formula program -- funded at $6.2 billion over life of the bill -- to improve highway infrastructure projects that are especially critical to the movement of freight, like the Brent Spence Bridge.\r\n\r\n \r\nARC High-speed broadband development initiative\r\n \r\n\r\nAuthorizes $50 million over the life of the bill for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to provide grants, technical assistance, training and equipment to the Appalachian region in an effort to increase affordable access to broadband networks, distance learning opportunities, telehealth technologies, and promote e-commerce applications.\r\n\r\n \r\nWith a long-term highway and transportation bill we can rebuild our infrastructure, ease growing congestion, and improve traffic safety for Kentuckians. We can support jobs and boost the economy by undertaking new construction and by helping Kentucky farmers and businesses get their products to market. And we can keep Kentucky drivers moving safely and efficiently over our states roads and bridges, Senator McConnell said. Todays passage of the highway and transportation bill is just the latest reminder of whats possible in a new and more open Senate. Its an achievement for the American peoplean achievement that only the new majority in Congress has been able to deliver.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-introduces-defend-our-capital-act-amendment-reconciliation-bill/", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces \u201cDefend Our Capital Act\u201d Amendment to Reconciliation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 as an amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American\u2019s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The legislation would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\n\n\u201cFor too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation\u2019s capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones. No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C.,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the Defend Our Capital Act in its entirety.\n\nTop-line bullet points and background information for the legislation can be found below.\n\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION\n\nRequires the District of Columbia to issue both resident and non-resident conceal and carry weapons (CCW) licenses. The District of Columbia will honor any CCW license issued by any other state or commonwealth.\n\nAllows for the national reciprocity of CCW licenses between all states in accordance with local states regulations.\n\nActive duty members of the Armed Forces may carry a concealed weapon on Department of Defense property. In addition, members of the Armed Forces would be allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, similar to retired law enforcement officers.\n\nLegislation repeals many of the D.C. requirements and policies that hinder firearms ownership, that includes registration of weapons and ammunition, removal of the ban on semiautomatic weapon possession, and restores the right to self-defense within a home.\n\nLegislation allows for the purchase of handguns across state lines in the same manner as long rifles and shotguns.\n\nAllows for the carrying of a concealed weapon on publically accessible, non-sensitive areas of federal property. This can include post offices, Veterans Affairs parking facilities, Federal Bureau of Prisons Correction Officer parking lots, and the National Mall.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-introduces-secure-act-amendment-prevent-terrorists-entering-us-refugees/", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces \u201cSECURE Act\u201d Amendment to Prevent Terrorists From Entering the U.S. as Refugees", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "SECURE Act: Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act (SECURE Act) as an amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American\u2019s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The legislation would suspend visa issuance for countries with a high risk of terrorism and impose a waiting period for background checks on visa issuance from other countries until the American people can be assured terrorists cannot enter the country through our immigration and visa system. This legislation is based off language first proposed by Sen. Paul in 2013. Sen. Paul introduced S.2329, the SECURE Act, as a stand-alone bill earlier this year.\n\nSen. Paul also introduced today three amendments to H.R.3761 that would restrict funding to resettle refugees in the U.S.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the SECURE Act in its entirety.\n\nTop-line bullet points and background information for the SECURE Act offered as an amendment can be found below.\n\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION\n\nEnhances Screening for High-Risk Refugees\n\nDesignates 33 countries as \u201chigh-risk\u201d and places an immediate moratorium on refugee and asylum approvals from those countries;\n\nWithin 30 days, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the status of refugees and the screening process, including numbers and countries of origin, failed security checks, information on refugees that do not comply with requests related to security screening, or who cannot be located;\n\nThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall certify to Congress within 30 days that enhanced background checks and monitoring have been implemented, and that Congress has been supplied with all necessary information on the status of refugee screening;\n\nOnce the Secretary of Homeland Security has completed the 3 requirements below, Congress can review whether satisfactory progress has been made and hold a separate vote to resume approvals for refugees from high-risk countries.\n\nSubmit the DHS refugee screening assessment;\n\nCertify that an enhanced screening capability has been implemented; and\n\nCertify to the elimination of any existing security screening backlogs.\n\nImproves Security in Non-Immigrant and Visa Waiver Travel\n\nFor all non-immigrant visas, the bill specifies that 30 days of security review are required prior to approval for entry to the United States;\n\nFor those from \u201chigh risk\u201d countries, there is an immediate moratorium on approvals for entry to the United States until the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence jointly certify that a national security screening process is implemented, and that the new process significantly improves our ability to identify potential security risks.\n\nRequires DHS to certify once it has completed and implemented the 1990\u2019s requirement set forth in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act for full biometric entry and exit tracking of U.S. visitors.\n\nOnce the certifications are made, Congress may consider resumption of regular approvals from high-risk countries.\n\nExpands Enrollment Opportunities for Trusted Traveler Programs\n\nTrusted travelers are not subject to additional security reviews once approved for enrollment;\n\nDHS may accept and consider applications, and may approve qualified applicants, to enroll from any country;\n\nDHS will give preference to applications for enrollment filed in order:\n\nU.S. citizens;\n\nU.S. legal permanent residents;\n\nCitizens of Visa Waiver participant countries;\n\nAliens with significant documented travel history to and from the U.S.;\n\nAll remaining applicants.\n\nAll application fees collected by DHS for enrollment in a trusted traveler program are specifically designated to pay for the cost of enhanced screening.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-senate-votes-sen-rand-pauls-defend-our-capital-act-amendment-budget-reconciliation-bill/", "Senate Votes on Sen. Rand Paul\u2019s \u201cDefend Our Capital Act\u201d Amendment to Budget Reconciliation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor tonight urging his colleagues to support his amendment No. 2915 to H.R.3761, Restoring American\u2019s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The amendment, known as the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015, would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\n\nThe vote, which needed 60 to pass, was 54-45.\n\nClick HERE to read the Defend Our Capital Act in its entirety. Top-line bullet points and background information for the legislation can be found HERE.\n\nThe video and transcript of Sen. Paul\u2019s remarks can be found below.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL\u2019S FLOOR SPEE CH\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nSen. Paul: Last week, the District of Columbia Police Chief said that if you see an active shooter, take them down.\n\nThe problem is it\u2019s very difficult to own a gun in D.C., and it\u2019s nearly impossible to be able to have a gun with you if you were to see an active shooter.\n\nSo my amendment would create a District of Columbia concealed carry permit program. It would also allow national reciprocity for concealed carry.\n\nAnd it would also allow active duty forces to carry concealed carry on Department of Defense properties.\n\nAnd I ask the Senate and those Senators who believe in self-defense to vote for this amendment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-senate-votes-sen-rand-pauls-secure-act-amendment-prevent-terrorists-entering-us-refugees/", "Senate Votes on Sen. Rand Paul\u2019s \u201cSECURE Act\u201d Amendment to Prevent Terrorists From Entering the U.S. as Refugees", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "SECURE Act: Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the U.S. Senate floor today, Senator Rand Paul delivered the following remarks urging his colleagues to support his amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American\u2019s Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. Amendment No. 2899, known as the Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act (SECURE Act), would suspend visa issuance for countries with a high risk of terrorism and impose a waiting period for background checks on visa issuance from other countries until the American people can be assured terrorists cannot enter the country through our immigration and visa system. This legislation is based off language first proposed by Sen. Paul in 2013, and was introduced as a stand-alone bill, S.2329, earlier this year.\n\nThe amendment failed passage with a vote of 10-89.\n\nClick HERE to read the text of the SECURE Act in its entirety. The video and transcript of Sen. Paul\u2019s remarks can be found below.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL\u2019S FLOOR SPEECH\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nSen. Paul: Mr. President, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars defending our country, and yet we cannot really truly defend our country unless we defend our border.\n\nMy bill would place pause on issuing Visas to countries that are at a high risk for exporting terrorists to us.\n\nMy bill would also say to Visa waiver countries that in order to come and visit, you would have to go through Global Entry, which would require a background check.\n\nI would urge Senators who truly do want to defend our country to have increased border security by voting for this amendment. Thank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-introduces-%E2%80%9Cdefend-our-capital-act%E2%80%9D-amendment-reconciliation-bill", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces Defend Our Capital Act Amendment to Reconciliation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 as an amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American's Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The legislation would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\r\nFor too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation's capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones. No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C., Sen. Paul said.\r\nClick HERE to read the text of the Defend Our Capital Act in its entirety.\r\nTop-line bullet points and background information for the legislation can be found below.\r\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION\r\n Requires the District of Columbia to issue both resident and non-resident conceal and carry weapons (CCW) licenses. The District of Columbia will honor any CCW license issued by any other state or commonwealth.\r\n  Allows for the national reciprocity of CCW licenses between all states in accordance with local states regulations.\r\n  Active duty members of the Armed Forces may carry a concealed weapon on Department of Defense property. In addition, members of the Armed Forces would be allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, similar to retired law enforcement officers.\r\n  Legislation repeals many of the D.C. requirements and policies that hinder firearms ownership, that includes registration of weapons and ammunition, removal of the ban on semiautomatic weapon possession, and restores the right to self-defense within a home.\r\n  Legislation allows for the purchase of handguns across state lines in the same manner as long rifles and shotguns.\r\n  Allows for the carrying of a concealed weapon on publically accessible, non-sensitive areas of federal property. This can include post offices, Veterans Affairs parking facilities, Federal Bureau of Prisons Correction Officer parking lots, and the National Mall.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-introduces-%E2%80%9Csecure-act%E2%80%9D-amendment-prevent-terrorists-entering-us-refugees", "Sen. Rand Paul Introduces SECURE Act Amendment to Prevent Terrorists From Entering the U.S. as Refugees", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SECURE Act: Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act \r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul today introduced the Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act (SECURE Act) as an amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American's Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The legislation would suspend visa issuance for countries with a high risk of terrorism and impose a waiting period for background checks on visa issuance from other countries until the American people can be assured terrorists cannot enter the country through our immigration and visa system. This legislation is based off language first proposed by Sen. Paul in 2013. Sen. Paul introduced S.2329, the SECURE Act, as a stand-alone bill earlier this year.\r\n\r\nSen. Paul also introduced today three amendments to H.R.3761 that would restrict funding to resettle refugees in the U.S.\r\n\r\nClick HERE to read the text of the SECURE Act in its entirety.\r\n\r\nTop-line bullet points and background information for the SECURE Act offered as an amendment can be found below.\r\n\r\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION\r\n\r\nEnhances Screening for High-Risk Refugees\r\n Designates 33 countries as high-risk and places an immediate moratorium on refugee and asylum approvals from those countries;\r\nWithin 30 days, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will provide to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the status of refugees and the screening process, including numbers and countries of origin, failed security checks, information on refugees that do not comply with requests related to security screening, or who cannot be located;\r\nThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall certify to Congress within 30 days that enhanced background checks and monitoring have been implemented, and that Congress has been supplied with all necessary information on the status of refugee screening;\r\nOnce the Secretary of Homeland Security has completed the 3 requirements below, Congress can review whether satisfactory progress has been made and hold a separate vote to resume approvals for refugees from high-risk countries.\r\n  Submit the DHS refugee screening assessment;\r\nCertify that an enhanced screening capability has been implemented; and\r\nCertify to the elimination of any existing security screening backlogs.\r\n Improves Security in Non-Immigrant and Visa Waiver Travel\r\n For all non-immigrant visas, the bill specifies that 30 days of security review are required prior to approval for entry to the United States;\r\nFor those from high risk countries, there is an immediate moratorium on approvals for entry to the United States until the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence jointly certify that a national security screening process is implemented, and that the new process significantly improves our ability to identify potential security risks.