{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-critical-administrations-move-toward-obama-era-water", "Graves & Rouzer Critical of Administration\u2019s Move Toward Obama-Era Water Restrictions", "2022-12-30", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) today criticized the Administration for moving forward with their rulemaking process, in the face of a pending Supreme Court ruling, and reinstate strict and cumbersome regulations over waters and water use decisions throughout the United States.\n\nThe Administration\u2019s final rule redefining \u201cWaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) moves the federal government closer toward the tighter regulation of businesses, farmers, infrastructure builders, communities, and private citizens. The Administration announced its rulemaking despite the fact that the Supreme Court is scheduled to decide a case (Sackett) in the coming months that will bear directly on any WOTUS-related rules or regulations.\n\n\u201cOur economy continues to struggle with the economic crises brought about by the disastrous economic policies of this Administration, and it makes absolutely no sense to move the country back towards the costly and burdensome WOTUS regulations of the past,\u201d Graves said. \u201cIt\u2019s particularly foolish to do this now and waste federal resources when the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the issue \u2013 a ruling that will impact and alter what the Administration is hastily putting forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Biden Administration on their new rule for Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) is disappointing. This rule is both poor policy and badly timed. It is another example of this Administration\u2019s determined adherence to the demands of environmentalists at the expense of hard-working Americans. While cloaked a little differently, this new WOTUS rule will once again place overly burdensome regulations on our farm families, small businesses, and entire communities further harming our economy \u2014 not to mention making critical infrastructure projects that much more expensive,\u201d Rouzer said. \u201cWhile I appreciate the EPA\u2019s acknowledgement that the Supreme Court has already heard arguments in Sackett v. EPA with a ruling soon expected, this further underscores how ill-advised it is for the Administration to rush a new rule given the Court\u2019s forthcoming decision will impact any new definition of WOTUS.\u201d\n\nBackground information:\n\nOn June 25, 2021, Graves, Rouzer, and Republican leaders highlighted concerns with the Administration\u2019s plans to undo the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.\n\nOn August 25, 2021, Graves and Rouzer urged the Agencies to extend the timeframe for public comments and stakeholder input on a new WOTUS rulemaking.\n\nOn October 26, 2021, Graves and Rouzer issued these statements regarding the Administration\u2019s rushed roundtable process.\n\nOn January 20, 2022, Graves and Rouzer requested more time to allow adequate public comment on the WOTUS rulemaking.\n\nOn January 24, 2022, Graves and Rouzer first called for a halt to the Agencies\u2019 rulemaking,based on the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to take up the Sackett case.\n\nOn March 8, 2022, Graves, Rouzer, and over 200 House Republicans renewed calls for the Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of WOTUS and allow the Supreme Court to take up its case.\n\nOn April 18, 2022, Graves, Rouzer, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito led 201 Republican Members and Senators in filing an amici curiae brief in support of the petitioners in the case Sackett case.\n\nOn April 28, 2022, Graves and Rouzer asked the Administration for more transparency about the formation, intent, and execution of stakeholder WOTUS roundtables.\n\nOn September 20, 2022, Graves and Rouzer raised concerns about actions by EPA and Army Corps of Engineers which would expand the breadth of their regulatory authority and warned the agencies to stay within the bounds of their authority as granted by Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-bill-protecting-flood-victims-signed-law", "Graves Bill Protecting Flood Victims Signed into Law", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves\u2019 (MO-06) Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act (H.R. 539) was signed into law today as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from going after disaster victims when the Agency mistakenly awards individual assistance.\n\n\u201cWhen FEMA makes a mistake, FEMA needs to pay the price\u2014not the innocent disaster victims,\u201d Graves said. \u201cI\u2019ve heard too many horror stories about disaster victims who have accepted FEMA assistance, only for the agency to come back weeks, months, or even years later and demand the money back, plus interest, because of some technical error. This new law will protect disaster victims and give them peace of mind to use FEMA assistance to rebuild their lives after disasters.\u201d\n\nGraves introduced the bill after FEMA clawed back individual assistance funds from a Holt County resident following the Flood of 2019. The individual in question lost his family home and was provided over $12,000 in FEMA Individual Assistance money to help him get back on his feet, only to be told later he didn't qualify because of a technicality and would have to pay it back.\n\nThe bill previously passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support in June 2021. You can watch Congressman Graves\u2019 remarks on the House Floor here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/hannibal-stormwater-project-funding-authorized-water-resources-development-act", "Hannibal Stormwater Project Funding Authorized by Water Resources Development Act", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) applauded passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Actfor Fiscal Year 2023 in both the House and the Senate. The measure now heads to the White House for the President\u2019s signature. The Act authorizes $3.5 million for repairing part of the stormwater system in downtown Hannibal, Missouri.\n\n\u201cThe passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 brings us one step closer to securing this funding for Hannibal,\u201d Graves said. \u201cDuring the Flood of 2019, part of Hannibal\u2019s stormwater system collapsed, nearly flooding large swaths of downtown Hannibal. The Corps fixed part of the damages near the levee, but there is still more work to be done. This authorization sends a clear message that historic downtown Hannibal is worth protecting for future generations.\u201d\n\nOnce the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 is signed into law, funding will need to be appropriated by Congress in order for it to be distributed to the City of Hannibal. Securing funding for this project will be a top priority for Congressman Graves.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/st-joseph-sewer-project-funding-authorized-water-resources-development-act", "St. Joseph Sewer Project Funding Authorized by Water Resources Development Act", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) applauded passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 by both the House and the Senate. The measure now heads to the White House for the President\u2019s signature. The Act authorizes $50 million for funding sewer and stormwater projects throughout North Missouri, including $25 million in sewer updates for the City of St. Joseph, Missouri.\n\n\u201cResidents of St. Joseph have seen their sewer rates triple in recent years because of unfunded EPA mandates,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThis year\u2019s Water Resources Development Act provides much needed funding to help upgrade the City\u2019s sewer system while taking some of the burden off local ratepayers. That\u2019s incredibly important, especially now, when many Americans are struggling to keep up with unprecedented inflation and the rising cost of living in this country. I applaud the efforts of the City of St. Joseph to freeze sewer rates since 2018 and thank them for their efforts in helping get this critical funding authorized.\u201d\n\nOnce the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 is signed into law, funding will need to be appropriated by Congress in order for it to be distributed to the City of St. Joseph. Securing funding for this project will be a top priority for Congressman Graves.\n\n\u201cThe EPA mandates have been extremely hard to keep up with financially. Thanks to Congressman Graves and his staff, this much needed funding will assist St. Joseph in remaining compliant with the existing consent order. This money will be used for pipe lining which will reduce infiltration coming into the treatment plant and with future phosphorus limits expected from the EPA,\u201d said Abe Forney, Public Works and Transportation Director, City of St. Joseph.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-sec-regulatory-accountability-act-protect-retail", "Wagner Introduces SEC Regulatory Accountability Act to Protect Retail Investors, Limit Unnecessary Rulemakings", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, introduced the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act, legislation to protect retail investors from arbitrary and unnecessary SEC rulemakings. This bill would statutorily require the SEC to identify the problem a proposed regulation is seeking to address and conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the rulemaking.\n\n\u201cRetail investors deserve consistency and transparency. The SEC Regulatory Accountability Act will help those saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or for their children\u2019s future by making sure the SEC doesn\u2019t arbitrarily implement unnecessary and complex rules. It is vital the SEC only issues regulations that are absolutely necessary, to avoid burdening everyday investors, and this legislation will ensure all regulations are justified with compelling evidence and relevant, up-to-date analysis.\u201d\n\nBackground on the SEC Regulatory Accountability Act:\n\nBefore issuing a regulation:\n\nThe bill establishes that the SEC, before issuing a regulation, must:\n\nIdentify the nature and source of the problem that the proposed regulation is designed to address in order to assess whether any new regulation is warranted;\n\nEnsure that the proposed regulation is within the Commission\u2019s jurisdiction and that the Commission has the experience and expertise to regulate the subject matter covered by the new regulation;\n\nIdentify the market participants who will be impacted by the new regulation;\n\nUtilize the SEC Chief Economist to assess the costs and benefits of the intended regulation and adopt it only upon a reasoned determination that its benefits justify the costs;\n\nIdentify and assess available alternatives that were considered; and\n\nEnsure regulation is accessible, consistent, in plain language, and easy to understand\n\nWhile issuing a regulation:\n\nThe bill also establishes that when issuing a rule, the SEC must consider the impact of the regulation on:\n\nInvestor choice;\n\nMarket liquidity;\n\nSmall businesses;\n\nCompetition in the marketplace;\n\nInvestor access; and\n\nUnited States\u2019 economic competitiveness\n\nPost-implementation regulatory review\n\nAdditionally, the SEC must:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-honor-st-louisan-ulysses-s-grant-passes-house", "Wagner Legislation To Honor St. Louisan Ulysses S. Grant Passes House", "2022-12-12", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after passing her legislation to posthumously promote Civil War hero and St. Louis resident, President Ulysses S. Grant, to the highest rank in the US Army in honor of his bicentennial.\n\n\u201cAs an Army mom, I have tremendous respect for anyone who answers the call of duty to protect and defend our nation. That\u2019s why I am so proud to pass this legislation to honor one of the most influential military leaders in American history, Ulysses S. Grant. Missourians embody the values of President Grant. We are hardworking but humble, tough but generous, and feel a deep connection to our family, our neighbors, and our country. I look forward to the Senate passing this legislation and promoting Grant to General of the Armies of the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-applauds-passage-water-resources-bill-ndaa", "Graves Applauds Passage of Water Resources Bill in NDAA", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 The House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, a bipartisan bill that will improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other water resources infrastructure throughout the United States as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, today. The Senate is expected to take up the measure next before sending it to the White House for the President\u2019s approval.\n\n\u201cWRDA2022 is a win for North Missouri\u2014and for everyone that believes flood control and navigation should be the top priority in managing our nation\u2019s waterways,\u201d Graves said. \u201cIt makes real reforms to help local levee districts keep levees strong, limits the supersized science experiments that threaten flood control works, and encourages the Corps to partner with the University of Missouri to get a full accounting of how repeat flood events impact our rural communities. Working together, these provisions elevate the importance of flood control and place more of the Corps\u2019 limited focus on protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people who live and work along our nation\u2019s great waterways.\u201d\n\nIntroduced by Congressman Graves, the lead Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), WRDA 2022 advances a number of priorities for North Missouri:\n\nEnhances Flood Protection\n\nPlaces strict limitations on the construction of new interception-rearing complexes (IRCs) on the Missouri River to ensure these environmental projects don\u2019t negatively impact flood control or navigation\n\nRequires the Corps of Engineers to work with local levee districts to get video inspections of submerged drainage structures completed\n\nCreates a new program to stabilize river banks impacted by erosion that are endangering flood control works and taking land from farmers\n\nEncourages the Corps of Engineers to collaborate with the University of Missouri\u2019s newly created Missouri Water Center to better understand the impacts of flooding on rural communities\n\nFixes FEMA Clawback Problem\n\nProhibits FEMA from going after innocent disaster victims when the agency makes a mistake and there is no fraud\n\nAuthorizes Sewer and Stormwater Projects in North Missouri\n\nIncludes $50 million for sewer and stormwater projects in St. Joseph, Hannibal, Camden Point, Excelsior Springs, and Smithville.\n\nMore information on the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, including a section-by-section summary of provisions, can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/four-wagner-bills-become-law-national-defense-authorization-act", "Four Wagner Bills to Become Law in National Defense Authorization Act", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after three of her bills and funding for St. Louis-area built Super Hornets were included in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cThis National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) makes our nation stronger and safer during a time our very freedoms are at stake. With countries like Russia, China, and Iran attempting to take advantage of instability around the globe to consolidate their own powers, it is critical we support our troops, strengthen our nuclear deterrence, and ensure our national security apparatus remains ready to counter bad actors worldwide. We also provide a pay raise for our troops who sacrifice for our freedoms. I fought to include several items in the NDAA that will support a strong national security and four of my priorities were ultimately included in the final bill. For years in Congress, I have advocated for our Super Hornet Fighters made here in St. Louis as an essential part of our warfighting capability. Eight of these vital Super Hornet fighters were included in the NDAA, supporting thousands of local jobs and our continued national security, and I will keep fighting on their behalf.\n\n\u201cAlso included is my Isolate Russian Government Officials Act, legislation that will exclude Russian officials from major financial and intergovernmental forums during their unjust war against Ukraine. My DEFEND Act, legislation that will help our Middle Eastern partners build an integrated air and missile defense capacity to deter Iran, is also a part of the package, as well as legislation to appropriately honor Ulysses S. Grant by posthumously promoting him to General of the Armies.\u201d\n\nWagner-led Initiatives Included\n\nEight Super Hornet Fighters\n\nH.R. 6891 - Isolate Russian Government Officials Act\n\nH.R. 7987 - DEFEND Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-joyce-slotkin-and-titus-introduce-bipartisan-bill-support-human", "Wagner, Joyce, Slotkin, and Titus Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Human Trafficking Survivors, Investigators", "2022-11-29", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) introduced the IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act alongside Reps. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Dina Titus (NV-01) to ensure survivors of human trafficking and law enforcement officers working to combat these terrible crimes receive the resources and support they need. U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) have introduced the legislation in the Senate.\n\nThe IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would make permanent and expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program that helps provide support and services to individuals impacted by human trafficking. The bipartisan, bicameral bill would also make permanent the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) program that ensures the wellbeing of HSI employees and partners who are exposed to repeated stress and associated trauma through their work to support victims and investigate these horrific crimes.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have worked with federal law enforcement to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to combat human trafficking in our community and across the country,\u201d said Rep. Wagner. \u201cThe brave men and women who investigate these traumatic and heinous cases are on the front lines of this fight, saving vulnerable individuals from the modern sex trade every day. The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act includes my Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Act and will provide the necessary support for investigators who deal with their own stresses from these cases. My provision will expand the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Victim Assistance Program to help survivors assist HSI investigators in apprehending and building a case against their traffickers, while also informing survivors about the multiple resources available to them. I will always support survivors and our HSI investigators, and I look forward to advancing this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe horrible truth is that human trafficking is one of the fastest growing forms of transnational crime,\u201d said Rep. Joyce, a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. \u201cThese crimes pose a threat to communities nationwide, with traffickers using violence, threats, deception, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to force people into modern day slavery where they often become victims of sexual violence as well. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bill so that we can provide survivors and law enforcement officers who investigate these terrible crimes with the resources and support they need. With Ohio ranking among the worst states in the nation for human trafficking, I am committed to doing everything in my power to prevent these crimes from happening, support survivors, and bring traffickers to justice.\u201d\n\n\u201cHuman trafficking is an insidious crime that must be attacked from all sides,\u201d said Rep. Titus. \u201cI have spent years in Congress fighting these heinous acts by securing provisions to require that airline employees are trained to spot trafficking, advocating for measures to block convicted human traffickers from working in commercial transportation, and championing local efforts to provide more resources for victims. This bipartisan bill will ensure human trafficking victims and the professionals that investigate these crimes receive the resources and support they need.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-88-million-grant-brunswick-port", "Graves Announces $8.8 Million Grant for Brunswick Port", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) today announced that Green Hills Regional Planning Commission will be receiving a $8,768,000 grant from the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) to further the development of container-on-barge shipping services in Brunswick, Missouri.\n\n\u201cThis grant brings us one step closer to seeing container-on-barge shipping on the Missouri River,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThat\u2019s good news for AGRIServices of Brunswick, Chariton County, and all of North Missouri. Right now, much of our fertilizer products are shipped up the river and we ship out grain on bulk barges. That grain is then put into containers further south so it can be shipped around the globe. By building a container terminal here, not only are we supporting new Missouri jobs, but it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for products we can ship up and down the river\u2014for Brunswick and hopefully PortKC and the Port of St. Joseph in the future.\u201d\n\nThe grant will upgrade an existing port terminal with a new container dock and related mooring structures, add a new rail spur with loading pit, and construct a new 360\u2019 x 140\u2019 bulk agricultural supply building with conveyors between the rail and barge dock. The new sheet pile barge dock will provide 200 feet of frontage for loading and unloading barges and the rail component consists of approximately 4000 new feet of track that will support a 36 unit train at the port.\n\nEarlier this year, Congressman Graves successfully helped secure a MARAD Marine Highway Project designations for container-on-barge service on the Missouri River. The designation was one of only six awarded nationwide and was the first secured by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), who worked with AGRIServices of Brunswick to develop the application.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-cleaver-demand-answers-usps-problems-kansas-city", "Graves, Cleaver Demand Answers for USPS Problems in Kansas City", "2022-10-11", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO \u2013 Congressmen Sam Graves (MO-06) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) authored a letter demanding answers from United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy on the Postal Service\u2019s failure to reliably deliver mail six days a week in the Greater Kansas City Area, as required by law.\n\n\u201cMissourians from all walks of life depend on the United States Postal Service to deliver the mail six days a week,\u201d Graves said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if you live in downtown Kansas City, in the suburbs, or in rural North Missouri, folks depend on the mail to get prescriptions, bills, and other important documents in a timely manner. The failure of the agency to live up to its core promise, particularly when they just posted a $60 billion net profit, is unconscionable. I\u2019ve long supported our postal workers and the dedication they have to delivering the mail on time, but it\u2019s clear there\u2019s a leadership problem somewhere in the chain of command and Missourians deserve some answers.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring the delivery of mail is one of the few powers specifically delegated to Congress in the Constitution, so when I hear about constituents reaching out to my office having not received their mail in weeks, it compels Members of Congress to act,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cAmericans rely on the Postal Service to pay their bills on time, collect their hard-earned paychecks, and receive vital medications.