{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/draining-the-international-swamp", "Draining the International Swamp", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Talk tough to your allies and ignore your enemies. That has become the foreign policy doctrine which will define our current President. President Obama\u2019s decision to abstain from voting on an anti-Israel United Nations (UN) resolution this week is a clear betrayal of our strong alliance and our enduring commitment to support Israel. The nation of Israel serves as one of our most outspoken allies to combat radical Islamic terrorism and is our strongest voice in the Middle East. Nonetheless, President Obama and Secretary Kerry not only ignored our ally in a time of need \u2013 they even went one step further during a speech by Secretary Kerry in which they all but blamed Israel for the decades long conflict with Palestine.\nIn his closing days in office, President Obama is revealing his global convictions that will come to define his presidency \u2013 a belief that a weaker America, one that doesn\u2019t stand with its allies and one that doesn\u2019t follow through on lines drawn in the sand with our enemies, somehow increases the safety and security of American families. As the threat of terror grows and is carried out around the world and here in the United States, this is the exact wrong message to send. While these actions may have taken place thousands of miles away, the safety and threat of terror impacting those of us in southeast and south central Missouri, or any part of our country for that matter, is a major concern.\nThe result of this decision for Israel could potentially be devastating, but sadly this isn't the first time President Obama has turned his back on our allies. The legacy that President Obama will leave behind is a long list of foreign policy failures that have left the world and the United States less safe than it was 8 years ago. President Obama\u2019s habit of alienating America\u2019s allies while catering to our enemies has resulted in increased instability in the Middle East - like the genocide of over 400,000 people in Syria and a strengthening of ISIS, chaos in Libya that led to American casualties in Benghazi, and the disastrous Iran nuclear deal that has only strengthened the leading world sponsor of terrorism.\u00a0Meanwhile the President seems more concerned with making excuses and sanctioning Russia for Hillary Clinton\u2019s failed Presidential run than standing up to those who actually want to do physical harm to American soldiers and families.\nIf anything, the actions of the last week have further confirmed my belief that the time has come to end the use of American taxpayer dollars to fund the ineffective and scandal plagued United Nations. America should not be governed by an outside entity like the UN that treats our freedom like property and does not have our country's best interests at heart. In fact, US taxpayers fund nearly 22% of the UN\u2019s annual budget while at the same time they prioritize attempts to reduce our sovereignty and security instead of promoting peace and the principles of democracy. Simply put, the United States need not participate in an organization which diminishes our country\u2019s place and standing in the world.\nIn response this week President-elect Trump vowed to stop allowing Israel to \u2018be treated with such total disdain and disrespect\u2019 - a promising sign that we will restore our long-standing alliance with Israel. Of course, the response from the Obama Administration, was to chastise the President-elect for not abiding by \u2018protocol\u2019 and to refrain from \u2018meddling\u2019 in decisions until after the inauguration. That response could not have been more indicative of a tone deaf administration that not only fails to acknowledge their own mistakes, but shows a dangerous arrogance in their commitment to inflict liberal ideology that stands at odds with the American people. It also demonstrates how out-of-touch and unaware the Obama administration is for what is coming the next four years \u2013 a dismantling of its disastrous policies, real change to a broken system, and draining a swamp that now extends to an international level.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398829", "Blaine's Bulletin: Looking Ahead to 2017", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2017 not only means the start of a new year but it also means the start of a new Congress. On January 3, the 115th Congress officially kicks off. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to start passing an agenda that Americans want to see implemented and the next few months are going to be extremely busy doing just that. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      2017 not only means the start of a new year but it also means the start of a new Congress. On January 3, the 115th Congress officially kicks off. I am ready to get to work with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to start passing an agenda that Americans want to see implemented and the next few months are going to be extremely busy doing just that. \r\nHouse Republicans are already at work to repeal and replace Obamacare, which will help Americans across the country. Eight out of every 10 Americans want to change the law or repeal it altogether and the situation is only going to get more dire the longer that Obamacare is in place. The time to act is now.\r\nIn January, we will begin the transition to a patient-centered health system that puts American patients and doctors \u00a0back in control of their health-care choices. What does this mean? It means giving patients tools, like Health Savings Accounts, and breaking down barriers that are in place that prevent Americans from picking the plans that are best for them and their families. We must also empower small businesses so they are able to provide their employees with health coverage that doesn\u2019t bankrupt the company or limit job opportunities. These are just a few items of a long list and I am looking forward to starting the process of making health-care accessible for each and every American.\r\nAnother priority of the 115th Congress is to tackle our broken tax code and reform it once and for all. Our main goals are to have an IRS that is focused on customer service and works for its taxpayers, and we need a tax code that is simple, fair, and pro-growth for the American people. House Republicans have laid out a plan that would allow most Americans to be able to do their taxes on a form that is the same size as a postcard. To do this, all of the current brackets would be consolidated down to just three. To promote economic growth and job creation, we would cut taxes on small businesses, savings, and investments, and reform our corporate tax system so that American companies can be more competitive with the rest of the world..\r\nAnother issue that is on the forefront of our agenda is securing our nation\u2019s borders. I\u2019ve been a vocal proponent of securing our borders and an active member of the House Border Security Caucus. After all, securing our borders is part of our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to fulfill this obligation.\r\nThis list just scratches the surface of the priorities of the new Congress. The three issues I have discussed this week are big-ticket items and reform is necessary in each of these key areas. While we are hard at work on these priorities, we will also be passing smaller, targeted bills to help Americans and reduce the regulatory burden.\r\nThe new year provides Congress with a great opportunity to build on policies to make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Please know that I believe this is a cooperative effort between me and the 3rd District. I am your liaison to your government. My offices in Washington, D.C. and throughout the district are poised to listen to your concerns, suggestions, and are available to answer your questions. I will continue to keep you updated with what is happening in Washington through meetings in the district, social media, local television and radio appearances, and telephone townhalls. By working together we can achieve our common goal of making 2017 a year of progress, growth, and prosperity.\r\nOn behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I wish you all a very Happy New Year!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=66C100A5-D0A0-4691-BB29-7AFAC2776211", "Joplin Globe: Roy Blunt visits Joplin Boys and Girls Club", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Emily Younker \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tSen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, dropped by the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Missouri on Wednesday to tour the building and meet with some of the children who are spending their Christmas break there.\r\nBlunt said he and his wife, Abby,\u00a0every year\u00a0make a point to visit organizations in the state that do good work and could benefit from some attention.\r\n\"It's a good time to realize that just because the holidays are over, the need to give isn't over, and the need to be helpful either as a volunteer or a contributor is still there,\" he said.\r\nWith his wife and sixth-grade son, Charlie, in tow, Blunt\u00a0first stopped by a classroom of 5- and 6-year-olds, where he read \"House Mouse, Senate Mouse.\" The children's book tells the tale of a group of young mice who write to their legislative leaders to ask them to designate a national cheese.\r\nHe also toured the craft room, the computer lab and the gymnasiums before talking briefly with a group of older students. They were full of questions for him: How many presidents has he met? What was his favorite subject in school? Why did he become a senator? And does he get free food?\r\nBlunt said he enjoyed his half-hour visit to the Joplin club.\r\n\"I like kids; it's always interesting to see what the kids are doing and what they're interested in,\" he said. \"A couple of areas I've been involved in as a former teacher would be looking at ways to get parents more involved in what's happening in their kids' lives, (and) the kinds of things we could do to be sure we're looking at mental health as well as physical health as far as what kids need and what their families need.\"\r\nWhen asked whether he has plans to address those areas in Washington, Blunt pointed to the Excellence in Mental Health Act, which he helped introduce and pass into law in 2014. The act outlines a pilot program for eight states, including Missouri and Oklahoma, to be able to expand access to mental health services in community health clinics in 2017 and beyond.\r\nRhonda Gorham, executive director of the Joplin Boys and Girls Club, said she was happy that Blunt made the organization a stop on his goodwill tour.\r\n\"Any time we can get the media in here and share our story, I think that's great,\" she said, adding that the senator's availability to talk to and answer questions from the children there also provided them a good learning opportunity.\r\nThe organization hosts about 100 students during Christmas break at its Joplin location. At its peak, it serves nearly 400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade through its after-school programming at its Joplin and Webb City sites, with up to 200 additional children on a waiting list, Gorham said.\r\nFunding for the organization comes primarily from donors and grants. Gorham said she appreciated those who offered donations for Christmas, but she warned that January through March\u00a0\u2014 the months before the Boys and Girls Club's next big fundraiser begins\u00a0\u2014 can be financially stressful.\r\n\"We would love to see some monthly donors, and I know that's a huge ask,\" she said. \"And we could always use volunteers and mentors. I think people in the community have a lot to give.\"\r\nOther stops\r\nIn addition to the Joplin Boys and Girls Club, other stops on Sen. Roy Blunt's tour this week included the Boys and Girls Club in Columbia and the Ozarks Food Harvest in Springfield.  Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8045D2F7-06C3-4588-A195-978CCCF4B383", "Springfield News-Leader: Sen. Blunt and family visit Ozarks Food Harvest", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jackie Rehwald \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tSen. Roy Blunt and his family stopped by Ozarks Food Harvest on Wednesday to tour the facility and talk with volunteers and staff.\r\nOzarks Food Harvest president and CEO Bart Brown said Blunt often stops by this time of year to help raise awareness about the continued need for donations\u00a0after\u00a0the holidays.\r\n\"Thanksgiving and Christmas are just two days of the year. But people need to eat 365 days a year,\" Brown said. \"In January and February, the need steps up because utility bills go up, heat bills go up and seasonal jobs discontinue.\"\r\nAs Brown led the Blunt family around the warehouse, the Republican senator complimented Ozarks Food Harvest's four-star rating from Charity Navigator,\u00a0a nonprofit organization that bills itself as the nation's largest independent charity evaluator. Ozarks Food Harvest has received four stars\u00a0\u2014 the highest possible\u00a0\u2014 for the past four years in a row.\r\nBlunt's\u00a0son Charlie gave Brown a check for $150. According to his mom Abby, Charlie's donation to Ozarks Food Harvest came from his allowance. Abby said the 12-year-old wanted to give $75 and she matched that amount.\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1EAF999F-5E8C-4BF3-842A-875B82CE3FB2", "Columbia Tribune: Blunt promises work on child nutrition, mental health during Boys & Girls Clubs visit", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rudi Keller \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\r\nPersonal income in Columbia and Boone County is higher than in the state as a whole. So is poverty.\r\n\r\n\r\nAt the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia, leaders are acutely aware of that gap as they attempt to provide an affordable, safe place for after-school and summer day programs. The club serves about 700 children each year, but many more need and want to participate, Executive Director Valorie Livingston said during U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt\u2019s tour of the main service site on North Seventh Street.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cSince we have been here, we\u2019ve had a standing waiting list at every site of kids that need and want to attend a Boys & Girls Club,\u201d Livingston said.\r\n\r\n\r\nBlunt visited the club as part of his annual year-end visits to food banks and other organizations that provide support for lower-income families. The club served 47,000 meals in 2015, provides educational enhancement programs in music and technology and will begin construction in January on a 14,000-square-foot expansion that will double its current space.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe visits, Blunt said, are intended to highlight what \u201cthese kind of community service organizations provide and why do we need them in places where you see lots of affluence. But if you look very closely, you will see lots of people still struggling.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nThe fundraising program to pay for the building concluded in October. Paying to keep it open and provide services means finding additional ongoing donations, said Joe Miller, past president and co-chair of the capital campaign. The current budget is about $1.5 million annually.\r\n\r\n\r\nIt costs about $2,500 per child to provide services. The club charges $20 per semester for membership, Miller said.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cWhen we are serving 700 kids, it takes a lot of manpower and a lot of resources to keep the lights on, keep the heat on, so that is the challenge for us year over year is just raising those operational dollars,\u201d Miller said.\r\n\r\n\r\nStatistics that measure poverty in Columbia show 50 percent of Columbia Public Schools students eat a free or reduced-price lunch and 24.4 percent of city residents have incomes below the federal poverty threshold. Per capita income was $26,773 in 2015, according to the Census Bureau, $514 above the state per capita income, but the poverty rate statewide is 14.8 percent.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cIf you said 50 percent of kids in school are on the free and reduced-price lunch programs and that is one of the highest in the state, that would be a big surprise to a lot of people,\u201d Blunt said.\r\n\r\n\r\nBlunt told club staff and board members that he is focusing on two areas that can support their work. The first is expanding child food programs to summer months, he said. The club could be a distribution point for food, he said.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe second is mental health programs, he said, and the club can be a place for children to receive support for their problems or help understanding a parent\u2019s illness.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cWe are trying to look for ways to expand that footprint so mental health is treated like all other health issues,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cWe are about 50 years behind, frankly, in the mental health field.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nThe expanded club building will be ready by Labor Day, and the goal is to attract teenagers with a full-size gym, complete kitchen and music recording facilities.\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cThe high school kids are all around us, but they don\u2019t come in,\u201d Livingston said.\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/making-a-list-checking-it-twice", "Making a List, Checking it Twice", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the New Year quickly approaches, many people are making a list of New Year\u2019s resolutions and goals for 2017. While those lists often include getting in better shape, eating healthier or spending more time with loved ones \u2013 the incoming Trump Administration is working on a different kind of list. Theirs is a list of priorities, changes, repeals and policies to help move our economy forward, enhance the security of Americans and truly once again make our country great.\nTopping the list of President-elect Trump\u2019s priorities heading into 2017 is a day one repeal of so many of the regulations which are holding back innovation, access to care and economic prosperity in this country. President Obama continually went around Congress and the will of the American people to implement his big government, liberal agenda with the stroke of a pen. Through executive orders, executive \u2018guidance memorandums\u2019, and administrative rules and regulations, President Obama consistently sided with left leaning groups and lobbyists in a direct assault on our economy and our Constitution. President Obama so often went around Congress that on over 20 different occasions the Supreme Court ruled with unanimous decisions that the actions of the President or his Administration were unconstitutional or illegal. However, what President Obama will soon learn is that when you enact an agenda without the approval of Congress or the American people via the Executive pen, your policies can just as easily be undone with the stroke of that very pen. As a result, President Trump on day one will have the power to undue much of the damage done over the last 8 years.\nNext on that list, Congress will work with President Trump to reform our healthcare system in order to lower costs for patients and put you back in control of your healthcare choices, not the federal government. This week I met with those on the front lines witnessing the failure of Obamacare in southeast and south central Missouri during my healthcare roundtables. From Farmington to Kennett, to Poplar Bluff, to West Plains, to Rolla and Cape Girardeau, there was unanimous agreement that our current healthcare system simply isn\u2019t working and an overhaul is needed to put the power of choice and competition on the side of the patient. I look forward to working with the new Trump Administration during the first 100 days to repeal Obamacare and begin the work to provide Americans with affordable and high-quality healthcare coverage options.\nFixing our country\u2019s broken tax code is also a major priority list item for myself and the incoming Trump Administration. We need a simpler, fairer and flatter tax system which lowers rates on the middle class, gets the IRS off the back and out of the lives of families and farmers, and makes our American companies competitive. We will use the tax code to incentivize companies to expand, locate and hire here in the U.S. while holding accountable those who chose to locate elsewhere. We can make our economy great again and it starts with developing a tax code which rewards those who choose to invest in ingenuity and the American\u00a0worker.\nAlso on the agenda list for 2017 is to restore a sense of security to American families. That starts with ending the talk of relocating terrorists housed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on domestic American soil and continues by standing tall against those who wish to do American soldiers and families harm. Those efforts are further fulfilled by seeing through President Trump\u2019s commitment to place enhanced security, personnel, and a wall on our southern border. I am dedicated to seeing these efforts through and will work with our incoming President to help authorize the resources and tools needed to help enhance the security and safety of American families.\u00a0\u200e\nAs a country, we have so much to look forward to in 2017. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will soon be home to a reformer who shares our vision that step one is getting Washington off the backs and out of the lives of American families and small business owners. Our White House will be home to someone dedicated to making our lives easier and who wants to remove the regulatory red tape, the tax code complexity and the \u201cWashington, DC knows best\u201d mentality that has marred the last 8 years in this country. Our next President wants to bet on the American worker, not enact policies which push workers overseas. The list of goals and plans the Trump White House and Congress are working together on is an impressive one \u2013 and I am truly excited about what it will mean for my friends and neighbors in south central and southeast Missouri. It is high time the needs of the Washington elite and bureaucrats take a back seat to those of American families and workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398828", "Blaine's Bulletin: Looking Back on 2016", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This time of year it is normal to sit down and reflect on what 2016 has brought us. Through good times and bad times, we have many reasons to be thankful for what we were able to achieve or experience over the last 12 months. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      This time of year it is normal to sit down and reflect on what 2016 has brought us. Through good times and bad times, we have many reasons to be thankful for what we were able to achieve or experience over the last 12 months. \r\nMissourians started 2016 with a state of emergency due to heavy rain and flooding that occurred throughout much of the state. After several clear days and hard work from Missouri\u2019s road crews and emergency response teams, we were able to get back to our daily routines. I also want to thank all those who volunteered time, money, and effort to help their local communities recover from these storms.\r\nSoon thereafter, we found ourselves in the month of February. This past year, my office organized its inaugural \u201cValentines for Veterans\u201d program. I called upon everyone in the 3rd District to participate and with it being the first year of this program, I was unsure of what to expect. I could not have been more surprised and amazed by the graciousness of everyone in the 3rd District. The last tally among all three of my district offices was over 9,000 valentines that we were able to distribute to area veterans. The support was truly amazing and I cannot wait to see what year two of this program will bring.\r\nAs a member of Congress, I am very fortunate to meet with Missourians each and every week \u2013 whether it is in Washington, D.C., or in eastern and central Missouri. In these meetings, it is an honor getting to know everyone and hearing their stories. While all of the personal stories I hear are of great interest to me, I want to highlight one that really hit home. In April, I found out I was going to award a young man from Missouri with the National Down Syndrome Society \u201cSelf-Advocate of the Year\u201d award. I was looking forward to this opportunity and meeting this individual. When I met Elijah Mayfield from Jefferson City, I was incredibly impressed by this inspirational and extraordinary young man. He isn\u2019t afraid of anything, and his strength of character and his drive for excellence are traits that really make him stand out as a positive influence. Elijah is a leader that we will no doubt hear more about in the years to come.\r\nA more personal accomplishment of mine from the year was getting a bill that I wrote signed into law that makes the first major reforms to housing policies and programs in America in decades. Two years ago, I was named by my colleagues to be the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman. When I started diving into the policies and programs that fall under the subcommittee\u2019s jurisdiction, I found dozens of bipartisan, common-sense changes that could be made to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For example, as a result of my bill passing, veterans are now ensured access to housing and homeless assistance programs. \u00a0This law also saves taxpayers $600 million over ten years.