\r\nRequires DHS to certify once it has completed and implemented the 1990's requirement set forth in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act for full biometric entry and exit tracking of U.S. visitors.\r\nOnce the certifications are made, Congress may consider resumption of regular approvals from high-risk countries.\r\n Expands Enrollment Opportunities for Trusted Traveler Programs\r\n Trusted travelers are not subject to additional security reviews once approved for enrollment;\r\nDHS may accept and consider applications, and may approve qualified applicants, to enroll from any country;\r\nDHS will give preference to applications for enrollment filed in order:\r\n  U.S. citizens;\r\nU.S. legal permanent residents;\r\nCitizens of Visa Waiver participant countries;\r\nAliens with significant documented travel history to and from the U.S.;\r\nAll remaining applicants.\r\n  All application fees collected by DHS for enrollment in a trusted traveler program are specifically designated to pay for the cost of enhanced screening.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/senate-votes-sen-rand-paul%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cdefend-our-capital-act%E2%80%9D-amendment-budget-reconciliation-bill", "Senate Votes on Sen. Rand Pauls Defend Our Capital Act Amendment to Budget Reconciliation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Rand Paul delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor tonight urging his colleagues to support his amendment No. 2915 to H.R.3761, Restoring American's Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. The amendment, known as the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015, would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\r\n\r\nThe vote, which needed 60 to pass, was 54-45.\r\n\r\nClick HERE to read the Defend Our Capital Act in its entirety. Top-line bullet points and background information for the legislation can be found HERE.\r\n\r\nThe video and transcript of Sen. Paul's remarks can be found below.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL'S FLOOR SPEE CH\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTRANSCRIPT\r\n\r\nSen. Paul: Last week, the District of Columbia Police Chief said that if you see an active shooter, take them down.\r\n\r\nThe problem is it's very difficult to own a gun in D.C., and it's nearly impossible to be able to have a gun with you if you were to see an active shooter.\r\n\r\nSo my amendment would create a District of Columbia concealed carry permit program. It would also allow national reciprocity for concealed carry.\r\n\r\nAnd it would also allow active duty forces to carry concealed carry on Department of Defense properties.\r\n\r\nAnd I ask the Senate and those Senators who believe in self-defense to vote for this amendment.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/senate-votes-sen-rand-paul%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Csecure-act%E2%80%9D-amendment-prevent-terrorists-entering-us-refugees", "Senate Votes on Sen. Rand Pauls SECURE Act Amendment to Prevent Terrorists From Entering the U.S. as Refugees", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SECURE Act: Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act \r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. On the U.S. Senate floor today, Senator Rand Paul delivered the following remarks urging his colleagues to support his amendment to H.R.3761, Restoring American's Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. Amendment No. 2899, known as the Stop Extremists Coming Under Refugee Entry Act (SECURE Act), would suspend visa issuance for countries with a high risk of terrorism and impose a waiting period for background checks on visa issuance from other countries until the American people can be assured terrorists cannot enter the country through our immigration and visa system. This legislation is based off language first proposed by Sen. Paul in 2013, and was introduced as a stand-alone bill, S.2329, earlier this year.\r\nThe amendment failed passage with a vote of 10-89.\r\nClick HERE to read the text of the SECURE Act in its entirety. The video and transcript of Sen. Paul's remarks can be found below.\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL'S FLOOR SPEECH\r\nTRANSCRIPT\r\nSen. Paul: Mr. President, wespend hundreds of billions ofdollars defending our country,and yet we cannot really trulydefend our country unless wedefend our border.\r\nMy bill would place pause onissuing Visas to countries thatare at a high risk for exportingterrorists to us.\r\nMy bill would also say to Visawaiver countries that in orderto come and visit, you wouldhave to go through Global Entry,which would require a backgroundcheck.\r\nI would urge Senators who trulydo want to defend our country tohave increased border securityby voting for this amendment.Thank you.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-mcconnell-helps-deliver-long-term-highway-bill-to-benefit-kentucky", "Senator McConnell Helps Deliver Long-Term Highway Bill to Benefit Kentucky", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Senator McConnell Helps Deliver Long-Term Highway Bill to Benefit Kentucky \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t With a long-term highway bill we can rebuild our infrastructure, ease growing congestion, and improve traffic safety for Kentuckians. We can support jobs and boost the economy And we can keep Kentuckians moving safely and efficiently over our state's roads and bridges'\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Senate passage today of a five-year transportation bill, the longest-term transportation bill to pass Congress in almost two decades. The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act provides 5 years of fully paid for transportation funding and long-term certainty in a fiscally responsible way.\r\nWhile Kentucky has a strong network of interstates, highways and parkways, it's obvious to anyone who has driven in the Commonwealth lately that many important transportation infrastructure projects are in urgent need of repair. This disrepair complicates and delays the commutes of the millions of Kentucky drivers and businesses who rely on our roads and bridges every day, Senator McConnell said. In previous years, Congress processed only short-term highway funding extensions, which made vital transportation projects difficult to undertake and manage. Under the new Senate, I made transportation infrastructure a priority and led the Senate in taking bipartisan action to meaningfully improve our roads and bridges over the coming years. Many said that a long-term highway bill would never pass Congress, but we proved them wrong  we proved it could actually pass by a wide, bipartisan margin.\r\nThis bipartisan, long-term highway and transportation bill which I helped shepherd through the Senate provides five years of guaranteed funding and stability for interstate highway projects and gives state and local governments more flexibility in how they spend federal transportation dollars. And most importantly, it would also support jobs in Kentucky and across the nation as these and other important infrastructure projects get underway, Senator McConnell added. Kentuckians for Better Transportation (KBT) -- the Commonwealth's major transportation advocacy group -- thanked Senator McConnell for his work in passing the legislation: Congress passing the five-year FAST Act transportation funding bill is a major victory for Kentucky commuters and businesses that rely on our vital transportation network and it would not have happened without Senator McConnell's leadership. KBT thanks Senator McConnell for making transportation infrastructure a top priority in the Senate and for his pushing this important bill through Congress, said Juva Barber, Executive Director of KBT.\r\nBeyond providing five years of funding certainty to the Commonwealth for transportation projects -- which is prioritized in Frankfort -- the FAST Act includes a number of measures that could specifically benefit Kentucky, including:\r\nNatcher Parkway/I-65 Spur designation\r\n \r\n\r\nDesignates the existing Natcher Parkway between Bowling Green and Owensboro an official Spur of I-65 in an effort to help attract additional economic development to the region. Representative Brett Guthrie (KY-02) worked on the provision in the House of Representatives.\r\n\r\n \r\nNationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects\r\n \r\n\r\nMakes it easier for Kentucky to compete for federal funding to help advance major transportation infrastructure projects like the Brent Spence Bridge that have not been funded through existing resources. $4.5 billion is provided for this competitive program over the life of the bill.\r\n\r\n \r\nNational Highway Freight Program\r\n \r\n\r\nEstablishes a formula program -- funded at $6.2 billion over life of the bill -- to improve highway infrastructure projects that are especially critical to the movement of freight, like the Brent Spence Bridge.\r\n\r\n \r\nARC High-speed broadband development initiative\r\n \r\n\r\nAuthorizes $50 million over the life of the bill for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to provide grants, technical assistance, training and equipment to the Appalachian region in an effort to increase affordable access to broadband networks, distance learning opportunities, telehealth technologies, and promote e-commerce applications.\r\n\r\n \r\nWith a long-term highway and transportation bill we can rebuild our infrastructure, ease growing congestion, and improve traffic safety for Kentuckians. We can support jobs and boost the economy by undertaking new construction and by helping Kentucky farmers and businesses get their products to market. And we can keep Kentucky drivers moving safely and efficiently over our state's roads and bridges, Senator McConnell said. Today's passage of the highway and transportation bill is just the latest reminder of what's possible in a new and more open Senate. It's an achievement for the American peoplean achievement that only the new majority in Congress has been able to deliver.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1598", "Guthrie Votes to Shift Education Authority to States, Replace No Child Left Behind", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) voted to advance S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to improve our K-12 education system.\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Guthrie served as a member of the conference committee which produced this bill. The Every Student Succeeds Act is a compromise between the House-passed Student Success Act and the Senate-passed Every Child Achieves Act, and takes major steps to reduce the federal governments footprint in our nations classrooms and restore local control.\r\n\r\n\tFor too long Congress has sat idly by while the Department of Education has imposed its own agenda on our nations classrooms by granting waivers from current law and coercing states to adopt policies like Common Core. It is time that we get Washington out of our classrooms and back in the hands of those who know our children best.\r\n\r\n\tBuilding on the Student Success Act passed by the House in July, S. 1177 ends the Secretary of Educations ability to grant waivers from current law and prohibits the federal government from coercing states into adopting Common Core State Standards or any other specific academic standards. In addition, it repeals the onerous Adequate Yearly Process federal accountability system and allows states to develop their own accountability systems and intervention models. The agreement also eliminates and consolidates nearly 50 federal programs and provides districts more flexibility to invest in their priorities.\r\n\r\n\tParents, teachers, and school leaders have consistently told me that current law governing our K-12 education system is failing our students. I am pleased that the House and Senate have made it a priority to come together and reach an agreement to replace the failed policies of No Child Left Behind. Our children deserve a quality education and this agreement is a step in the right direction, said Congressman Guthrie.\r\n\r\n\tCongressman Guthrie is a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and was appointed by Speaker Paul Ryan to serve on the House-Senate conference committee to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-s-help-in-rural-communities-act-included-in-final-version-of-major", "Barrs HELP in Rural Communities Act Included in Final Version of Major Transportation Bill", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R. 1259, the Helping Expand Lending Practices (HELP) in Rural Communities Act introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) has been included in the final conference report of H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, which is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives tomorrow. Congressman Barrs bill would allow communities to contest their designation as non-rural and the restrictions that designation brings on lending by community banks and credit unions.\nH.R. 1259 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 401-1 in April. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) introduced the Senate version of the bill.\nWith many rural communities still struggling to comply with burdensome regulations intended for urban areas, Im pleased the HELP in Rural Communities Act has been included in this legislation, which will likely be signed into law, said Congressman Barr. My bill has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the past two Congresses, and I am optimistic it will get past the finish line and make a real difference for families and small businesses in rural America.\nBackground:\nThe idea for The HELP in Rural Communities Act stemmed from a letter from a constituent that alerted Congressman Barr that Washington-based bureaucrats at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) incorrectly claimed that Bath County, Kentucky should be considered non-rural for purposes of its lending rules.\nOn January 29, 2015 in response to Congressman Barrs legislation, the CFPB announced a rule to expand the definition of rural areas within its financial regulations to include Bath County, Kentucky. While this was a positive development for this particular county, the expanded definition did not address the underlying problem  that Washington bureaucrats are arbitrarily designating areas as rural or non-rural with little transparency and no accountability.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FA4BD48D-92CE-4C71-9B46-BF4780D865A4", "Rogers Supports Every Student Succeeds Act", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) applauds bipartisan efforts in Congress to reform education across America and revise the highly controversial Common Core principles that have emerged from the No Child Left Behind Act. On Wednesday evening, the House took final action to pass theEvery Student Succeeds Act(S. 1177) in an effort to give each state more flexibility and discretion in accountability, goal setting and intervention for low-performing students. \"Students, parents, teachers and administrators need flexibility to forge a new path for success in our schools,\" said Rogers. \"Educators in Kentucky know far more about what our students need, than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. This plan essentially kicks the federal government out of local classrooms and allows Kentucky, like all other states under this plan, to opt out of unsuccessful programs, implement improvements catered to state and local needs, and enhance funding opportunities. We finally have a plan truly designed for every student to succeed.\" The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) prohibits the Secretary of Education from forcing, incentivizing, or coercing states to adopt Common Core and restores authority to the states. The bill reduces waste and authorizes a block grant from existing funding to give states and school districts more discretion with federal funds. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, the ESSA has gained favorable reviews from the National Governors Association, American Association of School Administrators, Council of Chief State School Officers, National PTA, National Assocation of Federal Impacted Schools, Council for Amercian Private Education and others. Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/or follow Rogers onTwitter,Instagramor onFacebook.