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Postal Service Reform Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in April of this year. The law eliminated a longstanding mandate that the Postal Service prefund retirement benefits for employees on the date an employee is hired. Eliminating the mandate relieved a massive financial burden on the agency and as a result, the Postal Service posted a nearly $60 billion net profit last quarter. In addition, the law mandated the Postal Service maintain its current level of service to communities, including reliable six-day mail delivery with few exceptions.\n\nDespite this mandate, both congressmen have received reports from constituents that the Postal Service is failing to deliver the mail six days a week.\n\nThe congressmen requested formal responses to the following questions addressed to Postmaster DeJoy:\n\nHas the USPS received internal or external reports of significant failures to uphold its six-day mail delivery, as required by law?\n\nWhat is the USPS\u2019 plan to achieve reliable six-day delivery of the mail in all regions of the country?\n\nSpecifically, how does the USPS plan to address the Kansas City region\u2019s unreliable mail delivery?\n\nIf/when the USPS has a change in delivery service, how does the USPS plan to notify constituents?\n\nIf there are barriers to achieving this required level of service, what are they?\n\nDoes the USPS plan to reinvest its new profits into services that support letter carriers\u2019 critical work to deliver six-day mail?\n\nRead the full letter text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-westerman-introduce-legislation-promoting-access-american-energy", "Graves, Westerman Introduce Legislation Promoting Access to American Energy", "2022-09-30", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06) and House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Transparency and Production of (TAP) American Energy Act this week.\n\n\"We need to make America energy independent again. We have all the tools to do it \u2013 the Biden Administration just lacks the willpower to get the job done,\" Graves said. \"The TAP American Energy Act will enact common-sense reforms to streamline critical pipeline and energy infrastructure approvals, jumpstart American energy production, and restore American energy independence \u2013 regardless of who is in the White House. This is a blueprint for how we can lower gas prices, strengthen our energy grid, and fight the rising cost of living in this country.\"\n\n\"American families have been on the front lines of dealing with the Biden administration's failed energy policies,\" Westerman said. \"Skyrocketing gas prices, threats of rolling blackouts, inflated grocery costs, more expensive home heating and cooling bills - these are just a sampling of the energy crises we've faced under Democrat control. It's time to reverse this downward trajectory and become fully energy independent. This is a pivotal part of the Republican commitment to America: that we will maximize American-made energy and reduce reliance on foreign countries. The TAP American Energy Act is a comprehensive solution doing just that by responsibly opening up access to our rich natural resources, reforming and streamlining permitting processes and incentivizing innovation. I'm honored to lead this effort and lower energy costs across the country.\"\n\nBackground\n\nThe TAP American Energy Act would provide a much-needed jumpstart to American energy production and infrastructure. By eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, empowering the energy sector to innovate, expanding access to federal lands and waters for responsible energy development, and more, the U.S. can surpass anyone else in the world in reliable energy while incentivizing a true all-of-the-above energy approach.\n\nThe TAP American Energy Act would:\n\nPrevent any president from imposing bans on federal energy leasing and mineral withdrawals without congressional approval.\n\nRequire the Department of the Interior (DOI) to immediately resume quarterly lease sales on federal lands and require a minimum of four leases sales per year in each state with eligible lands.\n\nRequire a minimum of two annual oil and gas lease sales in available federal waters in the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area and in the Alaska Region of the Outer Continental Shelf.\n\nRequire the publication of the 2023-2028 plan for offshore oil and gas lease sales by Dec. 30, 2022, and that DOI meet certain deadlines for publishing future five-year plans.\n\nRequire Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements for all forms of energy development to be completed within one and two years, respectively.\n\nAmend the Geothermal Steam Act to require a yearly lease sale for geothermal energy.\n\nStreamline the environmental review process to allow pipeline, renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects to move forward efficiently and without compromising environmental protections.\n\nEliminate requirements for duplicative review and analyses, reducing delays for important upgrades and improvements of our energy infrastructure.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-bill-speed-disaster-recovery-efforts-become-law", "Graves Bill to Speed Disaster Recovery Efforts to Become Law", "2022-09-29", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 A bipartisan bill led by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06) to expedite disaster recovery projects across the Nation, particularly in small and rural areas, has passed both the House and Senate and has been sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\nThe Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster (SPEED) Recovery Act (H.R. 5641) updates the threshold for what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deems a \u201csmall project\u201d for communities seeking disaster assistance. Small projects do not face the same administrative burdens and paperwork required for larger, more complex projects. Communities can move forward with small projects in a much more expedited manner.\n\n\u201cThe SPEED Recovery Act will help cut the red tape that many communities have to deal with to secure disaster assistance. This legislation is especially helpful for small and rural communities that simply do not have the same types of resources as large and urban areas to navigate the bureaucracy,\u201d said Graves. \u201cThis bill will allow smaller recovery projects to move forward quickly, help disaster victims begin to get back on their feet sooner rather than later, and allow FEMA to better focus its resources when larger disasters strike.\u201d\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe SPEED Recovery Act updates the small project threshold to $1 million. Historically, the number of disaster projects that qualified as small projects with simplified procedures accounted for 95% of such projects. However, because the threshold for a \u201csmall project\u201d has not kept pace with inflation and modern construction costs, a much larger percentage of projects (nearly 25% of all recovery projects) now fall outside of the scope of a \u201csmall project.\u201d This has added unnecessary paperwork and burdens for both communities and FEMA", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-17-million-grant-clarksville-flood-wall", "Graves Announces $1.7 Million Grant for Clarksville Flood Wall", "2022-09-27", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced today that the City of Clarksville will be receiving a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to construct a removable flood protection system along the Mississippi River to keep businesses open and operating while protecting historic downtown Clarksville. This EDA grant will be matched by $10 million in state funds.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see the City of Clarksville receive the last piece of funding needed to begin work build on their movable flood wall project. With a movable flood wall, the community can finally protect themselves from future flooding, before it happens. For years, Mayor Jo Anne Smiley has worked tirelessly to see this project come to fruition and that day is finally in sight. I was proud to support the legislation back in 2019 that made this funding possible. I\u2019m glad to see it awarded to Clarksville for this critical project,\u201d said Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06). \u201cI\u2019m also grateful for the efforts of Governor Parson, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and state legislators to ensure that the rest of the funding needed was provided. Mayor Smiley, the City of Clarksville and the Mark Twain Council of Governments are to be commended for their hard work which will enable the city to not only survive, but thrive, for years to come.\u201d\n\nThe EDA grant will be matched by $10 million in state funding. The project also received $695,310 in EDA Disaster Relief funding in 2019 to complete an engineering analysis to design the flood wall.\n\nThe project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments (MTRCOG). EDA funds MTRCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.\n\nThis project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by the Flood of 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. You can visit EDA\u2019s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-introduces-bill-protect-low-volume-medicare-dependent-rural-hospitals", "Graves Introduces Bill to Protect Low-Volume, Medicare-Dependent Rural Hospitals", "2022-09-22", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06) introduced H.R. 8565, the Rural Hospital Extensions for Low-volume Programs (HELP) Act, to permanently extend two critical programs our rural hospitals rely on\u2014the low-volume Medicare adjustment for small rural prospective payment system hospitals and the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program.\n\n\u201cOur rural hospitals are a lifeline for our communities,\u201d Graves said. \u201cNot only do we depend on them to cure the sick, heal the injured, and care for our families, many times they\u2019re one of the largest employers in the area. When a rural hospital closes, it doesn\u2019t just force rural Americans to travel further for the care they need, it can spell the death of a small town. That\u2019s why it\u2019s critically important we do everything we can to protect the programs our rural hospitals depend on and keep them serving small town America.\u201d\n\nThe low-volume Medicare adjustment helps to level the playing field for rural hospitals whose operating costs often exceed their revenues, while the Medicare-Dependent Hospital program which ensures the eligible rural hospitals are reimbursed for the full cost of caring for older Americans. 634 hospitals nationwide utilize the low-volume hospital adjustment and 174 hospitals are eligible for the Medicare-Dependent Hospital Program. Both programs have been critical for keeping the doors open at rural hospitals across the country and protecting access to vital care in our rural communities.\n\n\u201cOur estimates suggest it would cost us approximately $850K annually in a time when we, and rural hospitals across the state, are struggling to break-even (and, in some cases, stay open). The MLV reduction would have a significant impact likely forcing us to consider a reduction in services and/or staff and negatively impacting our ability to provide critical care to the communities we are entrusted to serve,\u201d said Nate Blackford, President of Mosaic Maryville\n\nJoseph F. Abrutz, Jr., Cameron Regional Medical Center Administrator said, \"Cameron Regional Medical Center is currently experiencing an inflation factor well over 20 percent. This is due to the ongoing shortage of labor, supply chain issues, and increasing energy, food, and general operating costs. It is imperative that Cameron Regional retain the Medicare Low Volume adjustment in order to continue providing necessary health care services to the residents of northwest Missouri.\" -\n\n\u201cMost rural hospitals serve a disproportionately large number of Medicare beneficiaries,\u201d said Jon D. Doolittle, Missouri Hospital Association President and CEO. \u201cPrograms that help hospitals reduce the losses of low Medicare reimbursements create stability, allowing rural and low-volume hospitals to remain viable community-supporting institutions.\"\n\n\u201cExtension of these programs is essential to the health of the hospitals the programs support, as well as the health of the patients and communities these hospitals serve. The Rural HELP Act would continue enhanced Medicare Low Volume Adjustment and extend the Medicare Dependent Hospital program. Extending these essential payments to qualifying Missouri hospitals would save them from annual Medicare reductions of approximately $15.9 million. MHA appreciates Rep. Graves leadership in support of rural hospitals and health care.\u201d\n\nCongressman Graves also introduced the Save America\u2019s Rural Hospitals Actearlier this year, which protects these programs, eliminates Medicare sequestration for rural hospitals, and extends increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-reminds-administration-congress-writes-laws-when-it-comes-wotus", "Graves Reminds the Administration that Congress Writes the Laws When it Comes to WOTUS", "2022-09-20", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican leader Sam Graves (MO-06) and several of his colleagues today raised concerns about regulatory actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) which would expand the breadth of their regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act to regulate \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d, or \u201cWOTUS\u201d. The Committee leaders warned these agencies to stay within the bounds of authority granted to them by Congress.\n\nIn a letter to the Administrator of the EPA, Michael S. Regan, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael L. Connor, Graves and his colleagues noted the recent Supreme Court decision, West Virginia v. EPA, in which the majority opinion noted that there are extraordinary cases in which an agency must point to \u201cclear congressional authorization for the authority it claims.\u201d\n\nIn particular, the letter highlighted attempts to expand the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) under both the Obama and Biden Administrations. The letter explained, \u201cthe fight over the definition of WOTUS is characterized by opportunistic attempts by both the Obama and Biden Administrations to administratively expand the authority of both the EPA and the Corps.\u201d [Graves and colleagues] argued that the West Virginia v. EPA opinion gives \u201creason to hesitate\u201d that Congress meant to confer to the EPA and the Corps the authority they claim.\n\nGraves and colleagues also highlighted a prior Congressional letter signed by over 200 Members requesting the Corps to halt all current rule making actions until the Supreme Court rules on the pending Sackett v. EPA case, which deals precisely with the definition of WOTUS. They stated, \u201cWe reiterate that request, and now further stress that the Agencies must consider the decision of West Virginia vs. EPA prior to issuing a rule making that would clearly surpass the Agencies\u2019 congressional authority to define WOTUS.\u201d\n\nMembers asked for the EPA and the Corps to provide lists of all pending and expected rule makings related to WOTUS and to provide the specific Congressional authority for each.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-wagner-legislation-deter-destabilizing-actions-bosnia-and", "House Passes Wagner Legislation to Deter Destabilizing Actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina", "2022-09-20", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the House passed the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act.\n\n\u201cThe St. Louis region is home to the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This local community has been a strong partner, and I have worked closely with them to ensure we have the necessary tools to confront corruption in Bosnia.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-house-abraham-accords-caucus-commemorate-2-year", "Wagner, Colleagues in House Abraham Accords Caucus Commemorate 2-Year Anniversary of Historic Abraham Accords Signing", "2022-09-19", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Ann Wagner (R-MO), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), David Trone (MD-06), and Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. H.Res. 1359 highlights the progress made since the signing of the Accords and encourages continued development of the existing agreements and expansion to new countries. Additionally, in collaboration with the Abraham Accords Caucus co-chairs, Schneider hosted a roundtable discussion celebrating the anniversary with the American Jewish Committee and young leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.\n\n\u201cOver the past two years, the Abraham Accords have already yielded tangible benefits to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The Accords have become a pillar of stability in the Middle East, and they have advanced our commitment to supporting our partners in the region,\u201d said Congresswoman Wagner. \u201cIt remains critical we work with our Israeli and Arab partners to combat extremism in the region and build on President Trump\u2019s efforts to create economic opportunities and advance U.S. national security interests.\u201d\n\n\u201cTwo years ago yesterday, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords on the White House lawn, soon joined by Morocco and Sudan. The historic agreements launched a shift toward peace and normalization between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East and North Africa,\u201d said Congressman Schneider. \u201cNew economic opportunities, innovations, and partnerships continue to strengthen and grow, powered by the deepening ties between Israel and its neighbors. This week in the Capitol, members of the House Abraham Accords Caucus were joined by young leaders from Abraham Accords countries to celebrate the 2nd anniversary and the many positive impacts of the Accords across the region. I and my fellow Caucus co-chairs look forward to continuing our efforts to deepen and expand the Accords to advance safety and prosperity in the region.\u201d\n\nOn September 15, 2020, the United States brought together leaders from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain to sign the historic Abraham Accords. On December 22, 2020, Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, followed by Sudan on January 6, 2021. These normalization agreements transformed the region, enhanced Israel\u2019s security, created economic opportunities, and advanced vital U.S. national security interests.\n\n\u201cTwo years ago yesterday, the United States made historic progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East with the signing of the Abraham Accords Declaration. This long sought-after agreement marked the beginning of a new journey together in pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren,\u201d said Congresswoman Rodgers. \u201cToday, I can say with confidence that we are making great progress thanks to the tremendous work of our international partners and the work of my colleagues on the Abraham Accords Caucus on Capitol Hill. We are making significant strides to uphold and promote the values of human dignity, freedom, and hope around the world. I am proud of our work to this point and believe the best is yet to come!\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Abraham Accords have forged historic relationships and secured a diplomatic present and future for millions. Twenty years ago, we would have never imagined such progress in facilitating peace and prosperity in the Middle East,\u201d said Congressman Trone. \u201cOn its second anniversary, this Caucus continues to serve as a model of how Congress can work together to help solve some of the world\u2019s most pressing issues. I look forward to maintaining this vital work with our U.S. and international colleagues.\u201d\n\nIn January 2022, Schneider, Rodgers, Trone, and Wagner, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, co-founded the Abraham Accords Caucuses to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to help strengthen the agreements of current Abraham Accords countries and help lay the groundwork to expand to new countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-introduces-bill-promote-residency-fairness-osteopathic-medical-students", "Graves Introduces Bill to Promote Residency Fairness for Osteopathic Medical Students", "2022-09-16", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), along with Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), today introduced the Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act to reduce potential barriers that face osteopathic medical students when applying for federally-funded physician residency programs.\n\n\u201cNorth Missouri is the home to A.T. Still University in Kirksville, MO, the birthplace of osteopathic medicine, which continues to train the next generation of DOs. In a day and age when doctors are in short supply, specifically in rural areas, it\u2019s critical they are able to complete their training and begin practicing,\u201d said Graves. \u201cYet, many times osteopathic medical students aren\u2019t even considered for taxpayer-funded residency programs. Rural healthcare needs the services and expertise of DOs like never before and this bill will remove some of the hurdles which can keep them from taking the next step in their training.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to help lead legislation that has the ability to transform accessibility to DOs across the country and strengthen our physician pipeline, especially in rural and underserved areas. It\u2019s more critical now than ever that we ensure our taxpayer-funded residency training programs are fairly and equally deploying all the best talent of tomorrow\u2019s doctors and specialists, from both DO and MD educational backgrounds,\u201d said Harshbarger. \u201cThis bill is an important step toward ensuring transparency and equality in our taxpayer-funded GME programs, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of physicians trained and serving our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs one of the fastest growing health professions in the country, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine provide essential care in our communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It\u2019s ridiculous that osteopathic medical students are facing discrimination and extra hurdles to accessing federally funded residency programs. The FAIR Act will help to ensure more accountability from these programs,\u201d said Pingree. \u201cI\u2019m proud that so many dedicated DOs are being trained in Maine and across the country. We should be helping them serve patients without unnecessary barriers, which is exactly what this legislation aims to do.\u201d\n\nThe FAIR Act requires taxpayer-funded graduate medical education (GME) programs to: (1) report annually the number of applicants for residency from MD- and DO-granting medical schools and how many such applicants were accepted from each respective type of school and (2) affirm annually that they accept applicants from MD- and DO-granting medical schools and that if an examination score is required for acceptance, the MD and DO licensing exams will be equally accepted.\n\n\u201cThe Fair Access in Residency (FAIR) Act is crucial to the health and wellness of our country. Passage helps assure patients will continue to have options and choices for their healthcare,\" said A.T. Still University President Craig M. Phelps, DO.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Reps. Harshbarger, Pingree and Graves\u2019 effort to address the unfair barriers and discrimination that osteopathic medical students face when applying to federally funded residency training,\u201d said American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. \u201cEnsuring that osteopathic medical students have an equitable path to residency not only reflects the spirit of single accreditation, which was designed to increase access to residency programs for both DOs and MDs, but it also addresses persistent and prevalent biases against osteopathic medical students, many of whom will go on to care for patients in rural and medically underserved communities. We also thank our peer organizations for supporting this vital bill.