\r\nMost notably from 2016 was this year\u2019s historical presidential election. It was a tough campaign for both parties and at the end of the day Americans spoke loud and clear about the change in direction they want for our country. Our nation simply couldn\u2019t afford four more years of extreme regulations, a failing health-care system, and an economy that is stalled in place as a result.\r\n2016 brought a lot of great memories and I am looking forward to continuing to work as your liaison to our government. I am excited to get to work right away to help find solutions to our many problems that can move our country forward in 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=A7A1C22D-235B-4790-8802-2C6180D7670C", "VIDEO: A Holiday Message from Senator Blunt", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today released the following video celebrating the holiday season:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=A93AEACD-52CD-4DD7-BF8F-1D5FE3E4D9B0", "VIDEO: A Holiday Message from Senator Blunt", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today released the following video celebrating the holiday season:\u00a0\r\nFull Text: \r\n\u201cHi I\u2019m Senator Roy Blunt.\r\nAs we get ready to celebrate the holidays with our family, with our friends, and people we love, I encourage you to take a moment and thank those who protect us and thank their families as well.\r\nOur military heroes serve tirelessly and selflessly, often spending the holidays away from their loved ones.\r\nOthers in law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders are being challenged in greater ways every single day.\r\nWe owe these men and women, and their families, our greatest debt of gratitude for their dedication and their commitment to keeping our nation strong and safe.\r\nIt\u2019s because of their bravery and enormous sacrifices that we\u2019re able to enjoy the freedoms that make America great.\r\nFrom my family to yours, Happy Holidays.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0E212DB0-CFD7-4872-BD31-E944CA0F887A", "St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Missouri one of eight states participating in mental health treatment expansion pilot program", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chuck RaaschMissouri will be one of eight states participating in a pilot program expanding access to mental health services in community health clinics.\r\nIt\u2019s the next step in the Excellence in Mental Health Act introduced by Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and signed by President Obama in 2014.\r\nBlunt on Wednesday said that one in four Americans suffer mental health problems but only a fraction get care. The designation of Missouri and the seven other states \u201cwill help bridge that gap by expanding and improving access to quality mental and behavioral health care,\u201d he said.\r\nMinnesota, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania are the other seven states chosen Wednesday by the Department of Health and Human Services. They have until July 1 next year to begin two-year demonstration programs.\r\nVikki Wachino, deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the demonstration program will allow state to have more access for behavioral health services for Medicaid and Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients, and it \u201cwill help individuals with mental and substance use disorders obtain the health care they need to maintain their health and well-being.\u201d\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=BAF37EB3-FFDF-4675-A1D0-C016C6AABEE0", "Blunt Touts Missouris Selection for Demonstration Program to Improve Access to Quality Mental Health Care", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Proud to announce #MO has been selected for demonstration program to improve access to quality mental health care https://t.co/L7dyYuzDrA\r\n\u2014 Senator Roy Blunt (@RoyBlunt) December 21, 2016\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today announced that Missouri has been selected to participate in a demonstration program to expand access to community mental health services and strengthen the quality of care for those living with mental and behavioral health issues. The demonstration program was created under Blunt\u2019s Excellence in Mental Health Act, which was signed into law in 2014.\u00a0 \u201cNearly one in four Americans has a mental or behavioral health issue that is both diagnosable and treatable, but only a fraction receive the help they need,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThis demonstration program will help bridge that gap by expanding and improving access to quality mental and behavioral health care across our state. I was proud to get the Excellence in Mental Health Act signed into law, and I\u2019m glad to see our state continue leading the nation in developing solutions to bring mental and behavioral health care in line with the way other illnesses are treated.\u201dIn October of 2015, Blunt and Senator Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) announced that 24 states, including Missouri, applied for the demonstration program. Each of these states received a planning grant to work with interested community mental health centers, Federally-Qualified Health Centers, VA clinics, and other mental health organizations to design a state program that meets the new quality standards for Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. Blunt and Stabenow first introduced the Excellence in Mental Health Act in February of 2013 to put community mental health centers on an equal footing with other health centers by improving quality standards and offering patients increased services like 24-hour crisis psychiatric care, counseling, and integrated services for mental illness. The Excellence in Mental Health Act is supported by more than 50 mental health, veterans, and law enforcement organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/making-healthcare-affordable-again", "Making Healthcare Affordable Again", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The rolling hills and flatland of southeast and south central Missouri are a beautiful place during the Holiday Season; we take time to gather with family and friends, and we also reflect on the previous days and months throughout the year. For those of us who are Christians, Christmas is a joyful time of celebration for the birth of our savior, and also a reminder that the true spirit of the Holiday is the gift of giving itself.\nOne of the things we are often most thankful for this time of year is good health and well-being, but with escalating costs of care and government mandates coming\u00a0in between you and your doctor of choice,\u00a0our entire healthcare system\u00a0is something that many families are rightfully\u00a0concerned about this year.\nOver the next week, I will be conducting half a dozen\u00a0healthcare roundtables throughout southeast and south central Missouri. I plan to meet with doctors, patients, pharmacists, small business owners,\u00a0families\u00a0and anyone else interested in discussing the rising cost of care in this country. We need to have an open and honest discussion about\u00a0the impact Obamacare has had on coverage and access to care, the collapsing of the\u00a0Obamacare marketplace,\u00a0and solutions for how we can provide fair, open, transparent and affordable healthcare\u00a0coverage in this country. I will be hosting roundtables in Farmington, Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Poplar Bluff, West Plains and Rolla.\nI believe it is important to hear directly from\u00a0families about the struggles they are experiencing and the changes they would like to see in healthcare. I have already heard a great deal from people across southeast and south central Missouri who have been personally impacted by diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer\u2019s, diabetes, and opioid addiction who desperately want to strengthen research and delivery systems to find better treatments and ultimately cures for these diseases. I\u2019ve also heard from parents whose children are suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who want a cure so that their children can enjoy the same simple joys as other children. I\u2019ve heard from the epilepsy community who want to accelerate the discovery and development of new therapies that individuals with epilepsy need to help them live their lives to the fullest potential, as well as the ALS community who are in desperate need of a treatment for ALS, which at this point has no effective treatment option and leaves patients with few options. And, I also heard from some of the 11,000 folks across southeast and south central Missouri who are living with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who are some of those most in need of access to affordable and flexible high-quality care that they are currently being denied access to by the federal government.\nThese stories and the painful struggles so many families have shared have had a profound impact on me personally. Recently, \u201c21st Century Cures\u201d was passed and signed into law and while it included important provisions to advance medical research in this country, it also included language I authored to provide those with ESRD more choice, options and flexibility in their care coverage. My provision removed a arbitrary government rule which stood in the way of these patients from receiving the care they deserve.\u00a0\nMy hope is that the healthcare roundtables we conduct in the coming weeks will bring forward more stories and issues and provide us a better understanding of how to address the real problems, while also making a difference for our families. The ideas and problems we identify will be something I can then work directly with the new Trump Administration and incoming Health and Human Services Secretary Tom\u00a0Price on in order\u00a0to include those ideas\u00a0in our healthcare replacement for the disastrous Obamacare. I have found the incoming Administration to be open and accessible and really interested in getting healthcare coverage right in this country while lowering out of pocket costs for patients. I want to share your ideas directly with them.\u00a0I also hope to find better ways to work with the\u00a0local\u00a0resources we have like the\u00a0recently opened\u00a0Delbert Day Cancer Institute in Rolla\u00a0which will help provide better treatments for cancer patients. However, perhaps the thing I am looking towards the most is the chance to meet new families, and make new friends, and provide greater hope during this season of giving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398827", "Blaine's Bulletin: Spirit of the Season", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cJoy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money\u2026Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.\u201d \u2013 Pope Benedict XVI\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \u201cJoy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money\u2026Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.\u201d \u2013 Pope Benedict XVI\r\nChristmas is just around the corner which means twinkling lights are bright throughout our communities and presents are being wrapped to set out around the tree on Christmas Eve.\r\nEach season is unique in itself, but there is truly something special about the spirit of Christmas. There is no other time when generosity is at such an all-time high. This time of year, giving back is more than just a saying, it is a time of year when people reach out in the hope of bringing joy to individuals in need. Christmas has the unique ability to bring people together. Whether that is spending time with individuals who don\u2019t have nearby friends and family members to be together with for the holidays or by participating in a coordinated effort within your communities. Giving back can be simply organizing a local service activity in your community or donating any spare toys, clothes, or canned food to a local drive. And, if you find yourself with a few hours to spare, volunteers are always appreciated at local homeless shelters. These simple yet effective acts of charity may not seem like much to some, but it means the world to others.The 3rd District is home to the most kind and supportive individuals and I know if we all work together, we can make our communities even better.\r\nDuring this holiday season, I hope you reflect on the year and recount all the joy this past year has brought you and your family. Let us also all remember the message of peace and goodwill and we take the time to cherish the memories that are made with our loved ones and friends.\r\nLastly, I ask that you take a moment to say a special prayer for the thousands of men and women in uniform who are far from home this holiday season. On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I want to wish you a joyous\u00a0 and peaceful Christmas season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=9BAE371C-6751-42FA-B6BE-54166356F9A1", "Blunt Selects Painting for Inaugural Luncheon", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, earlier today announced the painting that will be on display during the Inaugural Luncheon. He has selected George Caleb Bingham\u2019s \u201cVerdict of the People,\u201d an oil painting from the American art gallery at the Saint Louis Museum of Art.\r\nAfter the newly-elected President has taken the oath of office and delivered the inaugural address, Chairman Blunt and the JCCIC host a traditional inaugural luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Since 1953, the JCCIC has organized a luncheon celebration for the President, Vice President and their spouses, Senate and House leaders, the JCCIC members, and other invited guests. As chairman, Blunt selects a work of art to be displayed during the luncheon.\r\n\u201cVerdict of the People\u201d (1854-55) is one of three works by the Missouri artist that comprise the Election Series, presenting the course of democratic elections from public debate between candidates, to the voting process, to the announcement of election. Bingham wanted to visually record the cultural tensions at play in American democracy in the 1850s.\r\nAfter Election Day, it often took days to compile the votes. The results were publicly announced at the courthouse, and crowds gathered to hear the \u201cVerdict of the People.\u201d This painting depicts a chaotic street scene just as a clerk calls out the election results. Bingham\u2019s electorate is one of inclusiveness. Everyone is here \u2013 the well-to-do farmers, laborers, merchants, westerners, kids, politicians, immigrants, veterans, women, and African-Americans. They are elated, dejected, confounded, argumentative, jovial, and intensely serious.\r\nThe painting will be on display in National Statuary Hall on January 20, 2017, then returned to the Saint Louis Art Museum.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/blog/cures-now-law", ""Cures" is now law.", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With over 10,000 diseases in the world and only 500 known cures, it is important we work to foster new and innovative approaches to finding cures and delivering hope for patients. After a three-year-long journey through Congress, I am happy to tell you the 21st Century Cures Act\u2014a transformational, bipartisan, and fully-offset bill to change the way we treat disease, modernize medical research, and ensure America remains a leader in biomedical innovation\u2014became law last week.\nThis bill brings much needed reforms to the way we look at healthcare research. In addition to prioritizing new and cutting-edge research, modernizing and reforming the FDA, and investing in programs to incentivize innovative new treatments, the bill contained provisions that will help Americans coast-to-coast.\n\u00a0\n Combatting Alzheimer\u2019s \nI have seen first-hand the devastating effects of Alzheimer\u2019s, having lost family members to the disease. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing \u2014 and growing fast. An estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease in 2016. These numbers will escalate rapidly in coming years, as the baby boom generation has begun to reach age 65 and beyond, the age range of greatest risk of Alzheimer's. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease may nearly triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease.\nThis bill invests $1.5 billion into the National Institute of Health\u2019s BRAIN Initiative, which will improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, and hopefully lead us to a cure.\n\u00a0\n Addressing the Opioid Epidemic \nMissourians, like many Americans, are being hit hard by the scourge of opioid addiction which takes more than 40 lives each day nationwide. Bolstering the states\u2019 efforts to combat these diseases will help keep families together and strengthen communities.\nThis bill provides $1 billion for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs and implementing prevention programs.\n\u00a0\n Making Mental Health a Priority \nThe Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which I co-sponsored, has been included in this bill as well. This measure, which makes mental health a national priority, originally passed the House in July.\nWe have all experienced the pain and suffering that stems from mental illness, but none more so than the families of those afflicted. They are often left feeling too helpless and hopeless to act. Our current mental health system is outdated and needs to be reformed. This bill takes us a step in the right direction, reforming our mental health system to help patients get the treatment they need.\n\u00a0\n Prioritizing Innovation \nThe pace of scientific advancement over the past two decades, including the mapping of the human genome, has been impressive. Translating these discoveries into new FDA-approved treatments, however, has proven difficult.\u00a0\nThis legislation brings American health care infrastructure into the 21st century. It invests nearly $9 billion in new resources for a medical research innovation fund at the National Institutes of Health that will target diseases for which there is not yet a cure. 21st Century Cures also supports the Food and Drug Administration with new resources to keep pace with medical innovation, including new drugs and devices that need expert review. This bill also brings the patient perspective to the heart of research and development, and seeks to foster better use of personalized medicine and more participation in clinical trials.\nThis bill delivers cutting-edge advancements to health care and spurs the discovery and development of life-saving treatments. It offers hope to millions of Americans facing impossible odds. This bill is a big win for all Americans, and I am happy it is now law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-jason-smith-receives-friend-of-farm-bureau-award", "U.S. Rep. Jason Smith Receives 'Friend of Farm Bureau' Award", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Jason Smith Receives \u2018Friend of Farm Bureau\u2019 Award\nSmith is honored during Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting\nOsage Beach, MO- Congressman Jason Smith was presented with the \u2018Friend of Farm Bureau\u2019 Award by Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst during their 102nd Annual Meeting. Smith received the honor due to his constant support and fight to protect the rural way of life for Missouri farmers and their families.\n\u201cAs a fourth generation Missouri farm owner, I am humbled to have received the \u2018Friend of Farm Bureau\u2019 Award. The over 19,000 farms throughout southeast and south central Missouri play a major role in the state\u2019s economy. Washington bureaucrats who have never stepped foot on a farm in Missouri have no business making anti-growth, over-reaching regulations that continue to harm farmers. I remain committed to supporting reforms that allow the over 29,000 hardworking farmers across southeast and south central Missouri to do what they do best which is to put food on our tables and drive our economy,\u201d Smith stated.\n\u201cDuring his first two terms, Congressman Jason Smith has stood up for rural Missouri and agriculture at every opportunity,\u201d said Blake Hurst, president of Missouri Farm Bureau.\u00a0\u201cHe has pushed back against unreasonable regulations from EPA and other government agencies and is at the forefront of urging President-Elect Trump to rescind the many onerous and needless Executive Orders issued in recent years.\u201d \nEstablished in 1996, The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is given to Missouri lawmakers who have a proven record of support for agriculture and rural Missouri. The Missouri Farm Bureau has been working to improve the quality of life for farmers, rural Missouri and all Missourians since 1915.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news//news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=449", "U.S. Rep. Jason Smith Receives 'Friend of Farm Bureau' Award", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398826", "Luetkemeyer, Missouri Delegation Secure HUD Housing Authority Grant for St. Louis", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer, Missouri Delegation Secure HUD Housing Authority Grant for St. Louis \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        After the Missouri delegation worked with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julian Castro, it was announced that HUD awarded the city of St. Louis a grant for the Fiscal Year 2016 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation program. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      After the Missouri delegation worked with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julian Castro, it was announced that HUD awarded the city of St. Louis a grant for the Fiscal Year 2016 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation program. \r\n\u201cToday, I am proud to announce that housing opportunities will expand and increase for Missourians in the St. Louis region,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cWith this grant and with other investments coming into the city, there will be more opportunities for better housing and jobs for families and individuals. I want to thank Secretary Castro for discussing this project with me and for his work to secure the grant for betterment of all Missourians. I look forward to the progress that will be made.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=F8CED78D-498C-4561-9391-E91C818D9A16", "Blunt Announces Major Grant Award to Spur Revitalization in St. Louis", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that St. Louis has been selected to receive a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to spur revitalization in the Near North Side community. Blunt played a key role in advocating for the grant, which will be used to expand housing and commercial development, increase access to loans for small businesses and homeowners, and improve education and employment opportunities.\u201cThis grant will go a long way toward driving economic growth and development in a region vital to the future of St. Louis and the state,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThis critical investment, coupled with the construction of the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West headquarters, will transform the North St. Louis area, improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for thousands of families. I look forward to working with Mayor Slay, elected officials, and community partners to move forward on the projects backed by this grant.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=82B62D7D-6C66-40C2-BB97-4ED2A99F2E21", "Blunt Touts Missouri Wins in Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today highlighted several Missouri priorities that were included in the Water Resources and Development Act, which passed the Senate and is now headed to the White House.\u201cMissouri is a transportation hub and our waterways play a critical role in moving goods around the country,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cMaintaining and improving our waterways and surrounding infrastructure are imperative for boosting economic growth and keeping families and businesses safe from flooding. This bill authorizes resources for the most critical and economically-beneficial projects, and holds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accountable to the Table Rock Lake community. I\u2019m glad to see several Missouri priorities reflected in the bill, and I urge the president to sign it without delay.\u201dFollowing Are the Blunt-Backed Missouri Priorities Included in the WRDA Bill: \r\n \r\nMissouri Projects \u2013 The bill authorizes critical Missouri projects backed by Blunt, including much-needed improvements for Kansas City Levees, the Turkey Creek Basin, the Swope Park Industrial Area, and the Blue River Basin. These flood control projects will protect families and businesses. \r\n \r\n \r\nTable Rock Lake \u2013 The bill extends the comment period and time frame for the planned Shoreline Management Plan revision at Table Rock Lake, and lifts the permit moratorium.\r\n \r\n \r\nCooperative Joint Management Act \u2013 The bill includes the Blunt-backed Corps of Engineers Cooperative Joint Management Restoration Act. This provision re-establishes the Corps of Engineers\u2019 practice of allowing cooperating partners managing Corps recreational facilities to keep the user fees collected and apply them to site maintenance and operations. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\nSmall Ports \u2013 The bill makes permanent a set aside in funding to dredge small ports, first created in the 2014 WRDA bill.