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=5afc6950-3300-48c1-9fe3-b0b237bb3150", "Obamacare  A Direct Attack on Americas Middle Class", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the pitfalls of Obamacare:\r\nObamacare is a direct attack on the Middle Class of our country. Its a partisan law that puts ideology before people, that hurts many of the very Americans it was supposed to help.\r\nIt resulted in millions of cancellation notices for hardworking Americans who had plans they liked, and who'd done nothing wrong.\nIt raised premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and taxes for Americans who were already struggling.\nIt restricted choice and access to doctors and hospitals for patients in need.  We see the pain and hurt of this law all across the country. We see it where we live.\nIn my home state of Kentucky, health costs have spiked. Obamacare first caused tens of thousands of Kentuckians to lose the health care plans they were promised they could keep during the first year of implementation, then victimized 50,000 more when the commonwealths much-vaunted Obamacare co-op collapsed. Obamacare has also contributed to Kentucky hospitals being forced to cut jobs, reduce wages, and even shutter altogether.\nSome in Washington may have cheered when a Democrat administration in Frankfort poured a quarter-billion dollars of tax money into Kentuckys Obamacare exchange, or when our Democrat governor confidently declared it an undisputed fact that Obamacare's Medicaid expansion had added 12,000 jobs to Kentuckys economy.  But like so much of Obamacare, it was just another broken promise.\nThose jobs numbers were not an undisputed fact at all, they were just projectionsand they failed to materialize. Healthcare jobs have actually declined in Kentucky.\r\nToday, few of those Obamacare cheerleaders are cheering anymore.\nNearly 80 percent of Kentuckys enrollees were simply shoehorned into an already-broken Medicaid system, and many of the remaining 20 percent found themselves stuck with unaffordable Obamacare coverage.\r\nListen to what this Mom from Breckinridge County wrote to say:\r\nMy family is being pushed out of the middle class by the Obamacare law, she said, How can we pay almost $1,200 a month on health insurance?\nListen to what this father of two boys from Owensboro wrote to tell me:\r\nBefore the Affordable Care Act, we paid around $100 bi-weekly for the family plan. That has now increased to $235 during the same timeframe, he explained. It seems these days there is no incentive to work. We are punished for working hard and trying to provide for our children while others are encouraged to not further themselves because if they do they would be in our situation.\r\nWhat happened, he wondered, to being rewarded for working hard in America? What happened to the American dream?\nThis Kentucky Dad isnt the only one wondering this.\nAmericans across the country continue to demand a better way forward.\nAmericans made that clear last November. Kentuckians made that doubly clear again last month.\r\nThis is simply the reality.\r\nDemocrats can deny it.\nDemocrats can again dismiss Americans' real-life experiences as lies.\r\nDemocrats can continue to lecture Americans about their supposed inability to understand just how great Obamacare has been for them.\nBut Americans are intimately familiar with the painful reality of Obamacare. Americans want a fresh start. Americans want to see Washington build a bridge away from Obamacare and toward better care for them.\nThats what the bill before us would do.\nIts something every Senator should support, Republicans and Democrats alike.\nDemocrats may have forced this law on the Middle Class.\nDemocrats may own the pain theyve caused across the country, especially in states like Kentucky.\nBut its not too late for our Democratic colleagues to work with us to build a bridge to better care.\nThis is their chance, and President Obamas chance, to begin to make amends for the pain and the hurt theyve causedfor all the broken promises, for all the higher costs, for all the failures.\r\nThis is Americas chance to turn the page and write a new and more hopeful beginning.\r\nThis is our chance to work toward a healthier and more prosperous future with true reform that moves beyond the failures of a broken law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=7e269db4-1c55-418c-9734-65eb3797357e", "McConnell Comments on New Medical Clinic at Fort Knox", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote an op-ed regarding the new planned medical clinic at Fort Knox, which was secured with enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nSenator McConnell worked to obtain funding and authorization for the new $80 million, 102,000 square-foot medical facility at the base. The project will move forward with the Presidents signing of the NDAA last week.\r\nMajor General (Ret) Bill Barron, Executive Director, CORE Committee, Inc., serving the Fort Knox community said, the construction of a new medical facility at Fort Knox to replace the aging Ireland Army Hospital represents a smart investment by the Department of Defense, not only for current service members, families and military retirees but for the future of this premier Army installation. The Fort Knox community has worked closely with Sen. McConnell for a number of years to get this new medical facility built and it would not have been possible without his commitment to seeing it through. The community is deeply appreciative of the Senators ongoing support for this important project and for Fort Knox and its outstanding Soldiers and Civilians.\r\nIn the op-ed, Senator McConnell wrote that we made sure Kentuckys military community was heard in Washington and ensured the new medical facility was included in a package of fiscal year 2014 bills that authorized the Department of Defense (DOD) to begin construction and appropriated funding to complete the project.\r\nWorking with DOD, I saw to it that plans were developed to meet the needs of the Fort Knox community. DOD then committed to building an $80-million, state-of-the-art facility to replace Ireland Army Community Hospital (ACH), and the authorization of that planned facility was signed into law by the President last week. After years of denial and delay, and after three separate bills carrying the project were signed into law, DOD will construct a new medical facility that is worthy of the thousands of heroes in uniform, their families, and military retirees who call Fort Knox home.\r\nI have long been and will continue to be a vigorous advocate for Fort Knox and its servicemembers, families and civilianswe owe a great debt to them all. The soldiers, retirees, civilians and military families in the Fort Knox community can rest assured I will always go to bat for them when it comes to protecting their interests and this crucial and storied installation. Our men and women in uniform deserve the very best, and I am proud to have helped ensure that they will have the kind of medical facility they deserve.\r\nThe text of the op-ed is below:\r\nCongress Scores Major Victory for Fort Knox  Recently Signed Defense Bill Provides for Construction of New $80 Million Medical Facility  By Senator Mitch McConnell\r\nThe Fort Knox community scored a major victory last month when Congress passed a bill that directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to build a new, state-of-the-art medical facility at Fort Knox to replace the aging and obsolete hospital thats currently there. Area residents have been advocating for the new facility for years, and I worked hard to ensure their message was heard in Washington. I am pleased that all our hard work has finally borne fruit.\r\nThe current medical facility at Fort Knox, the Ireland Army Community Hospital (IACH), was built some 57 years agomaking it one of the oldest hospitals in the Army. Maintenance on a facility nearly six decades old is expensive. Fort Knox is home to more than 40,000 servicemembers, Army civilians, and military families, many of whom depend on IACH for their primary and specialty care. For years its been clear that the Army needed to build a modern medical facility that could provide the care our servicemembers, retirees and others deserve.\r\nThats why I continually raised my concerns about the condition of the current hospital with DOD officials both in meetings and through my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Finally in 2013, DOD requested funding from Congress to build a new replacement facility. Within months of DOD making this request, however, the Obama Administration made several decisions that complicated the projects future.\r\nI wasnt going to let the project be knocked off course. We made sure Kentuckys military community was heard in Washington and ensured the new medical facility was included in a package of fiscal year 2014 bills that authorized DOD to begin construction and appropriated funding to complete the project.\r\nWorking with DOD, I saw to it that plans were developed to meet the needs of the Fort Knox community. DOD then committed to building an $80-million, state-of-the-art facility to replace IACH, and the authorization of that planned facility was signed into law by the President last week. After years of denial and delay, and after three separate bills carrying the project were signed into law, DOD will construct a new medical facility that is worthy of the thousands of heroes in uniform, their families, and military retirees who call Fort Knox home.\r\nThe Obama Administration has been determined to reduce the size of the Army, and postings in Kentucky have often been targets. But with the DODs commitment to invest $80 million in a new,102,000-square-foot medical facility at Fort Knox, the government is making a wise investment in the post, which is vital not only to Kentucky but to the nation.\r\nI have long been and will continue to be a vigorous advocate for Fort Knox and its servicemembers, families and civilianswe owe a great debt to them all.\r\nThe soldiers, retirees, civilians and military families in the Fort Knox community can rest assured I will always go to bat for them when it comes to protecting their interests and this crucial and storied installation. Our men and women in uniform deserve the very best, and I am proud to have helped ensure that they will have the kind of medical facility they deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=b6c2b436-068b-4cf0-bc59-694477476318", "Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Another Senate Bipartisan Achievement", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senate accomplishments:\r\nThe past few days, Ive noted some of the achievements of a new Congress thats back to work on the side of the American people.\nWeve passed bills no one ever thought Washington could touch. Weve made reforms that had previously languished for years without result.\nEven more remarkably, weve often done so on a bipartisan basis.\nConsider just the bills Ive mentioned already.\nA landmark, bipartisan education bill that would take decision-making power away from distant federal bureaucrats in order to empower parents and teachers instead.\nThe pundits said wed never pass it. We did, 81 to 17.\nA breakthrough, bipartisan highway bill that would finally provide state and local governments the kind of certainty they need to focus on longer-term road and bridge projects.\nAfter years of short-term extensions, this long-term highway bill passed the new Senate 65 to 34.\nA milestone, bipartisan cybersecurity bill that would protect the personal information of the people we represent by defeating cyberattacks through the sharing of information.\nThe issue languished in previous Congresses, but this Senate passed it with 74 votes.\nToday, Id like to mention another important bill this new Congress has passed.\nIts hard for many Americans to believe that human trafficking  modern-day slavery  could happen where they live.\nBut it does.\nRight here in the United States. All 50 of them. In Kentucky alone, the commonwealth has been able to identify more than 100 victims since it began keeping relevant records in 2013. And this kind of abuse often begins around the age of 13 or 14.\nThe victims of modern slavery deserve a voice. They deserve justice. And after years of inaction, a new Congress was determined to give them both.\nOf course there was an unforeseen impediment, to put it mildly, to getting this bill done. But success was possible because the new majority kept its focus on facts, on substance, and on good policy for the people who always remained our focus throughout the debate  the victims of modern slavery.\nThe bill we ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, represents a vital ray of hope for the countless victims of modern slavery who need our help. Victims groups and advocates told us that this human-rights legislation would provide unprecedented support to domestic victims of trafficking.\r\nThey urged Congress to pass it.\nWe did.\r\nThe President signed it into law too.\nIt just proves that with unwavering compassion and unbowed determination  something Senator Cornyn knows a thing or two about  justice can prevail. Im grateful to him and so many other Senators for working so hard to ensure it ultimately did.\r\nThe Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act is another important step forward for our country. Its another example of what we can achieve in a new Congress thats back to work for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-the-first-week-as-senate-majority-leader-mcconnell-works-to-pass-legislation-that-benefits-kentucky", "In the First Week as Senate Majority Leader, McConnell Works to Pass Legislation that Benefits Kentucky", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.15\n\t\t\t In the First Week as Senate Majority Leader, McConnell Works to Pass Legislation that Benefits Kentucky \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell helped secure passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Authorization Act (TRIA), which includes a number of provisions important to Kentucky. The bill, which now goes to the President for his signature, is the first piece of legislation approved in the 114th Congress by the United States Senate, now led by Senator McConnell.\r\nThe passage of TRIA will extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, which provides a federal reinsurance backstop to insurance companies that offer coverage of losses caused by terrorist attacks.  As Majority Leader of the United States Senate, I am focused on getting the Senate functioning again and actually voting on and passing legislation again, Senator McConnell said. I have heard from many Kentuckians on this issue, and I was honored to use my new position to help get this legislation through the Senate.\r\nGreg Milward of Powell-Walton-Milward in Lexington explained why this is so important to Kentucky: It is critical that the Senate passed the legislation to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. While Kentucky may not be considered a high target state, there are many public risks which attract large crowds and could be at risk such as Keeneland Race Track, Churchill Downs Race Track, Rupp Arena, Yum Center and so forth. In addition, many municipalities purchase the coverage to protect their property, and I thank Senator McConnell for his work to protect Kentucky with the passage of TRIA.\r\nAlong with the six-year reauthorization come a number of fiscally responsible reforms, including an increase in the amount of losses that will trigger the federal backstop, an increase in private companies' copayments, and an increased in the recoupment amounts that private companies must repay the federal government.\r\nIn addition, the TRIA legislation included the creation of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB), which will function to license producers of insurance to operate in multiple states without duplicating licensing requirements. According to Tommy Adams of the Charles M. Moore Insurance Agency in Bowling Green, this provision will benefit many small businesses in Kentucky: The passage of NARAB will help my small business and others like it by eliminating duplicative licensing requirements and extra costs. I want to thank Senator McConnell for his work to help pass this common-sense legislation that will help agents and brokers in the Commonwealth continue to provide important coverage to Kentuckians.