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-graves-cleaver-introduce-resolution-honoring-fallen-independence-police", "Reps. Graves, Cleaver Introduce Resolution Honoring Fallen Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans on Anniversary of His Passing", "2022-09-15", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced a resolution honoring the life and legacy of fallen Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans on the one-year anniversary of his tragic passing in the line of duty.\n\n\u201cLike too many in law enforcement today, Independence Police Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was taken from us far too soon,\u201d said Congressman Graves. \u201cBorn and raised in the Northland, Officer Evans gave his life to protect our community. His generosity didn\u2019t end with his passing, though. As an organ donor, Officer Evans has gone on to save 7 lives and enhance the lives of 37 others. Although he\u2019s saved and healed many, his passing has still left deep wounds in our community. My prayers are with his family, friends, loved ones, and fellow officers as they continue to grieve. My hope is that this resolution recognizing his service, sacrifice, and generosity will be enshrined in history by the House of Representatives for all to learn from until the end of time.\"\n\n\u201cBy all accounts, from his family to fellow colleagues in law enforcement, Officer Madrid-Evans was a selfless, dedicated public servant who cared deeply about the safety of his family, friends, neighbors, and the entire Independence community,\u201dsaid Congressman Cleaver. \u201cWhile a year has passed since Officer Madrid-Evans was tragically taken from us, it is important that we continue to honor his legacy and never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made on behalf of the community he loved. My prayers are with the loved ones of Officer Madrid-Evans on this extraordinarily difficult day, and I hope that this resolution\u2014to be recorded in the House of Representatives for all of history to see\u2014will provide some comfort as they continue to grieve such a remarkable man.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-blunt-missouri-congressional-delegation-truman-library-institute", "Wagner, Blunt, Missouri Congressional Delegation & Truman Library Institute Announce September 29th Unveiling of Harry S. Truman Statue in the U.S. Capitol", "2022-09-13", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) and U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (Mo.), along with the Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and U.S. Representatives Billy Long, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Vicky Hartzler, Sam Graves, Jason Smith, and Cori Bush, joined the Truman Library Institute in announcing that the congressional dedication ceremony for the Harry S. Truman statue is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, September 29, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.\n\n\u201cI am proud to join my Missouri colleagues in honoring one of the most influential public servants from our great state, President Harry S. Truman,\u201d said Congresswoman Wagner. \u201cThroughout his life, President Truman served our nation at every level, from enlisting in the Missouri National Guard, to fighting in France during World War I, serving as a judge, representing our state in the United States Senate, and finally leading our nation as Commander-in-Chief. President Truman\u2019s statue in the U.S. Capitol will serve as an important reminder of his long-lasting legacy and dedication to our country.\u201d\n\nPresident Truman\u2019s tenacity, character, and courage to confront difficult problems are values admired by his fellow Missourians and people who study our history,\u201d said Senator Blunt, who played a crucial role in steering the Truman Statue Project. \u201cNo president faced more crucial decisions than those President Truman confronted in the first nine months of his presidency. It\u2019s been an honor to work in the same Russell Senate offices he used for the last 12 years.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe world needs to know about this man from Missouri who did so much for this country and whose name must be placed among those who've done the most for racial equality in America,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver, who proudly represents Missouri\u2019s 5th congressional district\u2014the district of Harry Truman\u2019s hometown of Independence, Mo. \u201cPresident Truman\u2019s decision to eliminate racial discrimination within America\u2019s armed forces and federal workforce was a true display of moral leadership\u2014and a monumental contribution to the American Civil Rights movement. He stepped forward and placed himself directly in the line of fire\u2014even putting his reelection in jeopardy. But he did what was right and necessary for the U.S. to carry the mantle as the world\u2019s leader in the cause of democracy and human rights. For that, I\u2019m pleased he will make his return to the U.S. Capitol to inspire the next generation of Americans to defend the sacred values of democracy, freedom, and equality for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Harry Truman was a true son of Missouri, devoting his life to service and to the good men and women of the state he loved,\u201d said Senator Hawley. \u201cHe was a decisive and honest leader when our nation needed it most and saw us through difficult and perilous times. It\u2019s an honor to join my colleagues in dedicating a statue to his memory.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am excited to be able to join in the unveiling ceremony for President Harry S. Truman\u2019s new statue in the United States Capitol Building,\u201d said Congressman Long. \u201cPresident Truman embodied the American Dream. From a farmer in Missouri to President of the United States, President Truman remained humble throughout his entire life. I am glad that his statue now joins other great American presidents in the Capitol Building, so that future generations can continue to learn about his incredible life and legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter only three months as Vice President, Harry Truman succeeded an extremely popular President in the middle of the deadliest war in human history,\u201d said Congressman Luetkemeyer. \u201cPresident Truman led the United States out of World War II and into one of our nation\u2019s more prosperous periods. As the only Missourian to serve as President, he has certainly earned a place in the Capitol.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Harry Truman was born in my district and lived a life reflective of his rural upbringing \u2013 with a strong work ethic, steadfast patriotism, and plainspoken \u2018The Buck Stops Here\u2019 accountability,\u201d said Congresswoman Hartzler. \u201cThese qualities enabled him to lead with courage and conviction ending World War II. I am pleased the Show Me State\u2019s distinguished son\u2019s statue will be displayed in our nation\u2019s Capitol as an inspiration for future citizens to achieve greatness through humble leadership.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Harry S. Truman was a true statesman and one of Missouri\u2019s finest,\u201d said Congressman Graves. \u201cAs an artillery officer, he fought bravely in the trenches of Europe during World War I. As President, he made some of the most difficult decisions in the world, brought an end to World War II, and helped usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for these United States. No matter where he served, Harry Truman never forgot his roots and he always lived up to his favorite slogan: the buck stops here.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Harry S. Truman\u2019s rise from the son of humble Missouri farmers to the leader of the greatest nation in the world is the story of the American Dream,\u201d said Congressman Smith. \u201cAs a proud Missourian, bold leader, and successful president, President Truman is a great addition to the U.S. Capitol\u2019s National Statuary Hall Collection.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom desegregating our military to issuing executive orders prohibiting discrimination in housing and the workplace, President Truman implemented actions that prioritized civil rights,\u201d said Congresswoman Bush. \u201cI am glad to join the Missouri delegation in the announcement of the Congressional unveiling of the President Harry Truman statue.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Truman may be remembered largely in black and white, but he is a 21st century standard for presidential leadership and public service. His story is our story, America's story,\u201d said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute. \u201cInheriting a global catastrophe after World War II, Truman shouldered the burden of leadership in a rudderless world with remarkable courage, integrity and humility. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a tremendous honor to lead this effort to bring Truman back to Washington more than 75 years since he boldly led our nation through some of the most dramatic and consequential chapters in America\u2019s history.\u201d\n\nThe statue of President Harry S. Truman will represent the State of Missouri in the Statuary Hall Collection and will be the 10th presidential statue installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-condemns-russian-attendance-un-general-assembly", "Wagner Condemns Russian Attendance at U.N. General Assembly", "2022-09-13", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Financial Services Committee, today blasted the reported decision to allow Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a visa to travel to the United States and attend the U.N. General Assembly.\n\nVice Ranking Member Wagner said on the reported visa approvals: \u201cSergei Lavrov, as Foreign Minister of Russia, has been actively involved in every stage of Vladimir Putin\u2019s unprovoked war on Ukraine, and it is unconscionable he would be allowed to participate in the U.N. General Assembly. Vladimir Putin and his cronies have continued to commit evil acts in Ukraine, killing thousands. Russia is indisputably a threat to U.S. and allied security interests, and Russian officials should be treated accordingly.\n\n\u201cAll Russian officials must be fully and appropriately punished for their crimes against the Ukrainian people. Russia\u2019s U.N. \u2018delegation\u2019 should be barred from the United States and held to account for their brutality.\u201d\n\nVice Ranking Member Wagner previously said on her legislation to hold Russia accountable: \u201cAs Vice Ranking Member of both the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been working to expose the horrors of this unjustified war and to properly punish Russian officials. My legislation, H.R. 6891, Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022, requires the Department of Treasury and other financial agencies to take the necessary steps to exclude Russian government officials from key international financial meetings. This important bill overwhelmingly passed the United States House of Representatives in May 2022, and then again in July as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023. The House has made a strong statement that the United States must hold Russia accountable for their actions and isolate Russian officials from the world stage.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-authors-legislation-re-evaluate-postal-rate-hikes", "Graves Authors Legislation to Re-Evaluate Postal Rate Hikes", "2022-09-12", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressmen Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced H.R. 8781, the Ensuring Accurate Postal Rates Act alongside Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) to rein in rapidly rising postal rates.\n\n\u201cThe United States Postal Service just posted a $60 billion net profit last quarter and we just gave them $10 billion in COVID relief funding,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThe Postal Regulatory Commission needs to closely re-evaluate the agency\u2019s continued authority to raise postage rates above inflation, particularly now that Congress has lifted the mandate that the Postal Service pre-fund retiree benefits. Not to mention millions of American families are struggling to make ends meet with the cost of living skyrocketing under President Biden\u2019s leadership. It\u2019s time for the United States Postal Service to live up to its promise to reliably deliver the mail 6 days a week at a reasonable price. Congress has given them the tools to do it, now they just need to get the job done.\u201d\n\nThe Ensuring Accurate Postal Rates Act directs the Postal Regulatory Commission to reexamine the rate-setting system it established in 2020. The new system allowed the United States Postal Service (USPS) to adjust rates to account for inflation, declining mail volume, and rising retiree costs. Historically, USPS has only raised rates with inflation. These changes were meant to shore up the Postal Service as the agency faced financial difficulties.\n\nHowever, Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Actearlier this year, which lifted the longstanding requirement that the United States Postal Service prefund retiree benefits. That change, along with a recent rise in package volumes, led the USPS to announce a $59.7 billion net profit in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022.\n\nIn light of these recent developments, it is clear the USPS needs to re-evaluate the way the agency considers and implements postage increases\u2014particularly when millions of Americans are struggling to deal with the rising costs of inflation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-united-states-must-deny-entrance-russian-foreign-minister-and", "Wagner: United States Must Deny Entrance to Russian Foreign Minister and Other Top Russian Officials", "2022-09-01", "2022", "2022-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Financial Services Committee, today called on the Secretary of State Antony Blinken to deny any top Russian officials entrance to the United States amid reports Russia is trying to secure a visa to attend the U.N General Assembly in New York in September.\n\nVice Ranking Member Wagner said: \u201cVladimir Putin and Russian forces continue their unconscionable assault on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion began six months ago, over 5 million civilians have been forced to flee their homes and thousands have lost their lives, including countless innocent women and children.\n\n\u201cThe Russian Federation has forfeited its right to be treated as a responsible member of the international community. Its ongoing participation in international forums threatens to delegitimize these organizations, whose express purpose is to safeguard global security and enforce peaceful relations between states.We must continue to punish Putin and Russia for the brutality of their invasion and the potential war crimes they are committing, and I urge you to deny any Russian official entry to the United States.\u201d\n\nVice Ranking Member Wagner further said regarding her legislation to ensure Russia is held accountable for this unprovoked war: \u201cAs Vice Ranking Member of both the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been working to expose the horrors of this unjustified war and to properly punish Russian officials. My legislation, H.R. 6891, Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022, requires the Department of Treasury and other financial agencies to take the necessary steps to exclude Russian government officials from key international financial meetings. This important bill overwhelmingly passed the United States House of Representatives in May 2022, and then again in July as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023. The House has made a strong statement that the United States must hold Russia accountable for their actions and isolate Russian officials from the world stage.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:08:33Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-opens-application-process-service-academy-nominations-0", "Graves Opens Application Process for Service Academy Nominations", "2022-08-29", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced that he is currently accepting applications from North Missouri students interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s service academies are some of the most selective and prestigious institutions in the world,\u201d said Graves. \u201cEach year I have the distinct honor of nominating several outstanding young men and women from North Missouri to attend the service academies. It\u2019s a tough and competitive process, but I encourage every student who is interested in attending one of these incredible service academies to apply.\u201d\n\nIndividuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination can do so by contacting Congressman Graves\u2019 Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 after opening an application with their desired service academy. To be eligible to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy, you must:\n\n\u00b7 Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday. (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy).\n\n\u00b7 Be a U.S. Citizen, and a permanent resident of Missouri.\n\n\u00b7 Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.\n\n\u00b7 Meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy\n\n\u00b7 Be of good moral character\n\n\u00b7 Have a valid Social Security Number\n\nThe deadline for applications for the nomination process is 5:00 pm, October 14th, 2022.\n\nThe U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Naval Academy all have extremely high admission standards and the nomination process is very competitive. Applicants are evaluated and interviewed by the Academy Nomination Review Board comprised of service academy graduates and citizens of Missouri\u2019s 6th Congressional District before final recommendations are made to Congressman Graves.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-one-year-anniversary-kabul-bombing", "Wagner Statement on One Year Anniversary of Kabul Bombing", "2022-08-26", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs, released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan that took the lives of 13 American servicemembers:\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, a devastating terror attack in Kabul took the lives of 13 American servicemembers and over 170 Afghans in the wake of President Biden\u2019s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan. Tragically, Wentzville\u2019s own Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz lost his life that day while bravely serving his nation. His legacy will live on as we remember his bravery and his patriotism.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-and-cleaver-introduce-resolution-honoring-fallen-north-kansas-city", "Graves and Cleaver Introduce Resolution Honoring Fallen North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez", "2022-08-17", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05) introduced a resolution honoring the life of fallen North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez and expressing condolences to his family.\n\n\u201cOfficer Vasquez made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our community,\u201d Graves said. \u201cWe should never forget that and we should honor his lasting legacy of selfless service and dedication to making the greater Kansas City region a better, safer place to work, live, and raise a family. I pray that his family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues can find peace in the face of this unspeakable loss to our community.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe entirety of North Kansas City experienced a devastating loss with the passing of Officer Daniel Vasquez, who dedicated his career, and selflessly gave his life, protecting our communities,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cWhile we can never repay the debt owed to Officer Vasquez and his family, it\u2019s important that we honor his legacy and ensure his memory lives on as a shining example of what it means to be an exemplary public servant\u2013and the risks that law enforcement face every single day as they make our communities a safer place. As Congressman Graves and I introduce this resolution to recognize the life of Officer Vasquez, my prayers remain with his family, friends, and colleagues as they continue to grieve such a monumental loss.\u201d\n\nYou can read the full text of the resolution honoring Officer Vasquez here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-against-reckless-democrat-spending-bill", "Wagner Votes Against Reckless Democrat Spending Bill", "2022-08-12", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the reckless Democrat spending bill:\n\n\u201cThe record increases in the cost of living facing all Missouri families can be directly traced to the policies advanced by Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. Instead of working to help families afford their everyday necessities and ease the economic pain, Democrats are ramming through a tax increase at a perilous time. This radical, far-left spending bill is just going to make life more unaffordable and increase inflation, at a time when people can\u2019t afford the gas and groceries they need to get to work and feed their families.\n\n\u201cWhen Americans families are struggling, the last thing they need is the federal government imposing higher taxes, increasing energy prices, and targeting hard working folks with IRS audits. The facts are clear: this is a partisan, special interest driven bill that will fund nearly 90,000 IRS agents who will target the middle class with impunity. This legislation will tax American energy, leading directly to higher energy costs for consumers and more pain at the pump. Tax increases like this are unconscionable as working families are already paying higher utility and gas prices in the middle of an economic crisis. Over $300 billion goes to Green New Deal initiatives like climate justice, tree planting, and even an EPA slush fund. As businesses attempt to recover from the pandemic and rebuild during this recession, Democrats want to force through a $200 billion \u201cMade in America\u201d tax that will severely overburden American businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-raise-grant-south-main-street-corridor-project-maryville", "Graves Announces RAISE Grant for South Main Street Corridor Project in Maryville", "2022-08-09", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the South Main Street Corridor Project in Maryville has received a RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant.\n\nThe $5.925 million grant will go towards funding Phase II of the project.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see this project receive additional funding,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThis corridor is going to be beautiful and will greatly enhance safety and ease of travel through Maryville. Congratulations to all who put in the effort to get this grant. I\u2019ve enjoyed seeing the progress so far and can\u2019t wait to see South Main street completed.\n\nThe RAISE Grant program was previously called the BUILD Grant program before being renamed. Graves secured a $10.4 million BUILD grant in 2018 for Phase I of the project, which is currently under construction.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-raise-grant-us-highway-69-safe-streets-and-sidewalks-project", "Graves Announces RAISE Grant for US Highway 69 Safe Streets and Sidewalks Project in Excelsior Springs", "2022-08-09", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the US Highway 69 Safe Streets and Sidewalks Project in Excelsior Springs has received a RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant.\n\nThe $21.5 million grant will go towards funding rebuilding approximately 2 miles of streets with curb, gutter, storm drainage, and sidewalks, improvements to 9 intersections, adding approximately 2.3 miles of sidewalks, and approximately 2.5 miles of trail along US-69 to allow students to safely walk and bike to school and increase traffic safety for pedestrians and motorists.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see this project receive funding,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThese improvements are going to greatly enhance safety, both motorists and students walking and biking to school in Excelsior Springs. Congratulations to all who put in the effort to get this grant. I know this project has been a long time coming and can\u2019t wait to see these improvements completed.\n\nGraves also announced today that the City of Maryville has received a $5.925 million RAISE grant for the South Main Street Corridor Project.