\r\n \r\n \r\nCoal Ash \u2013 The bill includes a bipartisan compromise, supported by Blunt, which will encourage the safe disposal of coal combustion residuals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/a-shovel-to-clean-it-up", "A Shovel to Clean it Up", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In his own words, President Obama stated \u201cWe can\u2019t wait for Congress to do its job, so where they won\u2019t act, I will\u201d and over past 8 years, that\u2019s exactly what he has done at the expense of the American people. With Obama\u2019s self-proclaimed unconstitutional approach to going around Congress to push his own liberal agenda, it is no surprise that the last 8 years have been bad for rural America and the families who make their living off the land. President Obama has issued hundreds of \u00a0new major regulations since taking office, each with an estimated cost to the American economy of $100 million or more. With out of-control agencies like the EPA and IRS, rural America has been impacted tremendously by the expansion of intrusive job-killing regulations under the Obama Administration.\nHowever, it is not enough to point to how much the Obama Administration has hurt rural America, the battle has been to stop his efforts and proactively fight for the people of southeast and south central Missouri. This year alone, I am proud to have led the charge on real initiatives that focus on reining in big government and providing relief for rural America and especially the farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and families that make up our community. My SCRUB Act was designed to remove outdated regulations and take an axe to the more than 175,000 pages of federal regulations on the books that are suffocating growth in this country. Also, after it was uncovered the IRS was spending over $500 million in collected user fees each year as a slush fund to implement Obamacare mandates instead of improving their service to taxpayers, I led the charge on the IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending (OWES) Act to return those funds to taxpayers and was pleased my House colleagues approved the legislation in April. In July, two of my amendments aimed at reining in the Department of Interior and the out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were adopted to prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from funding liberal propaganda supporting new EPA regulations and funding of radical environmental groups. I also have led the charge to make sure that not one penny is allocated to implement the disastrous Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.\nPresident-elect Trump\u2019s commitment and passion to tear up so many of the regulations we have seen in the last 8 years is absolutely the right approach and because of the leadership I have taken to eliminate bureaucracy and red-tape I have been asked to work with the Trump Administration on this effort. I am compiling a list of agency rules and regulations that must be repealed so that true reform in Washington can be achieved and so that the farmers and families in our region can do what they do best - provide for themselves, the nation and the world. This list includes disastrous threats harming rural America like the WOTUS Rule, efforts to shut down the coal industry, restrictions on family farm and estate transfers, the Veterinary Feed Directive Rule which adds unnecessary burdens when trying to get feed for ones animals, and executive orders which have encouraged an influx in illegal and unchecked immigration.\nWe also have additional hope with the selection of Oklahoma Attorney General Pruitt this week by President-elect Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His selection would be a win for rural America and a promising sign that relief from burdensome regulations created by the Obama Administration is coming in the near future. Pruitt shares my belief that the states should have more control, not the federal government. He will drastically shrink the imprint and size of the EPA and has been a leading legal opponent to the Obama Administrations war on coal and assault on farmers\u2019 and ranchers water usage. He has argued against the Liberal agenda in local courts, state courts and the United States Supreme Court. I believe General Pruitt\u2019s expertise will prove vitally important for advancing an aggressive agenda during the first 100 days of President-elect Trump\u2019s administration.\nWith people in leadership like Attorney General Pruitt who are committed to fighting for rural America and for states\u2019 rights and against an intrusive bureaucracy led by the Obama Administration over the past 8 years, I am confident that the roots in rural America are going to be in a better position to take hold and grow. We have some digging out to do, but I along with the new Trump administration and Attorney General Pruitt are ready to bring the shovels and get to work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398825", "Blaine's Bulletin: Upholding Article I of the Constitution", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Article I of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government and bestows federal legislative power exclusively to Congress. Unfortunately, we have had to remind the outgoing Administration more than once that Congress, not the President, writes the laws and his job is to faithfully executive them as they are written. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Article I of the United States Constitution establishes the legislative branch of the federal government and bestows federal legislative power exclusively to Congress. Unfortunately, we have had to remind the outgoing Administration more than once that Congress, not the President, writes the laws and his job is to faithfully executive them as they are written. \r\nOver the last several years, the executive overreach from the Obama Administration has hurt our country time and time again. The House has been diligent in finding ways to hold the executive branch more accountable and restore the balance of power among the three branches of government. You may recall this spring, when President Obama issued his executive amnesty order that was contrary to\u00a0 Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution. In response, House Speaker Paul Ryan introduced, and the House ultimately passed, a resolution to authorize the House to go to court to fight for its Constitutional powers under Article I.\r\nIn addition, another bill the House has previously passed and will, hopefully, be enacted into law with the incoming administration is the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This legislation requires each chamber of Congress to approve regulations that are estimated to have an annual economic impact of $100 million or more. This would ensure Congress is accountable for decisions to impose major new regulations \u2013 not the executive branch.\r\nJust this week, the House once again showed its commitment to reaffirming Article I of the Constitution with passage of my bill, the Transparent Insurance Standards Act. This bill helps protect the best interests of U.S. insurance customers and is also another step in restoring the powers in Article I. It does so by stating that Congress has the ultimate say in terms of what standards are approved by the United States. This legislation ensures that Congress has a stronger voice when it comes to the monitoring of agreements impacting U.S. policyholders and insurance markets. With passage of this bill, it sets the stage for the House to get back to work on this issue in the 115th Congress.\r\nAs Congress continues its work in January, House Republicans will get to work in implementing its Better Way agenda. Remember this comprehensive initiative is full of ideas to address challenges that face our nation and there is an entire section devoted to the importance of the government upholding the Constitution. Please know that I agree with you, we must restore checks and balances and the separation of powers that our founders put so much work and effort into achieving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=810", "House passes Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) and Senator Roy Blunt (MO) worked on language that was added to the WIIN Act that delays the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 proposed Table Rock Lake Shoreline Management Plan for 2 years.  \u201cSenator Blunt and I have spent the last year talking with constituents and making sure that those around Table Rock Lake have their voices heard and get the best deal possible,\u201d said Rep. Long. \u201cFor two years residents of Table Rock Lake haven\u2019t been able to build or update their docks among other restrictions imposed by the Army Corps of Engineers Shoreline Management Plan. Our language addresses those concerns by ensuring that individuals will be given a substantial amount of time to adjust to the changes and offer recommendations.\u201d  The language added within the bill would halt the plan by 2 years, lift the moratorium on issuing permits for new and existing docks, extend the public comment period and create an oversight committee to review permits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398824", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Passage of Comprehensive Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Passage of Comprehensive Water Resources Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: \r\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s water infrastructure is vital to the 3rd District which is home to more than 150 miles of the Missouri River and nearly 100 miles of the Mississippi River.\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cThe reforms in this bill will ensure that these important resources continue to be drivers of our district\u2019s economy. I am also pleased that we were able to include an authorization to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat flooding on the Upper Mississippi River. We can\u2019t afford to stand by without a plan as our region continues to experience devastating floods. Developing a comprehensive plan that protects all communities will help save lives and prevent billions of dollars in damages.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-passage-of-continuing-resolution", "Wagner Applauds Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0(202) 225-1621\n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution:\n\u201cWorking with President-elect Trump, the House today passed a Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution, which will fund our national defense, disaster relief, and the 21st Century Cures Act, among other critical investments, through April. I am looking forward to working with a Republican-led Senate and Trump Administration next year to ensure our conservative spending priorities are enacted through the remainder of the fiscal year, while removing government intrusion and providing American families with better opportunities for success.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=7E852735-FBD9-4FD1-82DA-DCEFE5F16A5A", "Senate Passes Blunt-Backed Missouri & National Military Priorities in Defense Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today commended Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes funding and provides authorities our military needs to defend the nation. This is the 55th consecutive year Congress has passed the NDAA, and the bill is now on its way to the president\u2019s desk.\u201cWhen we send our troops into harm\u2019s way, it is our job to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to carry out their missions,\" Blunt said. \"This bill honors that commitment, and includes several defense priorities that are critical for Missouri military installations and personnel, including the largest military pay raise in six years. It also prevents the president from moving terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Bay to U.S. soil, which the vast majority of Americans opposes. The strong, bipartisan support this bill has received year after year is a testament to its importance for our nation\u2019s security, and I urge the president to sign it without delay.\u201dHere\u2019s More on the Key Blunt-Backed Missouri and National Defense Priorities Included in the Bill:\r\n \r\nTroop Pay Raise \u2013 The bill provides for a well-deserved 2.1 percent pay increase for military personnel. This is the largest pay increase in six years.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nNational Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West Headquarters \u2013 The bill authorizes funding for land acquisition and planning and design for the new NGA West facility in North St. Louis. Blunt successfully secured funding for the project in this year\u2019s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which was signed into law in September.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nFt. Leonard Wood Fire Station \u2013 The bill authorizes funding for a new fire station at Ft. Leonard Wood. Blunt also secured funding for the project in this year\u2019s MilCon/VA bill.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nEnd Strength Increase \u2013 The bill increases end strength levels to help address readiness issues and stabilize the problems that are making it difficult for our troops to accomplish their mission. Blunt has also backed the POSTURE Act, which would reverse ongoing and future reductions to end strength levels in the Active U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army National Guard, Active Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sam-graves-congratulates-hurst-on-reelection-as-mo-farm-bureau", "Sam Graves Congratulates Hurst on Reelection as MO Farm Bureau President4", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement congratulating Atchison County native Blake Hurst on his reelection as President of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. Hurst was selected by Farm Bureau delegates on Tuesday to serve his fourth two-year term leading the organization.\n\u201cI\u2019ve known Blake my whole life, and I mean it sincerely when I say there is no one better for this position,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cHe has done an excellent job the past six years working on behalf of Missouri farmers and our entire ag community, and I know that he has a lot more to accomplish in the job. I congratulate Blake on this excellent honor and wish him continued success over the next two years.\u201d\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sam-graves-touts-passage-of-water-resources-bill-highlights-improvements", "Sam Graves Touts Passage of Water Resources Bill, Highlights Improvements to Missouri's River Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves today celebrated the House passing the Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill strengthens flood protection programs across Missouri and prioritizes improvements to inland waterway systems. S.612 passed today by a vote of 360-61, and is expected to be signed into law by the President before the end of 2016.\n\u201cNorthern Missouri has the unique advantage of being surrounded by the two longest rivers in the United States,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cIt gives us some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country, and an opportunity for local farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to ship their goods across the world. But it also means our safety and economic wellbeing depend on effective river management.\n\"I am thrilled that this bill includes authorizations for critical flood protection programs across north Missouri, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law in the coming weeks.\u201d\nGraves is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over this bill, and is the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.\n\u201cWith the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers surrounding his district, no one has fought harder for this country\u2019s water infrastructure than Sam Graves,\u201d Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster said. \u201cHe\u2019s worked to ensure life-saving flood protection for Missouri communities, and he's pushed to improve the maintenance of inland waterways that are critical to farmers and manufacturers across the Midwest. Chairman Graves has earned the reputation as a national leader on river issues, and I thank him for everything he did to help pass this important bill.\u201d\nGraves\u2019 district is bordered by approximately 284 miles of the Missouri River on its western and southern boundaries, and more than 100 miles of the Upper Mississippi River on its eastern edge. In addition to providing the resources needed to protect against flooding, this bill invests in port and inland harbor infrastructure that allows Missouri farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to transport goods around the globe.  \n\t\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/sam-graves-congratulates-hurst-reelection-mo-farm-bureau-president4", "Sam Graves Congratulates Hurst on Reelection as MO Farm Bureau President4", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement congratulating Atchison County native Blake Hurst on his reelection as President of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. Hurst was selected by Farm Bureau delegates on Tuesday to serve his fourth two-year term leading the organization.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve known Blake my whole life, and I mean it sincerely when I say there is no one better for this position,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cHe has done an excellent job the past six years working on behalf of Missouri farmers and our entire ag community, and I know that he has a lot more to accomplish in the job. I congratulate Blake on this excellent honor and wish him continued success over the next two years.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/sam-graves-touts-passage-water-resources-bill-highlights-improvements", "Sam Graves Touts Passage of Water Resources Bill, Highlights Improvements to Missouri's River Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves today celebrated the House passing the Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill strengthens flood protection programs across Missouri and prioritizes improvements to inland waterway systems. S.612 passed today by a vote of 360-61, and is expected to be signed into law by the President before the end of 2016.\n\n\u201cNorthern Missouri has the unique advantage of being surrounded by the two longest rivers in the United States,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cIt gives us some of the most fertile agricultural land in the country, and an opportunity for local farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to ship their goods across the world. But it also means our safety and economic wellbeing depend on effective river management.\n\n\"I am thrilled that this bill includes authorizations for critical flood protection programs across north Missouri, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law in the coming weeks.\u201d\n\nGraves is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over this bill, and is the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.\n\n\u201cWith the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers surrounding his district, no one has fought harder for this country\u2019s water infrastructure than Sam Graves,\u201d Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster said. \u201cHe\u2019s worked to ensure life-saving flood protection for Missouri communities, and he's pushed to improve the maintenance of inland waterways that are critical to farmers and manufacturers across the Midwest. Chairman Graves has earned the reputation as a national leader on river issues, and I thank him for everything he did to help pass this important bill.\u201d\n\nGraves\u2019 district is bordered by approximately 284 miles of the Missouri River on its western and southern boundaries, and more than 100 miles of the Upper Mississippi River on its eastern edge. In addition to providing the resources needed to protect against flooding, this bill invests in port and inland harbor infrastructure that allows Missouri farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to transport goods around the globe.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-water-resources-bill", "Hartzler statement on Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) released the following statement after the House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, a bill to address the needs of America\u2019s water infrastructure and flood protection resources:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cAmericans rely on the stable operation of critical waterways to transport the products they use every day. For example, the Missouri River, which runs through my district, is vital for Missouri farmers to ship their products around the world and receive imports such as fertilizer from abroad. This bill provides the resources our water infrastructure needs to make sure our nation can compete globally and succeed economically.\n\t\t\t\tAdditionally, this bill authorizes key missions of the Army Corps of Engineers, which routinely handles important flood protection projects, including four major projects in Missouri that will protect businesses and provide certainty needed to bring new jobs to the area. After the floods in Louisiana and Iowa, it is more important than ever to make sure we are using the Army Corps to protect Americans from natural disaster. I am pleased the House passed this vital jobs and infrastructure bill.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tFor a summary of the WIIN Act, click here.\n\t\t\t\tCongresswoman Hartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Budget Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=64", "House passes Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-passage-continuing-resolution", "Wagner Applauds Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: (202) 225-1621\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution:\n\n\u201cWorking with President-elect Trump, the House today passed a Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution, which will fund our national defense, disaster relief, and the 21st Century Cures Act, among other critical investments, through April. I am looking forward to working with a Republican-led Senate and Trump Administration next year to ensure our conservative spending priorities are enacted through the remainder of the fiscal year, while removing government intrusion and providing American families with better opportunities for success.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/jason-smiths-bill-eliminating-federal-coverage-barriers-for-kidney", "Jason Smith's Bill Eliminating Federal Coverage Barriers for Kidney Failure Patients Advances to President's Desk", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the United States Senate passed U.S. Rep. Jason Smith\u2019s (MO-08) bill to remove a federal restriction that prevents patients with kidney failure from accessing the high-quality, affordable health care coverage options they direly need, sending it to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Smith\u2019s bill H.R. 5659, the Expanding Seniors Receiving Dialysis (ESRD) Choice Act of 2016, was included in the larger health package, H.R. 34 the 21st Century Cures Act, that promotes innovation and advancements in technology, eliminates regulations that stifle competition, provides resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic, and ensures critical support for those struggling with mental health.\n\u201cThis legislation came about after meeting and hearing from families in southeast and south central Missouri. For too long, some of the sickest Americans have been denied access to the quality health care that they desperately need. Patients suffering from kidney failure need better options when choosing the best health care services during their road to recovery and shouldn\u2019t face restrictions from the federal government.\u00a0 I am excited to see my legislation make it to the President's desk and am eager to see how this medical innovation package ushers in new ways to treat patients around the country, especially patients suffering from kidney failure\u201d Smith stated upon passage in the Senate.\nThe 21st Century Cures Act, is included in the package to improve the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration. Smith\u2019s bill H.R. 5659, the ESRD Choice Act of 2016, removes the federal restriction so patients with kidney failure can enroll in Medicare Advantage\u2014providing patients with more affordable, effective, and integrated health care. Smith introduced the ESRD Choice Act in July where it was then advanced by the Ways and Means Committee and then passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 423-0 in September. The 21st Century Cures Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week by a vote of 392-26 and today passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 94-5.\u00a0 Summaries for the 21st Century Cures Act and Smith\u2019s ESRD Choice Act can be found here and here.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398823", "House Passes Luetkemeyer Legislation to Protect Americas Insurance Markets", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after his legislation, the Transparent Insurance Standards Act, passed the House of Representatives. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after his legislation, the Transparent Insurance Standards Act, passed the House of Representatives. \r\n\u201cThe Transparent Insurance Standards Act is a bill that would increase transparency, protect U.S. policyholders, and uphold Article I of the Constitution by stating that Congress will have the ultimate say in terms of what standards are approved by the United States,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cMy bill maintains that international discussions should represent the state-based regulatory system and that United States should be in the position of exporting our standards, not importing them from Europe. On matters of importance to consumers, America will lead and not be led. I am pleased with today\u2019s strong vote and look forward to continuing the work on this issue in the new Congress.\u201d\r\nH.R. 5143 reinforces that any international insurance standard agreed to at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) would not be self-executing and could not be applied in the United States until implemented through the existing domestic process, and provides Congress the opportunity to reject any agreement. It also requires the Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve to work to ensure policyholder protection, increased transparency, and recognition of the state-based model of insurance regulation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=B1C9DDB3-BF31-4A42-B15E-EDDAC4B7B1ED", "Blunt Votes to Speed Progress Toward Life-Saving Cures", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies, today commended Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. The measure, which passed the House last week and is now headed to the president\u2019s desk, continues Blunt-led efforts to boost medical research, advance the Precision Medicine Initiative, improve access to mental and behavioral health services, and address the opioid epidemic.\u201cWhen everyone in your family is well, you have lots of problems; when someone is sick, you only have one problem,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cToday, the Senate took a major step toward helping every family that has faced, or will face, an incurable disease by accelerating progress toward life-saving cures. As chairman of the Labor/HHS appropriations subcommittee, I\u2019ve been proud to lead efforts to increase resources for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health. I\u2019m glad to see that priority reflected in this bill, but there is still more that needs to be done. That\u2019s why I will continue working through the appropriations process to establish a pattern of responsibly investing in groundbreaking research, especially in areas such as cancer and Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and the Precision Medicine and BRAIN Initiatives.\u201d In addition to investing in biomedical research, the 21st Century Cures Act streamlines red tape to dramatically reduce the time and costs associated with the approval process for new treatments and therapies, while ensuring they remain safe and effective. The bill facilitates increased research collaboration and gives NIH the ability to eliminate wasteful paperwork.\u00a0It focuses on finding treatments for rare pediatric diseases and antibiotic-resistant superbugs.\u00a0And, it improves the interoperability of electronic health records to ensure they are accessible by patients, hospitals, and doctors.Blunt continued, \u201cI\u2019m also proud that the 21st Century Cures Act addresses two other areas I have focused on as chairman: improving mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic. Nearly one in five Americans suffer from a behavioral or mental health issue. And, nearly two million Americans have an opioid use disorder related to prescription pain relievers. This bill will help more Americans get the help they need, and both of these issues will continue to be a priority for me in the year ahead.\u201dMore information on the 21st Century Cures Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=C4FACDEF-7E88-4854-AA15-13EE874BF552", "VIDEO: Blunt: Defense Bill Provides the Vision, Authorization Necessary to Move Forward & Defend America", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) spoke on the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to pass the 55th consecutive National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the resources and authorities the military needs to keep America safe. The bill includes a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops, and authorizes a fire station at Fort Leonard Wood, and land acquisition and planning and design funding for the NGA West facility in North St. Louis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=E4966CBB-A1B4-49E8-9133-00F0F57DA25A", "VIDEO: Blunt: Defense Bill Provides the Vision, Authorization Necessary to Move Forward & Defend America", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) spoke on the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to pass the 55th consecutive National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the resources and authorities the military needs to keep America safe. The bill includes a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops, and authorizes a fire station at Fort Leonard Wood, and land acquisition and planning and design funding for the NGA West facility in North St. Louis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-no-presidential-pardon-bergdahl", "Hartzler: No Presidential pardon for  Bergdahl", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) released the following statement following reports of a clemency application submitted by Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to avoid trial on charges of desertion and endangering his fellow soldiers:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cSergeant Bowe Bergdahl\u2019s request for a presidential pardon is an appalling show of disrespect to our nation\u2019s military and justice system. I urge President Obama to deny this request and to respect the decision of an Army Commander to order Sgt. Bergdahl prosecuted in a general court-martial. It is in that setting I hope Sgt. Bergdahl\u2019s grave offenses are addressed, and military order along with due process is upheld.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tHartzler serves as Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and has released a report on \u201cThe Department of Defense\u2019s May 2014 Transfer to Qatar of five law-of-war detainees in connection with the recovery of a captive U.S. soldier.\u201d She represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/news//news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=179", "Jason Smith's Bill Eliminating Federal Coverage Barriers for Kidney Failure Patients Advances to President's Desk", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-future-of-surface-transportation-highway-chairman-graves-leads", "The Future of Surface Transportation: Highway Chairman Graves Leads Debate on Autonomous Vehicle Technology", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves this morning led a roundtable focused on the policy implications of autonomous vehicle technology in America. Graves, the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, welcomed guests from across the industry to take part in the discussion, including under Secretary for Policy at U.S. DOT Blair Anderson, and ATA President & CEO Chris Spear.\n\u201cThe possibilities for our nation\u2019s surface transportation system are endless over the next decade,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cAutonomous vehicle technology \u2013 and the opportunity it presents to make roads safer and highway travel more efficient \u2013 is a huge part of that. But policy makers and legislatures across the country must be ready to deal with the regulatory implications of these advancements.\u201d\nAmong\u00a0the specific topics addressed at the roundtable, entitled \u201cGetting Smart on Autonomous Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges for Transportation Transformation,\u201d were NHTSA\u2019s recently-issued guidance document on autonomous vehicles and its impact on future rulemaking processes.\n\u201cToday\u2019s roundtable gave us a much needed forum to hear from both public and private sector entities on the progress made \u2013 and the impediments to additional growth \u2013 in this emerging industry. And given the disruptive nature of this technology, it\u2019s important to consider the diverse interests of all those involved in the process,\u201d Graves continued. \u201cIt is a worthwhile and necessary conversation, and it will not be the last one we have in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/future-surface-transportation-highway-chairman-graves-leads-debate-autonomous", "The Future of Surface Transportation: Highway Chairman Graves Leads Debate on Autonomous Vehicle Technology", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves this morning led a roundtable focused on the policy implications of autonomous vehicle technology in America. Graves, the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, welcomed guests from across the industry to take part in the discussion, including under Secretary for Policy at U.S. DOT Blair Anderson, and ATA President & CEO Chris Spear.\n\n\u201cThe possibilities for our nation\u2019s surface transportation system are endless over the next decade,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cAutonomous vehicle technology \u2013 and the opportunity it presents to make roads safer and highway travel more efficient \u2013 is a huge part of that. But policy makers and legislatures across the country must be ready to deal with the regulatory implications of these advancements.\u201d\n\nAmong the specific topics addressed at the roundtable, entitled \u201cGetting Smart on Autonomous Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges for Transportation Transformation,\u201d were NHTSA\u2019s recently-issued guidance document on autonomous vehicles and its impact on future rulemaking processes.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s roundtable gave us a much needed forum to hear from both public and private sector entities on the progress made \u2013 and the impediments to additional growth \u2013 in this emerging industry. And given the disruptive nature of this technology, it\u2019s important to consider the diverse interests of all those involved in the process,\u201d Graves continued. \u201cIt is a worthwhile and necessary conversation, and it will not be the last one we have in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/editorials/congressman-smith-asks-trump-to-eliminate-14-federal-rules-regulations-in", "Congressman Smith asks Trump to eliminate 14 Federal rules, regulations in letter", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a letter on December 5th, Congressman Smith asks President-elect Trump to take steps to eliminate 14 federal rules and regulations that are harming people across southeast and south central Missouri and rural America. Read the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/incurable-diseases-dont-have-to-stay-that-way", "Incurable Diseases Don't Have to Stay that Way", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There are 10,000 known diseases in the world. Somehow, even today, treatment only exists for 500 of those. That is a staggering number, but the House of Representatives and the Senate have been working together to give our healthcare industries the tools to fix it.\nLast week, I helped pass the\u00a021st\u00a0Century\u00a0Cures Act, a bill that streamlines the review of life-saving drugs, provides funding to continue researching cures for rare and deadly diseases, and accelerates critical therapies for at-risk patients across the country.\nSpecifically, by increasing the speed at which cutting edge or experimental drugs are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the\u00a021st Century\u00a0Cures\u00a0Act\u00a0breaks down the barriers that have prevented\u00a0millions of Americans from getting the drug and disease treatments their lives depend on.\nThis means the FDA maintains responsible safety procedures but can avoid so many of the obstacles they face before getting drugs to patients. The bill also seeks to improve the FAA's decision-making process by bringing in patients to share their experiences and help shape the agency's policies going forward.\nAll new funding in the\u00a021st Century Cures Act\u00a0will be fully offset with cuts to previously approved spending. Additionally, all programs will be reviewed annually in order to ensure taxpayers are getting the best and most efficient return possible on this investment.\nThousands of the diseases that are currently \u201cincurable\u201d don\u2019t have to stay that way. We have a unique opportunity to bring our healthcare system into the 21st\u00a0century, and spur cutting-edge medicines and treatments that can save lives. This bill will allow us to do just that.\nSincerely,  \u00a0  Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/make-america-safe-again", "Make America Safe Again", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the last 8 years, the\u00a0United States has lost credibility with its allies, failed to deter her enemies and seen the security of American families suffer in an increasingly dangerous world. More often than not the cause\u00a0were actions or inactions\u00a0taken by the Obama administration through their inability to stand with our friends or take a stand against regimes that want to inflict harm against the United States. As we close the chapter on the failure of President Obama\u2019s last 8 years and ready for new leadership, there are already positive signs about the direction President Elect Trump will take our National Security.\nHis choice for CIA Director, Mike Pompeo, a Congressman\u00a0and colleague of mine from Kansas\u00a0has received strong bipartisan support because of his extensive defense background with real firsthand experience and knowledge of the issues and threats we are facing. Pompeo graduated first in his class at West Point and even patrolled the Berlin Wall during his service.\u00a0In Congress Pompeo serves on the House Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Benghazi Committee; charged with uncovering the truth behind the terrorist attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Libya.\nPresident-elect Trump has also named Lt. General Michael Flynn to be his National Security Advisor and 4-Star General James Mattis to be the Secretary of Defense. These gentlemen have had distinguished military careers and been recognized for their intellect, strategic thinking, and experience with combat operations. Their knowledge and expertise will help guide the President-elect and our country as we prepare and plan to keep our citizens and soldiers safe both home and abroad,\u00a0while always putting America first.\nWhile Mr. Trump has recruited some of the best and brightest military minds to his administration he is also nominating very skilled diplomats, like South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as ambassador to the United Nations. Haley will be responsible for working with our next Secretary of State to articulate American positions to our friends, to take strong lines against our enemies\u00a0and will make providing for the security of American families a priority once again.\nIn addition to these strong appointments by the new Trump Administration, Congress passed legislation this week to improve our national security programs.\u00a0The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, provides support for national security programs that are critical to protect our country at a time when we face the most significant threat level since 9/11. The legislation allows the National Counterterrorism Center to better track and report on the emergence and movements of any terrorist network and also increases scrutiny of activities of countries like Russia. Cyber warfare and secret cyber intelligence-gathering operations by the Russians pose a major threat to America, a danger that President Obama and his administration have failed to highlight.\nWith strong leaders like Mike Pompeo, Michael Flynn, James Mattis and Nikki Haley who are dedicated to America\u2019s success, I am confident the United States will return to its place as world leader and become a safer place. I look forward to working with\u00a0all of them\u00a0to take strong stances against countries like North Korea and Iran and wipe groups like ISIS from the face of the earth.\u00a0The last 8 years have taught us that trying to lead from behind is simply not leading at all and only allows others to chart a course we are destined to follow, fortunately it looks like we are on our way to putting America first once again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=809", "Long comments on the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2017", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement today after the passage of the \u201cNational Defense Authorization Act\u201d for fiscal year 2017.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe National Defense Authorization Act is vital to making sure that our men and women in uniform are taken care of and that our national security is adequately funded,\u201d said Rep. Long. \u201cMy first priority is making sure that my constituents are safe, and by voting in favor of this bill, I am reassured that it will accomplish just that.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe National Defense Authorization Act\u201d for fiscal year 2017 includes: a pay increase for our military, an increase in ground and aviation training, reforms to the acquisition process, and improvements to the military health care system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398821", "Blaine's Bulletin: A Life-Saving Bill, Tele-Town Hall, and Constituent Service Days", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week in Congress, the House took a big step and passed a life-saving bill that has one core goal in mind \u2013 to get cures and treatments to patients faster. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      This week in Congress, the House took a big step and passed a life-saving bill that has one core goal in mind \u2013 to get cures and treatments to patients faster. \r\nThe bill, the 21st Century Cures Act, is full of real changes to help Americans across the country. This bill provides research dollars to the National Institutes of Health,\u00a0 provides grants to states to continue the fight to combat opioid abuse, and includes funds to the Food and Drug Administration to approve drugs and medical devices more quickly. In addition, included in this bill is the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act which helps individuals and their families in mental health crisis and addresses needs of Americans with a substance abuse disorder.\r\nI look forward to hearing about progress and updates from medical professionals throughout the next several months and years about what they have been able to accomplish as a result of this legislation being signed into law.\r\nFor more information on bills like the 21st Century Cures Act or anything else that is going on in Congress, I wanted to let you know of an upcoming Tele-Town Hall I am hosting to provide you the opportunity to ask any questions. As many of you know, I host Tele-Town Halls throughout the year which are outlets for you to ask questions yourself or hear friends and neighbors from your communities speak about what is on their minds. If you are not currently signed up to receive emails about when the next one is, please visit my website or call any of my offices to do so. In addition, I encourage you to leave your email address so you never have to worry about receiving the latest information about what is happening in the 3rd District. There will be a Tele-Town Hall in December and I want to make sure 3rd District residents have advanced notice so you can plan accordingly. A staff member will send out an email a few days in advance of the evening of the call. The 60 minute call is your time to ask me questions about what is on your mind and I look forward to hearing from you.\r\nIn addition, the end of the year is nearing and I wanted to ensure 3rd District residents have another opportunity to meet my staff to go over any questions you may have. With an incoming Administration, we can expect changes at various agencies and with an extensive priority list for the new year, there will be a lot going on in Washington. Please know that I will keep you updated with all of the latest news so you are not left in the dark and you have correct information. Constituent Service Days have proved to be informative and helpful for 3rd District residents so please be sure to stay on the look out for more dates and locations in 2017.\r\nAs you may know, right now is open enrollment in Medicare and my staff can assist you in navigating that process. They can also help with any help you may need at the VA, IRS, or answer questions that are on your mind. If you would like additional information for this round of Constituent Service Days, or anything else you are looking for assistance with, please feel free to call any of my offices for details.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398822", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Passage of  National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Statement on Passage of  National Defense Authorization Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in the House of Representatives: \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in the House of Representatives: \r\n\u201cThis must-pass piece of legislation provides critical funding for core defense requirements such as personnel, training, and maintenance that ensures our service men and women have the necessary support to fulfill their missions,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cI am pleased this legislation provides a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops as well as increases the end strength of our Armed Forces, both of which go beyond the President\u2019s request. Furthermore, this bill contains the longstanding provision to prohibit the closure of Guantanamo Bay and the transfer of its detainees to the United States. Providing for the common defense is a top priority and I will continue to support legislation, like the NDAA, that keeps our nation and Americans safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=41C62307-91BD-4BDD-8932-681B4B8B5409", "Blunt Statement on Selection of General James Mattis to Serve as Defense Secretary", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement applauding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s selection of General James Mattis to serve as Secretary of Defense:\r\n\u201cGeneral Mattis is a proven leader with the knowledge and experience to turn the page on eight years of the Obama administration\u2019s misguided defense and foreign policy decisions. Missouri is home to more than 17,000 active-duty military personnel and several major defense installations, including Whiteman, Rosecrans, Fort Leonard Wood, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and Missouri National Guard installations across the state. I look forward to supporting General Mattis\u2019 confirmation, and working with him to address the challenges facing our military men and women and their families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-praises-passage-defense-funding-authorization", "Hartzler Praises Passage of Defense Funding Authorization", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, on Friday voted to authorize national defense funding for 2017. The bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and other national security interests, from troop pay to new equipment to maintenance on existing buildings.\n\t\t\t\tAccording to Hartzler, the bill is the work of lawmakers fulfilling their foremost duty as representatives of the people. \u201cProviding for the common defense is our primary obligation, and for 55 years straight, the NDAA has shown that providing for our troops transcends partisanship. We understand the importance of making sure the brave men and women fighting to defend our freedoms have the resources they need to complete the missions we ask them to take on,\u201d Hartzler said.\n\t\t\t\tAfter the House of Representatives and Senate each passed their own versions of the bill, a number of lawmakers from each chamber, including Hartzler, were selected to reconcile the two bills and produce a single bill that both sides of Capitol Hill agree on.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThere are a number of provisions I am pleased to see in the final bill,\u201d Hartzler said. \u201cWe pushed to make sure we authorized a full 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops \u2013 something they greatly deserve. A majority of our other efforts focused on our military\u2019s declining readiness and need for force restoration.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tThe result of these negotiations meant some provisions were not included in the final bill, however. \u201cThe House bill included additional F/A-18 Super Hornets to address a significant strike fighter shortfall in our Navy,\u201d Hartzler pointed out. \u201cI am greatly disappointed they are not included in the final bill; but I am optimistic we can correct this with a supplemental funding measure from the new Administration,\u201d she stressed.\n\t\t\t\tOverall, Hartzler is pleased with the bill. \u201cWe were able to increase the end strength of our forces across the board, which means more soldiers will be trained at Fort Leonard Wood before going on to their duty stations. I also worked to secure funding for Army ammunition plants, such as the Lake City plant in Missouri, that are in dire need of maintenance and modernization.