\r\nFinally, TRIA also included a provision that requires that at least one member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the body in charge of the nation's monetary policy, have experience supervising community banks with less than $10 billion in assets. According to Ballard Cassady, CEO of the Kentucky Bankers Association (KBA), this is an important victory for Kentucky's community banks and the clients they serve: Requiring a member of the Federal Reserve to have community banking experience will help provide the much-needed perspective of the community bankers who provide such integral services to the Commonwealth. On behalf of community banks in Kentucky, KBA thanks Leader McConnell for helping ensure passage of this important provision, which will literally provide community banks a spot at the table.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Security,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBack to Work\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B2EDBABF-25E5-4982-A4D7-138EF5459D26", "Rogers Applauds Congressional Action to Overturn EPA's Job-Killing Regulations", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold Hal Rogers (KY-05) applauds the passage of two resolutions expressing congressional disapproval of President Obama's war on coal. Specifically, the House passed S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24, which exercise Congress' power to overturn a rule issued by a federal agency under the Congressional Review Act. If enacted, the resolutions will nullify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for new and existing coal-fired power plants.\r\nPresident Obama has repeatedly ignored the will of the American people and the U.S. Congress by empowering EPA bureaucrats to wage his war on coal. These job-killing greenhouse gas regulations threaten the livelihoods of those who work in the coal fields and at coal-fired power plants in Appalachia, said Rogers. Coal provides affordable, reliable energy to homes and businesses all across the country. Without Congressional action pushing back on these new rules, EPA will burden American families and business owners with high electricity rates. I am pleased that the House and the Senate have taken action to ensure that American citizens are not paying the price for this Administration's unworkable regulatory agenda.\r\nThe resolutions push back against EPA's final rule governing greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants, as well as the agency's Clean Power Plan, which impacts existing power plants. Both of these regulations are projected to raise electricity prices, eliminate good paying jobs in the coal industry, and threaten the reliability of the nation's electric grid. \r\nThese resolutions also passed in the Senate on November 17 and now head to President Obama for his signature or veto. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=d53656cc-0ebb-4f0a-a938-58773895bc41", "Senate Set to Begin Debate on Obamacare Repeal Legislation", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Obamacare repeal:\r\nWhen Washington Democrats passed Obamacare over the objections of the American people, they were confident Americans would soon warm to the law.\nBut more than five years later, the American people continue to oppose this unprecedented Democrat attack on their health care. \nIs it any wonder?\nWhen Americans think Obamacare, they think increased cost. Runaway premiums. Surging deductibles. Tax hikes on the Middle Class.\nWhen Americans think Obamacare, they think decreased choice. Fewer doctors. Faraway hospitals. A frightening scarcity of options for too many when they get sick.\nWhen Americans think Obamacare, they think broken promises and endless failure. Imploding state-based exchanges. Collapsing co-ops. Insurers eyeing the exit door. Fewer jobs. And the Lie of the Year: If you like your health care plan, you can keep it.\r\nIts not like Obamacares structural failures are just going to go away. Theyre baked into the law, and they only seem to get worse as time moves on. Just as weve seen costs rise, choices narrow, and failures mount, weve seen congressional Democrats block attempts to start over with real health reform.\nThis week, we finally have a chance to vote to end Obamacares cycle of broken promises and failures with just 51 votes.\r\nThis week, well take up the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 that already passed the House.\nIts a bill that will take the first steps necessary to build a bridge away from Obamacare.\r\nBy building upon the Houses good work, this bill could also save billions in spending and eliminate more than a trillion-dollar tax burden on the American people.\r\nAnd by employing the same tactics Democrats used to help get Obamacare across the finish line, this bill will not be subject to a filibuster.\r\nIn other words, it cant be blocked by defenders of Obamacares failed status quo.\r\nIn other words, the President cant be shielded from the weighty decision hell finally have to make when this measure lands on his desk \nWhen the President picks up his pen, hell have a real choice to make.\nHe may well decide to stick to his rhetoric that the law is working better than even he intended and veto the bill.\r\nBut he should instead decide to finally stand with a Middle Class thats suffered enough from this failed law and sign it.\nWe'll see.\r\nIts a choice the President has never faced before, and it's a choice hes going to face after Senate action this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=f722b5d2-e131-46b1-9553-7a272f87de67", "McConnell Bill Addressing Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Signed Into Law", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell applauded the President for signing into law legislation he introduced that will help address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and the epidemic of infants who suffer from opioid withdrawal.\r\nThe Protecting Our Infants Act, cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and detect any duplication, overlap, or gaps in prevention and treatment programs related to prenatal opioid abuse and infants born with opioid withdrawal. It also instructs the HHS Secretary to work with stakeholders to develop recommendations both for preventing prenatal opioid abuse, and for treating infants born dependent on opioids. Finally, it encourages the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with states and help improve their public health response to this epidemic.\r\nNationwide, there has been a staggering increase in the number of infants diagnosed with newborn withdrawal since 2000. In Kentucky, that number has grown by more than 4,500 percent -- from 29 infants identified as suffering from drug withdrawal annually in 2000 to more than 1,400 in 2014. In response to this national and statewide tragedy, Senator McConnell has helped spearhead efforts in Washington to develop an effective legislative response.\r\nTragically, prescription drug abuse and heroin use has skyrocketed in Kentucky and in other states across the nation, Senator McConnell said. Americans, no matter their demographic, socio-economic status, age or gender, are dying. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this crisis is the increasing number of infants who are born dependent on opioids in the form of prescription painkillers and heroin. These infants are the most innocent among us, and for them to start off life suffering from a dependence on drugs is intolerable.\r\nThe Protecting Our Infants Act is supported by the March of Dimes, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.\r\n\r\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-dr-rand-paul-requests-expedited-ruling-international-trade-administration-ashlands-ak-steel/", "Dr. Rand Paul Requests Expedited Ruling from International Trade Administration for Ashland\u2019s AK Steel Plant", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced today that he sent a letter to the International Trade Administration (ITA) requesting an expedited ruling on whether or not China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan are guilty of depressing the price of foreign steel introduced into U.S. markets. The letter advocates for the ITA to make a determination prior to the announced layoffs so AK Steel Holding Corporation, and the Ashland community, can incorporate ITA\u2019s final decision into the status of layoffs at the steel plant.\n\nSen. Paul met with community and regional leadership in Kentucky last Monday regarding layoffs at the AK Steel plant, and on Tuesday sent the letter to the ITA requesting them to expedite their decision making process and make a determination before layoffs occur in December.\n\nSen. Paul has been engaged on this issue since he was first notified of the situation. He released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis is an issue incredibly important to the hard-working families in Ashland and the surrounding areas, as well as Kentucky as a whole. Since first learning of the situation, my office has been engaged and in touch with all parties to do whatever we can to help. I will continue to stay involved with this issue and sincerely hope for a favorable outcome,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nA copy of the letter can be found below.\n\nLETTER TEXT:\n\nThe Honorable Penny S. Pritzker Secretary of Commerce\n\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n\n1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20230\n\nDear Secretary Pritzker:\n\nI urge the International Trade Administration to issue a final ruling before December 18th on corrosion resistant steel (CORE) imports. Previous rulings from the ITA and the U.S. International Trade Commission have indicated there is substantial evidence China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan are providing CORE imports at an unfair market price.\n\nAK Steel and five other domestic steel producers have accused China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan of purposefully undervaluing their CORE imports in order to increase market share in the U.S. AK Steel and plaintiffs filed their complaint on June 3, 2015.\n\nThe ITC commission issued a unanimous preliminary decision on July 16, 2015, making a determination that five import countries are causing harm to the domestic steel industry. In November, ITA makes a determination that five countries are devaluing the price of their CORE imports.\n\nOn October 16, 2015, AK Steel sent a letter to the mayor of Ashland, Kentucky, stating the company would temporarily layoff employees at the local steel plant and said the, \u201conslaught of unfairly traded imports, \u201cwas one of the reasons for the layoffs. The plant employs over 700 people from the local area. If the plant were to shutdown, not only would there be hundreds of people unemployed but surrounding businesses would also be affected.\n\nThe temporary layoffs are to occur between December 18th and December 30th.\n\nI respectfully request that you give a determination on this case before December 18th. This will allow the company, and the community in general, to incorporate your response into the decisions regarding the status of the layoffs in Ashland.\n\nRand Paul, M.D.\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:33:33Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/dr-rand-paul-requests-expedited-ruling-international-trade-administration-ashland%E2%80%99s-ak-steel", "Dr. Rand Paul Requests Expedited Ruling from International Trade Administration for Ashlands AK Steel Plant", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced today that he sent a letter to the International Trade Administration (ITA) requesting an expedited ruling on whether or not China, India, Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan are guilty of depressing the price of foreign steel introduced into U.S. markets.The letter advocates for the ITA to make a determination prior to the announced layoffs so AK Steel Holding Corporation, and the Ashland community, can incorporate ITA's final decision into the status of layoffs at the steel plant.\r\nSen. Paul met with community and regional leadership in Kentucky last Monday regarding layoffs at the AK Steel plant, and on Tuesday sent the letter to the ITA requesting them to expedite their decision making process and make a determination before layoffs occur in December.\r\nSen. Paul has been engaged on this issue since he was first notified of the situation. He released the following statement:\r\nThis is an issue incredibly important to the hard-working families in Ashland and the surrounding areas, as well as Kentucky as a whole. Since first learning of the situation, my office has been engaged and in touch with all parties to do whatever we can to help. I will continue to stay involved with this issue and sincerely hope for a favorable outcome, Sen. Paul said.\r\nA copy of the letter can be found below.\r\nLETTER TEXT:\r\nThe Honorable Penny S. Pritzker Secretary of Commerce\r\nU.S. Department of Commerce\r\n1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20230\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Pritzker:\r\n\r\nI urge the International Trade Administration to issue a final ruling before December 18th on corrosion resistant steel (CORE) imports. Previous rulings from the ITA and the U.S. International Trade Commission have indicated there is substantial evidence China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan are providing CORE imports at an unfair market price.\r\n\r\nAK Steel and five other domestic steel producers have accused China, India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan of purposefullyundervaluing their CORE imports in order to increase market share in the U.S. AK Steel and plaintiffs filed their complaint on June 3, 2015.\r\n\r\nThe ITC commissionissued a unanimous preliminary decision on July16, 2015, making a determination that five import countries are causing harm to the domestic steel industry. In November, ITA makes a determination that five countries are devaluing the price of their CORE imports.\r\n\r\nOn October 16, 2015, AK Steel sent a letter to the mayor of Ashland, Kentucky, stating the company would temporarily layoff employees at the local steel plant and said the, \"onslaught of unfairly traded imports, \"was one of the reasons for the layoffs. The plant employs over 700 people from the local area. If the plant were to shutdown, not only would there be hundreds of people unemployed but surrounding businesses would also be affected.\r\n\r\nThe temporary layoffs are to occur between December 18th and December 30th.\r\n\r\nI respectfully request that you give a determination on this case before December 18th. This will allow the company, and the community in general, to incorporate your response into the decisions regarding the status of the layoffs in Ashland.\r\nRand Paul, M.D.\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-bill-addressing-prenatal-addiction-and-infant-opioid-withdrawal-signed-into-law", "McConnell Bill Addressing Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Signed Into Law", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t McConnell Bill Addressing Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell applauded the President for signing into law legislation he introduced that will help address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and the epidemic of infants who suffer from opioid withdrawal.\r\nThe Protecting Our Infants Act, cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and detect any duplication, overlap, or gaps in prevention and treatment programs related to prenatal opioid abuse and infants born with opioid withdrawal. It also instructs the HHS Secretary to work with stakeholders to develop recommendations both for preventing prenatal opioid abuse, and for treating infants born dependent on opioids. Finally, it encourages the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with states and help improve their public health response to this epidemic.\r\nNationwide, there has been a staggering increase in the number of infants diagnosed with newborn withdrawal since 2000. In Kentucky, that number has grown by more than 4,500 percent -- from 29 infants identified as suffering from drug withdrawal annually in 2000 to more than 1,400 in 2014. In response to this national and statewide tragedy, Senator McConnell has helped spearhead efforts in Washington to develop an effective legislative response.\r\nTragically, prescription drug abuse and heroin use has skyrocketed in Kentucky and in other states across the nation, Senator McConnell said. Americans, no matter their demographic, socio-economic status, age or gender, are dying. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this crisis is the increasing number of infants who are born dependent on opioids in the form of prescription painkillers and heroin. These infants are the most innocent among us, and for them to start off life suffering from a dependence on drugs is intolerable.