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-raid-former-president-trumps-home", "Wagner Statement on Raid of Former President Trump's Home", "2022-08-09", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the unprecedented raid of former President Trump's home:\n\n\"At a time when American faith in government institutions and the media is at an all-time low, the unprecedented raid of former President Donald Trump\u2019s home by the FBI is truly shocking and furthers our nation\u2019s mistrust of government at all levels.\n\n\"For the American legal system to work and truly live up to the standard that justice should be blind, the application of criminal statutes should not be used selectively against political opponents. The Department of Justice lost credibility in the eyes of many Americans over the past decade, on multiple levels, and they need to be held accountable for their politically motivated actions.\n\n\"Distrust breeds resentment and anger in our communities when there is no transparency and no accountability for such unprecedented actions. FBI Director Wray and Attorney General Garland need to immediately explain to the American people, and to Congress, why this search and seizure was necessary. Anything less than full and complete transparency on their part will further divide our nation and is a miscarriage of justice.\n\n\"If Democrat leaders in Congress won\u2019t lead an investigation into this unprecedented FBI raid, I am confident that Republican leadership will conduct strong and appropriate oversight.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-blunt-missouri-delegation-backs-request-major-disaster", "Wagner, Blunt, Missouri Delegation Backs Request for Major Disaster Declaration", "2022-08-05", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) joined the entire Missouri delegation - Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Representatives Cori Bush (MO-01), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Emanuel Cleaver, II. (MO-05), Sam Graves (MO-06), Billy Long (MO-07) and Jason Smith (MO-08) - in a letter to President Joseph R. Biden in support of Missouri Governor Mike Parson\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the City of St. Louis, as well as St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties in Missouri impacted by severe weather and flash flooding. Last week, St. Louis and Eastern Missouri experienced the highest rainfall in recorded history in 24 hours, causing flash flooding leading to hundreds of home evacuations, reports of submerged vehicles and, tragically, two deaths. A Major Disaster Declaration from the Biden administration would unlock much-needed federal resources, such as debris removal, infrastructure and home repairs, rental assistance, and small business disaster loans. Specifically, Governor Parson is requesting Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation.\n\n\u201cWe respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate federal support needed to respond to the disaster,\u201d wrote the Missouri lawmakers. \u201cAlong with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your attention to this request and stand by ready to assist in any way possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-disaster-recovery-legislation-prompts-change-fema-ensure-communities", "Graves Disaster Recovery Legislation Prompts Change at FEMA to Ensure Communities Can Recover Faster", "2022-08-04", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 A bipartisan bill by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06) to expedite disaster recovery projects across the Nation, particularly in small and rural areas, has prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update what it considers to be a \u201csmall project\u201d for communities seeking disaster assistance.\n\nThe Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster (SPEED) Recovery Act (H.R. 5641), which overwhelmingly passed the House in April by a vote of 414 to 11, updates the threshold for what FEMA deems a \u201csmall project\u201d in providing assistance. Small projects do not face the same administrative burdens and paperwork required for larger, more complex projects. Communities can move forward with small projects in a much more expedited manner.\n\nYesterday, FEMA announced that it was updating the small project threshold to $1 million, in accordance with the SPEED Recovery Act.\n\n\u201cI am pleased FEMA has taken this action that was laid out in the SPEED Recovery Act. Updating what qualifies as a \u2018small project\u2019 will help significantly reduce the red tape many communities have to deal with to secure disaster assistance. This is especially helpful for small and rural communities that simply do not have the same types of resources as large and urban areas to navigate the bureaucracy,\u201d said Graves. \u201cHowever, this much-needed change will not be permanent unless the SPEED Recovery Act is signed into law. The House passed the SPEED Recovery Act overwhelmingly earlier this year, and just yesterday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs also approved the bill. Sending this disaster recovery bill to the President\u2019s desk ensures the updates will be made permanent and not subject to any changes in administration.\u201d\n\nBackground Information\n\nHistorically, the number of disaster projects that qualified as small projects with simplified procedures accounted for 95% of such projects. However, because the threshold for a \u201csmall project\u201d has not kept pace with inflation and modern construction costs, a much larger percentage of projects (nearly 25% of all recovery projects) now fall outside of the scope of a \u201csmall project.\u201d This has added unnecessary paperwork and burdens for both communities and FEMA\n\nThe SPEED Recovery Act will give communities more control in the rebuilding process for smaller projects, and it will once again ensure that approximately 95% of projects qualify as \u201csmall projects.\u201d Notably, while \u201csmall projects\u201d constitute a large percentage of total projects, they only represent about 10% of federal disaster funding costs, and the bill\u2019s proposed adjustment represents minimal risk to the taxpayer. FEMA will then be able to focus more of its staff and time on addressing larger, more complex projects.\n\nClick here to read the SPEED Recovery Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-ann-wagner-tragic-passing-jackie-walorski", "Congresswoman Ann Wagner on the Tragic Passing of Jackie Walorski", "2022-08-03", "2022", "2022-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the tragic death of her friend Congresswoman Jackie Walorski:\n\n\"Jackie was my closest friend and trusted confidant. Her husband Dean was a source of her strength, and she was blessed to have his support and boundless love as he stood by her. Jackie was a no nonsense, get it done woman with whom I shared countless late-night laughs and stories. She was a woman of great integrity who loved her team as deeply as they loved her. Her work ethic and passion for service was unequaled, and the people of Indiana, along with everyone who was lucky enough to know her, have lost an incredible woman and public servant.\n\n\"Jackie and I shared a deep and abiding friendship and words will never be able to do justice to this heartbreaking loss. I will miss her always. We spoke every day, and often finished each other's sentences. I am grateful to have spent such meaningful time with her. We are all praying deeply for her husband Dean, her dear dear mother and entire family, along with Zach and Emma, her two young staffers who also lost their lives today.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:59:24Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-deter-destabilizing-actions-bosnia-and-herzegovina", "Wagner Legislation to Deter Destabilizing Actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee", "2022-07-29", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after her Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee:\n\n\u201cI represent the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my constituents are deeply worried about the crisis back home. Cynical ethno-nationalist politicians are seeking to exploit upcoming general elections to deepen divisions, while Dodik escalates his reckless and illegal secessionist agenda with the backing of the Putin regime. The United States desperately needs a strong, usable economic stick to navigate an extremely volatile situation over the next few months. But the time to act is now.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-chips-production-good-not-when-it-makes-bidens-recession-worse", "Wagner: Chips production is good, but not when it makes Biden\u2019s recession worse", "2022-07-28", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement on the Chips package:\n\n\u201cIt was confirmed this morning that Joe Biden and his tax and spend policies have thrown the US into a recession, costing Missouri families more at the pump and the grocery store. It is utterly shocking that, during an economic crisis, Democrats insist on spending over a quarter trillion more of your taxpayer dollars. This legislation will not effectively address China\u2019s attempts to control the semiconductor industry, and in fact, contains insufficient guardrails to prevent funds from supporting the expansion of manufacturing in China. The semiconductor industry is vital to both our national security and our day to day lives, and when Republicans have the majority in Congress, we will make it a priority to address China\u2019s malign global influence and support American semiconductor manufacturing in a much more targeted and cost-effective manner.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-raises-concerns-biden-administration-diverting-fema-disaster-resources", "Graves Raises Concerns that Biden Administration is Diverting FEMA Disaster Resources to Assist Illegal Immigrants", "2022-07-27", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican leader Sam Graves (R-MO) today raised questions about the diversion of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources, workforce, and expertise to deal with illegal immigration and the Biden Administration\u2019s crisis at the southern border.\n\nIn a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Graves noted his concerns that \u201cFEMA \u2013 the Federal government\u2019s lead emergency management agency \u2013 is being tasked to support functions outside its core mission while the Nation is also dealing with a record number of disasters.\u201d\n\nGraves noted that the Homeland Security Act prohibits the diversion of FEMA assets, functions, or mission for the continuing use of any other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) organization unless such assignments do not reduce the capability of FEMA to perform its missions.\n\nIn particular, Graves highlighted the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), which FEMA oversees to provide grants to individuals and families experiencing hunger and homelessness. Graves stated, \u201cI am concerned that a program established to help people experiencing hunger and homelessness is being used instead to support the border crisis\u2026. There have been recent reports of some of these shelters and nonprofits being overwhelmed with migrants, raising the question of how this new mandate impacts our investments in addressing homelessness at home.\u201d\n\nGraves added, \u201cI am concerned that the Administration\u2019s policies are creating the impression that entering the United States illegally is a risk worth taking. Lax border policies encourage migrant crossings that have a drastic humanitarian cost. FEMA will likely be one of the agencies to bear the brunt of that cost, impacting FEMA\u2019s limited resources and core missions.\u201d\n\nGraves asked FEMA Administrator Criswell to answer a number of questions and provide detailed information about the role of FEMA at the border and generally within the space of immigration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-legislation-strengthen-credit-rating-company-oversight-passes", "Wagner Legislation To Strengthen Credit Rating Company Oversight Passes House", "2022-07-26", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after her Risk-Based Credit Examination Act passed the United States House of Representatives:\n\n\u201cThe Risk-Based Credit Examination Act will help consumers at an incredibly volatile economic time and will reduce the costly burdens placed on smaller credit rating agencies by Dodd-Frank. I am proud to report my legislation passed the House today, and now we look to the Senate to take immediate action so a more competitive marketplace can flourish under a more efficient and effective set of financial regulations.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-wild-introduce-bill-deter-destabilizing-actions-bosnia-and", "Wagner, Wild Introduce Bill to Deter Destabilizing Actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina", "2022-07-25", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA) released the following statement after they introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act. This legislation will send a clear deterrent signal before Bosnia\u2019s October elections.\n\nRep. Wagner: \u201cThe destabilizing and anti-democratic behavior of some officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Russia\u2019s destructive influence threaten to undermine the legacy of U.S. leadership in brokering the Dayton Peace Agreement and supporting the country\u2019s stability. By mandating sanctions to address the political crisis and corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this bill makes clear to internal and external bad actors that they will be held accountable for threatening peace and stability in the country. We have a strong Bosnian community in St. Louis, and, following conversations with local advocates, I know how vital it is we use our sanctions authority to prevent Bosnia from being seriously destabilized. Ahead of the October elections, this message could not be more critical.\u201d\n\nRep. Wild: \u201cIt is crucial that the United States support the efforts of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect their hard-won peace and build a unified, stronger, and more representative democracy. Among other critical provisions, this bill calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which require an end to the ethnic and religious requirements on holding high-ranking political office\u2014requirements that have unacceptably disenfranchised far too many members of the population. This bill\u2019s constructive approach can help bring about greater opportunity, inclusion, and stability throughout the region, now and for generations to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagners-gateway-solidarity-act-passes-house", "Wagner\u2019s Gateway Solidarity Act Passes House", "2022-07-19", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed the Gateway Solidarity Act, her legislation to authorize the National Park Service to light up the Arch with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin and the Russian Federation continue their unconscionable assault on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion began, over 5 million civilians have been forced from their homes and thousands have lost their lives, including countless innocent women and children. We have heard numerous stories illustrating the brutality of this invasion and the potential war crimes being committed by the Putin regime. In response to this horrific assault, landmarks across the globe have been lit up in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-calls-biden-waive-fertilizer-tariffs", "Graves Calls on Biden to Waive Fertilizer Tariffs", "2022-07-14", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), and 29 colleagues in calling on President Biden to invoke his authority to waive duties imposed by the Biden Administration on phosphate fertilizer products from Morocco and suspend the process to impose new duties on urea ammonium nitrate imports from Trinidad and Tobago.\n\n\u201cAmerican farmers are taking a beating with sky high fertilizer, fuel, and input costs,\u201d Graves said. \u201cWe don\u2019t need new taxes that are only going to make the fertilizer we need to feed the world even more expensive. The President just used this same authority to waive tariffs on solar panel imports from Vietnam. It\u2019s time he used it to stand up for farmers.\u201d\n\nOn June 6, 2022, President Biden issued a Proclamation, \u201cDeclaration of Emergency and Authorization for Temporary Extensions of Time and Duty-Free Importation of Solar Cells and Modules from Southeast Asia,\u201d waiving duties placed on solar cell imports from the Kingdom of Cambodia, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.\n\nThis spring, Congressman Graves highlighted how supply chain issues and skyrocketing fertilizer costs were hurting farmers. Recent actions by the Biden Administration to impose new tariffs on fertilizer problems promise to make these challenges even more difficult for next year\u2019s crop.\n\nImage\n\nCongressman Graves also joined his colleagues in repeatedly calling on the Biden Administration to not impose these harmful tariffs on fertilizer products in March and June.\n\nYou can read the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-endorses-wagner-bill-hold-russia-accountable-war-ukraine", "House Endorses Wagner Bill to Hold Russia Accountable for War in Ukraine", "2022-07-14", "2022", "2022-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that will strengthen our national security and fully support the members of our military who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. My Isolate Russian Government Officials Act, legislation that excludes Russian Government Officials from major financial and intergovernmental forums, as well as my legislation to honor Ulysses S. Grant, were approved in the final package. I also fought to include eight Super Hornet planes made here in St. Louis that will support thousands of local jobs. This NDAA also has my bipartisan and bicameral DEFEND Act, legislation that will help combat Iranian aggression and support our allies in the Middle East with an integrated air and missile defense system.\u201d\n\nWagner Provisions Included\n\nDEFEND Act\n\nUlysses S. Grant Bicentennial Recognition Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:49:02Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-house-ag-committee-republican-leader-thompson-hold-wotus-roundtable", "Graves, House Ag Committee Republican Leader Thompson Hold WOTUS Roundtable in Platte County", "2022-06-30", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader Sam Graves (MO-06) joined the Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15) and Missouri Farm Bureau for a roundtable with local farmers on the Biden Administration\u2019s proposed \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) rule at the Richardson Family Farm near Camden Point, Missouri.\n\n\u201cThese attempts to redefine navigable waters of the United States to include practically every dry ditch and puddle in this country have gone on for far too long,\u201d Graves said. \u201cFarmers, ranchers, and landowners need a clear definition that protects our water resources and private property rights. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is trying to drag us back to an Obama-era definition that would require farmers to get a permission slip from the government every time we want to do anything with our land. It\u2019s wrong and we\u2019re going to do everything we can to stop this continued overreach.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe looming threat to redefine Waters of the United States plunges farmers, ranchers, and landowners back into a red tape nightmare,\u201d said Thompson. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Republican Leader Graves for the invitation to hear directly from farmers in his district about the devastating impact this would have. Every voice matters in fighting back against President Biden\u2019s harmful regulatory regime.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nGraves and Thompson, along with 199 of their colleagues, sent an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to limit the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d under the Clean Water Act while considering the case Sackett v. EPA this fall. You can view a comprehensive list of all the actions Congressman Graves has taken to push back on the Biden Administration\u2019s attempted WOTUS overreach as Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:13:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-fatal-amtrak-accident", "Graves Statement on Fatal Amtrak Accident", "2022-06-27", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves, Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement after today\u2019s fatal Amtrak train derailment in Chariton County near Mendon, Missouri.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m deeply saddened to learn of the lives lost and the injuries sustained by those who were involved in the train accident today in Chariton County. I\u2019m thankful for the emergency personnel and first responders from across the state who quickly responded to the accident and my heart goes out to all those affected by this horrible tragedy.\n\n\u201cI am in close contact with the National Transportation Safety Board, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration. My staff and I are available to assist those affected in any way possible.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:13:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-votes-against-senate-gun-control-bill", "Graves Votes Against Senate Gun Control Bill", "2022-06-24", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) released the following statement after voting against S.2938, the Senate\u2019s gun control bill.\n\n\u201cI swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. I don\u2019t support unconstitutional \u2018red flag\u2019 laws. The federal government shouldn\u2019t be paying states to infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans. We can\u2014and must\u2014secure our schools without trampling all over the Second Amendment.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Congressman Graves introduced the Secure Every School and Protect Our Nation\u2019s Children Actto increase resources for school security and mental health without infringing on our Second Amendment rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-ann-wagner-supreme-courts-decision-overturn-roe-v-wade", "Congresswoman Ann Wagner on the Supreme Court\u2019s Decision to Overturn Roe V Wade", "2022-06-24", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, today spoke at a press conference on the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to overturn Roe v Wade and return the decision to the people and their elected state representatives.\n\nYou can find her full remarks at the House Republican press conference here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:13:54Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-slams-biden-administration-effort-force-layoffs-lake-city-army", "Graves Slams Biden Administration Effort to Force Layoffs  at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant", "2022-06-20", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), along with 48 of their House Republican colleagues, led the call urging President Biden to immediately end consideration of banning commercial production of certain types of 5.56mm ammunition at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. If pursued, this decision will result in the immediate termination of up to 500 highly skilled employees and undermine the facility\u2019s ability to hire and retain the skilled workforce needed to carry out the contract with the Department of Defense.\n\nFor years, the U.S. Army has allowed the operating contractor of the Government-Owned, Contractor Operated Lake City Army Ammunition Plant to produce 5.56mm ammunition for commercial sales that exceeds U.S. Military needs. Having the ability to produce this product for commercial sale allows the contractor to maintain capacity and keep the facility at a high state of readiness, at no cost to the government. This ensures the Army is ready to ramp up production in the event of a national emergency. Lake City currently produces a significant portion of this type of 5.56mm ammunition for the commercial market.