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tCongresswoman Hartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District, home to Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base. In addition to serving on the House Armed Services Committee, she also serves on the Agriculture and Budget Committees.\n\t\t\t\tFor a summary of the bill, click here.\n\t\t\t\tFor the full text of the conference report, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=117", "Long comments on the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2017", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398820", "Luetkemeyer Applauds Passage of Legislation to Promote Risk-Based Regulation for Banks", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after a bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives that sends the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act to the Senate for consideration. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after a bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives that sends the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act to the Senate for consideration. \r\n\u201cToday, the House passed legislation that would protect U.S. taxpayers from actual risk posed to the financial system. Decisions on what institutions are deemed systemically important should be based not on size alone, but also on activity and other factors that actually demonstrate systemic risk,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cThe bottom line is that the current SIFI designation process is arbitrary and subjects banks with $50 billion or more in assets to the same standards as trillion dollar global SIFIs. This should not be a one-size-fits-all mold. My bill will ensure the Financial Stability Oversight Council will use an indicator-based approach that restores transparency and financial security to the system, and creates financial independence and upward mobility for American consumers. I want to thank my colleagues in the House of Representatives for their strong support of this bill. I look forward to working with the incoming Administration, the new Congress, and key stakeholders in finding ways to hold regulators accountable and take another step to reform our broken financial regulatory system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=AB2D91AF-72C6-4E67-B218-B6B5F2F078A3", "Blunt Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which passed the Senate by a vote of 99-0 and is now headed to the president\u2019s desk. The bill renews the Iran Sanctions Act, which is set to expire on December 31st, providing the next administration the authority it needs to reinstate sanctions against the Iranian regime that were lifted under President Obama\u2019s nuclear agreement.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, a direct threat to our close friend and ally, Israel, and a destabilizing force in the Middle East,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThe president\u2019s nuclear deal has already handed the regime $100 billion in sanctions relief, while it continues violating its international treaty obligations. This legislation gives the next administration a powerful tool to hold Iran accountable and I urge the president to sign it without delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=C767D734-6009-456F-B4A1-20C2353CEE41", "Blunt Lauds House Passage of Bill to Honor OSS Veterans with Congressional Gold Medal", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) lauded House passage of legislation to honor veterans of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) with a Congressional Gold Medal. The bill recognizes the members of the intelligence agency for their \u201csuperior service and major contributions during World War II.\u201d The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Mark Warner (Va.), and passed the Senate in February. Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio) introduced companion legislation in the House.\r\nThe OSS, the predecessor to the Central Intelligence Agency, conducted critical operations during the war including establishing intelligence networks, training\u00a0resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia, and carrying out\u00a0\u201cmercy missions\u201d at the end of the WWII to save the lives of thousands of Allied prisoners of war. Since the legislation previously passed the Senate, the bill will now head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cThe members of the OSS saved thousands of lives during World War II,\u201d said Blunt. \"From establishing intelligence networks deep behind enemy lines to bolstering resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia, these intelligence officers played a critical role in securing the Allied\u00a0victory. I urge the president to sign this bill so we can move forward in officially recognizing the heroic efforts of the OSS members with the Congressional Gold Medal.\u201d\r\nLatta added, \u201cHonoring\u00a0veterans of the OSS with a Congressional Gold Medal will ensure that their heroic actions during one of our\u00a0country\u2019s\u00a0most trying times will not be forgotten. The clandestine nature of the OSS often meant members had to operate behind enemy lines in situations calling for unquestionable bravery and\u00a0unparalleled\u00a0skill. Their actions played an important role in winning the war and saved countless American lives in the process.\u201d\r\nWarner continued, \u201cFor many years, the heroic contributions of the OSS \u2013 which included some of the most daring covert operations of World War II \u2014 remained shrouded in secrecy, their impact largely unknown to the American public. Today, Congress is able to publicly recognize the members of the OSS for their remarkable heroism and many sacrifices. As the predecessor to the modern CIA, other elements of the U.S. intelligence community, and U.S. special operations forces, the OSS once boasted nearly 13,000 members, but more than 70 years after they won the war, fewer than 100 are still with us. I know how much it means to the veterans of the OSS, as well as their families, that this legislation is finally making its way to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Today, Congress has ensured that their courage of spirit and their love of country will long live on in our nation\u2019s memory.\u201d\r\nThe OSS was created in 1942 under the leadership of General William J. Donovan to better coordinate and oversee American intelligence operations. At its peak, 13,000 members served in the OSS including notable names such as Julia Child, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., John Ford, and James Donovan, who was depicted in the 2015 movie,\u00a0Bridge of Spies. OSS veterans and their family members were present in the House gallery when the legislation was approved.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/curing-what-ails-us", "Curing What Ails Us", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014The House of Representatives, with support from Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) on Wednesday passed the 21st Century Cures Act, a transformational bill to change the way we treat disease.\n\t\t\t\tHartzler lauded the bill, saying it \u201cbrings much needed reforms to the way we look at healthcare research. With over 10,000 diseases in the world and only 500 known cures, we need to foster new and innovative approaches to finding cures and delivering hope for patients.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tIn addition to prioritizing new and cutting-edge research, modernizing and reforming the FDA, and investing in programs to incentivize innovative new treatments, the bill contained provisions Hartzler was particularly pleased to see included.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI have seen first-hand the devastating effects of Alzheimer\u2019s, having lost family members to the disease,\u201d Hartzler said. \u201cThis bill invests $1.5 billion into the NIH\u2019s BRAIN Initiative, which will improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s, and hopefully lead us to a cure.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tThe bill also includes $1 billion for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs and implementing prevention. \u201cMissourians, like many Americans, are being hit hard by the scourge of opioid addiction which takes more than 40 lives each day nationwide,\u201d Hartzler added. \u201cBolstering the states\u2019 efforts to combat these diseases will help keep families together and strengthen communities.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tThe Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which Hartzler co-sponsored, has been included in this bill as well. This measure, which makes mental health a national priority, originally passed the House in July.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u201cWe have all experienced the pain and suffering that stems from mental illness,\u201d Hartzler said, \u201cbut none more so than the families of those afflicted. They are often left feeling too helpless and hopeless to act. Our current mental health system is outdated and needs to be reformed. This bill takes us a step in the right direction to help patients get the treatment they need.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tHartzler also highlighted a provision to create a working group, comprised of federal and non-federal members tasked with reporting to Congress on scientific advances, research questions, surveillance activities, and emerging strains in species of pathogenic organisms such a Lyme disease \u2013 a disease that affects 300,000 Americans each year. This is a devastating disease that needs to be addressed.\n\t\t\t\tThe 21st Century Cures Act, which is fully offset, brings American health care infrastructure into the 21st century. It accelerates the cycle of discovering, developing, and delivering new cures and treatments and ensures that America remains the global leader in biomedical innovation. The bill provides a pivotal opportunity to help researchers change the way we fight and treat disease.\n\t\t\t\tHartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/opening-remarks-chairwoman-hartzler-1", "Opening Remarks of Chairwoman Hartzler", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, made the following remarks on the hearing titled \u201cForce Management Levels in Iraq and Afghanistan; Readiness and Strategic Considerations.\u201d\u00a0 For hearing testimony and to watch the hearing live click here.\"Good morning.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to extend a warm thank-you to our witnesses testifying before us today.Before I begin, I would like to welcome the members of the committee present today (or who may yet arrive) who are not members of the subcommittee.\u00a0 I ask unanimous consent that these committee members be permitted to participate in this hearing with the understanding that all subcommittee members will be recognized for questions prior to those not assigned to the subcommittee.Without objection, so ordered. This hearing will help the subcommittee to assess \u201cForce Management Levels,\u201d or \u201cFMLs,\u201d which are more commonly known as \u201ctroop caps.\u201d\u00a0 The White House set a troop cap for Iraq and Afghanistan.\u00a0 That cap is 5,262 for Iraq.\u00a0 In Afghanistan, the cap is 8,448 beginning this January.\u00a0 These are very precise numbers.Some might argue that setting a troop cap upends an orderly military planning process.\u00a0 Typically, military leaders are first given a mission and then they determine what resources are required to meet that mission.\u00a0 Setting a cap first, however, constrains subsequent military choices.\u00a0 An imposed Force Management Level leads to potentially dangerous trade-offs.Indeed, one consequence of a troop cap may be our military readiness.\u00a0 I look forward to learning about the extent to which readiness factors are (or should be) taken into consideration when a troop cap is implemented.In July, during a readiness subcommittee hearing, the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army\u2019s Training and Doctrine Command expressed concern that, because of troop caps, Army aviation brigades were deploying to Afghanistan without maintenance personnel.He said (and I quote) \u201cCombat Aviation Brigades are not meeting readiness rates.\u201d\u00a0 He noted that soldiers were losing their edge in maintenance skills.\u00a0 This was, he warned, degrading \u201cthe ability of an aviation unit to regain readiness.\u201dI am eager also to know how troop caps affect the deployments of Army brigades which are charged with the Train, Advise, and Assist mission.\u00a0 As I understand it, although it might be preferable for the Army to deploy entire brigade combat teams for this work, this is not possible because doing so would breach the troop caps.\u00a0 Therefore, as an alternative, individual senior soldiers are chosen from a variety of units to undertake the TAA mission. \u00a0I want to gain a better understanding of how this practice might harm Army readiness, unit cohesion, career development, and retention. Furthermore, I am concerned about how troop caps might influence the positioning of force protection personnel.\u00a0 For example, are medevac teams being placed outside the theater because doing so allows them to not be subject to troop caps?\u00a0 If so, can they still respond quickly to recover injured warfighters?I would also like our witnesses to discuss other considerations associated with setting troop caps.\u00a0 How does the development of a troop cap fit into the planning process?I am pleased to recognize our witnesses today and I want to thank them for taking the time to be with us.\u00a0 Members have been provided with the full biography of each witness.\u00a0 Joining us today are:Mr. Cary Russell, the Director of Military Operations and Warfighter Support for the Government Accountability Office.\u00a0 Mr. Russell will summarize some of the important work the GAO has done on this subject.Retired Army General Carter Ham.\u00a0 General Ham retired from the United States Army in 2013 as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.\u00a0 He spent nearly four decades in the Army and is one of a very small number of military leaders who rose from the rank of Private to four-star General.andRetired Army Lieutenant General Jim Dubik.\u00a0 General Dubik retired from the US Army in 2008 after 37 years of active service.\u00a0 General Dubik\u2019s last job on active duty was as the Commanding General of the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq and the NATO Training Mission-Iraq.Thank you all again for being here today. We will now hear your opening remarks.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=808", "Long comments on the passage of the final 21st Century Cures bill", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued a statement today following the passage of the final \u201c21st Century Cures\u201d bill.\r\n\r\n\t\u201c21st Century Cures is a bipartisan bill that will have a tremendous impact on medical research for many years to come,\u201d said Rep. Long. \u201cThis piece of legislation, which includes my provision allowing for further communication between drug manufacturers and heath care professionals, will cut through the bureaucratic red tape that stifles innovation and will pave a way for developing drugs for rare diseases. My hope is that the Senate will pass this bill and send it to the president\u2019s desk by the end of the 114th Congress to be signed into law.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tThe final \u201c21st Century Cures\u201d bill as a whole is fully offset and will provide: $1 billion in grants for states to fight opioid abuse, $500 million for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and $4.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health. Finally, this bill will reform the FDA to bring drugs and devices to the market at a lower cost.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398819", "Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Advance Development of  Medical Treatments and Cures", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a major bipartisan vote, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) supported legislation that advances the discovery, development and delivery of treatments and cures in the biomedical field.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      In a major bipartisan vote, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) supported legislation that advances the discovery, development and delivery of treatments and cures in the biomedical field.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThere are 10,000 known diseases in the world yet we only have cures and treatments for 500 of them,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cThis bill streamlines the review of life-saving drugs, provides money to continue to research cures for diseases, and provides grants for states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment. The 21st Century Cures Act is a true life-saving bill and I look forward to hearing about progress from our medical professionals in Missouri and across the country as they get to work finding and developing new cures and treatments.\u201d\r\nAlso included in this bill is the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act. This legislation, which Luetkemeyer is a cosponsor of, helps individuals and their families in mental health crisis and addresses needs of Americans with a substance abuse disorder.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=8BBF5DC7-9C2C-4FFE-B413-C6760D9FC9C7", "Blunt, Warner Lead Senate in Recognizing 20th Anniversary of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Mark Warner (Va.), members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the Senate passed their resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The NGA was founded on October 1, 1996.\u201cThroughout its 20 year history, the NGA and its dedicated team of intelligence professionals have provided vital, timely information to keep our country safe,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThe agency\u2019s work has proved invaluable to U.S. policy makers and military commanders in both war and peacetime, and during significant national security and natural disaster events. I\u2019m proud to have NGA facilities in St. Louis and Arnold, Mo., and will continue working to support the agency\u2019s critical mission.\u201dThe military and civilian employees serving at the NGA West campus in St. Louis, Mo. and the East campus in Springfield, Va., as well as locations throughout the United States and across the globe, produce crucial mapping, charting, and intelligence products to warfighters, first responders, civil authorities, policy makers, and the maritime and aviation communities.Warner added, \u201cFor over 20 years, the intelligence personnel at NGA have quietly served in defense of our nation. By helping us map and understand the globe, NGA has proven to be an invaluable resource for policymakers to make the best decisions to protect our citizens in an uncertain world. I am proud that Virginia is home to this vital intelligence agency. The men and women that serve there are essential not only to our intelligence gathering, but to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts that exemplify the true meaning of public service. As the incoming Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am honored to be a part of this well-deserved recognition for their quiet sacrifice.\u201d The full text of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-votes-to-make-life-saving-disease-treatments-available-to", "Graves Votes to Make Life-Saving Disease Treatments Available to Millions of Americans", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement after voting to pass the 21st\u00a0Century\u00a0Cures Act. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 392-26.\n\"There are 10,000 known diseases, but we only have treatments for 500 of them,\" Rep Graves said. \"The 21st Century\u00a0Cures\u00a0Act\u00a0will give the FDA\u00a0and the private sector the tools to close this gap,\u00a0accelerating critical, potentially life-saving therapies for at-risk patients across the country. This bill also includes the most significant reforms to our nation's mental health system in a decade. I'm thrilled that it passed the House, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law in the coming days.\"\nSpecifically, 21st\u00a0Century\u00a0Cures Act streamlines the review of life-saving drugs, provides money to continue to research cures for diseases, and provides grants for states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment.\nBy increasing the speed at which cutting edge or experimental drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and increasing fully-offset federal funding for medical research and development, the bill lays the groundwork for medical breakthroughs that will help thousands of\u00a0Americans suffering from what are currently uncured diseases.\nOnce this bill is signed into law, the FDA will be able to maintain responsible safety procedures while allowing them to approve those new drugs with minimal obstacles and bureaucracy.\u00a0A quicker turnaround time from drug development to market availability will allow innovators to develop new and alternative treatments for diseases and drug addictions.\nFinally, the bill gives patients the ability to provide their input and experiences to help shape the FDA\u2019s regulatory decision-making process. Patients are also empowered to choose to voluntarily provide hospitals and research institutions with their personal health records for future research.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n.Any new funding in the 21st\u00a0Century\u00a0Cures\u00a0Act\u00a0will be fully offset.\u00a0Discretionary spending will also be subject to annual review in order to\u00a0maximize accountability for taxpayers.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-votes-make-life-saving-disease-treatments-available-millions-americans", "Graves Votes to Make Life-Saving Disease Treatments Available to Millions of Americans", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement after voting to pass the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 392-26.\n\n\"There are 10,000 known diseases, but we only have treatments for 500 of them,\" Rep Graves said. \"The 21st Century Cures Act will give the FDA and the private sector the tools to close this gap, accelerating critical, potentially life-saving therapies for at-risk patients across the country. This bill also includes the most significant reforms to our nation's mental health system in a decade. I'm thrilled that it passed the House, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law in the coming days.\"\n\nSpecifically, 21st Century Cures Act streamlines the review of life-saving drugs, provides money to continue to research cures for diseases, and provides grants for states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment.\n\nBy increasing the speed at which cutting edge or experimental drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and increasing fully-offset federal funding for medical research and development, the bill lays the groundwork for medical breakthroughs that will help thousands of Americans suffering from what are currently uncured diseases.\n\nOnce this bill is signed into law, the FDA will be able to maintain responsible safety procedures while allowing them to approve those new drugs with minimal obstacles and bureaucracy. A quicker turnaround time from drug development to market availability will allow innovators to develop new and alternative treatments for diseases and drug addictions.\n\nFinally, the bill gives patients the ability to provide their input and experiences to help shape the FDA\u2019s regulatory decision-making process. Patients are also empowered to choose to voluntarily provide hospitals and research institutions with their personal health records for future research.\n\n.Any new funding in the 21st Century Cures Act will be fully offset. Discretionary spending will also be subject to annual review in order to maximize accountability for taxpayers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:07:19Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/taxonomy/story-type/blog/curing-what-ails-us", "Curing What Ails Us", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Courtesy of Speaker Ryan's Office \nAs part of the Better Way health care agenda, House Republicans laid out a plan to accelerate the development of cutting-edge cures and treatments. Right now, there are 10,000 known diseases, but we only have treatments for 500 of them. The 21st Century Cures Act, which the House will take up today, seeks to close this gap. Its passage would mean:\n More help and hope for patients by accelerating life-saving and life-improving therapies.\n\tFewer barriers that stand in the way of research and development.\n\tA more inclusive approach for patient feedback during the drug development process.\n\tA focus on personalized medicine that identifies the best treatments for a patient\u2019s specific needs.\n\tSignificant reforms to our mental health system\u2014the most in more than a decade.\n It\u2019s important to note that any new funding in this legislation will be fully offset. We have also made this discretionary spending subject to annual review in order to maximize accountability for taxpayers.\nToday\u2019s vote is the culmination of a national effort under the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Starting in 2013, Chairman Upton and his committee took ideas and stories from all walks of life. They held countless hearings and roundtables. They picked up support from hundreds of organizations. It is a story that can be told in 109 seconds, but for many families, the impact of this work will last a lifetime.