\r\nThe Protecting Our Infants Act is supported by the March of Dimes, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.\r\n\r\n####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOpioid Abuse\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=4cd0d765-8e37-4d54-8f87-e8affc626de9", "McConnell Outlines Failures of Presidents Power Plan as Paris Climate Talks Convene", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Presidents costly power plan:\r\nWhen President Obama tried to push a regressive, anti-Middle Class energy tax through a Democrat-controlled Congress, his own party said no.\r\nUndeterred, the President simply went around Congress to impose similarly regressive  and likely illegal  power plan energy regulations anyway.\r\nHes currently trying to sell that power plan to world leaders in Paris as proof of the American governments commitment to his energy priorities. But with all due respect to the President as our Commander in Chief, governments currently engaged in this round of climate talks will want to know that there is more than just an Executive Branch in our system of government.\r\nMore than half of the states have filed suit against the Presidents power plan.\r\nA bipartisan majority in both chambers of Congress has approved legislation that rejects it.\r\nThe courts appear likely to strike it down.\r\nAnd the next president could simply tear it up.\r\nThis is the easily foreseeable result of intentionally sidestepping Congress to impose this anti-Middle Class power plan. If left in place, the power plan threatens to punish the poor and could result in the elimination of as many as a quarter million U.S. jobs.\r\nFor what?\r\nThe power plan wont even meaningfully affect global carbon emissions, and could actually increase emissions by offshoring American manufacturing to countries that lack our environmental standards.\r\nPain for the Middle Class, a climate rounding error for negotiators in Paris.\r\nThats not a good policy for Americas working families. Thats not a good policy for our country. It certainly wouldnt be responsible to attempt to negotiate commitments based upon a likely-illegal power plan  one that may not even survive much longer anyway.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ad2720ea-9c8c-4e15-ad46-2c02bc19eb86", "McConnell Highlights Bipartisan Senate Accomplishments", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Senate accomplishments:\r\nLast election, the American people chose a new direction with a new Republican majority in Congress.\r\nWeve been working hard ever since to get Congress back on their side and back to work.\r\nOver the past year:\r\nAmericans have seen committees up and running again.\r\nAmericans have seen bills passing again.\r\nAmericans have seen meaningful, bipartisan bills being signed into law again.\r\nAmericans have also seen members of opposing parties working together to make progress on important issues.\r\nFrom trade to Medicare to cybersecurity, weve seen examples of it this year on some of Washingtons stickiest issues.\r\nWe saw the Senate pass a bipartisan, multi-year highway bill this summer, 65 to 34.\r\nThe Republican Chairman and Democrat Ranking Members worked closely to bring this about.\r\nWe also saw the Senate pass a bipartisan replacement for the broken No Child Left Behind law this summer, 81 to 17.\r\nId like to thank Sen. Alexander and Sen. Murray for working closely across the aisle on that achievement.\r\nThese represent significant accomplishments for the new Congress and significant wins for the American people. After all, some pundits said Washington could never take these issues on at all.\r\nBut we did, and now we expect to finish Congress work on them in the coming days.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-uncovers-national-science-foundation-450000-global-warming-video-game-latest/", "Sen. Rand Paul Uncovers National Science Foundation $450,000 Global Warming Video Game in Latest \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government.\n\nThe latest edition uncovers a $450,000 project at the National Science Foundation (NSF) to produce a video game aimed to educate students about global climate change and how to prevent it. The initiative, known as the Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE), creates a video game set 110 years in the future, which the NSF claims to be \u201cscientifically realistic.\u201d\n\n\u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE or below.\n\nA whole generation remembers the thrill of strolling into an elementary school computer lab, firing up an Apple II computer, and playing The Oregon Trail. Well, thanks to an almost $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, it appears a whole new generation of students will have their own iconic game\u2026on climate change.[1]\n\nApparently \u201c[e]ducating young people about Global Climate Change (GCC) is challenging because they have difficulty relating to its slow pace, with larger effects 10s-100s years in to the future.\u201d[2] How to solve that problem? A video game aimed at indoctrinating kids into the climate change way of thinking.\n\nThe Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE), which is being developed by researchers at the University of South Florida and piloted at Hillsborough County high schools, aims to counter this morass by, \u201cdevelop[ing] a place-based futuristic gaming simulation model\u2026\u201d[3] Of course, the CHANGE project is all supposed to be \u201cscientifically realistic.\u201d\n\nThe game will involve a science fiction narrative of the effects of climate change on the students\u2019 community as told by virtual persons from the future. This, \u201cfocus on the built environment will help students attach a \u2018human face\u2019 and a sense of immediacy to hitherto abstract issues of global warming.\u201d The first part of the game will ask students to deal with simulations like severe weather and sea-level rise, while the second part of the game will group students in teams to create plans to \u201csave the future.\u201d[4]\n\nHow far in the future? Well, 110 years. Recall that Doc Brown and Marty only went 30 years in the future; and while Back to The Future was a great movie trilogy, accurately predicting just 30 years in the future proved pretty hard.\n\nPerhaps the government, instead of Hollywood is better at predicting the future? Take for example Dr. John Holdren, who is the President\u2019s Chief Science Advisor and was a technical advisor on former Vice President Al Gore\u2019s movie An Inconvenient Truth. In 1986, he predicted 1 billion people would die as a result of global warming by the year 2020. At his 2009 confirmation hearing he was asked if he still believed climate change would kill 1 billion by 2020. He said, \u201cI think it could happen.\u201d[5] Scared yet?\n\nHere\u2019s a prediction: the real science behind this game is psychology and political science.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:30:58Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-uncovers-national-science-foundation-450000-global-warming-video-game-latest-%E2%80%98", "Sen. Rand Paul Uncovers National Science Foundation $450,000 Global Warming Video Game in Latest The Waste Report", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the latest edition to The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government.\r\nThe latest edition uncovers a $450,000 project at theNational Science Foundation (NSF) to produce a videogame aimed to educate students about global climate change and how to prevent it. The initiative, known as the Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE), creates a video game set 110 years in the future, which the NSF claims to be scientifically realistic.\r\n   The Waste Report' can be found HERE or below.\r\n\r\nA whole generation remembers the thrill of strolling into an elementary school computer lab, firing up an Apple II computer, and playing The Oregon Trail. Well, thanks to an almost $450,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, it appears a whole new generation of students will have their own iconic gameon climate change.[1]\r\n\r\nApparently [e]ducating young people about Global Climate Change (GCC) is challenging because they have difficulty relating to its slow pace, with larger effects 10s-100s years in to the future.[2] How to solve that problem? A video game aimed at indoctrinating kids into the climate change way of thinking.\r\n\r\nThe Climate Change Narrative Game Education (CHANGE), which is being developed by researchers at the University of South Florida and piloted at Hillsborough County high schools, aims to counter this morass by, develop[ing] a place-based futuristic gaming simulation model[3] Of course, the CHANGE project is all supposed to be scientifically realistic.\r\n\r\nThe game will involve a science fiction narrative of the effects of climate change on the students' community as told by virtual persons from the future. This, focus on the built environment will help students attach a human face' and a sense of immediacy to hitherto abstract issues of global warming. The first part of the game will ask students to deal with simulations like severe weather and sea-level rise, while the second part of the game will group students in teams to create plans to save the future.[4]\r\n\r\nHow far in the future? Well, 110 years. Recall that Doc Brown and Marty only went 30 years in the future; and while Back to The Future was a great movie trilogy, accurately predicting just 30 years in the future proved pretty hard.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the government, instead of Hollywood is better at predicting the future? Take for example Dr. John Holdren, who is the President's Chief Science Advisor and was a technical advisor on former Vice President Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth. In 1986, he predicted 1 billion people would die as a result of global warming by the year 2020. At his 2009 confirmation hearing he was asked if he still believed climate change would kill 1 billion by 2020. He said, I think it could happen.[5] Scared yet?\r\nHere's a prediction: the real science behind this game is psychology and political science.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ae975348-a311-447f-804f-bb2d483b3067", "A Quintessentially American Celebration", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today released a video message wishing all Americans a happy Thanksgiving holiday. Click on the image below to view his comments:\r\n\r\nThe following is a transcript of the Majority Leaders message:\r\nThanksgiving is a quintessentially American celebration rooted in our nations earliest foundations. It represents a shared experience of adversity, perseverance and friendship that has made our country what it is today.\r\nIt was George Washington who proclaimed Americas first official national Thanksgiving in 1789. And at the height of the Civil War, it was Kentuckys own Abraham Lincoln who made it an annual tradition.\r\nLincoln saw this national Thanksgiving as a way to help heal a broken nation. We still look to it for unity in difficult times even today. \nThis year, we again keep fidelity with this honorable tradition. We again give thanks to God for our good fortune to live in a nation where each of us is blessed with the freedom and the opportunity to continually reach higher  a nation protected by men and women who would give, and have given, everything for our sake and for Americas continuing promise.\r\nHappy Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/a-quintessentially-american-celebration", "A Quintessentially American Celebration", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.15\n\t\t\t A Quintessentially American Celebration' \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell today released a video message wishing all Americans a happy Thanksgiving holiday. Click on the image below to view his comments:\r\n\r\nThe following is a transcript of the Majority Leader's message:\r\nThanksgiving is a quintessentially American celebration rooted in our nation's earliest foundations. It represents a shared experience of adversity, perseverance and friendship that has made our country what it is today.\r\nIt was George Washington who proclaimed America's first official national Thanksgiving in 1789. And at the height of the Civil War, it was Kentucky's own Abraham Lincoln who made it an annual tradition.\r\nLincoln saw this national Thanksgiving as a way to help heal a broken nation. We still look to it for unity in difficult times even today.  This year, we again keep fidelity with this honorable tradition. We again give thanks to God for our good fortune to live in a nation where each of us is blessed with the freedom and the opportunity to continually reach higher  a nation protected by men and women who would give, and have given, everything for our sake and for America's continuing promise.\r\nHappy Thanksgiving.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHistory\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CDE9960A-0685-4C84-91D0-8FF6CB5E2EAB", "Rogers to HHS: We Need Doctors to Prescribe Safer Painkillers", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to save lives and continue turning the tide of prescription drug abuse across the country, U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) encourages health care providers to prescribe painkillers that are more difficult to abuse. On Friday, Rogers and 16 of his colleagues sent aletter to Secretary Sylvia Burwellurging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to better-inform prescribers about the availability of abuse-deterrent versions of the same painkillers they are prescribing. \"As you know, abuse of prescription opioids continues to take a devastating toll on individuals, families and communities across the nation,\" the letter stated. \"Unfortunately, the medical community has been slow to widely embrace the use of those products intended to deter and mitigate abuse.\" \"We need to get these drugs into the hands of patients, so that folks won't be tempted to crush or snort or inject these dangerous drugs,\" said Rogers, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. \"It's really a matter of life and death.\" According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day in the United States, 44 people die as a result of prescription opioid overdose. Deaths from overdose of prescription opioid painkillers have tripled since 2001, killing more than 16, 000 in the U.S. in 2013. Currently, Medicare Part D plans place greater restrictions on patient access to painkillers that are more difficult to abuse, which could deter research and innovation in the field of abuse-deterrent opioids (ADOs). The letter clarified, \"While it is important to note that no ADO can entirely eliminate the risk of abuse, ADOs are an important part of the comprehensive strategy to reduce prescription opioid-related abuse, misuse and overdose. Continued innovation in this field will be critical to our success in bringing this epidemic to a close.\" The letter requests Secretary Burwell to review current labeling of abuse-deterrent painkillers to ensure that physicians have the guidance they need to prescribe them and to improve patient access. Click here to download the letter\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-releases-special-thanksgiving-edition-waste-report/", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special Thanksgiving Edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "Report Calls Attention to the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special Thanksgiving edition of \u2018The Waste Report,\u2019 which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste within the U.S. government.\n\nThe special edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 calls attention to the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Over 300 specialty crops are eligible for federal support from the $72.5 million program. A sampling of the specialty crops eligible includes: apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet corn, potatoes, green beans, peas, broccoli, grapes, almonds, pears, cherries, carrots, and brussels sprouts.\n\nThe special edition of \u2018The Waste Report\u2019 can be found HERE or below.