\n\n\u201cThis is the second time President Biden has tried to force devastating layoffs at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in the last two years,\u201d said Graves. \u201cThis underhanded attack on the highly skilled union workers of Lake City is disgraceful, it threatens to severely degrade our ability to produce ammunition for our military, and it undermines the right of law-abiding Americans to fully exercise their Second Amendment rights. This has to stop.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a backdoor attempt by President Biden to bypass Congress and ban legal and highly popular commercial ammunition used by law-abiding Americans across the country,\u201d Hartzler said. \u201cThe Biden administration has made their priorities clear: dismantle the Second Amendment, compromise military readiness, and push inflation to new heights. It\u2019s time for the Biden Administration to stop its attack on our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the members state:\n\n\u201cSeverely limiting the commercially available 5.56mm ammunition, which is most popularly used in modern sporting rifles (MSRs), is effectively a politically sanctioned semi-automatic rifle ban. This blatantly infringes on the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution by limiting law-abiding gun owners\u2019 ability to legally purchase or use lawful semi-automatic rifles.\u201d\n\nRead the letter in its entirety here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-winners-2022-6th-congressional-district-art-competition", "Graves Announces Winners of 2022 6th Congressional District Art Competition", "2022-06-15", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Kansas City, MO \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced the winners of the annual 6th Congressional District Art Competition.\n\nThe following works were selected for awards:\n\n1st Place: Maegan Ericksen, Underwater Scape, Liberty HS\n\n2nd Place: Sam Brusven, The Complex, Liberty HS\n\n3rd Place: Addison Brooks, Fire Portrait, Platte County HS\n\n\u201cNorth Missouri is full of talented young artists. Once again, they\u2019ve created some impressive artwork and I\u2019m happy that we can showcase it,\u201d Graves said.\n\n\u201cThanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to our winners.\u201d\n\nHigh school students from across North Missouri submitted artwork for this years\u2019 competition. The artwork was judged by Northwest Missouri State University\u2019s Art Department. The first place artwork will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel in the US Capitol complex. 2nd and 3rd place artwork will be displayed in Graves\u2019 Kansas City District Office.\n\nPHOTOS:\n\nFirst Place: Underwater Scape byMaegan Ericksen, Liberty High School\n\nImage\n\nSecond Place: The Complex by Sam Brusven, Liberty High School\n\nImage\n\nThird Place: Fire Portrait by Addison Brooks, Platte County High School\n\nImage\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-water-resources-development-act-2022", "House Approves the Water Resources Development Act of 2022", "2022-06-09", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Graves joined Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) in introducing H.R. 7776 last month.\n\nOfficial text of the legislation is available here.\n\nMore information on WRDA 2022 can be found here.\n\nCritically, the bill includes the following priorities for North Missourians:\n\nInterception-Rearing Complexes (IRCs)\n\nWRDA 2022 places strict limitations on the construction of new IRCs on the Missouri river and ensures the Corps of Engineers takes immediate action to address any negative impacts on navigation, flood control, or bank erosion caused by the construction of IRCs. Additionally, the bill requires all mitigation lands along the Missouri River acquired with federal funds to be counted towards the Bank Stabilization and Navigation Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Projects goal of 166,000 acres. Currently, only lands acquired or mitigated with Corps of Engineers BSNP Mitigation funds can be counted. Land mitigated with funding from other federal agencies is not counted.\n\nLevee Maintenance\n\nIn 2014, the Corps of Engineers placed new video inspection requirements on local levee districts. This new requirement left levee districts staring down massive bills to perform the required inspections to stay in the PL 84-99 program. In some cases, local levee districts don\u2019t even have the legal authority to raise local taxes enough to fund these inspections. WRDA 2022 reverses this unfunded mandate and requires the Corps to work with levee districts to get these inspections done and ensure districts remain in compliance.\n\nBank Erosion\n\nThis legislation creates a new demonstration program to address bank erosion impacting levee districts and private landowners on the Lower Missouri River based on prior efforts on the Upper Missouri River.\n\nProjects in North Missouri", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-abraham-accords-caucus-introduce-bill-unite-middle-east-partners", "Wagner, Abraham Accords Caucus Introduce Bill to Unite Middle East Partners Against Iranian Aggression", "2022-06-09", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and members of the Abraham Accords Caucus in the House and Senate today introduced legislation to unite Middle East partners as global threats from Iran and Iranian backed-extremists continue to rise. The bipartisan, bicameral Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act is a joint effort by Congress to develop a strategy for Abraham Accords and other countries to combat Iranian aggression threatening peace and security in the Middle East.\n\nThe DEFEND Act authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Defense to cooperate with allies and partners in the Middle East\u2013including those who signed the Abraham Accords\u2013to develop and implement an integrated air and missile defense architecture to defend against Iranian threats. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to issue a report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a fund for an integrated defense system to counter threats\u2013including cruise and ballistic missiles, manned and unmanned aerial systems, and rocket attacks\u2013as well as support defense efforts in the region and protect global security.\n\n\u201cI have always said that the Abraham Accords would transform Middle Eastern security, at last enabling responsible states to work together to keep each other safe from Iran\u2019s destabilizing and violent agenda. I am hopeful we are witnessing the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity in the Middle East,\u201d said Wagner. \u201cTo further these accomplishments and safeguard that peace and prosperity, I am proud to support the DEFEND Act, legislation that will ensure the United States leads our Middle Eastern allies and partners in the creation of an integrated air and missile defense capability to deter an aggressive and erratic Iran.\u201d\n\nWagner was joined in introducing the DEFEND Act in the House by fellow Abraham Accords Caucus members, including Representatives David Trone (MD-06), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20).\n\n\u201cIran has proven time and time again that they will stop at nothing to threaten the safety and security of Israel and our allies in the Middle East working together to achieve peace in the region,\u201d said Rodgers. \u201cThat progress towards a more hopeful future cannot continue unless the United States takes a stand against Iran\u2019s escalating acts of aggression. The DEFEND Act sends a clear message that our country is prepared to do what it takes to help our allies protect themselves, save lives, and preserve the peace we\u2019ve worked so hard to achieve.\u201d\n\n\u201cNow, more than ever, Iran poses a threat to security and stability in the Middle East. History makes clear that we must work together to ensure the continued safety and peace in the region,\u201d said Trone. \u201cThe DEFEND Act symbolizes the spirit of collaboration fostered by the Abraham Accords and signifies a critical measure that would help countries defend against Iranian threats. I urge my colleagues to support the protection of innocent lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cIran is on the one yard line in their pursuit of a nuclear weapon, and is threatening our allies in the region in numerous other ways. Strengthening our allies by building unity and enhancing shared security capabilities is critical to confronting Iranian threats to the region,\u201d said Schneider. \u201cUS leadership, in developing integrated air and missile defense, would provide essential security, stability, and a unified defense to the region. The DEFEND Act is a prime example of the important, bipartisan, bicameral work that Congress must prioritize in our pursuit of regional peace and stability,\u201d\n\n\u201cThe security of our partners in the Middle East is important for U.S. national security and is imperative in the wake of an increasingly violent Iranian regime,\u201d said Bacon. \u201cAn integrated air and missile defense system is key to combating attacks from Iran and its proxies and improving regional stability. Air defense is also a force multiplier. When our allies and partners can defend themselves, it offers relief to U.S. forces.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven as we continue to negotiate with Iran, Iranian aggression against our partners in the Middle East continues with missile and advanced drone attacks,\u201d said Panetta. \u201cThat is why I\u2019m proud to join my bipartisan and bicameral colleagues in introducing the DEFEND Act. This legislation would provide an integrated air and missile defense system to not only secure the skies in the Middle East, but also support and protect our partners and their partnership in their efforts for peace.\u201d\n\nThe DEFEND Act was also introduced by members of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, including Senators Jon Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation received the endorsement of the following organizations:\n\nAmerican Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)\n\n\u201cThe DEFEND Act advances the opportunities established by the Abraham Accords, and it underscores the essential role of Congress in supporting a new future for the Middle East. By directing a strategic approach to cooperative missile defense and counter-UAV coordination, this legislation strengthens the US-Israel partnership as it enhances regional cooperation against common security threats.\u201d\n\nAmerican Jewish Committee (AJC)\n\n\u201cThe Abraham Accords opened new lines of collaboration, allowing governments new resources and new allies to address regional challenges\u2014from Iran\u2019s aggression and nuclear ambitions to religious extremism, incitement, and political unrest. A U.S. strategy outlining potential cooperation on military acquisition, missile defense, and countering UAVs can give key allies and emerging partners the incentives and tools to address these challenges together.\u201d\n\nAmerican Jewish Congress\n\n\u201cThe DEFEND Act presents a needed vision for a new security architecture in the Middle East \u2013 one that proactively builds on the remarkable diplomatic developments that we have seen between Israel and Arab partners. By promoting the integration of defense capabilities among our Middle Eastern allies and partners, the United States can further encourage these stunning cooperative efforts. This bill contributes to our national security priorities, safeguards Israel, and defends our crucial allies in the region. More importantly, it combats the rising military threat posed by Iran, at its source.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for the leadership of Sens. Ernst, Rosen, Booker, Lankford, and Reps. McMorris Rodgers, Schneider, Bacon, Panetta, Trone, and Wagner who are working to make this legislation a reality. Moreover, we urge all of Congress to give the DEFEND Act the swift, fair, and necessary passage it deserves.\u201d\n\nChristians United For Israel (CUFI) Action Fund\n\n\u201cIran is the central threat to not only Israel, but to all countries in the region who oppose the malign goals of Tehran\u2019s radical regime. Taking necessary steps towards a regional missile defense plan is critical to countering Iran and is yet another blow against those who oppose normalization with Israel.\u201d\n\nFDD Action\n\n\u201cFDD Action supports the policy goals included in the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act. The legislation will provide the U.S. and allies in the Middle East a coordinated strategy to counter-unmanned aircraft systems technologies. As part of the extension of the Abraham Accords, the U.S. should continue to initiate, develop and enhance military to military relationships between the U.S, Israel and other U.S. allies and partners in the region. Integrated defense against the threat of unmanned aircraft systems should be jointly pursued and this legislation would begin to establish that as U.S. policy.\u201d\n\nHadassah, The Women\u2019s Zionist Organization of America\n\n\u201cU.S. support for Israel\u2019s defense is critical for building peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Hadassah applauds Senators Ernst, Rosen, Lankford, and Booker and Representatives Trone, Wagner, Bacon, Panetta, McMorris, and Schneider for introducing the DEFEND Act, which will strengthen cooperative defense across strategic allies in the Middle East to protect Israel and its neighbors against growing threats from Iran and its proxies.\u201d\n\nJewish Federations of North America (JFNA)\n\n\u201cThe Abraham Accords are the most significant advancement towards peace between the nations of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf in decades, and deserve the United States\u2019 strongest possible support. The Jewish Federations of North America are deeply appreciative of the Congressional Abraham Accords Caucus\u2019s bipartisan leadership and strongly support its effort to expand and fortify the meaningful relationships between Israel and her neighbors. We look forward to the valuable recommendations this legislation will produce to expand those relationships beyond the realm of economic cooperation and into both shared threats and U.S. strategic interests in the region.\u201d\n\nJewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA)\n\n\u201cThe United States has a fundamental interest in strengthening the Abraham Accords, one of the greatest developments in the Middle East in decades. As JINSA recommended earlier this year, one way this can be done is by increasing the capacity of America\u2019s most capable Middle East partners to work together to defend against shared threats in the air domain, especially the growing missile and drone threat posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies. We applaud the House and Senate Abraham Accords Caucuses for their leadership in introducing the DEFEND Act, which will be a major step in ensuring that the accords achieve their full potential.\u201d\n\nSenior Middle East scholars at the Atlantic Council\n\n\u201cThe Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act of 2022 represents a critical bipartisan initiative, spearheaded by the Senate and House Abraham Accords Caucuses, to foster and deepen regional cooperative missile and air defense coordination among key US allies and partners in the Middle East. The bill underscores the continued imperative for and prioritization of US engagement in the region, and moreover showcases the growing capacity of the normalization process to transform regional relations and security integration.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-introduces-school-security-bill-votes-against-gun-control-measures-4", "Graves Introduces School Security Bill, Votes Against Gun Control Measures", "2022-06-08", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves released the following statement after introducing STOP II: the Secure Every School and Protect Our Nation\u2019s Children Act and voting against gun control legislation.\n\n\u201cOur children deserve to be safe at school. But, the gun control measures presented today\u2014some of which have already been found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and federal district courts\u2014would do little to stop future tragedies while trampling on the rights of law-abiding citizens. We need to focus on real solutions, like giving our schools the tools they need to provide adequate protection to our students and teachers, enforcing the laws we already have on the books, supporting America\u2019s police officers and protecting the ability of law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce the Secure Every School and Protect our Nation\u2019s Children Act, which would direct more resources to improve mental health programs for students and secure our schools. We spend billions protecting politicians\u2014including the President. We should at least show the same dedication to protecting our children.\u201d\n\nCongressman Graves joined 24 of his colleagues in introducing the STOP II: the Secure Every School and Protect Our Nation\u2019s Children Act which would repurpose $7 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief to prevent and respond to a range of school safety threats and emergency situations through increased community policing, school resource officers, and a greater focus on mental health in schools. The legislation builds upon the bipartisan STOP School Violence Act signed into law in 2018.\n\nCongressman Graves voted against H.R. 7910 which bans 18 to 20-year-olds from purchasing certain semi-automatic rifles or shotguns. A similar restriction in California was recently ruled unconstitutional by a federal court. Additionally, the omnibus measure dictates how firearms are stored in private homes. Similar restrictions were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in DC v. Heller. It also bans the sale of firearm magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds and creates a buyback program for them. Decades of research show similar gun buyback programs haven\u2019t worked.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-calls-biden-administration-support-farmers-maintain-food-supply", "Wagner Calls on Biden Administration to Support Farmers, Maintain Food Supply Stability", "2022-06-08", "2022", "2022-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement after she joined her colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden Administration asking them to rescind a brief to the Supreme Court that could limit farmers\u2019 access to necessary materials as they work to grow food for our communities while addressing a skyrocketing inflation and a dire supply chain crisis.\n\nRep. Wagner said: \u201cThe Biden Administration\u2019s actions in this case could increase food costs at a time when Missouri families are hurting from rampant inflation. I will always fight to keep food costs and other necessities low, and I am proud to support a local business and protect Missouri farmers from a radical administration that continues to take reckless actions and make your life more difficult.\u201d\n\nThe Members said: \u201cNot only does this recommendation undermine consumer confidence in the EPA\u2019s scientific evaluations, but it could also limit farmers\u2019 access to an essential herbicide while the world is confronting the greatest hunger crisis in decades. Roundup allows farmers to implement no till practices to control runoff and soil erosion while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by lowering the number of required passes through a field. As worries of hunger spread, through domestic disruptions or export bans, America\u2019s farmers should not be hindered in their ability to feed the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:39:01Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-transportation-committee-approves-water-resources-development-act-2022", "House Transportation Committee Approves the Water Resources Development Act of 2022", "2022-05-18", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), a bipartisan bill that will improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other water resources infrastructure throughout the United States.\n\nCongress has regularly approved WRDA legislation every two years since 2014 to authorize water resources infrastructure projects carried out by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). With the Nation continuing to deal with the impacts of a supply chain crisis, there is an urgent need to move forward projects and policies that strengthen this vital component of the transportation network.\n\nThis year\u2019s WRDA, H.R. 7776, focuses on projects that are locally-driven but have regional and national benefits, rather than on significant national policy changes.\n\n\u201cEffective and reliable ports, inland waterways, and flood protection infrastructure helps keep our Nation\u2019s economy moving, and with our current supply chain crisis, supporting water infrastructure is more critical than ever,\u201d said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06). \u201cFlood protection in particular is something my district in Missouri relies on, and when the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are mismanaged, it not only damages navigation channels that are essential to our economy, it also threatens the people and property along the Rivers. It\u2019s critical to make sure the Corps does not lose focus of its navigation and flood control responsibilities, and this bill does just that. WRDA 2022 includes support for Missouri flood control projects, provides assistance for meeting levee inspection requirements, examines ways to get erosion under control on our rivers, and ensures the Corps will prioritize flood control and navigation for the benefit of Missourians and all Americans.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nGraves joined Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) in introducing H.R. 7776 earlier this week.\n\nMore information about WRDA 2022 and today\u2019s Committee consideration of the bill can be found here.\n\nCritically, the bill includes the following priorities for North Missourians:\n\nInterception-Rearing Complexes (IRCs)\n\nWRDA 2022 places strict limitations on the construction of new IRCs on the Missouri river and ensures the Corps of Engineers takes immediate action to address any negative impacts on navigation, flood control, or bank erosion caused by the construction of IRCs. Additionally, the bill requires all mitigation lands along the Missouri River acquired with federal funds to be counted towards the Bank Stabilization and Navigation Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Projects goal of 166,000 acres. Currently, only lands acquired or mitigated with Corps of Engineers BSNP Mitigation funds can be counted. Land mitigated with funding from other federal agencies is not counted.\n\nLevee Maintenance\n\nIn 2014, the Corps of Engineers placed new video inspection requirements on local levee districts. This new requirement left levee districts staring down massive bills to perform the required inspections to stay in the PL 84-99 program. In some cases, local levee districts don\u2019t even have the legal authority to raise local taxes enough to fund these inspections. WRDA 2022 reverses this unfunded mandate and requires the Corps to work with levee districts to get these inspections done and ensure districts remain in compliance.\n\nBank Erosion\n\nThis legislation creates a new demonstration program to address bank erosion impacting levee districts and private landowners on the Lower Missouri River based on prior efforts on the Upper Missouri River.\n\nProjects in North Missouri\n\nThe bill also creates the Northern Missouri Environmental Assistance Project, which will help fund $50 million worth of sewer and stormwater projects in St. Joseph, Hannibal, Camden Point, Excelsior Springs, and Smithville, Missouri.\n\nOfficial text of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-suburban-caucus-announce-legislative-platform", "Wagner, Suburban Caucus Announce Legislative Platform", "2022-05-18", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, and Task Force Chairs Representatives French Hill (R-AR), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) today announced the Suburban Caucus Legislative Platform. The Suburban Caucus's mission is to formulate a federal policy agenda that positively affects the everyday lives of suburban America.