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=206", "Long comments on the passage of the final 21st Century Cures bill", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=807", "Long statement on Rep. Tom Price being nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPRINGFIELD\u2013 Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement today regarding President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that he would nominate Congressman Tom Price (GA-06) as his Secretary of Health and Human Services.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI am proud to see one of my closest friends in Congress, Rep. Tom Price, nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Long.\u00a0\u201cWith Tom\u2019s background in the medical field and his time as a surgeon, I know he will be a great asset to the administration. I look forward to working with him in the coming years.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=54E1F496-DE9A-4DDF-BDBA-7B143D1F84E5", "Blunt, Klobuchar Tout Senate Passage of Resolution Supporting National Adoption Month", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, welcomed Senate passage of their resolution recognizing November as National Adoption Month and November 19th as National Adoption Day. \u201cEvery child deserves a stable, loving home and the foundation for a successful future that it provides,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cAs a proud adoptive parent myself, I hope more Americans will use this opportunity to consider expanding their families through the gift of adoption. It has been an honor to work with the adoption community to help connect children who need permanent homes with the devoted parents ready to welcome them into their lives, and I look forward to continuing that effort.\u201dAs co-chairs of the bipartisan CCA, Blunt and Klobuchar work to engage Members of Congress on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare.Klobuchar added, \u201cOver the years, some of my most memorable work as Senate co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption has been helping families navigate the often difficult and complicated adoption process. By recognizing November as National Adoption Month and November 19th as National Adoption Day, we help increase awareness about children in need of loving homes and honor the hard work of these nurturing adoptive families.\u201d Last week, Blunt and Klobuchar joined Representatives Trent Franks (Ariz.) and Brenda Lawrence (Mich.), House co-chairs of the CCA, in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of State expressing concern over new international adoption regulations and the negative impact some of the Department\u2019s proposed changes could have on the adoption process. Blunt and Klobuchar have also worked to resolve pending adoption cases from several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nepal.In July, Blunt and Klobuchar introduced the Vulnerable Children and Families Act, which would help more children living without families or in institutional care find permanent homes by enhancing U.S. diplomatic efforts around international child welfare and ensuring that intercountry adoption to the United States becomes a more viable and fully-developed option.Last year, Blunt and Klobuchar introduced the Supporting Adoptive Families Act to provide resources for pre- and post-adoption support services, including training, counseling, and mental health treatment.\u00a0Blunt and Klobuchar have also co-sponsored the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act and the Adoptive Family Relief Act, which was signed into law last year.Read the full text of the resolution here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=361E3CEC-54E3-42FF-8E30-FFBED8795353", "VIDEO: Blunt on National Adoption Month: Every Child Deserves to Grow up in a Loving, Safe Family", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, spoke on the Senate floor to urge support for his resolution recognizing November as National Adoption Month and November 19th as National Adoption Day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/i-need-your-input-on-tax-reform", "I Need Your Input on Tax Reform", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Voters sent a message to Washington and elected officials from across the country on November 8. They gave Republicans control of both Houses in Congress and the White House for the first time in a decade.\nWith that message comes a mandate, a mandate that we replace Obamacare, revitalize the economy, and continue working to shrink annual deficits. Something that goes with each of those principles, and one of the things I am most hopeful to accomplish with a Republican in the White House, is comprehensive tax reform.\nEveryone in this country knows that our tax code is time consuming and complex. But small business owners and their employees feel the brunt of this confusion the most. As a farmer, I can\u2019t even begin to count the hours my family spent on compliance. I wish we had that time back to work on the farm.\nOur tax code was last reformed over three decades ago. Since then, so much about the way American businesses operate in the U.S. and across the world has changed. An outdated, complex tax code puts our job creators at a disadvantage and hurts the bottom line of every family in this country.\nWe need a tax code designed for the 21st\u00a0century - not the 1980s. That\u2019s why\u00a0tax reform that closes loopholes for special interests, eliminates unfair deductions for specific industries, and removes the IRS\u2019 ability to operate on purely political reasons will be one of my top focuses in the next Congress.\nBut it\u2019s more than just promises and talking points - a revitalized tax code means something for everyone in the United States. It means businesses can focus on prosperity - not compliance and red tape. It means individuals can complete their taxes alone every year without fear of an audit. And it means our GDP will grow when businesses make decisions based on economics instead of arbitrary guidelines set by the IRS.\nBut politics is one of the things that has held back tax reform - that\u2019s why it\u2019s so important that everyone is involved in this process, and that real tax reform is completed in the most responsible, fair and transparent manner possible. As such, I encourage you to submit all of your thoughts and ideas on tax reform to a new website I created for this purpose. Find the link for that site here.\nSincerely,  \u00a0  Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=101", "Long statement on the death of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=74", "Long statement on Rep. Tom Price being nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398818", "Luetkemeyer Announces Dates for  December Constituent Service Days", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) and staff have announced the final dates and locations of the final round of Constituent Service Days for 2016.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) and staff have announced the final dates and locations of the final round of Constituent Service Days for 2016.\r\n\u201cWith 2016 drawing to a close, I wanted to give 3rd District residents another opportunity to come out and meet my staff to go over any questions you may have regarding open enrollment in Medicare, assistance with the VA, or any agency or issue that is on your mind,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cI encourage you to take advantage of my staff being in each county in the 3rd District over the next couple of weeks. They stand by ready and willing to assist you.\u201d\r\nMonday, December 5Maries County  \r\n10:00 A.M. \u2013 11:00 A.M.   \r\nBelle City Hall  \r\n104 E 3rd Street, Belle  \r\nHosts: Matt Thompson, Special Assistant and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\nGasconade County  \r\n11:30 A.M. \u2013 11:30 A.M.  \r\nOwensville City Hall  \r\n107 W Sears Ave  \r\nHosts: Matt Thompson, Special Assistant and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\nMontgomery County  \r\n2:30 P.M. \u2013 3:30 P.M.  \r\nNew Florence City Hall  \r\n217 East Main St, New Florence  \r\nHosts: Matt Thompson, Special Assistant and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\nTuesday, December 6\r\nWarren County  \r\n9:30 A.M. -10:30 A.M. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \r\nForistell City Hall  \r\n121 Mulberry, Foristell  \r\nHosts: Christa Montgomery, District Office Director and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\nLincoln County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \r\n11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.  \r\nHawk Point City Hall  \r\n121 West Lincoln, Hawk Point  \r\nHosts: Christa Montgomery, District Office Director and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\nSt. Charles County \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0   \r\n1:30 P.M. -2:30 P.M.  \r\nDardenne Prairie City Hall  \r\n2032 Hanley Rd., Dardenne Prairie  \r\nHosts: Christa Montgomery, District Office Director and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\n\u00a0Wednesday, December 7\r\nCole County  \r\n8:30 A.M. \u2013 9:30 A.M.  \r\nCongressional District Office  \r\n2117 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City  \r\nHosts: Jeremy Ketterer, Deputy Chief of Staff and Lori Boyken, Constituent Liaison\r\nOsage County  \r\n10:00 A.M. \u2013 11:00 A.M.  \r\nOsage County Library  \r\n1014D E. Main Street, Linn  \r\nHosts: Matt Thompson, Special Assistant and Laura Hardecke, Office Manager\r\nCamden County  \r\n10:30 A.M. \u2013 11:30 A.M  \r\nLinn Creek City Hall  \r\n102 East Valley Drive, Linn Creek  \r\nHosts: Jeremy Ketterer, Deputy Chief of Staff and Lori Boyken, Constituent Liaison\r\nMiller County  \r\n1:00 P.M. \u2013 2:00 P.M  \r\nEldon City Hall  \r\n101 South Oak Street  \r\nHosts: Jeremy Ketterer, Deputy Chief of Staff and Lori Boyken, Constituent Liaison\r\nCallaway County  \r\n3:00 P.M. \u2013 4:00 P.M.  \r\nNew Bloomfield City Hall  \r\n501 Glenwood, New Bloomfield  \r\nHosts: Jeremy Ketterer, Deputy Chief of Staff and Lori Boyken, Constituent Liaison\r\nThursday, December 8\r\n9:30 A.M. \u2013 10:30 A.M.  \r\nJefferson County  \r\nFestus City Hall  \r\n711 West Main Street, Festus  \r\nHosts: Jim McNichols, District Office Director and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs\r\n1:00 P.M. \u2013 2:00 P.M.  \r\nFranklin County  \r\nCongressional District Office  \r\n516 Jefferson Street, Washington  \r\nHosts: Jim McNichols, District Office Director and Keri Stuart, Director of Constituent Affairs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/not-just-business-as-usual", "Not Just Business As Usual", "2016-11-27", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Unity. That is what I reflected on this Thanksgiving. It is a true testament to the remarkable character of Americans that after a divisive Presidential campaign season, we can all respect our differences and come together for the good of our country and for our future generations.\nSince his electoral victory to become our next President, Donald J Trump, true to his word, has focused on unifying Americans. Whether it\u2019s sitting down and meeting with leaders of the Democrat Party, establishment Republicans or taking the time to hear from those most critical of him over the past 18 months \u2013 our next President has focused on the exact things our current President has failed over 8 years to ever do \u2013 developing relationships and building consensus to put America, not a political party first.\nUnfortunately, the national liberal media, who we discovered colluded with the Hillary Clinton campaign, remains obsessed with the fact that they haven\u2019t been catered to every minute by our next President. They remain dedicated to their biased double standard and would have you believe the Trump transition is in a \u2018chaotic state\u2019 of sort.\u00a0 Unfortunately to their chagrin, our next President has spent more time charting a path for the future of our country, than doing the evening talk show circuit like our current Commander in Chief.\u00a0\nTruth be told, Donald Trump is ahead of where Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were at this point in their transitions into the White House. Even the former head of the liberal Obama campaign, David Axelrod has publicly condemned criticism of the Trump transition stating, \u201cWe hadn\u2019t made any major announcements at this point in 2008, I don\u2019t remember being criticized about it.\u201d\nIn 2008, then President-Elect Obama had only named one Cabinet position by December 1st and still had multiple vacancies in his Cabinet at the start of January. President-Elect Bill Clinton didn\u2019t even make his first Cabinet pick until December 10th! Since 1968, George H.W. Bush has been the only newly elected President to name any Cabinet level positions within the first 2 weeks of winning the Presidency and he had the ability to witness a Presidential administration as Vice-President for 8 years.\nAs our next President has had time to sit down and consult potential Cabinet Secretaries, what has emerged in his selections are some of the most qualified and skilled individuals to lead our country. The type of leaders who will reassert America\u2019s rightful place in the world, who will stand with our allies, deter our enemies, and Make America Great Again here at home.\nOne of President-Elect Trump\u2019s most recent selections of Betsy DeVos to be Secretary of Education highlights our next President\u2019s priority to move power out of Washington, away from bureaucrats, and back to the states and small town communities upon which this nation\u2019s freedoms were founded. When I opposed the misleading Every Student Succeeds Act, I went against the Republican Party and our leaders, but I did so because I believed that it didn\u2019t give enough control over our children\u2019s education to the small towns and localities which know their children best. Education Secretary Nominee DeVos has stated that we should not have common core national standards and a one size fits all approach, she\u2019s a reformer from outside Washington who supports local control. She is exactly the type of Education Secretary who will get Washington out of the lives and out of the classroom of every teacher and student across our nation and understands the purpose and potential of an education. Like Ben Carson said when he visited Sikeston, \u201cwhat you do in the first 25 years of your life will lay the foundation for how hard or easy the next 50 years of your life will be.\u201d\nDonald Trump doesn\u2019t owe anything to Washington insiders or party elite. He is accountable to the American people, that\u2019s it, and that\u2019s the way it should be. Donald Trump is a successful business leader who has spent his career surrounding himself with the best and brightest minds. He will continue to meet with Republicans, Democrats, economists, security experts, business leaders, military generals, farmers and hard working families to understand the right policies needed on day one to get our country moving forward again. I continue to be impressed and appreciative of the outreach and hard work of our next President \u2013 it\u2019s a refreshing change from the government knows best approach of the last 8 years and a change overwhelmingly called for by the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=806", "Long statement on the death of Fidel Castro", "2016-11-26", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPRINGFIELD\u2013 Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement today regarding the death of Dictator Fidel Castro.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cWith the death of Fidel Castro, I will not take this time to mourn a man who for years prohibited free speech, free press and executed and jailed many who spoke out against him,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Long.\u00a0\u201cThe president was right when he said the Cuban people have a \u2018friend and partner in the United States.\u2019 But that friend and partner won\u2019t be one that continues to turn their head to a country that oppresses its people. The United States will be a friend and partner who calls on the Cuban government to allow free speech, free press and free and fair elections. The Cuban people deserve a chance to live in a democracy and all the freedoms that come with that. They have been denied all of those things too long.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398817", "Blaine's Bulletin: Small Business Saturday", "2016-11-25", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The holiday season is officially here which means Christmas trees are being decorated with lights and ornaments, lots of friends and family gatherings, and the shopping season has arrived. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The holiday season is officially here which means Christmas trees are being decorated with lights and ornaments, lots of friends and family gatherings, and the shopping season has arrived. \r\nWhen you and your family set out to do your holiday shopping, I want you to consider another option to find the perfect gift for that special someone \u2013 your local small businesses. However, no matter the time of the year, it is always great to shop local.\r\nYou may not think about it at the time but when you shop at your local small businesses, you are helping your community grow. We all know that small businesses and their employees are the lifeblood of our towns and the nation\u2019s economy. By shopping at these small businesses, you will be supporting 36 percent of retail trade employees in Missouri.\r\nIn Congress, I am a proud cosponsor of a resolution that will recognize the Saturday after Thanksgiving officially as \u201cSmall Business Saturday.\u201d This resolution is for the 28 million small businesses in the United States that represents 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees.\r\nIn addition, I am proud to serve as the Vice Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. This role has given me the opportunity to hear so many testimonials from individuals all across the country, and even from Jefferson City, about their importance in their respective communities. I am proud to serve as a voice in Washington and fight on behalf of our innovators, job creators, and entrepreneurs.\r\nWe now have a unique opportunity to reverse the one-size-fits-all approach that we have all witnessed over the last several years and ensure that small businesses will no longer carry the burden of much of the regulatory load. To ensure this, House Republicans will work to enact the Better Way agenda. In this agenda, there are numerous measures to reduce regulations and makes the rules for efficient and effective for everyone.\r\nI will continue to work to protect the livelihoods of small business owners and its employees and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to increase the voice of a small business and return our economy to robust growth.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-statement-overtime-rule-delay", "Hartzler statement on Overtime Rule delay", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler made the following statement on Wednesday on the heels of a federal ruling delaying implementation of President Obama\u2019s executive order extending the current overtime labor rule:\n\u00a0\n\u201cPresident Obama\u2019s overtime labor law rule hurts everyday Americans and raises the cost of living while reducing wages and incomes. As I have traveled my district, a vast number of small business owners, leaders of non-profits, and entrepreneurs have raised concerns about how this will negatively impact their operations and their employees. If this rule is not overturned, many of the individuals affected by this rule will be forced into part-time employment or be transitioned to jobs with lower hourly wages, no benefits, and no overtime at all. That doesn't help employees; it hurts them.\n\u00a0\nThe unintended consequences of this government mandate are real, and I am strongly encouraged by Judge Mazzant\u2019s decision to delay this rule.\u00a0 I look forward to and fully expect this executive order to be overturned when President-elect Trump is sworn in next year.\u201d\n\u00a0\nHartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398816", "Luetkemeyer Introduces Legislation to Dedicate Post Office After 3rd District Soldier", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in Pacific as the \u201cSpecialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office.\u201d\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service in Pacific as the \u201cSpecialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office.\u201d\r\n\u201cSpecialist White dedicated his life to protecting our country,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cIt is my great honor to work to dedicate a Post Office where he grew up in memory of him. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Missouri delegation for lending their support of this legislation and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House so we can bring this bill to the floor in the coming months.\u201d\r\nU.S. Army Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. grew up in Catawissa and attended Pacific High School and graduated in 2008. In October, 2009, White joined the U.S. Army and graduated from basic training, advanced training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, GA. White was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, where he deployed in December, 2011 for Afghanistan. White passed away on April 3, 2012, from injuries sustained by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his unit in the Khost province of Afghanistan.\r\nWhite\u2019s awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Basic Parachutist Badge; Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge; and the Overseas Service Bar.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/bringing-the-va-into-the-21st-century", "Bringing the VA into the 21st Century", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This year I'm wrapping up my first term as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. In the committee I\u2019ve had the opportunity to serve as a voice for our veterans, our military men and women, and all of their families.\nIt is the federal government\u2019s top priority to take care of everyone who\u2019s risked their lives to protect this country. But unfortunately, due to problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Committee has had to work to correct problems that never should have existed in the first place.\nThe VA Inspector General reported that mismanagement, neglect, and possible criminal activity at VA hospitals is \u201csystemic\u201d throughout the VA hospital system. Some of these issues have tragically caused some veterans to die while literally waiting for the care they needed.\nPart of the House\u2019s Better Way agenda is bringing the VA into the 21stcentury, increasing efficiency, changing priorities, and making sure we never hear of stories like these again. Working to reform the VA will be one of the top priorities of Congress with a new Republican administration in the White House.\nAnd I\u2019ve already begun that work. As you may know, the VA recently identified a need for over 26,000 new health care workers.\u00a0At the same time, the VA says that nearly half of all post-9/11 veterans will face a period of unemployment. This is simply\u00a0unacceptable, but I believe these\u00a0are two problems\u00a0we can address\u00a0simultaneously. That is why I\u00a0wrote and\u00a0introduced the\u00a0Improving Veterans Access to Quality Care Act.\nMy bill will give\u00a0military\u00a0healthcare workers priority to get jobs in the VA healthcare system, recruiting\u00a0combat medics straight from active duty service into careers providing healthcare to veterans. As your representative, I will continue working to pass common sense policies like these that ensure veterans get the care they deserve while bringing the VA into the 21st century.\nSincerely,\n  Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/stopping-a-lame-duck-president", "Stopping a Lame Duck President", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The elections are over and we now know that Donald J Trump will become the 45th President of the United States. One of the key factors to his victory was a promise to stop the onslaught of Washington driven regulations and executive orders coming from the Obama White House which have crippled American farmers, families and business owners. However, with just under 62 days left in office, the Obama Administration is attempting to rush and complete high-cost, politically-driven regulations written by Washington bureaucrats bent on cementing this President\u2019s legacy as one of the most liberal anti-business Administrations in our country\u2019s history.\nIn a final attempt to implement his out of touch agenda, the exact thing the American people overwhelmingly rejected just last week, President Obama is attempting to use what are called \u201cMidnight Rules\u201d to usher through last minute federal regulations. During the final months of a presidential administration, the outgoing administration can achieve certain policy goals by practicing \u201cmidnight rulemaking\u201d to create cumbersome and costly regulations that often go unchallenged by Congress. We expect over 50 potential midnight regulations could be rushed out, EACH of which could have an impact on the economy exceeding $100 million. But Congress has a message for the Obama Administration; NOT SO FAST Mr. President.