\n\nOn Thursday, millions of Americans will sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. While you enjoy Thanksgiving staples of sweet potatoes and green beans, you might not realize that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), except for the turkey and stuffing, just about everything else on your table is considered a \u201cspecialty crop\u201d and eligible for federal support from the $72.5 million Specialty Crop Block Grant program (SCBGP). [1]\n\nAccording to USDA, \u201cThe SCBGP focuses on projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops\u2026the block grants are designed to increase the long-term success of producers and broaden the market for specialty crops.\u201d[2] Allowable activities under these grants include some types of marketing, travel, consultants, attending conferences, development of websites or mobile apps, and more.\n\nSo what exactly qualifies as a specialty crop? You may be envisioning some exotic herb or something new to the market. It would probably something rare, atypical, and thus in need of competitive enhancement. You will probably be surprised to learn that according to USDA, just about everything is \u201cspecial.\u201d\n\nIn fact, the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in his April 18, 2014 blog post, \u201cSpecialty crops make up the bulk of what we eat\u2014all of our fruits and vegetables, tree nuts and dried fruits\u2014as well as things like cut flowers and nursery crops.\u201d[3] It seems when Congress created the program, the definition of \u201cspecialty\u201d was wide enough you could drive a truck through it\u2026 and it is a big truck.\n\nBut the bulk of what we eat? Yes, USDA lists over 300 special crops and only 36 non-qualified crops. So what exactly is on the list? Here is just a sampling:\n\n\u2022 apples \u2022 strawberries \u2022 raspberries \u2022 blueberries \u2022 blackberries \u2022 peaches \u2022 sweet corn \u2022 potatoes \u2022 green beans \u2022 peas (all varieties) \u2022 broccoli \u2022 grapes \u2022 almonds \u2022 pears \u2022 cherries \u2022 carrots \u2022 Brussels sprouts (yuck) \u2022[4]\n\nSeems these are hardly new and unheard of crops. In a USDA blog post a Deputy Administrator said of one specialty crop, \u201c[w]hether purchased fresh, frozen, or pureed, the blueberry has long been a staple in the diets of many people.\u201d A specialty-staple, who knew? Even more weird is quinoa is on the non-qualified list of crops.[5]\n\nOh, and it is not just food. Turf grass (sod) makes the cut and so do live Christmas trees. So even after Thanksgiving dinner is over your pocketbook is not safe \u2013 your tax dollars might have gone to support the football field you see on TV or the tree the family cuts down at the local u-cut place.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:30:58Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-releases-special-thanksgiving-edition-%E2%80%98-waste-report%E2%80%99", "Sen. Rand Paul Releases Special Thanksgiving Edition of The Waste Report", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Report Calls Attention to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program \r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released a special Thanksgiving edition of The Waste Report,' which is an ongoing project cataloguing egregious examples of waste withinthe U.S. government.\r\nThe special edition of The Waste Report' calls attention to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Over 300 specialty crops are eligible for federal support from the $72.5 million program.A sampling of the specialty crops eligible includes: apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet corn, potatoes, green beans, peas, broccoli, grapes, almonds, pears, cherries, carrots, and brussels sprouts.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe special edition of The Waste Report' can be found HERE or below.\r\nOn Thursday, millions of Americans will sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. While you enjoy Thanksgiving staples of sweet potatoes and green beans, you might not realize that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), except for the turkey and stuffing, just about everything else on your table is considered a specialty crop and eligible for federal support from the $72.5 million Specialty Crop Block Grant program (SCBGP). [1]\r\nAccording to USDA, The SCBGP focuses on projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty cropsthe block grants are designed to increase the long-term success of producers and broaden the market for specialty crops.[2] Allowable activities under these grants include some types of marketing, travel, consultants, attending conferences, development of websites or mobile apps, and more.\r\nSo what exactly qualifies as a specialty crop? You may be envisioning some exotic herb or something new to the market. It would probably something rare, atypical, and thus in need of competitive enhancement. You will probably be surprised to learn that according to USDA, just about everything is special.\r\nIn fact, the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in his April 18, 2014 blog post, Specialty crops make up the bulk of what we eatall of our fruits and vegetables, tree nuts and dried fruitsas well as things like cut flowers and nursery crops.[3] It seems when Congress created the program, the definition of specialty was wide enough you could drive a truck through it and it is a big truck.\r\nBut the bulk of what we eat? Yes, USDA lists over 300 special crops and only 36 non-qualified crops. So what exactly is on the list? Here is just a sampling:\r\n apples  strawberries  raspberries  blueberries  blackberries  peaches  sweet corn  potatoes  green beans  peas (all varieties)  broccoli  grapes  almonds  pears  cherries  carrots  Brussels sprouts (yuck) [4]\r\nSeems these are hardly new and unheard of crops. In a USDA blog post a Deputy Administrator said of one specialty crop, [w]hether purchased fresh, frozen, or pureed, the blueberry has long been a staple in the diets of many people. A specialty-staple, who knew? Even more weird is quinoa is on the non-qualified list of crops.[5]\r\nOh, and it is not just food. Turf grass (sod) makes the cut and so do live Christmas trees. So even after Thanksgiving dinner is over your pocketbook is not safe - your tax dollars might have gone to support the football field you see on TV or the tree the family cuts down at the local u-cut place.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n[1] SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS: Helping farmers who raise fruits, vegetables, and nuts with improved training, infrastructure, and marketing; National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; Washington, D.C.; October 2015\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] Grants & Opportunities: Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; United States Department of Agriculture; Washington, D.C.; November 2015 http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[4] http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/USDASpecialtyCropDefinition.pdf", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://guthrie.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=24&itemid=1597", "Guthrie Votes to Halt the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Brett Guthrie", "G000558", "guthrie.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) this week voted in support of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWe must ensure that we are doing all we can to prevent terrorists from entering our country. The bill that passed the House establishes the most robust vetting process in the world for persons coming from the countries where ISIL is most firmly established, Iraq and Syria, said Congressman Guthrie. I was a cosponsor of this bill and now that it has passed with strong bipartisan support, I am hopeful the Senate will quickly pass the bill.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 4038 passed the House by a vote of 289-137. This bill is the work product of a task force assembled by Speaker Ryan in the immediate aftermath of the Paris attacks last week. The bill suspends admission to the U.S. of Syrian and Iraqi refugees until the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence all certify that each individual refugee does not represent a security threat to the U.S. The bill requires certifications to be made directly to Congress for each admission, and requires the FBI to conduct a thorough review of the background check process.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWe have a proud tradition of welcoming refugees to our country, and the U.S. leads the world in providing humanitarian assistance. However, we also must take precautions to protect our borders from radical Islamic terrorists who are relentless in finding ways to attack us. Their threats are serious, and they must be destroyed. We cannot allow them to slip through our defenses, added Congressman Guthrie.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=e6b2a135-15d6-4a8c-8db7-91f78be29c1c", "McConnell, Wyden, Polis, Massie Join To Advance Industrial Hemp Research", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Requesting USDA to clarify industrial hemps eligibility for federal research grants\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that industrial hemp research programs are eligible for existing federal research dollars. The letter was signed by a total of 12 Senators and 37 members of the House of Representatives.\r\nIt appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp, the members wrote in the letter. Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp.\r\nIndustrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production.\r\nHowever, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that it is not worth it to apply for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose.\r\nDue to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application, the members wrote in the letter.\r\nThe members asked Secretary Vilsack:\r\n \r\nDoes USDA interpret current law as providing the agency with the authority to award existing and competitive federal funds for the research of industrial hemp?\r\nIf the answer is yes, what steps is USDA taking to disseminate that information and work with interested parties in the competitive grant process?\r\n \r\nThe signed text of the letter is available here. Signatories include Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rod Blum (R-IA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Sam Farr (D-CA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Ral Grijalva (D-AZ), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Beto ORourke (D-TX), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Whitfield (R-KY), John Yarmuth (D-KY), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mcconnell-wyden-polis-massie-join-to-advance-industrial-hemp-research", "McConnell, Wyden, Polis, Massie Join To Advance Industrial Hemp Research", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.15\n\t\t\t McConnell, Wyden, Polis, Massie Join To Advance Industrial Hemp Research \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tRequesting USDA to clarify industrial hemp's eligibility for federal research grants\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify that industrial hemp research programs are eligible for existing federal research dollars. The letter was signed by a total of 12 Senators and 37 members of the House of Representatives.\r\nIt appears that USDA has the authority to award competitive grants for the development of industrial hemp, the members wrote in the letter. Nevertheless, it seems the USDA has provided conflicting information regarding whether the agency is willing to exercise its authority to award existing federal grant dollars for the research of industrial hemp.\r\nIndustrial hemp is used throughout the world in thousands of products, including paper, fabrics, lotions, canvas, rope, and construction material. Under the Agricultural Act of 2014, institutions of higher education and state departments of agriculture are permitted to launch industrial hemp research pilot programs if certain conditions are met. Twenty-six states have authorized industrial hemp pilot studies or production.\r\nHowever, USDA has yet to clarify whether these programs are eligible for research dollars as other research programs that focus on the industrial uses of commodities are. Some individuals seeking clarity from the USDA on this issue report being told by USDA officials that it is not worth it to apply for research funds, whereas a Dec. 23, 2014 internal USDA memo suggests that the USDA is supportive of industrial hemp research and may be willing to award funds for that purpose.\r\nDue to this lack of consistency, researchers are reluctant to apply for federal funds because of the large amount of time, effort, and cost that goes into any grant application, the members wrote in the letter.\r\nThe members asked Secretary Vilsack:\r\n \r\nDoes USDA interpret current law as providing the agency with the authority to award existing and competitive federal funds for the research of industrial hemp?\r\nIf the answer is yes, what steps is USDA taking to disseminate that information and work with interested parties in the competitive grant process?\r\n \r\nThe signed text of the letter is available here. Signatories include Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Rod Blum (R-IA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Sam Farr (D-CA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Ral Grijalva (D-AZ), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Beto O'Rourke (D-TX), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Mark Takai (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Whitfield (R-KY), John Yarmuth (D-KY), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.republicanleader.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-majority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-and-senator-john-mccain-introduce-resolution-commending-elections-in-burma-and-urging-prompt-and-orderly-transition-of-power", "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell & Senator John McCain Introduce Resolution Commending Elections In Burma & Urging Prompt & Orderly Transition Of Power", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.republicanleader.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.15\n\t\t\t Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell & Senator John McCain Introduce Resolution Commending Elections In Burma & Urging Prompt & Orderly Transition Of Power \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today introduced a Senate Resolution congratulating the people of Burma on successfully completing free and democratic elections after nearly 50 years of military rule. The resolution also recognizes Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who led the National League for Democracy to winning sizable majorities in both chambers of Burma's Union Parliament, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. In addition, the resolution calls for a peaceful and prompt transition of power in the Government of Burma and encourages all parties to focus on genuine reconciliation in order to make progress towards creating an inclusive and democratic society.\r\nIt is a pleasure to join forces yet again with Senator McCain in promoting democracy and reconciliation in Burma through this Senate Resolution, said Leader McConnell. The recent election results have rightly raised hopes for the future of Burma. At the same time, it is vitally important that the Burmese government proceed promptly with an orderly transition to implement the will of the people.\r\nI'm proud to join Leader McConnell in congratulating the people of Burma on successfully conducting the most free, transparent, and peaceful election in the country's history, said Senator McCain. Our resolution particularly recognizes Aung San Suu Kyi, a champion for human rights and democracy who courageously led her National League for Democracy party to victory. We urge our colleagues to join us in calling for a peaceful and prompt transition of power in Burma and supporting democracy and peace for its people.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Related Issues:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t         \n\t\t\t\t\t     \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBurma\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-votes-to-suspend-syrian-refugee-resettlement-program", "Barr Votes to Suspend Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted today in favor of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. The legislation immediately suspends President Obamas plan to resettle Syrian refugees in the United States, and requires enhanced, comprehensive security checks and certifications before additional refugees from Iraq and Syria may be allowed to enter the country.