\n\nThe Members said: \u201cInflation is at its highest level in 40 years, and skyrocketing prices are wreaking financial havoc on hard working American families. The price of groceries, gas, prescriptions, and childcare make every day living a struggle for many Americans. School systems across the country have been in the news for their inability to reopen, burdensome mask mandates and questionable curriculum. Law enforcement officials are vilified, and no justice comes to criminals who openly smash and grab from small businesses. The murder rate is at a 25-year high, and for the first time, we lost 100,000 Americans to overdoses in just one year. All these things threaten our way of life and the future for the next generation. As Members of Congress who represent suburban communities, we advocate for common-sense policies that positively impact the quality of life while limiting government overreach and excessive spending. Our constituents want what Americans have wanted for decades: good opportunities for their children, accessible and affordable healthcare, financial security, and stable and safe communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-committee-leaders-introduce-bipartisan-water-resources-development-act", "Graves, Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022", "2022-05-17", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Republican Leader of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sam Graves (R-MO), Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Water Resources and Environment Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) and Subcommittee Chair Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA).\n\n\u201cWRDA projects provide benefits to our communities throughout the country and to the entire U.S. economy,\u201d said Graves. \u201cBy improving navigation through our ports and inland waterways, strengthening flood control and river management practices, and addressing other water resources infrastructure, WRDA is vital to American families, businesses, and farms everywhere. This commonsense bill takes a big step forward in making flood control and navigation the top priorities in managing our rivers. It places strict limits on the supersized science experiments on the Missouri River, gives local levee districts along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers more tools to protect our communities from future floods, and makes new headway in addressing longstanding bank erosion issues on the Lower Missouri River. It\u2019s a great example of how Republicans and Democrats can still work together on bipartisan legislation that truly puts Americans first.\u201d\n\nSince 2014, Congress has passed a bipartisan Water Resources Development Act every 2 years. The legislation authorizes projects and governs the management of our nation\u2019s waterways and water resources. Critically, the bill includes the following priorities for North Missourians:\n\nInterception-Rearing Complexes (IRCs)\n\nWRDA 2022 places strict limitations on the construction of new IRCs on the Missouri river and ensures the Corps of Engineers takes immediate action to address any negative impacts on navigation, flood control, or bank erosion caused by the construction of IRCs. Additionally, the bill requires all mitigation lands along the Missouri River acquired with federal funds to be counted towards the Bank Stabilization and Navigation Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Projects goal of 166,000 acres. Currently, only lands acquired or mitigated with Corps of Engineers BSNP Mitigation funds can be counted. Land mitigated with funding from other federal agencies is not counted.\n\nLevee Maintenance\n\nIn 2014, the Corps of Engineers placed new video inspection requirements on local levee districts. This new requirement left levee districts staring down massive bills to perform the required inspections to stay in the PL 84-99 program. In some cases, local levee districts don\u2019t even have the legal authority to raise local taxes enough to fund these inspections. WRDA 2022 reverses this unfunded mandate and requires the Corps to work with levee districts to get these inspections done and ensure districts remain in compliance.\n\nBank Erosion\n\nThis legislation creates a new demonstration program to address bank erosion impacting levee districts and private landowners on the Lower Missouri River based on prior efforts on the Upper Missouri River.\n\nProjects in North Missouri\n\nThe bill also creates the Northern Missouri Environmental Assistance Project, which will help fund $50 million worth of sewer and stormwater projects in St. Joseph, Hannibal, Camden Point, Excelsior Springs, and Smithville, Missouri.\n\nOfficial text of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-isolate-russian-government-officials-passes-us-house-heads", "Wagner Bill to Isolate Russian Government Officials Passes U.S. House, Heads to Senate", "2022-05-11", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed her Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022:\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s evil actions against Ukraine have galvanized our nation and made it clear how urgent it is we stand up against Vladimir Putin\u2019s atrocities. My bill will help diminish Russia\u2019s influence worldwide and pressure Putin to withdraw from Ukraine and admit defeat. I urge the Senate to take up my legislation and help put an end to Russia\u2019s unprovoked and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThis bill would exclude government officials of the Russian Federation from attendance at the following meetings:\n\n- Group of 20\n\n- Bank for International Settlements\n\n- Basel Committee for Banking Standards\n\n- Financial Stability Board\n\n- International Association of Insurance Supervisors\n\n- International Organization of Securities Commissions", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-visits-farm-bridge-program-project-sites", "Graves Visits FARM Bridge Program Project Sites", "2022-05-05", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Earlier this week, Congressman Sam Graves, joined by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Director Patrick McKenna and Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioners John Briscoe, Gregg Smith, Tom Waters, Terry Ecker, and Dustin Boatright, toured two bridge sites on Lewis County Highway E\u2014one under construction over Sugar Creek and another set to begin construction in July over Derrahs Branch. Both bridges are being replaced as part of MoDOT\u2019s Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) Bridge Program.\n\n\u201cGetting these one-lane bridges replaced is a huge step forward for rural North Missouri,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cEver since I can remember, folks have been talking about how we all get the short end of the stick when it comes to road and bridge funding in rural Missouri. Now, we\u2019ve got some great allies in Governor Mike Parson and over at MoDOT that have made it a real priority to invest in our roads and bridges in rural Missouri. I\u2019m grateful for their partnership in securing this federal funding for these bridges and look forward to Governor Parson\u2019s $100 million investment in low-volume roads making an even greater impact on our rural infrastructure.\"\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-graves-cleaver-introduce-resolution-honoring-americas-teachers-teacher", "Reps. Graves, Cleaver Introduce Resolution Honoring America\u2019s Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week", "2022-05-04", "2022", "2022-05", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced a House resolution recognizing the roles and contributions of teachers across the United States. The resolution gives thanks to the teachers of America and encourages students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to raise public awareness and show appreciation for the unquantifiable contributions of teachers in every community.\n\n\u201cThis week is a great opportunity to say thank you to our teachers,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cThey take on an incredibly tough job that often requires great sacrifice. Our teachers put in an incredible amount of time, effort, and even their own money into preparing future generations for success. I\u2019m proud to take a moment to recognize America\u2019s teachers during this Teacher Appreciation Week and to simply say thanks for helping shape me and countless others into who we are today.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout fail, nearly every American can point to a teacher who has had a profound impact on their life. For me, that teacher was Mrs. Alma Holland, whose English, Literature, and Speech class ignited my passion for using language to bring people together,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cIn the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri, there are countless teachers like Mrs. Holland, who give their heart and soul every day to the children they serve so that each child may reach their full potential and realize their highest dreams. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize the indelible mark that teachers have on each and every community across the country, I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Graves thanking teachers for all their hard work, patience, and devotion to bettering the lives of their pupils, which benefits our nation as a whole. This week and every week, we are grateful for your service.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:29:07Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-want-answers-about-administrations-proposed-stakeholder", "Graves & Rouzer Want Answers about Administration\u2019s Proposed Stakeholder Roundtables on \u201cWaters of the United States\u201d", "2022-04-28", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) have asked the Biden Administration for more transparency about the formation, intent, and execution of stakeholder roundtables on the Administration\u2019s plans to create a new definition of \u201cWaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act.\n\nGraves and Rouzer, in a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Connor, highlighted:\n\nthe Administration\u2019s obvious rush to move forward with their WOTUS rulemaking despite no clear timeline or plans for executing the stakeholder roundtables;\n\nthe prematureness of any rulemaking that doesn\u2019t await the results of the pending Sackett Supreme Court case;\n\nthe administrative burdens placed on the stakeholder community, rather than the federal Agencies, in organizing these roundtables \u2013 particularly smaller stakeholder groups that may lack the resources necessary to meet the requirements for applying to participate in the roundtables;\n\nthe lack of transparency in how the Agencies will decide which stakeholders can participate in the roundtables; and\n\nthe shift in the Agencies\u2019 stated purpose of the roundtables \u2013 the roundtables are no longer described as allowing stakeholders to provide input to the Agencies\u2019 work in developing a new WOTUS definition; the Agencies\u2019 roundtable description has now made it clear they have moved on to discussing implementation of a new WOTUS rule without first gathering stakeholder feedback.\n\nGraves and Rouzer have repeatedly stated their opposition to the unnecessary burdens a broader WOTUS definition would have on farmers, small businesses, local communities, and many other stakeholders and private citizens, which is why stakeholder input in this process is so important. However, in their letter, they state it appears, \u201c\u2026the Agencies are not interested in soliciting and considering feedback for a new WOTUS definition. Rather, it appears they have already moved onto implementation of a new definition of WOTUS, despite ongoing legal challenges and an anticipated ruling from the Supreme Court. We strongly believe that the Agencies must fairly and genuinely utilize this roundtable process to incorporate as much input as possible from across the spectrum of the regulated community prior to reaching a final regulatory decision. This simply cannot be a perfunctory exercise for the Agencies that is designed to encourage failure instead of success.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\nBackground information:\n\nOn June 25, 2021, Graves, Rouzer, and Republican leaders highlighted concerns with the Administration\u2019s plans to undo the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.\n\nOn August 25, 2021, Graves and Rouzer urged the Agencies to extend the timeframe for public comments and stakeholder input on a new WOTUS rulemaking.\n\nOn October 26, 2021, Graves and Rouzer issued these statements regarding the Administration\u2019s rushed roundtable process.\n\nOn January 20, 2022, Graves and Rouzer requested more time to allow adequate public comment on the WOTUS rulemaking.\n\nOn January 24, 2022, Graves and Rouzer first called for a halt to the Agencies\u2019 rulemaking, based on the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to take up the Sackett case.\n\nOn March 8, 2022, Graves, Rouzer, and over 200 House Republicans renewed calls for the Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of WOTUS and allow the Supreme Court to take up its case.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-capito-lead-colleagues-filing-amicus-brief-clean-water-act-authority", "Graves, Capito Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief on Clean Water Act Authority", "2022-04-19", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today led 45 additional senators and 154 other House members on an amici curiae brief filed in support of the petitioners in the pending case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Sackett case is directly related to how much authority the federal government has over states and private citizens to regulate \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d under the Clean Water Act (CWA).\n\nThe members agree that, \u201cLike the members of Congress that enacted the CWA, [we] support policies that protect the environment while also ensuring that States retain their traditional role as the primary regulators of land and water resources, and that farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, and property owners like the Petitioners in this case can develop and use their land free of over-burdensome, job-killing federal regulations. These entities need certainty about the scope of \u2018waters of the United States\u2019 under the Clean Water Act, and the Court\u2019s endorsement of the Scalia test would provide that long-needed certainty.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress made clear its intent in legislative text, structure, and history to establish a limited federal regulatory presence in cooperation with the States. In the CWA, Congress selected language that, from practically the Founding, was understood both to exercise limited jurisdiction and to preserve the States\u2019 traditional role as the principal regulators of local waters and lands. But this intent has now been turned on its head. Through the \u2018significant nexus\u2019 test, the EPA and Corps can instead use any ecological connection between land and nearby water as a pretext for intrusive central planning. This case presents an opportunity for the Court to finally put the genie back in the bottle and endorse the functionally equivalent test proposed by Justice Scalia. Only then will Congress\u2019s dual purposes of cooperative federalism and environmental protection in the CWA be fully vindicated,\u201d the brief states.\n\nRead the full text of the amicus brief and complete list of 201 total Senators and Members who signedhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-breaks-ground-new-i-35-interchange-kearney", "Graves Breaks Ground on New I-35 Interchange in Kearney", "2022-04-13", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KEARNEY, MO \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined the Kearney community, Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue, and MoDOT Commissioners Terry Ecker, Tom Waters, and Gregg Smith in breaking ground on the new I-35 and 19th Street Interchange in Kearney, Missouri yesterday. You can read more about the project here.\n\n\u201cThis project has been a long time coming,\u201d said Graves. \u201cI want to thank Mayor Pogue, many members of the Kearney community, landowners along the intersection, our MoDOT Commissioners, and MODOT Director McKenna for all their tireless work and cooperation on this project. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve been working on for more than a decade and it\u2019s great to see this project finally moving forward.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nImage\n\nCongressman Graves worked with the late Chairman Don Young to secure $1.2 million to commission a study to improve the intersection in the 2005 highway bill\u2014the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). SAFETEA-LU also included $4.8 million for the expansion of Highway 92 from I-35 to Nations Road in Kearney.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-hosts-ti-republican-roundtable-energy-crisis", "Graves Hosts T&I Republican Roundtable on Energy Crisis", "2022-04-06", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R- MO) and Committee Republicans led a roundtable on the Energy Crisis this week, during which energy stakeholders highlighted challenges in safely and efficiently moving sufficient levels of American energy.\n\nFollowing the roundtable, Ranking Member Sam Graves said, \u201cWe\u2019ve seen plenty of finger-pointing from this Administration about why Americans across the country are paying such high energy prices. But we haven\u2019t heard a word from the President about how his policies \u2013 long before Russia invaded Ukraine \u2013 have put a chokehold on the development and the safe, efficient transportation of North American energy resources.\u201d\n\nGraves continued, \u201cThe stakeholders who participated today talked about solutions, but they\u2019re based on the federal government allowing the responsible production of domestic energy and putting us back on the path to the energy independence. Since revoking the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office, the President and his administration have been enacting policies that continue to block, discourage, and impede energy production, capacity, and transportation. This continues to drive up costs for Americans to heat their homes and buy gas and diesel, and it limits our ability to help our allies meet their energy needs in the wake of Russia\u2019s aggression. Today\u2019s roundtable demonstrates that we can and must do better, but only if the Administration recognizes that its policies are at the root of our energy crisis and does something about it.\u201d\n\nIssues discussed at the roundtable included:\n\nChallenges to developing pipeline projects that could safely and efficiently move more oil, natural gas, etc. to markets across the country where energy costs remain high\n\nPanelists\u2019 support of the 2020 liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail rule that the Biden Administration halted and common misconceptions about the safety of LNG transportation\n\nHow the lack of sufficient energy resources or infrastructure at home and abroad increases reliance on Russian energy\n\nEnvironmental permitting difficulties and delays, including under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), during the Biden Administration\n\nYou can watch Ranking Member Graves\u2019 remarks below:\n\nImage\n\nMore information from the roundtable, including video of the entire roundtable, is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-graves-bill-cut-red-tape-fema", "House Passes Graves Bill to Cut Red Tape at FEMA", "2022-04-05", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) celebrated the House passing his Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster (SPEED) Recovery Act today by an overwhelming 414-11 vote. The legislation updates FEMA\u2019s small project threshold to allow more projects\u2014particularly in small rural communities\u2014to move forward under a simplified approval process.\n\n\u201cThe SPEED Recovery Act is going to dramatically reduce the number of hoops communities have to jump through with FEMA to get much needed help,\u201d said Graves. \u201cCongress created an expedited process for small disaster recovery projects to get approved through FEMA, but the threshold for what qualifies as a \u2018small project\u2019 has fallen out of touch with reality. Updating this threshold is going to reduce the burden of red tape on small communities and allow them to recover from disaster faster. This is a big win for rural America.\u201d\n\nYou can watch Congressman Graves\u2019 full remarks on the SPEED Recovery Act here:\n\nImage\n\nBackground Information\n\nHistorically, the number of disaster projects that qualified as small projects with simplified procedures accounted for 95% of such projects. However, because the threshold for a \u201csmall project\u201d has not kept pace with inflation and modern construction costs, a much larger percentage of projects (nearly 25% of all recovery projects) now fall outside of the scope of a \u201csmall project.\u201d This has added unnecessary paperwork and burdens for both communities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).\n\nThe SPEED Recovery Act will give communities more control in the rebuilding process for smaller projects, and it will once again ensure that approximately 95% of projects qualify as \u201csmall projects.\u201d Notably, while \u201csmall projects\u201d constitute a large percentage of total projects, they only represent about 10% of federal disaster funding costs, and the bill\u2019s proposed adjustment represents minimal risk to the taxpayer. FEMA will then be able to focus more of its staff and time on addressing larger, more complex projects.\n\nThe simplified procedures for small projects were established over three decades ago, but the cost threshold in law for what qualifies as a \u201csmall project\u201d has only been updated once since then. This bill will update the threshold to $1 million and allow small rural communities to recover more efficiently from a disaster.\n\nThe Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management have jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal disaster programs.\n\nClick here to read the bill.\n\nIn addition to passing Graves\u2019 SPEED Recovery Act, the House also passed the Resilient Assistance for Mitigation for Environmentally Resilient Infrastructure and Construction by Americans (AMERICA) Act today\u2014which was introduced by Ranking Member Graves and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio.\n\n\u201cThe Resilient AMERICA Act will reduce disaster damages and hardships by placing a higher priority on disaster mitigation,\u201d said Graves. \u201cIn my district, many people have suffered losses to their homes and business because of flooding, and this bill makes commonsense reforms to ensure that we invest more FEMA resources on the front end to reduce and prevent the impacts of floods and other disasters before they can strike.\u201d\n\nThe Resilient AMERICA Act would:\n\nReturn unspent funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which ensures that these expiring and unspent funds will still help our communities prepare for and respond to disasters.\n\nDouble the funding stream dedicated to FEMA\u2019s Pre-Disaster Mitigation program.\n\nExtend eligibility for Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) to include private non-profits (PNPs), which ultimately will reduce the impact and damage from a disaster.\n\nExpand the reach of the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to prevent utility outages in the face of extreme wildfire, wind, tsunami, and ice events.\n\nFund residential resilience retrofit block grants to states, tribes, and territories to strengthen homes for maximum protection and safety\n\nYou can watch Congressman Graves\u2019 full remarks on the Resilient AMERICA Act here:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-victims-child-abuse", "Wagner Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Victims of Child Abuse", "2022-04-05", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Ann Wagner (MO-02), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jim Costa (CA-16), and Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA). The legislation provides funding to Children's Advocacy Centers to help victims of child abuse and strengthens law enforcement response to hold perpetrators accountable.\n\n\"So many child abuse victims are left without sufficient care and support at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in their lives. The perpetrators of these horrific abuses too often go free, compounding the trauma experienced by victims. That's why I worked with a bipartisan group in Congress to provide essential funding to victims of child abuse and ensure they have the support they need. We must work to prevent these abuses in the future and hold accountable the criminals who have hurt so many.