\nSince President Obama took office, nearly 3,000 new regulations have been finalized, costing more than $850 billion. Under the Obama Administration, the number of pages in the Code of Federal Regulations has grown to a whopping 175,268, resulting in 563 million hours of paperwork. In fact, during Obama\u2019s first five years in office alone, federal agencies added 17,522 pages of regulations, averaging a staggering 3,504 per year. The worst part of this is how much these regulations are costing hardworking Americans across the country. On average, federal regulations under the Obama Administration cost $15,000 per American household every year.\nAmericans simply cannot afford anymore regulations \u2013 they are suffocating our economy. That is why I was proud to support legislation this week that will stop the Obama Administration from continuing to harm hardworking Americans. The Midnight Rules Relief Act, passed by the House of Representatives will prohibit the use of midnight rules, stopping President Obama\u2019s last ditch efforts to fulfill floundering campaign promises. This bill amends the Congressional Review Act which has been in place since 1996, to allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules with one vote as opposed to only one rule at a time. The Congressional Review Act gives Congress 60 legislative days to review and override major regulations enacted by federal agencies of the outgoing administration. This act was passed 20 years ago and was used successfully by the Bush Administration in 2001 to dismantle the lame duck Clinton Administration from implementing the ergonomics rule proposed under Clinton\u2019s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that was projected to cost upwards of $123 billion per year. The Midnight Rules Relief Act will strengthen the Congressional Review Act and is an important tool at our disposal to continue to dismantle the Obama regulatory machine.\nThis is the type of regulation reform that America deserves and is what\u2019s needed to help pave the way for President-Elect Trump who has pledged to do what is necessary in order to unleash American potential. Hardworking Missourians have grown fed up with out of control government bureaucracy and red tape. Farmers and business owners are now spending more time complying with regulations written by a bureaucrat who has never set foot on a farm or signed the front of a paycheck than tending to their land, growing their business or hiring American workers. When I met with Vice President-Elect Mike Pence this week, the top of his list was how the new administration is going to work to find real solutions to the most important issues facing hardworking Americans. The Obama Administration's top-down, big-government, Washington-knows-best approach to government over the past 8 years is finally coming to an end. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump Administration to put our country back on track by delivering meaningful solutions that actually address the real problems Americans are facing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=805", "Long statement on Obama administration's five-year plan for offshore oil and natural gas lease sales", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement today following President Obama\u2019s administration\u2019s five-year plan for offshore oil and natural gas lease sales.\r\n\r\n\t\"This administration has proven time and time again that they would rather pass through last minute rules and regulations than go through Congress,\" said Rep. Long. \"As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Energy and Power and former businessman, I know what negative effects these 'plans' can have on businesses. With a new administration coming in, these types of plans are unacceptable. I will do all that I can to make sure this plan is overturned.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tToday, the Obama administration released a five-year plan for offshore drilling, which included a section that stated the Arctic would be off limits for oil and natural gas lease sales.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398815", "Blaine's Bulletin: The Spirit of Thanksgiving", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There is always something for which to be thankful. With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas right around the corner, please take a moment to reflect on the past year. While each and everyone of us has likely had tough days, weeks, and even months \u2013 at the end of the day \u2013 we have so much for which to be thankful. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      There is always something for which to be thankful. With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas right around the corner, please take a moment to reflect on the past year. While each and everyone of us has likely had tough days, weeks, and even months \u2013 at the end of the day \u2013 we have so much for which to be thankful. \r\nWhen I look back from the last Thanksgiving to this one, it\u2019s hard for me to believe another year has gone by since our family sat around the table eating turkey and stuffing and trying to persuade the grandchildren to eat their green beans before their pumpkin pie.\r\nBeing near family and friends for the holidays is the highlight of this time of the year for me. It seems with each passing year, more traditions are established. Whether that is making hundreds of sugar cookies and having the kids help frost and decorate them or playing board games with three generations of family, or everyone gathering around to watch the football game on television. Being together is the most important thing.\r\nI believe that traditions should be cherished. Growing up, I always looked forward to holidays with my family. It was exciting for us to watch our own children enjoy the holidays, and now we have the joy of seeing our grandchildren enjoy them, too. With each generation, old traditions are passed on and new ones established.\r\nThe stories that I often hear from my friends, neighbors, and constituents around the holidays are also always encouraging. This time of year seems to bring out the best in folks. I hear stories of complete strangers helping one another during their greatest time of need and it reminds me of all of the tremendous good in this world that does exist. When families and friends stand together to help someone in need \u2013 it fills me with hope. At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is also about celebrating the gratitude we have for God\u2019s many blessings.\r\nI ask you to join me in giving thanks for the many blessings and freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. For those who are going through hard times, remember this simple yet effective passage from Romans 8:18, \u201cIt gets better.\u201d God\u2019s gifts are constant and plentiful. On behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I hope everyone has a safe, joyous, and blessed Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=C932572F-8C46-4446-941F-08935A8DC0A8", "Blunt Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement on President-elect Trump\u2019s intention to nominate U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (Ala.) for United States Attorney General:\r\n\u201cJeff Sessions is a true friend, a respected colleague, and a dedicated public servant. I fully support Mr. Trump\u2019s intention to nominate Sen. Sessions to be the next United States Attorney General.\u00a0His work as an assistant U.S. attorney and his state\u2019s attorney general, along with his understanding of the federal government and the Constitution that defines it, make him uniquely ready for this job. He will provide the steady leadership we need to keep our communities safe and protect the rights of all Americans, just as he has done in the Senate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://long.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=188", "Long statement on Obama administration's five-year plan for offshore oil and natural gas lease sales", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Billy Long", "L000576", "long.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398814", "Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Ensure Congress Can Stop Midnight Regulations", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Supports Bill to Ensure Congress Can Stop Midnight Regulations \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 17, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        In an effort to reduce extreme, last minute regulations, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) voted in support of H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      In an effort to reduce extreme, last minute regulations, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) voted in support of H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act. \r\n\u201cFor the last eight years, the current administration has issued a total of 43 major regulations that total more than $100 billion in cost,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cThat means we have every reason to believe that in the last few days of the president\u2019s term, our nation\u2019s small businesses could expect to see an avalanche of additional regulations. Today\u2019s bill ensures that any onerous regulations pushed through in the middle of the night can be repealed in a timely and efficient manner in order to ease the regulatory burden. As our country moves forward under new leadership, this legislation allows Congress to swiftly eliminate costly burdens and immediately begin work to stimulate the economy and grow jobs that are no longer stymied by Washington red tape.\u201d\r\n H.R. 5982 permits a new Congress to use the procedures under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove, as a group, multiple regulations issued by a president in his final year of office, rather than just a single regulation at a time for rules issued during the final 60 days of the previous Congress.\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=13C8E517-B95F-4CDE-8BBC-A738DFBAEABD", "St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blunt retains Senate leadership post, McCaskill top Democrat on homeland security committee", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chuck Raasch \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON \u2022\u00a0Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt was re-elected Wednesday by his peers to a position in the Republican Senate leadership, while Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., was named the top Democrat on the committee overseeing homeland security.\r\nSen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., will remain the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, holding the whip position under the new Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.\r\nBlunt, who won a narrow re-election fight over Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander, will remain the vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference.\r\nHe will \u201ccontinue leading Senate Republicans\u2019 messaging efforts with a focus on expanding engagement across digital platforms to enhance the conference\u2019s ability to meet people where they are,\u201d his office said Wednesday.\r\nBlunt told reporters Wednesday that when in Missouri he hears concerns about \u201cthe rolling disaster of Obamacare, out-of-control regulators... and what could happen to the Supreme Court\" (which has had an open seat since the death of Antonin Scalia).\r\n\u201cOn all these fronts, the next Congress, working with the next president, has a chance to really head in a new direction,\u201d Blunt said.\r\nDurbin\u2019s whip duties make him a chief vote-counter and persuader for Democratic positions and strategy in the Senate.\r\nMcCaskill said her new position as ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will give her more ability to probe federal spending, which along with security issues, \u201chave been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate.\u201d\r\nRep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, who unseated Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., last week, in 2017 will be among five new Democratic senators, four of them women.\r\nClick here to read more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=7BFC73A0-9362-4034-949E-A9DE3A44501C", "Blunt-Backed Projects Set to Receive Critical Investments from Delta Regional Authority", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement welcoming the Delta Regional Authority\u2019s announcement that it has awarded $6.7 million in grant funding to critical infrastructure projects in Southeast Missouri.\u201cDelta Regional Authority investments play a direct and significant role in improving the quality of life for families and communities in Southeast Missouri,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cThe grant awards announced today will go a long way toward strengthening infrastructure, enhancing safety, improving health care, and expanding educational opportunities, all of which will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth in the region.\u201dBlunt advocated for several projects that are set to receive investments from DRA, including:\r\n \r\nMissouri Delta Medical Center \u2013 DRA resources will be used to renovate an existing wing of the medical center to expand mental health services for area seniors and create dozens of new jobs at the facility.\r\nTexas County Memorial Hospital \u2013 The DRA\u2019s investment will help expand and improve access to quality health care for the area\u2019s rural communities by replacing an outdated surgery area.\r\n911 Service in Carter, Ripley, and Wayne Counties \u2013 DRA resources will be used for emergency response modernization efforts aimed at lowering response times within these three counties.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDorena - Hickman Tug and Barge System \u2013 DRA investments will strengthen transportation infrastructure by helping to repair and improve the region\u2019s tug and barge system.\r\n \r\nLast month, Blunt announced that the DRA will invest $1.25 million to enhance the New Bourbon Port and repair damage to the Ste. Genevieve Levee District II levee caused by last year\u2019s flooding. Blunt was instrumental in securing resources for the projects, which will improve flood control infrastructure to protect families and small businesses, and support economic growth in Ste. Genevieve and Perry Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-leads-fight-to-defund-deeply-flawed-epa-regulation", "Graves Leads Fight to Defund 'Deeply Flawed' EPA Regulation", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement after today calling on Congressional leadership to block funding for the Obama administration\u2019s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule can be defunded in the next congressional spending bill and then permanently repealed with the arrival of a new presidential administration in January.\n\u201cThe Obama administration rewrote standing law to extend its authority onto farms and private property,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cWOTUS represents everything people distrust and resent about Washington, giving unaccountable bureaucrats the right to tell farmers and property owners how to manage their land. But now, Congress has an opportunity to block funding for the rule and begin reversing all the damage it has done. I look forward to fully repealing WOTUS as we continue this fight alongside the new administration in January.\u201d\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION: In April of 2014, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly released a proposed rule to clarify protection of streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act (CWA), forming WOTUS. The rule was developed without the EPA first consulting state and local authorities, and without realistically examining the potential economic impact on private citizens, farmers, and other stakeholders.\u00a0\nEarlier this year, Graves helped introduce the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which requires the EPA to withdraw WOTUS and gather stakeholder input before issuing any new rule. The bill passed the House after the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report calling WOTUS\u2019 rulemaking process \u201cdeeply flawed.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-leads-fight-defund-deeply-flawed-epa-regulation", "Graves Leads Fight to Defund 'Deeply Flawed' EPA Regulation", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement after today calling on Congressional leadership to block funding for the Obama administration\u2019s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule can be defunded in the next congressional spending bill and then permanently repealed with the arrival of a new presidential administration in January.\n\n\u201cThe Obama administration rewrote standing law to extend its authority onto farms and private property,\u201d Rep. Graves said. \u201cWOTUS represents everything people distrust and resent about Washington, giving unaccountable bureaucrats the right to tell farmers and property owners how to manage their land. But now, Congress has an opportunity to block funding for the rule and begin reversing all the damage it has done. I look forward to fully repealing WOTUS as we continue this fight alongside the new administration in January.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND INFORMATION: In April of 2014, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly released a proposed rule to clarify protection of streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act (CWA), forming WOTUS. The rule was developed without the EPA first consulting state and local authorities, and without realistically examining the potential economic impact on private citizens, farmers, and other stakeholders.\n\nEarlier this year, Graves helped introduce the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which requires the EPA to withdraw WOTUS and gather stakeholder input before issuing any new rule. The bill passed the House after the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report calling WOTUS\u2019 rulemaking process \u201cdeeply flawed.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:07:19Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398813", "Luetkemeyer, Subcommittee Discuss Modernizing Appraisals to Benefit American Consumers", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing titled \u201cModernizing Appraisals: A Regulatory Review and the Future of the Industry.\u201d\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement upon conclusion of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing titled \u201cModernizing Appraisals: A Regulatory Review and the Future of the Industry.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing focused on a topic that isn\u2019t often on television or in the newspapers yet is an important issue that impacts Americans across the country who are buying or selling homes. The last meaningful update of the appraisal structure was in 1989, and while the marketplace has evolved, the regulatory regime remains stuck in the past. Ultimately, our nation\u2019s appraisal system is unnecessarily complicated and outdated. That complexity impacts homeowners and is, in part, responsible for delayed closings and increased consumer costs. Today\u2019s hearing gave this Subcommittee an opportunity to examine the past and, more importantly, look to the future of appraisal standards in America. We can and will find a better way that increases consumer choice and maintains market confidence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3FAC929C-D116-4EE5-A62E-B13353177C59", "St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Boeing moving 500 jobs to St. Louis", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lisa Brown & Jim Gallagher \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tBoeing Co. is moving 500 jobs to its north St. Louis County campus from California.\r\nThe jobs moving to St. Louis County from Huntington Beach, Calif., are part of a consolidation of the company\u2019s Defense, Space & Security business headquartered in St. Louis, spokeswoman Sarah Reed told the Post-Dispatch.\r\n\u201cWe will be bringing 500 positions to St. Louis,\u201d Reed said, adding the jobs are support positions, not production jobs. Chicago-based Boeing currently employs 14,500 people in the St. Louis area.\r\nAdditionally, Boeing announced Tuesday that it\u2019s closing its El Paso, Texas, and Newington, Va., sites.\r\n\u201cIn order to push ourselves farther and win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent,\u201d Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement. \u201cThese steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide.\u201d\r\nThe consolidation is part of an effort to enhance efficiency and promote greater collaboration, the company said, adding that new facilities will not be added in the St. Louis area for the added jobs. \u201cWe won\u2019t be adding any infrastructure at this point,\u201d Reed said.\r\nThe jobs are professional-level positions ranging from engineering to finance, said Reed.\r\nAbout 1,600 jobs will be moved from Huntington Beach, mainly to other California locations. Huntington Beach hosts a design and research center working with small satellite technology, advanced space access, networked systems, cybersecurity, unmanned underwater vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.\r\nBoeing has moved several hundred jobs to St. Louis over the past three years, in fields such as information technology, research and development and support for the F-22 Raptor fighter. But overall Boeing employment in the metro area has hovered in the 14,500 to 15,000 range.\r\nBoeing plans to hire 700 people by 2023 to make wing and tail parts for its 777X airline at a newly built plant at its sprawling complex in north St. Louis County.\r\nThousands of other St. Louis production jobs face an uncertain future over the long term as Boeing seeks enough orders to keep its F/A-18 and F-15 fighter lines far into the next decade. The company has enough F/A-18 orders to operate until 2020 and enough F-15 orders to last until early in the next decade.\r\nBoeing is bidding to build the next Air Force trainer, and a win would likely extend employment in St. Louis. The first prototype of the trainer was built in North County.\r\nThe state of Missouri is offering incentives worth $229 million over 18 years if Boeing adds 2,000 jobs here. Under the complex deal, Boeing could reap $146 million if it simply keeps the current job count, and lesser amounts if it limits job cuts.\r\nMissouri elected officials cheered the latest job transfer announcement.\r\n\u201cBoeing\u2019s decision to move more than 500 jobs to Missouri makes perfect sense \u2014 because the St. Louis region, and frankly our entire state, offer one of the most dedicated, innovative workforces in the country, and play a critical role on our nation\u2019s defense,\u201d U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said in a statement.\r\n\u201cThe 500 new jobs that Boeing is bringing to St. Louis are a testament to the city\u2019s talented, dedicated workforce, and the potential our state has to drive the aerospace industry forward,\u201d said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt in an emailed statement.\r\n\u201cThis addition of jobs is a testament to the skill and dedication of our workforce, collaboration with the county, and the quality of life area residents enjoy,\u201d said St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger.\r\nBoeing Defence Australia, Boeing Defense Saudi Arabia, and Boeing Defence United Kingdom will be aligned and managed in a new global operations group led by David Pitchforth, who will continue as managing director of Boeing Defence UK, Boeing said.\r\nClick here to read more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=B6AD2463-9D22-4D6C-9AE2-AAC1D300981A", "2017 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony Ticket Requests", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The 58th Presidential Inauguration Swearing-in Ceremonies will be held at the Capitol on Friday, January 20, 2017. \u00a0The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) plans and executes all Inaugural activities at the United States Capitol, including the Inaugural swearing-in ceremony of the President and Vice President of the United States and the traditional Inaugural luncheon that follows. \u00a0For additional information, please visit http://inaugural.senate.gov and check back frequently since it will be updated as more information becomes available.\r\nI am pleased to take requests from residents of Missouri for the Inaugural Ceremony.\u00a0 Each Congressional office is allocated a limited number of tickets, most in viewing areas well removed from the platform and standing room only.\u00a0 Tickets to the Inauguration Ceremony are free and required for every person, including children and infants in arms.\r\nHOW TICKETS ARE DISTRIBUTED\r\nMy office is keeping track of ticket requests in the order they are received and will provide information as it becomes available. \u00a0Every effort will be made to distribute tickets on a \u201cfirst-come\u201d, \u201cfirst served\u201d basis for constituents from Missouri.\r\nDue to the anticipated demand and the limited number of tickets to the ceremony, each request will be limited to four tickets. \u00a0Please request tickets only for those who are fully committed to travel to Washington for the Inaugural Ceremony.\u00a0\r\nTicket requests will be accepted through 5:00pm EST, December 5, 2016.\u00a0 Any requests made after the deadline will be placed on the waiting list.\u00a0 The deadline has been set to allow constituents attending the Inauguration enough planning time for travel and accommodation arrangements to be made.