\nMy first and most important responsibility as a Member of Congress is to keep the American people safe, said Congressman Barr. The Obama Administrations own Secretary of Homeland Security and FBI Director have acknowledged that the U.S. government does not currently have the resources or adequate information to fully vet refugees from Syria. This corroborates what I learned from U.S. Embassy personnel in Amman, Jordan when I was in the Middle East last month. Given these security gaps, it is entirely appropriate and essential to our national security to pause the resettlement program until the nations top security officials certify that the screening process meets the highest standards and that each individual refugee is not a security threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9EE04471-D860-43E7-96BC-28C78B23C7F5", "Rogers Supports American SAFE Act", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Harold \"Hal\" Rogers (KY-05) was appointed this week by House Speaker Paul Ryan to a task force for developing short-term and long-term strategies to address the Syrian refugee crisis. Members of the task force worked to develop the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038), which will protect Americans from ISIS and other terrorists by temporarily halting the President's plans to allow thousands of refugees to settle in the United States. Specifically, the SAFE Act prevents admission of any Syrian or Iraqi refugee until the nation's top security officials unanimously certify that the individual does not represent a security threat to the U.S. The bill, which Rogers cosponsored, passed in the House today by a vote of 289 to 137. Congressman Rogers made the followingremarkson the House floor regarding the SAFE Act:\r\n\"Mr. Speaker, I rise today first to reaffirm our solidarity with the people of France, our brethren in Beirut, and the victims of Metro Jet Flight 9268 who perished over the skies of the Sinai. The senseless and sinister violence, the deep-seated fanaticism, the utter and irrational disdain for western society advanced by ISIS  together they present a threat not just to national and global security, but also to the fundamental values that constitute the very fiber of human civilization.\r\n\"They must be stopped. The violence must end. And the United States must do more. More to stamp out this evil, more to eradicate the threats posed here and abroad, and more to ensure that Americans can tuck in their children with a feeling of security that they will wake up for school in the morning free from fear.\r\n\"That is why I support the SAFE Act, which we have under consideration today. It is a thoughtful bill which will further one of our principal national security priorities: keeping Americans safe as we work to eliminate the threat posed by ISIS.\r\n\"The instability in Syria and the surrounding region has continued unabated for more than four years, and we have witnessed an indescribable humanitarian crisis because of the brutality of the Assad regime and radical Islamist groups, such as ISIS. In the wake of the Paris tragedy, we must step back and review the procedures in place for admitting refugees resulting from this conflict into our own country. Wecanandmustimplement a system that assists the victims of this tragedy and thatprioritizes American securityfirst.\r\n\"HR 4038 will ensure that no refugee from Iraq or Syria steps foot on US soil without a thorough vetting by top US security personnel. The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Director of National Intelligence must unanimously certify that a person seeking refuge in our country does not represent a security threat. This is an unprecedented vetting process to ensure dangerous people do not slip through the cracks. I urge your support so we can provide our military and intelligence personnel with the best possible chance for success as they work to keep us safe.\" Click here to view the C-SPAN video of Rogers' remarks\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=62d9ff0b-1403-4153-a3ab-f911d1f2125c", "Obama Administration Should Hit Pause Button on Refugee Entries, McConnell Says", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Syrian refugees:\r\nIts clear that the American people are concerned about the Administrations ability to properly vet thousands of individuals from Syria. \nMore than half of our nations governors, governors of both parties, have demonstrated their concern.\r\nMany members in Congress, members of both parties, have raised concerns too.\nGiven all this and given all thats happened in Paris, it simply makes sense to take a step back for now  to press pause  so we can determine the facts and ensure we have the correct policies and security screenings in place.\r\nThats the most responsible thing for the Administration to do right now.\r\nThats the most reasonable and balanced thing for the Administration to do right now.\nWe should also not lose sight of why we are in this position to begin with.\nThe Syrian people are fleeing Syria because of a brutal civil war.\r\nThe ultimate solution to this problem is to make a Syria a place the Syrian people can continue to return to.\r\nBut the Administration has never had a coherent strategy to settle this conflict.\r\nEvery single one of us knows that ISIL presents a threat to the homeland, and its not contained. So if the Administration is serious about starting to turn this situation around, then its going to have to develop a serious and workable strategy that can win strong bipartisan support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=7c5b8e18-f739-4ccf-ae1f-900bfbe8802b", "SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH McCONNELL & SENATOR JOHN McCAIN INTRODUCE RESOLUTION COMMENDING ELECTIONS IN BURMA & URGING PROMPT & ORDERLY TRANSITION OF POWER", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today introduced a Senate Resolution congratulating the people of Burma on successfully completing free and democratic elections after nearly 50 years of military rule. The resolution also recognizes Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who led the National League for Democracy to winning sizable majorities in both chambers of Burmas Union Parliament, the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. In addition, the resolution calls for a peaceful and prompt transition of power in the Government of Burma and encourages all parties to focus on genuine reconciliation in order to make progress towards creating an inclusive and democratic society.\r\nIt is a pleasure to join forces yet again with Senator McCain in promoting democracy and reconciliation in Burma through this Senate Resolution, said Leader McConnell. The recent election results have rightly raised hopes for the future of Burma. At the same time, it is vitally important that the Burmese government proceed promptly with an orderly transition to implement the will of the people.\r\nIm proud to join Leader McConnell in congratulating the people of Burma on successfully conducting the most free, transparent, and peaceful election in the countrys history, said Senator McCain. Our resolution particularly recognizes Aung San Suu Kyi, a champion for human rights and democracy who courageously led her National League for Democracy party to victory. We urge our colleagues to join us in calling for a peaceful and prompt transition of power in Burma and supporting democracy and peace for its people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=ff173d0a-997d-4fed-a084-d4c12aeab597", "President Warned Not to Skirt Law that Bans Bringing Guantanamo Terrorists into U.S.", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Guantanamo terrorists:\r\nYears ago, then-candidate Obama made a campaign promise that has not withstood the measure of time or the realities brought by terrorism.\nHe said he wanted to close the secure detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Ever since, he has pursued policies that willfully avoided the targeting chain of capture, interrogate, build intelligence, and target.\nIt turns out, the reality of closing the secure detention facility is a lot harder than making promises on the campaign trail. Its an incredibly complex issue with grave national security concerns for the citizens of our country and our allies. That fact that the President has never been able to present any kind of serious plan to Congress seems to say a lot.\nWe hear hes finally working on one now. We will of course give consideration to what he sends. We will of course keep an open mind. It doesnt mean Congress is going to agree with him  its going to be a very tough sell because it is hard to understand why indefinite detention for terrorists on United States soil is preferable to detaining terrorists who cannot be released in Guantanamo. This is especially true when one considers the fact that bringing terrorists here presents serious risks that simply do not exist if we keep the terrorists in the secure facility there.\nThis much is crystal clear though: If the President wants to be able to import Guantanamo terrorists into Americans backyards, hes going to have to persuade a majority in Congress to change the law.\nJust last week, big bipartisan majorities in Congress voted twice to underline the point.\nWe overwhelmingly passed a defense authorization bill with a clear, bipartisan prohibition on the President moving Guantanamo terrorists into our country.\r\nWe overwhelmingly passed a veterans funding bill with a clear, bipartisan prohibition on the President improving military facilities for the detention of Guantanamo terrorists in our country. \nThe Senate has voted many times in recent years to enact these bipartisan protections.\nWeve enacted them in Congresses with split party control.\nWeve enacted them in Congresses with massive Democratic majorities.\nThe President has signed them into law.\nSo if the President wants to bring Guantanamo terrorists into the United States, he has to change the law.\nThats the opinion of the Presidents own Attorney General.\nShe was asked directly this week if the President could ignore legislation passed by Congress that prohibits him from transferring Guantanamo detainees to American soil.\nThis is what she said. The law currently does not allow for that.\nLet me repeat that. The law currently does not allow for that.\nThis is what the nations chief law enforcement officer, a woman appointed by President Obama himself, had to say on his ability to import Guantanamo terrorists into our country.\nThis isnt exactly a revelation to anyone. The fact that the President is now contemplating flouting the law in pursuit of a campaign promise from years ago means that its apparently necessary for his own Attorney General to remind everyone that the law is the law.\nThere are a multitude of other reasons not to bring these dangerous individuals into our country. I plan to continue reminding my colleagues of them here on the floor.\nIf the President ever presents some kind of plan we can actually debate, Im sure there will be several different views on it. Im sure well each have a lot to say. Im sure the President will make his pitch to convince Congress that moving terrorists into American communities is a good idea.\nLike I said, it will be a hard sell. But the President should make his case if he feels passionately about it.\nFor now though, we should all at least be able to agree with what one of our Democratic Senate colleagues recently said of the President: He's going to have to comply with the legal restrictions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-demands-vote-amendment-block-taxpayer-benefits-new-refugees-high-risk-countries/", "Sen. Rand Paul Demands Vote on Amendment to Block Taxpayer Benefits for New Refugees from High-Risk Countries", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rand Paul today on the Senate floor demanded a vote on his amendment to the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act. Amendment 2843, introduced earlier this week, would block taxpayer benefits for new refugees from high-risk countries. The transcript of Sen. Paul\u2019s remarks and clips of both floor speeches are available below.\n\nClick HERE to read the amendment in its entirety.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL\u2019S FIRST FLOOR SPEECH\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL\u2019S SECOND FLOOR SPEECH\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nFirst Floor Speech\n\nMr. Paul: Reserving the right to object. Over a thousand Americans have called my office in the last couple of days and they\u2019re very concerned about admitting people to the Middle East that we\u2019re not sure of what their intentions are. The Boston bombers were here under the refugee program. Two Iraqi refugees came to my state with the intent to buy stinger missiles to attack us.\n\nI\u2019ve asked for a very simple amendment. I would like to have an amendment placed in the queue for a vote that lets the American people vote on whether or not we want to bring more people to here from the Middle East, whether we\u2019re doing an adequate job screening these people. I think it\u2019s a very reasonable request to have a vote on that.\n\nAnd, therefore, until I am allowed to have a vote for which I think the American people are clamoring for, I will continue to object. I object.\n\nThe Presiding Officer: Objection is heard.\n\nMr. Paul: I also ask unanimous consent that I bring forward my amendment to limit and end the subsidized housing for new people to come here from the Middle East. My amendment is 2843. And I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed to set aside the current business and bring my amendment forward.\n\nSecond Floor Speech\n\nMr. Paul: Madam president?\n\nThe Presiding Officer: The senator from Kentucky.\n\nMr. Paul: The biggest issue of the day is how we protect ourselves from terrorism. My amendment goes to the heart of the matter. Are we sufficiently vetting those who might come here and attack us from the Middle East?\n\nMr. Inhofe: Would you yield?\n\nMr. Paul: I don\u2019t think we are. The two Boston bombers were here during the refugee program. Two Iraqi refugees came to my hometown in Bowling Green, Kentucky.\n\nMr. Inhofe: Parliamentary inquiry.\n\nMr. Paul: I have an amendment that is not only pertinent to the biggest issue of the day, I have an amendment that is germane for those who make a mockery of this process by saying we\u2019re going to have regular order. We\u2019re not going to have regular order.\n\nThe Presiding Officer: Is there objection?\n\nMr. Paul: Until we address the issues of the day on a germane amendment. I object.\n\nThe Presiding Officer: Objection is heard.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:30:58Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-sen-rand-paul-introduce-defend-our-capital-act-2015/", "Sen. Rand Paul to Introduce Defend Our Capital Act of 2015", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced plans to introduce the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 in the coming days. This legislation would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\n\n\u201cFor too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation\u2019s capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones. No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C.,\u201d Sen. Paul said.\n\nTop-line bullet points and background information for the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 can be found below.\n\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION\n\n\u00b7 Requires the District of Columbia to begin issuing concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.\n\n\u00b7 Requires the District of Columbia to grant reciprocity of concealed weapons permits issued by other states and commonwealths.\n\n\u00b7 Eliminates existing District of Columbia laws that restrict firearms and ammunition ownership.\n\n\u00b7 Allows for national reciprocity of conceal and carry weapons permits between states and for carry by active duty military.\n\n\u00b7 Allows for the carrying of firearms on public, non-sensitive areas of federal property.\n\n\u00b7 Allows for the purchase of firearms across state lines.