\" said Wagner.\n\n\"It's our responsibility to do all we can to protect children from abuse,\" Costa said. \"The Children Advocacy Centers in the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide are imperative to providing crucial resources and helping victims and survivors of child abuse. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that our children get the care and support they deserve to ultimately live happy lives. I am proud to lead this effort to continue serving our most vulnerable.\"\n\n\"Children's Advocacy Centers across the country, including the more than 40 CACs in Pennsylvania, work tirelessly to protect children and provide critical assistance and services to victims of child abuse,\" said Fitzpatrick. \"Congress must act now to reauthorize VOCAA so that our law enforcement agencies have the resources required to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure that CACs can continue their work providing child victims in our communities with the hope and crucial, life-saving services they need and deserve.\"\n\nChildren's Advocacy Centers coordinate the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing multidisciplinary teams of professionals involved in child protection and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health.\n\nCompanion legislation in the Senate was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).\n\nThis legislation is also endorsed by numerous groups and organizations:\n\nChildren's advocacy groups: National Children's Alliance, National Children's Advocacy Center, Northeast Regional Children's Advocacy Center, Midwest Regional Children's Advocacy Center, Western Regional Children's Advocacy Center, and Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center.\n\nLaw enforcement: Fraternal Order of Police, National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs' Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.\n\nThe bipartisan Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus works alongside allied organizations to identify, address, and elevate the needs of crime survivors through legislation, education, and public awareness. It also provides resources to members of Congress to help connect crime victims with local advocates who can provide needed assistance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-helps-introduce-legislation-protect-family-farms-small-businesses", "Graves Helps Introduce Legislation to Protect Family Farms, Small Businesses", "2022-04-04", "2022", "2022-04", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined Representatives Tracey Mann, Jason Smith, Bob Latta, and a bipartisan coalition of more than 70 members of Congress in introducing a resolution recognizing the important role of the stepped-up basis in preserving family farms and small businesses.\n\n\u201cIf the President gets his way and guts the stepped-up basis, it would spell disaster for thousands of family-owned farms and small businesses,\u201d said Rep. Graves. \u201cHis tax plan threatens to hit families with massive tax bills when a loved one passes their family operation on to the next generation. The end result would be more family farms being sold at the courthouse steps because loved ones simply can\u2019t afford to pay the tax collector. We can\u2019t let that happen.\u201d\n\n\"We continue to see damaging policies in the Biden Administration's tax plan, including an effort threatening with the stepped-up basis,\" said Rep. Mann. \"Removing this provision would hurt generational Kansas farmers and ranchers and weaken their ability to keep assets in the family. The day-to-day trials of operating a successful farm, ranch, or small business are challenging enough without worrying about paying devastatingly large capital gains taxes. We must preserve the stepped-up basis and protect agriculturists now and in the future.\"\n\nThe resolution is supported by the National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, USA Rice, National Grange, and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 98% of farms are family-owned. If the stepped-up basis is eliminated, 66% of all mid-sized farms would see an increased tax liability.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:19:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-graves-leads-republicans-passing-bipartisan-don-young-coast-guard", "WATCH: Graves Leads Republicans in Passing the Bipartisan Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act", "2022-03-31", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) led Republicans in the House as the chamber passed the bipartisan Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act this week.\n\n\u201cThe Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act\u2013named in honor of the late Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion of the Coast Guard\u2013will ensure that the Service has the resources needed to protect our borders, intercept illegal drugs and migrants, support navigation and commerce, and safeguard those at sea,\u201d Graves (R-MO) said. \u201cThis bill will help provide the Coast Guard with vital assets to support their mission, such as an additional National Security Cutter and six more Fast Response Cutters, and it includes a provision championed by Don Young to allow the Coast Guard to keep Russian vessels out of U.S. waters during the ongoing Ukraine crisis\u2013all of which will help ensure our Coast Guard is prepared for its current and future role in securing our Nation.\u201d\n\nThe bill authorizes Coast Guard programs for another two years.\n\nThe Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act is named in honor of the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK). Congressman Young was formerly the Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and was the longest currently serving member of the House of Representatives until his passing while returning home to Alaska earlier this month. Congressman Graves expressed his condolences to Congressman Young\u2019s family and recognized his years of service to Alaska and our country upon hearing of his passing.\n\nYou can watch Ranking Member Graves\u2019 full remarks on the House below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-accords-caucus-co-chairs-call-secretary-blinken-promote-abraham", "Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Call on Secretary Blinken to Promote Abraham Accords During Middle East Trip", "2022-03-25", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), David Trone (D-MD), and Brad Schneider (D-IL), Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to use his upcoming trip to the Middle East and North Africa to advance the Abraham Accords and the Israel Relations Normalization Act.\n\nThe Members said:\n\n\"We, the House Co-Chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, welcome reports that you plan to travel to the Middle East and North Africa next week and are especially pleased that you will participate in a summit with representatives from the member states of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords have transformed this region, bringing about peace and normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states\u2014the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The Accords have enhanced Israel's security, created economic opportunities for Arab states, and advanced vital U.S. national security interests. We appreciate your commitment to the Abraham Accords and therefore, given the recent enactment of the Israel Relations Normalization Act on March 15, 2022, respectfully ask that you prioritize efforts to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords and jumpstart implementation of the Israel Relations Normalization Act during your travel in the region.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-responds-epa-west-lake-landfill-briefing", "Wagner Responds to EPA West Lake Landfill Briefing", "2022-03-24", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement after the EPA held a private briefing on the West Lake Landfill Cleanup:\n\n\"While the EPA still has a lot of questions to answer, I'm cautiously optimistic the private briefing will be a precursor to the public meeting for which I have asked, and our community deserves. Those living near this dangerous landfill need answers and a definitive plan to remediate this superfund site.\n\n\"I will continue to urge the EPA to schedule a public meeting as soon as possible.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-passing-don-young", "Graves Statement on the Passing of Don Young", "2022-03-19", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) statement on the passing of Congressman and former Committee Chairman Don Young:\n\n\u201cDon Young, the Dean of the House, was a legend of the United States Congress and a champion of the people of Alaska. As this Congress\u2019 longest serving Member, and as the former Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, his tremendous breadth of experience was a great asset to all of his fellow Committee Members and the entire House of Representatives. There was no greater supporter of infrastructure among Congressional Republicans, and over the years, he led the way in passing many pieces of legislation to strengthen America\u2019s infrastructure. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him on four highway bills, including his long-term surface transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. He was also a fierce advocate of the United States Coast Guard, and with Congress now working to pass the next Coast Guard authorization bill, it would be a fitting tribute to name the bill in Chairman Young\u2019s honor. I want to extend my prayers and deepest condolences to Don\u2019s family.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/sam-graves-garret-graves-lead-house-republicans-demand-immediate-end", "Sam Graves & Garret Graves Lead House Republicans\u2019 Demand for Immediate End to Transportation Mask Mandate", "2022-03-17", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves (R-LA) led House Republicans today in demanding the Biden Administration rescind its arbitrary extension of the federal transportation mask mandate.\n\nIn total, 129 House Republicans signed the letter, including House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY).\n\nThe Members sent their letter to the President after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it was extending the expiring mandate for aviation and public transportation passengers and workers through April 18, 2022.\n\nHighlights from the letter:\n\nAll across America, masks are coming off as both Republican and Democratic led state governments are dropping mask mandates in the face of delayed, confused, and contradictory CDC guidance.\n\nThe transportation mask mandate extension absurdly came on the same day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that more than 98% of the U.S. population lives in areas where wearing masks indoors is no longer advised as a necessary preventative measure.\n\nThe airline industry, fighting to recover from the pandemic and high fuel prices, has taken extraordinary measures to keep passengers safe, including the use of effective onboard High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems and strong disinfection practices and policies.\n\nThe Administration failed to do the necessary work to harmonize its policies between the CDC\u2019s February 25th announcement of its new Community Level framework and the TSA\u2019s March 10thextension of the transportation mask mandate \u2013 applying one standard to most Americans and another to transportation users and workers.\n\nSam Graves and Garret Graves, the co-leaders of today\u2019s letter, said in a joint statement: \u201cThis mandate extension applies an arbitrary, hypocritical double standard to transportation, and it needs to end immediately. We can now go maskless to restaurants, ball games, big concerts, and even to the President\u2019s State of the Union address or a giant political party gathering in Philadelphia, but not on a plane? On top of that, an aircraft\u2019s environment is one of the safest, most highly filtered anywhere. This extension lacks all commonsense and again calls into question the CDC\u2019s credibility on the continued use of restrictive mandates.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-isolate-russian-government-officials-approved-financial", "Wagner Bill to Isolate Russian Government Officials Approved by Financial Services Committee", "2022-03-17", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after the Committee unanimously passed her Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022:\n\n\"I am pleased the Financial Services Committee advanced my important legislation that will put even more pressure on Vladimir Putin and those who support him during this unjust and unprovoked war. My bill will ban Russian government officials from any participation in G20 Summits and other global financial meetings. This will further diminish Russia's influence worldwide and ensure greater isolation until Putin fully backs down from his unwarranted invasion. The United States must counter the evil acts Russia has committed against the innocent people of Ukraine, and I urge Speaker Pelosi to immediately bring this bill to the House Floor for a full vote before Congress.\"\n\nBackground\n\nThis bill would exclude government officials of the Russian Federation from attendance at the following meetings:\n\n- Group of 20\n\n- Bank for International Settlements\n\n- Basel Committee for Banking Standards\n\n- Financial Stability Board\n\n- International Association of Insurance Supervisors\n\n- International Organization of Securities Commissions\n\nTreasury and the Federal Reserve would implement the exclusions and these exclusions would expire 5 years after enactment or 30 days after the President reports to Congress that the Government of the Russian Federation has ceased its destabilizing activities with respect to the sovereignty of Ukraine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-long-term-care-affordability-act", "Wagner Introduces Long Term Care Affordability Act", "2022-03-16", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, today introduced the Long Term Care Affordability Act, legislation that reforms the tax code to make long-term care insurance more affordable and accessible for seniors.\n\n\"Long-term care is often an insurmountable cost for many seniors who need a home health aide or similar care. My Long Term Care Affordability Act will enable seniors to cover the cost of long-term care by providing better access to retirement savings.\n\n\"Retirement can be expensive enough for seniors, and we should be using every tool we have to make their lives easier and more affordable. This legislation would do just that by providing for favorable treatment of long-term care through retirement accounts, allowing greater access to the necessary care they deserve.\"\n\nThis bill is the House companion to Senator Pat Toomey's legislation.\n\nRead more information on the bill here.\n\nGroups Supporting:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-secures-funding-save-500-jobs-lake-city-army-ammunition-plant-house", "Graves Secures Funding to Save 500+ Jobs at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in House Bill", "2022-03-10", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThis is a massive win for the skilled union craftsmen at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant and the American people,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cBy rejecting the massive cuts proposed by the Biden Administration, we\u2019re saving hundreds of jobs in North Missouri and ensuring our military can ramp up ammunition funding to respond to crises. That\u2019s incredibly important given the state of the world today.\u201d\n\nWinchester Ammunition, a subsidiary of Olin Corporation operating the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant under contract from the United States Army, hailed Congressman Graves\u2019s successful effort to secure funding for the plant.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for the relentless support of Congressman Graves, which was a key factor in the successful outcome of this appropriations bill,\u201d remarked Scott Sutton, Chairman, President, and CEO of Olin Corporation.\n\nBrett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition, also hailed the efforts of Congressman Graves, noting, \u201cOur 1,700 dedicated Winchester employees at Lake City remain committed to serving the U.S. Warfighter with ready and reliable ammunition. We applaud Congressman Graves for ensuring the security of these skilled jobs in our community.\u201d\n\nLast year, the Biden Administrations proposed cutting small caliber Army ammunition funding by 30 percent. Such a drastic cut would have led to massive layoffs at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant located in Independence, Missouri\u2014leaving 500-700 skilled union craftsmen at the plant out of work.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-newhouse-lead-201-house-republicans-renewing-calls-biden", "Graves, Rouzer, Newhouse Lead 201 House Republicans in Renewing Calls for the Biden Administration to Drop WOTUS Expansion", "2022-03-09", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC), and Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) are leading 201 House Republicans in renewing calls for the Biden administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS).\n\nHouse Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) are among the Republicans who also signed the letter.\n\nBeyond their opposition to the unnecessary burdens a broader WOTUS definition would have on businesses, communities, and private citizens, the Members strongly oppose such a move until the recently announced WOTUS-related Supreme Court case (Sackett) is decided. In a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Conner (Agencies), they argue that a premature rulemaking would cause more confusion for impacted parties, waste taxpayer resources, and hinder efforts to improve U.S. infrastructure and protect clean water.\n\n\u201cWe urge the EPA and the Corps to halt all current rulemaking actions surrounding the WOTUS definition as the United States Supreme Court takes up this landmark case. The Agencies should instead use this time to continue meaningful engagement with stakeholders\u2026,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cThis would allow the Agencies to fully understand and account for the impacts to small businesses, farmers, rural communities, and countless other stakeholders that will result from any regulatory change to the definition of WOTUS.\u201d\n\nThe Members detailed their firm opposition to the current WOTUS rulemaking:\n\n\u00b7 A Supreme Court ruling on WOTUS later this year will have significant impacts on any rule the Agencies put forward. A premature rulemaking will compound existing uncertainty and confusion for stakeholders, who have already experienced years of uncertainty over WOTUS definition and scope changes.\n\n\u00b7 The Agencies have stated their rulemaking will take into account \u201cupdates to be consistent with relevant Supreme Court decisions.\u201d With such a significant decision pending, refusing to push pause on their current rewrite rather than wait for the Supreme Court\u2019s action could lead to another complete rewrite just months down the line, wasting taxpayer resources.\n\n\u00b7 A broader WOTUS rule will delay, obstruct, and drive up the costs of improving U.S. infrastructure, and ultimately diminish the value of funding for projects across the country, including those funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n\u00b7 Due to the WOTUS rulemaking\u2019s anticipated negative impact on small businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration\u2019s Office of Advocacy has already requested the Agencies pause and a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel be held.\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-davis-ask-biden-administration-rescind-guidance-intended-deter-road", "Graves, Davis Ask Biden Administration to Rescind Guidance Intended to Deter Road Projects", "2022-03-08", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) today joined Highways and Transit Subcommittee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL) and other Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans to ask the Biden administration to rescind guidance intended to delay or deter critical road and highway expansion projects in clear defiance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cRoads and bridges are already far more expensive to build than they were even six months ago. Yet, the Biden Administration is already throwing up roadblocks, refusing to reduce costly regulations and failing to abide by the way the law was written, making it clear that they care more about their agenda than building roads and bridges,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cI applaud Congressman Davis for helping lead the push for answers so we can ensure that the law takes precedence over the Administration\u2019s liberal ideology.\u201d\n\nIn a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Members took issue with guidance issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on December 16, 2021, which they called \u201ca blatant misapplication of the IIJA.\u201d\n\nIn sending the letter, Rep. Rodney Davis said, \u201cThe Biden Administration has proven they would rather push a far-left agenda instead of following the letter of the law. On this and other issues facing the American people, the Administration has shown they can't be trusted. That\u2019s partly why Republicans in the House are so critical and skeptical of the Administration. T&I Republicans will continue to make sure that the Biden Administration doesn\u2019t act as a roadblock to our state DOT partners. We have an important oversight role to fulfill because the majority refuses to hold President Biden accountable.\u201d\n\nThis FHWA guidance, in direct contradiction of the IIJA, discriminates against such road and highway projects in favor of projects more in line with the administration\u2019s policies on climate change, transportation equity, and non-motorized transportation. Davis and the other Members note that the administration\u2019s policy preferences were considered and rejected during the law\u2019s development.\n\nThey also highlight the IIJA\u2019s One Federal Decision (OFD) provisions, which are intended to significantly streamline the project environmental review process, including the process to \u201csite, construct or reconstruct\u201d projects such as highway expansions. These OFD reforms in the law, which Davis and T&I Republicans have supported for years, are directly contradicted by FHWA\u2019s guidance to delay or deny road and highway expansion projects.\n\n\u201cThe purpose of FHWA\u2019s guidance appears not to inform the public or clarify the statute, but to create altogether new standards and polices for federal funding that conflicts with the language and clear Congressional intent of the IIJA. FHWA\u2019s improper attempt to preempt law\u2026 wrongly seeks to ban what most areas need most \u2013 more capacity,\u201d according to the Members\u2019 letter. \u201cWe respectfully ask that the December 16, 2021, FHWA guidance memorandum be rescinded in its entirety.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-gateway-solidarity-act", "Wagner Introduces the Gateway Solidarity Act", "2022-03-08", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and St. Louis native, introduced legislation today to allow the National Park Service to illuminate the St. Louis Gateway Arch in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The other seven members of the House of Representatives from Missouri joined Rep. Wagner as original co-sponsors of the legislation.\n\n\"St. Louis and the State of Missouri stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are being attacked by a ruthless dictator in Vladimir Putin,\" said Wagner. \"The world is united behind Ukraine and lighting up symbols like the Gateway Arch in Ukrainian colors will send a message to our friends and allies in Europe, and across the globe, that the American people are supportive of the sovereign Ukrainian nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-comer-launch-probe-biden-administrations-infrastructure-spending", "Graves, Comer Launch Probe into Biden Administration\u2019s Infrastructure Spending", "2022-03-03", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) sent a letter to White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu requesting all documents and communications related to the $1.2 trillion in taxpayer dollars authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Republican lawmakers express concerns the massive and expansive funding creates opportunities for corruption and wasteful spending; steers funding away from traditionally Republican-led states and rural America; and lacks a sufficient, qualified workforce to complete the projects.