\u00a0 Making a request does not a guarantee you will receive a ticket, but my office will be in touch with everyone who places a request. \u00a0Notification of ticket allocation should occur by the middle of December.\r\nIf you are selected to receive tickets, you will be required to pick up the tickets in person prior to the ceremony.\u00a0 The person requesting the tickets must be available to pick up the tickets in Washington and will be asked to provide a photo ID at the time of ticket pick-up. Tickets may be picked up from 9:00am-5:00pm January 16-19, 2017.\r\n\u00a0\r\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION\r\nTickets may not be sold. In addition, handicapped access is provided in each section of tickets; therefore there are no tickets specifically marked as handicapped-accessible.\r\nIf you are not a Missouri resident, please check with the Senator or Representative of your home state for tickets.\u00a0 You may look up your representative at http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/.\r\nPlease note that there are many inaugural events, both official and non-official. \u00a0Tickets are to the Inauguration Ceremony only.\u00a0 My office will not be able to provide tickets to any other event. \u00a0The Inaugural Parade and official Inaugural Balls are handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC).\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nCONSIDERATIONS\r\nAs you consider coming to Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration, please keep in mind:\r\n-Washington winters are cold.\u00a0 Be prepared for cold weather.\u00a0 Typically, temperatures in January in Washington average from a low of 28\u00b0F to a high of 43\u00b0F.\r\n-Security measures will be in place and taken very seriously.\u00a0 Be prepared to go through metal detectors and have bags checked. \u00a0Security requires ticket holders to arrive at least a couple hours early, carrying no seats or large bags.\r\n-Transportation options will be limited. \u00a0Due to street closures around the Capitol grounds and massive crowds using public transit, be prepared to walk a few blocks and wait in line.\r\n-The following airports are close to Washington, D.C.:\u00a0 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=CE09197E-A867-46D2-8D42-08B28D7BE0C6", "Blunt Re-Elected to Senate Leadership", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today after being re-elected as Vice Chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference.\u00a0In his role as Vice Chairman, Blunt will continue leading Senate Republicans\u2019 messaging efforts with a focus on expanding engagement across digital platforms to enhance the conference\u2019s ability to meet people where they are.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that the American people have returned a Republican majority to the Senate to continue advancing their priorities,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cOver the past eight years, Missouri families have struggled with rising health care premiums and fewer choices, stagnant wages, and the threat of excessive new regulations that would drive up costs on everything from gas to groceries.\u00a0Now, more than ever, it is critical that we maintain an open and robust dialog with the American people about the challenges they\u2019re facing and what we\u2019re doing to address them. We have a tremendous opportunity to move forward with solutions that will give hardworking families in Missouri and across the nation a chance to get ahead, and I\u2019m grateful to be in a position to help lead that effort.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=7846C079-7FE2-4952-B6A8-464E6151000E", "VIDEO: Blunt Highlights Senate Priorities for New Congress", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 During the Senate Republican Leadership Stakeout today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) discussed Senate priorities for the upcoming Congress, such as working with the incoming president to address Obamacare, excessive regulations, and the Supreme Court vacancy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-votes-keep-iran-check", "Hartzler votes to keep Iran in check", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairwoman, on Tuesday voted to extend the Iran Sanctions Act, giving Congress the tools it needs to check a rogue Iranian regime from pursuing malicious activities.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cBefore President Obama\u2019s flawed nuclear deal with Iran, strong sanctions kept the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism at bay from even more destructive behavior,\u201d said Rep. Hartzler.\n\t\t\t\tFirst passed 20 years ago, the Iran Sanctions Act supports sanctions on Iran\u2019s illicit weapons programs and ballistic missile development that were not suspended as part of the nuclear deal. The act, and the sanctions allowed under it, are set to expire at the end of this year. The bill passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday would extend the law for another 10 years.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cAfter the President\u2019s bad nuclear deal lifted so many sanctions and gave the regime billions in relief, we cannot fail to pass this bill,\u201d Hartzler continued.\n\t\t\t\tIran continues to buy destabilizing weapons systems from Russia and funnels weapons and assistance to its terrorist proxies to prop up the murderous Assad regime and threaten Israel.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cPassing this bill sends a message to the world that we are not going to stand for Iran\u2019s continued destructive role in the Middle East, and it mitigates some of the damage done by the President\u2019s dangerous nuclear deal,\u201d Hartzler added.\n\t\t\t\tThe bill now goes to the Senate, where Hartzler said she is hopeful for quick consideration and passage. If the Senate passes the bill, it would then go to the President\u2019s desk.\n\t\t\t\tRep. Hartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398812", "Luetkemeyer Votes to Extend Iran Sanctions Act", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after voting to support a clean renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act that was passed by the House of Representatives. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after voting to support a clean renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act that was passed by the House of Representatives. \r\n\u201cThe outgoing administration has asked for a delay on renewing the Iran Sanctions Act which tells Americans once again that this president refuses to take our nation\u2019s foreign policies seriously,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cThis legislation targets entities that invest in Iran\u2019s energy sector, the driving force behind its economy. I fully believe these sanctions must remain in place until we can verify that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States and her allies.\u201d\r\nThis legislation reauthorizes the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act for 10 years, through Dec. 31, 2016. Under the Iran Sanctions Act, sanctions may be imposed against foreign companies or entities that invest in the development of Iran\u2019s oil and gas industry. The Iran Sanctions Act is set to expire in December of this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=9211ECA5-BC7F-4599-BC9C-0203D0CC1FC9", "Blunt Leads Senate Passage of Gold Star Families Voices Act", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, today led Senate passage of the Gold Star Families Voices Act (H.R. 4511). The bill expands the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress, which currently collects and catalogs stories from American veterans, to include narratives from family members of service members who are missing in action or who have been killed in the line of duty. As chairman, Blunt expedited consideration of the bill in committee.\r\n\u201cWe would not be the nation we are today if not for the profound acts of courage and selflessness of our fallen heroes,\u201d Blunt said. \u201cWe, as Americans, owe it to these men and women to know their names, to honor their deeds, and to preserve their memories. The Gold Star Families Voices Act makes an invaluable project even better by giving the family members of our missing and fallen service members the opportunity to share their stories and ensure they become a part of our nation\u2019s historical record. I thank American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and Representative Chris Smith for championing this bill, and my Senate colleagues for getting it to the president\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\nThe measure was authored by Rep. Chris Smith (N.J.) in the House, where it passed with unanimous consent in September.\r\nSmith added, \u201cToday\u2019s vote honors the men and women who gave \u2018the last full measure of devotion\u2019 in the service of our Nation by allowing their family members to tell their stories, so that all Americans can hear, appreciate, remember, and honor these patriots. I greatly appreciate the hard work of my good friend and colleague, Chairman Roy Blunt, in securing Senate passage today to ensure we record and remember the lives and sacrifices of all who have served and provide the very deserving family members with the opportunity to create a lasting record of their fallen loved ones.\u201d\r\nBecky Christmas, Second Vice President, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., continued, \u201cThe American Gold Star Mothers Inc. is grateful for Chairman Roy Blunt\u2019s efforts to secure Senate passage of the Gold Star Families Voices Act today and his leadership to give our children a voice that they no longer have. The Gold Star Families Voices Act will ensure that the experiences and lives of all veterans, including our sons and daughters who fought and died for our country, are remembered, honored and preserved.\u201d\r\nTo date, the Veterans History Project has collected the oral history records of over 100,000 veterans who have served in military engagements since World War I.\r\nCLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt\u2019s Remarks", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/you-can-thank-a-veteran-for-that", "You Can Thank a Veteran for That", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Election Day should be a time for Americans to celebrate, to reflect on what the right to vote really means for all of us. Regardless of the outcome of any single election, the fact that each of us has a choice, a say on the path our government takes in the future, is something no one in this country should take for granted.\nBut as consequential as Election Day was, America observed an even more important day last week.\u00a0Friday\u00a0was Veterans Day, a time to step back and think about why we are fortunate enough to live in a country that guarantees all of those freedoms.\nThat process we completed on Tuesday - the democratic election that allowed all of us the opportunity to select the people who represent us in government - you can thank a veteran for that.\nYou can thank a veteran for the right to freely express yourself in America - the right to protest, the right to free press, and the right to practice whatever religion you want. None of those persists without the men and women who have risked everything to serve and protect the country we love.\nWe officially honored them for that last Friday, on Veterans Day. But the sacrifices they made for this country affect all of us every day, and we can never forget that.\nSincerely,  \u00a0  Sam Graves", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hartzler.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hartzler-honors-seymour-korean-war-mia", "Hartzler honors Seymour Korean War MIA", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Vicky Hartzler", "H001053", "hartzler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Rep Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) on Monday honored the life of Army Corporal Donald E. Matney, a Seymour native who was reported missing in action over 60 years ago during the Korean War.\n\u201cCorporal Matney fought in defense of America and the freedoms we cherish today,\u201d Hartzler said in a speech she delivered on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. \u201cAs a nation, we are indebted to the service he made, and we are grateful for the freedoms he fought to preserve. His memory will live forever as one of honor and courage.\u201d\nOn July 20, 1950, Matney was a member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division when his unit attempted to delay the capture of a South Korean town by attacking enemy forces. Matney was reported missing in action following the attacks.\nMatney\u2019s remains were identified in May after examination at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. He will be buried with full military honors in his hometown later this month\nHartzler delivered the following speech to honor Matney\u2019s life and sacrifice in defense of the United States:\n(click to play)\n\u00a0\nTranscript of speech:\nMister Speaker, I rise today to honor Army Corporal Donald Matney, a native of Seymour, Missouri, and a Korean War veteran.\nOn July 20, 1950, Corporal Matney\u2019s unit attempted to delay the enemy from capturing a town near Taejon, South Korea.\nEnemy infantry and armor units were able to force the division out of the town and block withdrawal routes. Matney was reported missing in action following the attacks.\nAfter 66 long years, Corporal Matney\u2019s remains were identified and he has made his final trip home.\nCorporal Matney fought in defense of America and the freedoms we cherish today. I am saddened thinking of the time lost, but also thankful the Matney family can have that long overdue closure. As a nation, we are indebted to the service he made, and we are grateful for the freedoms he fought to preserve. His memory will live forever as one of honor and courage.\nI am blessed to honor the life of Donald Matney today, and I thank him and all veterans for their noble service to our country.\u00a0 We must never forget that freedom isn\u2019t free.\u00a0\nWelcome home, Corporal.\u00a0 Thank you for giving your all for us.\u00a0 We owe you a debt of service we will never be able to repay.\n==========\nRep. Hartzler represents Missouri\u2019s Fourth Congressional District, in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the House Armed Services, Agriculture, and Budget Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://jasonsmith.house.gov/media-center/weekly-capitol-report/we-honor-your-service-your-sacrifice", "We Honor Your Service, Your Sacrifice", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Throughout our country's history our veterans and the patriots before them answered the call of duty and have valiantly fought to make America a place where personal liberties are celebrated and the rights bestowed to us upon the Constitution are forever protected and preserved. Veterans Day is our chance to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who thanklessly gave their time and often lives to protect a truly free nation.\nThis week I visited several schools in southern Missouri that held ceremonies in honor of Veterans Day including Bourbon High School, Sikeston High School and Senath High School. It was wonderful to see a current generation of young people honoring the veterans that have served so they can continue to enjoy the same protections, rights and freedoms of those who came before.\u00a0 I encouraged all of the young Missouri students I visited this week to continue to honor our nation\u2019s heroes not just once a year on Veterans Day, but challenged them to find an opportunity throughout the year to give back to their communities and say thank you to the brave men and women who serve our country. \u00a0\nThis Veterans Day we also need to remember and recognize the special acts of those in our communities who demonstrated bravery, exemplified service, and made us all proud, those like Tom Surdyke who tragically lost his life in June saving the life of another. I had the honor of nominating Tom to West Point in 2015 and sharing in his family\u2019s celebration the day he earned his Eagle Scout. While on vacation on June 24th, 2016, Tom and another swimmer he\u2019d just met on shore were caught in a riptide. Tom instinctively went to save the other young man, sacrificing his own life. He was buried at West Point on July 4th, 2016 on his 19th\u00a0birthday and was given the Soldier\u2019s Medal, the Army\u2019s highest non-combat valor award for saving the life of another. \u200eIn June, I was lucky enough to honor another American hero, the now late Veteran Raymond Burbach, by presenting him with seven awards and accolades he earned during his service in the Korean War that were 60 years past due. Both Tom and Raymond will always be remembered as American heroes. \u200eTheir dedication to a life of service and the instinct to put others first is what distinguishes our veteran patriots and heroes.\u00a0\nThere is much we can do to honor our veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year by helping them transition successfully back to civilian life. Things like ensuring that veterans have access to adequate health care, including mental health, educational opportunities and good paying jobs when they return home.\nFor instance, when I heard from numerous veterans across southeast and south central Missouri that they wanted to see expanded care, service hours and options at VA facilities in Salem, I was proud to help by meeting with VA officials and securing additional hours and operations for the facility.\u00a0Earlier this year, I was also able to play a role in supporting legislation which provided $176.9 billion in funding for the VA, including $52.8 billion in funding for VA medical services, which included mental health services, suicide prevention activities, long-term care services, funding for rural health initiatives and support services for caregivers of veterans and initiatives to fight homelessness among veterans and their families. This effort was an important reminder that our thanks shouldn\u2019t just be for their active service, but in helping them transition.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThere are over 55,000 veterans living in the 8th Congressional District of Missouri alone who deserve our gratitude for their service to our nation. There is much work still to be done to improve the lives of our veterans when they return home - let us make that our duty, our service, and our commitment to all of them, they\u00a0deserve it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ContentRecord_id=87AAFEF8-E7D9-4B44-897C-E0953E0DFA68", "Blunt Thanks our Nation's Veterans", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Roy Blunt", "B000575", "www.blunt.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) today released the following video marking Veterans Day:\u00a0\r\nFull Text: \r\n\u201cMissouri\u2019s home to nearly 500,000 veterans, all of whom have been willing to put their lives on the line to secure our freedom and sustain the principles that make us a model democracy in the world. America is an extraordinary country because of these men and women and what they\u2019ve done to make it so.\r\nToday, on Veterans Day, I hope you\u2019ll join me in taking time to reflect on the contributions all our nation\u2019s heroes, our veterans, our active duty service members, and military families have made, and continue to make, on our behalf. It\u2019s up to us to honor their sacrifice by keeping the promises we\u2019ve made, ensuring they have access to the care and benefits they\u2019ve earned, and expanding opportunities for all our veterans and service members.\r\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019ve been proud to back bills that encourage employers to hire more veterans, provide more health care treatment choices, and to improve mental health and suicide prevention. If a veteran is thinking of doing harm to themselves or anybody else, no waiting list is acceptable.\r\nEarlier this year, I was honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and I\u2019m not done yet. I can\u2019t think of any recognition I\u2019ve received that made me more humbled or touched than being the only elected official to ever get this award.\r\nAdvocating for our veterans in the Senate is one of the most rewarding parts of my job and I\u2019ll continue working to make sure Congress meets its responsibilities toward all those who have served. And so to all our veterans, all our current service members, to their families, thank you for everything you do, and thank you for everything you\u2019ve done, to keep our country safe.\u201d\r\nCLICK HERE To Watch Senator Blunt\u2019s Remarks", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398809", "Luetkemeyer Congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Luetkemeyer Congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 9, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after it was announced that Donald Trump won the presidency: \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after it was announced that Donald Trump won the presidency: \r\n\u201cAfter years of a barrage of regulations, an economy on the wrong track, and the negative effects of Obamacare, millions of Americans went to the polls to make a change,\u201d Luetkemeyer said. \u201cI want to congratulate Mr. Trump and I look forward to working with him to make the changes that Americans want to see. Together we can repeal Obamacare, help our nation\u2019s veterans, and strengthen America\u2019s position around the world.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398811", "Blaine's Bulletin: Putting Families and Consumers Ahead of Big Government", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Blaine Luetkemeyer", "L000569", "luetkemeyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the last few years, I have heard time and time again about the new rules and regulations that are being piled on the backs of our nation\u2019s small businesses and their hard working employees. They aren\u2019t wrong that this it has been a regulatory avalanche: an average of 81 new major rules have been announced by the Obama Administration annually, including a total of 43 major regulations with more than $100 billion in cost. The Obama Administration has issued rules that will easily exceed $130 billion in total, making this administration the greatest issuer of red-tape in American history. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Over the last few years, I have heard time and time again about the new rules and regulations that are being piled on the backs of our nation\u2019s small businesses and their hard working employees. They aren\u2019t wrong that this it has been a regulatory avalanche: an average of 81 new major rules have been announced by the Obama Administration annually, including a total of 43 major regulations with more than $100 billion in cost. The Obama Administration has issued rules that will easily exceed $130 billion in total, making this administration the greatest issuer of red-tape in American history. \r\nUnfortunately, this may not be surprising, but most of these regulations has come from the agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, and the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.\r\nI have been a longtime supporter of legislation to reduce these costly regulations, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This bill is simple: it requires the House and the Senate to approve regulations estimated to have an annual economic impact of $100 million of more. The House has passed this bill and it has been sent to the Senate. It is my hope this bill will be one of the first signed into law in the next Administration so we can finally hold these regulations accountable.\r\nEnacting the REINS Act is a great first step but we must also demand meaningful opportunities for public input in the rulemaking process and require agencies to have a cost-benefit analysis for new rulemakings.\r\nThis regulatory burden has stifled job creation and lessened economic growth and opportunities for all Americans. The change in Administration in January gives us a real opportunity to advance policies that will reverse this course and get our country\u2019s economy back on track. However, between now and then, we\u2019ve also got to be watchful for and push back against \u201cmidnight regulations.\u201d Midnight regulations are rules that an Administration promulgates on the way out the door, often at an accelerated pace. Once rules are put in place, businesses often adjust policies and it can be difficult to undo them once they are in place.\r\nSeveral easy, meaningful, ways to reduce the extreme regulatory burden that has been placed on our nation\u2019s workers and businesses are included in the Better Way agenda, which can be found at abetterway.speaker.gov. I look forward to working with our new president and vice president to enact commonsense solutions so we can put American workers back on the job and put families and consumers ahead of big government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 648, "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": "MO", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-11-09,http~3A~2F~2Fluetkemeyer~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398811", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2016&_next=2016-11-09%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fluetkemeyer~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D398811&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 176.9417750183493, "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"}