\n\nNo related posts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:30:58Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-demands-vote-amendment-block-taxpayer-benefits-new-refugees-high-risk-countries", "Sen. Rand Paul Demands Vote on Amendment to Block Taxpayer Benefits for New Refugees from High-Risk Countries", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Rand Paul today on the Senate floor demanded a vote on his amendment to the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act. Amendment 2843, introduced earlier this week, would block taxpayer benefits for new refugees from high-risk countries. The transcript of Sen. Paul's remarks and clips of both floor speeches are available below.\r\nClick HERE to read the amendment in its entirety.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL'S FIRST FLOOR SPEECH \r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL'S SECOND FLOOR SPEECH \r\n\r\nTRANSCRIPT\r\nFirst Floor Speech \r\nMr. Paul: Reserving the right toobject.Over a thousand Americans havecalled my office in the lastcouple of days and they're veryconcerned about admitting peopleto the Middle East that we'renot sure of what theirintentions are.The Boston bombers were hereunder the refugee program.Two Iraqi refugees came to mystate with the intent to buystinger missiles to attack us. \r\nI've asked for a very simpleamendment.I would like to have anamendment placed in the queuefor a vote that lets theAmerican people vote on whetheror not we want to bring morepeople to here from the MiddleEast, whether we're doing anadequate job screening thesepeople.I think it's a very reasonablerequest to have a vote on that. And, therefore, until I amallowed to have a vote for whichI think the American people areclamoring for, I will continueto object.I object.\r\n\r\nThe Presiding Officer: Objectionis heard.\r\n\r\nMr. Paul: I also ask unanimousconsent that I bring forward myamendment to limit and end thesubsidized housing for newpeople to come here from theMiddle East.My amendment is 2843.And I ask unanimous consent thatI be allowed to set aside thecurrent business and bring myamendment forward.\r\n\r\n\r\nSecond Floor Speech \r\n\r\nMr. Paul: Madam president? \r\nThe Presiding Officer: The senator from Kentucky. \r\nMr. Paul: The biggest issue of the day is how we protect ourselves from terrorism. My amendment goes to the heart of the matter. Are we sufficiently vetting those who might come here and attack us from the Middle East? \r\nMr. Inhofe: Would you yield? \r\nMr. Paul: I don't think we are. The two Boston bombers were here during the refugee program. Two Iraqi refugees came to my hometown in Bowling Green, Kentucky. \r\nMr. Inhofe: Parliamentary inquiry. \r\nMr. Paul: I have an amendment that is not only pertinent to the biggest issue of the day, I have an amendment that is germane for those who make a mockery of this process by saying we're going to have regular order. We're not going to have regular order. \r\nThe Presiding Officer: Is there objection? \r\nMr. Paul: Until we address the issues of the day on a germane amendment. I object.\r\n\r\nThe Presiding Officer: Objection is heard.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/sen-rand-paul-introduce-defend-our-capital-act-2015", "Sen. Rand Paul to Introduce Defend Our Capital Act of 2015", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul announced plans to introduce the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 in the coming days. This legislation would remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia, and require the District of Columbia to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.    For too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation's capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones. No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C., Sen. Paul said.    Top-line bullet points and background information for the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 can be found below.      BACKGROUND INFORMATION     Requires the District of Columbia to begin issuing concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.   Requires the District of Columbia to grant reciprocity of concealed weapons permits issued by other states and commonwealths.    Eliminates existing District of Columbia laws that restrict firearms and ammunition ownership.   Allows for national reciprocity of conceal and carry weapons permits between states and for carry by active duty military.    Allows for the carrying of firearms on public, non-sensitive areas of federal property.   Allows for the purchase of firearms across state lines.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://barr.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/barr-s-portfolio-lending-and-mortgage-access-act-passed-by-house-of", "Barrs Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act Passed by House of Representatives", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1210, the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act introduced by Congressman Andy Barr (KY-6) in a bipartisan vote of 255 to 174. The bill promotes affordable home financing and discourages the practice of securitizing and selling of mortgages that led to the 2008 financial crisis and the resulting taxpayer bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and large systemically important financial institutions.\nThe one-size-fits-all, top-down Qualified Mortgage rule is preventing creditworthy Americans from the dream of homeownership, holding our economy back, and contributing to consolidation and closures among community banks and credit unions, said Congressman Barr. My bill would expand access to credit as long as banks and credit unions do not sell the mortgages as securities. This reform would have the dual benefit of promoting responsible lending practices which will prevent future crises and bailouts, while encouraging economic growth through expanded homeownership.\nThe legislation reforms the Qualified Mortgage rule imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to allow banks and credit unions to hold mortgages in portfolio, therefore retaining 100 percent of the risk, to satisfy the requirements of the rule. The bill promotes affordable home financing and discourages the risky practices which led to the 2008 financial crisis and the resulting taxpayer bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and large systemically important financial institutions.\nThe Independent Community Bankers Association reports that 73 percent of community bankers have decreased their mortgage business or completely stopped providing mortgage loans due to the expense of complying with the Qualified Mortgage regulation.\nClick here for a video of Congressman Barrs remarks during the floor debate of H.R. 1210.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=2e7ccffa-c043-472d-b2fa-34db0609808d", "Senator McConnells Bill to Address Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Goes to President for Signature", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan held an enrollment ceremony today for Senator McConnells legislation to address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and infants suffering from opioid withdrawal. The Protecting Our Infants Act was signed today by Speaker Ryan and is now being sent to the President for his signature.\r\n \nSpeaker Paul Ryan signs Senator McConnells bill, Protecting Our Infants Act, prior to sending to the Presidents desk. \r\nThe McConnell bill, cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and any duplication, overlap or gaps in prevention and treatment programs related to prenatal opioid abuse and infants born with opioid withdrawal. It also instructs the HHS Secretary to work with stakeholders to develop recommendations both for preventing prenatal opioid abuse and for treating infants born dependent on opioids. Finally, this measure encourages the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to work with states to help improve their public health response to this epidemic.\r\nNationwide, there has been a staggering increase in the number of infants diagnosed with newborn withdrawal since 2000. In Kentucky, that number grew by more than 4,500 percent -- from 29 infants identified as suffering from drug withdrawal annually in 2000 to more than 1,400 in 2014.\r\nTragically, prescription drug abuse and heroin use has skyrocketed in Kentucky and in other states across the nation. Americans, no matter their demographic, socio-economic status, age or gender, are dying. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this crisis is the increasing number of infants who are born dependent on opioids in the form of prescription painkillers and heroin. These infants are the most innocent among us, and for them to start off life suffering from a dependence on drugs is intolerable, Senator McConnell said. Im encouraged that Congress has approved the legislation and I urge the President to quickly sign it into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=4edbbf44-93eb-4586-a51e-e4c40f3652f4", "Senator McConnell Receives Award for Efforts Fighting War on Coal", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Mitch McConnell", "M000355", "www.mcconnell.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was honored today with the Annual Achievement Award by the Washington Coal Club for his work to defend Kentuckys coal jobs, miners and their families. Senator McConnell was presented the award by Bill Bissett, the President of the Kentucky Coal Association (KCA).\r\n \nKCA President Bill Bissett and members of the Washington Coal Club present Senator McConnell with the Annual Achievement Award.\n \r\nI accept this award on behalf of our coal miners and their families as we fight together against the Presidents War on Coal Jobs, Senator McConnell said. I have been fighting against this Presidents hurtful policies, and his Costly Power Plan in particular, since he first proposed it. I want our hard-working Kentuckians to know that Im going to keep standing and fighting for them, no matter what the Obama Administration or its EPA throws at us.\n\"This recognition of Leader McConnell by the Washington Coal Club today is well timed as we learned today that EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy had the audacity to suggest publicly that Leader McConnell cease his support of coal use and production. Those of us who advocate for coal have great confidence in Leader McConnell's steadfast support and we appreciate greatly his courage and conviction in standing up for coal miners across this country as well as low cost, reliable electricity. While I am certain that Administrator McCarthy's suggestion will be ignored, her words are a great indication that Leader McConnell's efforts are succeeding in defending Kentucky coal and pushing back the Obama Administration's numerous anti-coal policies, said Bill Bissett, President of the KCA. \nYesterday, the U.S. Senate approved two resolutions sponsored by Senator McConnell that would halt the Obama Administrations anti-coal regulations. \nThe Senate voted to approve a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) sponsored by Senator McConnell and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) designed to stop the White House from imposing anti-jobs regulations that attack new coal-fired energy plants and their workers. The Senate also passed a separate disapproval resolution sponsored by Senators McConnell, Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) that would prevent the imposition of anti-jobs regulations that attack existing plants and their workers.\nFollowing the vote Senator McConnell said, The U.S. Senate voted to stand up for Middle Class Americans, and specifically our hard working Kentucky coal miners and their families, by voting to overturn the Obama Administrations deeply regressive energy regulations that would eliminate good-paying jobs, punish the poor, and make it even harder for Kentuckians to put food on the table. I am pleased that a bipartisan majority joined us in fighting back. This was the right thing to do for Middle-Class Kentuckians and Middle-Class Americans whove suffered enough under this Administration.\nThe Congressional Review Act provides Congress the ability to eliminate onerous regulations imposed by the executive branch through an expedited procedure for consideration in the Senate. If both CRAs are enacted into law, they would eliminate both pillars of the administrations costly power plan even if portions of the plan have already gone into effect.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.paul.senate.gov/news-floor-speech-sen-rand-paul-offers-amendment-block-taxpayer-benefits-new-refugees-high-risk/", "FLOOR SPEECH: Sen. Rand Paul Offers Amendment to Block Taxpayer Benefits for New Refugees from High-Risk Countries", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "Senate", "KY", "Rand Paul", "P000603", "www.paul.senate.gov", "paul", "https://www.paul.senate.gov/news/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the U.S. Senate floor today, Senator Rand Paul introduced an amendment to the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act to block taxpayer benefits for new refugees from high-risk countries. Below is the video and transcript of Sen. Paul\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick HERE to read the amendment in its entirety.\n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH SEN. PAUL\u2019S FLOOR SPEECH\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nSen. Paul: Mr. President, make no mistake, we have been attacked in the past by refugees or by people posing as refugees. The two Boston bombers were here as refugees. They didn\u2019t take very kindly to what we gave them \u2013 education, food, clothing, and they chose to attack our country.\n\nIn Bowling Green, Kentucky, we had two Iraqi refugees who came through the refugee program, posing as refugees and then promptly decided to buy stinger missiles. Fortunately, they got them from an F.B.I. Agent and we caught them, but when we caught them, we discovered that their fingerprints were already on bomb fragments in Iraq in our database, and yet we had no clue and admitted them anyway.\n\nI think we have an insufficient process for knowing who\u2019s here legally and illegally. There are eleven million people in our country illegally, 40% of them have overstayed their Visa. Do we know who they are? Do we know where they are? If we extrapolate those statistics to those who are visiting our country from the Middle East, do we know where the 150,000 students are who say they\u2019re going to school in our country from the Middle East? I don\u2019t think we do. I don\u2019t think we should continue adding people to the rolls of those coming from the Middle East until we absolutely know who is in our country and what their intentions are.\n\nSo my amendment says this that we\u2019re not going to bring them here and put them on government assistance. When the poem beneath the statue of liberty says give me your tired, give me your poor, it didn\u2019t say come to our country and we\u2019ll put you on welfare. In those days, you came for opportunity. Many Christian churches have supported refugees. My church has supported refugees coming here. That\u2019s charity. But when you put them on welfare, that is not charity.\n\nWe borrow a million dollars a minute. We don\u2019t have enough money to do this. It\u2019s a threat to our national security. And my amendment would end the housing assistance for refugees in order to send a message to the President the people have spoken, we are unhappy with your program. If you will not listen to the American people, we will take the money from the purse.\n\nThank you, Mr. President.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T20:30:58Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 956, "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": "KY", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 956, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KY&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 801, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 155, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "KY", "label": "KY", "count": 956, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 956, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-18,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epaul~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews-floor-speech-sen-rand-paul-offers-amendment-block-taxpayer-benefits-new-refugees-high-risk~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KY&year=2015&_next=2015-11-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Epaul~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews-floor-speech-sen-rand-paul-offers-amendment-block-taxpayer-benefits-new-refugees-high-risk~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 193.6481981538236, "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"}