\n\n\u201cWe are conducting oversight to ensure that the $1.2 trillion of taxpayer money authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is not being fraudulently or wastefully spent,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThis massive spending bill is in large part a combination of lump sums broadly categorizing what money must go towards, which, unfortunately, leaves the door open for the Administration to pursue their \u2018woke\u2019 priorities rather than allocating the funds based on states\u2019 actual needs. The expansive purpose for which the funds were allocated, along with the magnitude of the expenditure, create a greater-than-usual opportunity for corruption and wasteful spending.\u201d\n\nGovernment spending reached a record high in 2021 under President Biden and one-party control in Washington. To date, the Biden Administration has spent over $3.3 trillion taxpayer dollars, including $1.9 trillion under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and is slated to spend another $1.2 trillion authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The infrastructure law contains broad categories for spending, such as $55 billion for drinking water infrastructure, $65 billion to broadband infrastructure development, and a combined $42 billion to ports, waterways, and airports. Recent reports reveal the Biden Administration is using regulatory restrictions and policies to help steer this funding to their progressive pet projects and away from Republican-led states that need new or improved roads.\n\n\u201cEnsuring that taxpayer dollars are wisely spent is especially important in today\u2019s inflationary economy\u2026 If the Biden Administration insists on such unprecedented government spending when Americans\u2019 paychecks are stretched so thin, then the taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. Likewise, if the money is not going where people actually need it, Americans would likely appreciate a refund. Considering the IIJA\u2019s massive cost coupled with rising inflation rates, it goes without saying that the infrastructure investment should benefit the greatest number of Americans possible,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cDecisions regarding expenditures under the IIJA should rely on states\u2019 need rather than their political leanings.\u201d\n\nThe letter to Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-bill-isolate-russian-government-officials", "Wagner Introduces Bill to Isolate Russian Government Officials", "2022-03-02", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, today introduced the Isolate Russian Government Officials Act of 2022. The bill excludes Russian Government Officials from major financial and intergovernmental forums.\n\n\"Vladimir Putin and his cronies have breached the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine and declared war on an innocent people. These grievous violations will not stand, and Russian government officials must be completely and utterly isolated from the world stage during this unjust and unprovoked war. The Isolate Russian Governmental Officials Act will ensure Russian officials are excluded from major financial and intergovernmental forums and further restrict Russia's inclusion in international meetings.\"\n\nBackground\n\nThis bill would exclude government officials of the Russian Federation from attendance at the following:\n\n- The Spring Meetings and Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.\n\n- Proceedings of the Group of 20, including Ministerial Meetings and Leader Summits.\n\n- Plenary meetings of the Financial Action Task Force.\n\n- Annual General Meetings of the Bank for International Settlements.\n\nTreasury and the Federal Reserve would implement the exclusions and these exclusions would expire 5 years after enactment or 30 days after the President reports to Congress that the Government of the Russian Federation has ceased its destabilizing activities with respect to the sovereignty of Ukraine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-responds-president-bidens-state-union-address", "Graves Responds to President Biden\u2019s  State of the Union Address", "2022-03-01", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 In response to President Joe Biden\u2019s State of the Union Address, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) highlighted the many struggles real Americans are dealing with every day in President Biden\u2019s America.\n\n\u201cThe difference between what we\u2019re feeling in North Missouri and what the President says we\u2019re feeling is stark,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cThe supply chain crisis, coupled with out-of-control inflation, is driving prices through the roof and making it more difficult for families, farmers, and small business owners to succeed. This crisis isn\u2019t going to end until President Biden stops passing the buck and starts living up to his promises.\u201d\n\nAhead of the President\u2019s Address, Congressman Graves chose to highlight the experiences of 3rd generation North Missouri farmers Addie and Joshlin Yoder of Shelby County, Missouri. Joshlin and Addie raise cattle, corn, and soybeans on their family farm with their four children. You can watch their story below:\n\nImage\n\nTranscript:\n\nHi, I\u2019m Addie Yoder and this is my husband, Joshlin. We raise corn and soybeans and have a crop insurance business in Northeast Missouri. We also raise four kids and are very excited about farming. We are third generation farmers and raising the fourth. This year more than any other has had a lot of challenges.\n\nWith inflation driving up the prices of fertilizer, chemicals, and other inputs we use here on the farm, on top of the supply chain issues making the availability of those products very difficult, this is going to be a very challenging year for us to successfully grow our crops. With the President failing to hold China to the trade agreement that we made in the phase one deal, as well as not continuing to negotiate further trade agreements, we do have a lot of concern.\n\nWith all the President\u2019s broken promises regarding RFS and ethanol, it\u2019s hard to feel secure in our future as far as our farm and the markets we have established and could grow now. Between these uncertain commitments and all of the continuing discussion about potential tax changes for inheritances, it makes us really nervous about how we\u2019re going to continue to farm and whether or not were going to be able to pass this on to our kids.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-blasts-joe-bidens-radical-vision-america", "Wagner Blasts Joe Biden\u2019s Radical Vision of America", "2022-03-01", "2022", "2022-03", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement after Joe Biden showcased a radical, socialist agenda during his State of the Union Address:\n\n\"Joe Biden's failed leadership was fully on display during his State of the Union Address. At a time when Americans are being hit with soaring prices at the pump and hidden taxes in the form of record inflation, we can't have a leader who pushes radical policies that threaten to destabilize our communities. Biden's failed actions are hurting hard-working Missouri families and wrecking our economy.\n\n\"Our nation is in crisis, and the American people needed to hear a message that assures them their President is putting them first. Unfortunately, that's not what we heard today. We heard a President focused on imposing socialist, government-led policies on Americans from the cradle to the grave. Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats want to defund the police and keep open our borders at a time criminals are hurting so many victims and illegal immigrants are smuggling fentanyl into our neighborhoods. These radical policies just won't help Americans in need, and I will continue to push back and work for suburban policies that will help you and your family.\n\n\"With dictators like Vladimir Putin threatening to subvert the world order, America needs a leader who will step up and challenge these bad actors. That includes making sure America is energy independent so we can reduce our reliance on foreign nations and assert our dominance on the world stage to deter any further aggression.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T02:06:17Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-ann-wagner-bridgeton-mayor-terry-briggs-call-public", "Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs Call for Public Meeting to Explain Delays at West Lake Landfill", "2022-02-28", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, today with Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs called on the EPA to hold a public meeting about West Lake Landfill to explain delays and provide a clear timeline to clean up the site.\n\nAn excerpt from the letter to the EPA is below:\n\n\"Since my first day in Congress, I have worked on this issue with the community, as has Bridgeton Mayor Terry Briggs since he became mayor seven years ago. We've pounded our fists on tables in frustration, demanded answers and accountability and most importantly \u2013 we've never given up the fight. Years of delays, inaction and broken promises by EPA gave way to the signing of a Record of Decision in 2018 under the previous administration. Now 3.5 years later, the cleanup of the site is yet to begin.\n\n\"Your inaction is stopping historic progress that I and many others fought hard to achieve. My constituents and the entire St. Louis region have waited decades for the EPA to remediate this site, while living with both uncertainty and fear. This is simply unacceptable.\"\n\nFebruary 28, 2022\n\nMeg McCollister\n\nEPA Region 7 Administrator\n\n11201 Renner Boulevard\n\nLenexa, KS 66219\n\nAdministrator McCollister,\n\nCongratulations on your appointment as EPA Region 7 Administrator. I write to you today regarding the much reported delays at the West Lake Landfill site. I strongly urge you and your team to hold a public meeting in Bridgeton, Missouri to explain delays at the West Lake Landfill and provide a clear timeline to clean up the site.\n\nJust Moms, Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, recently traveled to EPA Region 7 offices to meet with you, and they inform me you did not provide a detailed timeline for completion of the cleanup of the West Lake Landfill. These advocates, and the community impacted by the landfill, deserve more from EPA.\n\nSince my first day in Congress, I have worked on this issue with the community. We've pounded our fists on tables in frustration, demanded answers and accountability and most importantly \u2013 we've never given up the fight. Years of delays, inaction and broken promises by EPA gave way to the signing of a Record of Decision in 2018 under the previous administration. Now 3.5 years later, the cleanup of the site is yet to begin.\n\nYour inaction is stopping historic progress that I and many others fought hard to achieve. My constituents and the entire St. Louis region have waited decades for the EPA to remediate this site, while living with both uncertainty and fear. This is simply unacceptable.\n\nPlease respond to this letter no later than next Friday, March 4, 2022, and please make arrangements to travel to Bridgeton, Missouri for a public meeting by March 31, 2022.\n\nSincerely,\n\nAnn Wagner Terry Briggs\n\nMember of Congress Mayor of Bridgeton", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-introduces-resolution-honor-public-schools-week", "Graves Introduces Resolution to Honor Public Schools Week", "2022-02-25", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cAmerica\u2019s public schools have a long and storied tradition of preparing our children to become tomorrow\u2019s leaders,\u201d Rep. Sam Graves said. \u201cLike the overwhelming majority of Americans, I\u2019m a proud product of the public school system. I understand firsthand just how important public schools are to our communities and I\u2019m committed to working to strengthen them so current and future generations have access to the same quality education that I did.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a public school graduate from kindergarten through college, I\u2019m proud to recognize the 9 out of every 10 students in America that attend a public school,\u201d Rep. Mark Pocan said. \u201cI am committed to strengthening our public schools so that every child receives a high-quality education experience. Communities are stronger and schools are better when we all work together to support public education. Our shared future and our success depend on the support we give to public education today.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to co-lead the Public Schools Week Resolution,\u201d said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. \u201cOur system of public education is important for our children, families, community, and economy. As a policymaker and former public school parent, I am eternally grateful for the tireless dedication of our many teachers and school staff. I'm committed to making sure schools have the policies and resources they need to provide a quality education to all students.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-condemns-russias-full-scale-invasion-ukraine", "Graves Condemns Russia\u2019s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine", "2022-02-24", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThe free people of the world stand with the citizens of Ukraine in the face of Vladimir Putin\u2019s unprovoked invasion. We must support our NATO allies in the region and immediately act together to enact the strongest possible sanctions to cripple Putin\u2019s ability to make war. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of 2008 and 2014.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-russias-invasion-ukraine", "Wagner Statement on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine", "2022-02-24", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after Russia invaded Ukraine:\n\n\"The Putin regime stands alone during this act of evil. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a barbaric attack that must be condemned internationally and punished with immediate financial isolation through crippling sanctions and export controls.\n\n\"We fully support the Ukrainian people as they fight against this wholly unprovoked and unwarranted declaration of war.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-russia", "Wagner Statement on Russia", "2022-02-21", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Russia:\n\n\"Putin's actions today are just an invasion of a sovereign nation by another name. The Biden Administration must take swift, multilateral actions to hold Putin and the Russian oligarchy accountable for their invasion of Ukraine. This attack cannot, and will not, stand without strong recriminations, including harsh sanctions, the complete cancellation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, the removal of Russia from the SWIFT international banking network, and support for our Ukrainian friends.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-republicans-commemorate-six-months-fall-kabul", "Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans Commemorate Six Months Since the Fall of Kabul", "2022-02-15", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 House Foreign Affairs Committee Vice Ranking Member Ann Wagner (R-MO) and the Republican Members of the Committee have released the following joint statement commemorating six months since the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan. Wagner was joined by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Steve Chabot (R-OH), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Scott Perry (R-PA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Brian Mast (R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ken Buck (R-CO), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Mark Green (R-TN), Andy Barr (R-KY), Greg Steube (R-FL), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), August Pfluger (R-TX), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Young Kim (R-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL). The city fell to the Taliban six months ago today, on August 15, 2021.\n\n\"During the Afghanistan evacuation and in the six months since, hundreds of stories have come to light, highlighting how President Biden's willful blindness to the situation on the ground, coupled with his administration's refusal to plan for the impending fallout, resulted in what can only be described as a systemic failure of the U.S. government. The horrific scenes of people hanging from planes and women desperately passing their children over the wall of the Kabul airport permanently tarnished America's reputation around the world and angered our allies, with some of them publicly chastising us. All the while, America's weakness on the world stage has emboldened our adversaries.\n\n\"Yet, six months later, not a single Biden administration official has been held accountable for their failures. Unsurprisingly, the administration circled the wagons in an attempt to protect many high-ranking officials who most certainly bear significant responsibility for the deadly and chaotic withdrawal. The administration has refused to provide our committee with any documents or transcribed interviews that we have requested. Even more regretfully, congressional Democrats appear to be complicit in the Biden administration's coverup. With the exception of Secretary Blinken testifying before our committee in September of last year, our committee has not held a single, public hearing that is focused on President Biden's withdrawal. Democrats did not support our requests for a single transcribed interview with State Department staff and they have not subpoenaed a single document that would shed more light into this tragedy.\n\n\"The American public deserves better than this. The Americans abandoned by the Biden administration in Afghanistan deserve better than this. And the 13 American servicemembers who died on August 26th deserve better than this. We are once again calling on congressional Democrats to conduct a rigorous investigation into the basis for President Biden's decision to withdraw, what plans \u2013 if any \u2013 were put into place ahead of that withdrawal, and exactly what happened during the official evacuation of the country. Committee Republicans stand ready to work with our Democratic colleagues to ensure people are held accountable and that a catastrophe like this never happens again.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-votes-preserve-us-postal-service", "Graves Votes to Preserve U.S. Postal Service", "2022-02-08", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after joining a bipartisan coalition of House members to pass the much-needed Postal Service Reform Act.\n\n\u201cThe United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline for rural Missouri. It\u2019s been serving Americans since this country was founded and it\u2019s one of the only federal agencies that has its roots in our Constitution. The Postal Service Reform Act will help put the USPS back on solid ground to continue delivering for Americans for generations to come. I\u2019m proud to support this legislation and grateful for all the dedicated employees at the USPS\u2014particularly our rural letter carriers\u2014who show up every day and brave all sorts of conditions to make sure the mail gets delivered.\u201d\n\nCongressman Graves is a cosponsor of the Postal Service Reform Act. He has long supported efforts to eliminate costly prefunding mandates that have long hamstrung the United States Postal Service (USPS). Last year, he introduced House Resolution 114 with Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) expressing the House\u2019s support for the preservation of 6-day mail delivery service.\n\nThe Postal Service Reform Act:\n\nEliminates the requirement for USPS to prefund retiree health benefits\n\nPreserves 6-day mail delivery\n\nExpands special rates for local newspaper distribution\n\nStreamlines package delivery operations to ensure reliable and cost-effective service\n\nWithout reform, the USPS is on track to lose $160 billion over the next 10 years and run out of cash by 2024. Despite delivering to 161 million addresses every day, a number which grows by a million addresses each year, First Class Mail volume has fallen by more than 50 percent since 2001. The Postal Service Reform Act will help bring the USPS into the 21st Century and preserve critical mail service for those that rely on it, particularly older generations and rural America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-leads-call-fully-fund-lake-city-army-ammunition-plant", "Graves Leads Call to Fully Fund  Lake City Army Ammunition Plant", "2022-02-02", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) led a letter urging House and Senate Defense Appropriations Committee Leaders to fully fund the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in the final appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.\n\n\u201cCutting funding for the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant would be devastating not just for our communities, but our country.\u201d said Graves. \u201cIt would cost hundreds of skilled craftsmen their good-paying jobs here in Missouri. They can\u2019t be replaced by just anyone off the street. If we lose these folks to other industries, it\u2019s going to make it extremely difficult to ramp production back up in the face of a crisis. That\u2019s particularly concerning given escalating tensions around the globe.\u201d\n\nThe Administration\u2019s FY 2022 budget proposed cutting small arms manufacturing funding by 30 percent, which could cost an estimated 500-700 jobs at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. Congressman Graves worked hard to make sure those cuts were reversed in the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act. However, the Defense Appropriations Bill for FY2022 still needs to fully fund the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant at authorized levels to ensure these jobs remain in Missouri and production capacity can be ramped up to respond to future crises.\n\nThe full letter can be found here or below.\n\nFebruary 2, 2022\n\nDear Chair Tester, Ranking Member Shelby, Chair McCollum, and Ranking Member Calvert,\n\nAs you continue discussions with the Senate on a final Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2022, we respectfully ask that you support the full amount authorized in S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 for the small caliber Army ammunition accounts.\n\nThe President\u2019s fiscal year 2022 budget request includes a reduction to all the small arms ammunition accounts by about 30 percent, a roughly $56 million decrease across all accounts. This reduction will significantly impact our ground forces\u2019 readiness, as well as their ability to train and fight. At a time of great uncertainty with our adversaries becoming increasingly emboldened, we must maintain strong funding for these accounts to avoid hindering production capability.\n\nThe Army\u2019s production facility is at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Missouri. LCAAP produces small arms ammunition for all branches of the military and its workforce is made up of 1,700 highly skilled craftsmen, but the proposed budget request for FY22 could reduce this workforce by about 500 to 700 employees. Such reduction could cause the Army and defense industrial base to lose years of ammunition production expertise and it could take up to a year to rebuild this workforce. This would also be detrimental as the Army\u2019s seeks to field the Next Generation Squad Weapon and its new ammunition, which will be produced at LCAAP.\n\nThe bipartisan passed FY22 NDAA included increased funding for 5.56MM, 7.62MM and .50 CAL ammunition. Specifically,\n\n$79.89 million for 5.56MM ammunition, a $32.4 million increase above the President\u2019s Budget Request. (Account: Procurement of Ammunition, Army Small/Medium Cal Ammunition, CTG, 5.56MM, All Types)\n\n$101.926 million for 7.62MM ammunition, a $27.056 million increase above the President\u2019s Budget Request. (Account: Procurement of Ammunition, Army Small/Medium Cal Ammunition, CTG, 7.62MM, All Types)\n\n$58.116 million for .50 CAL ammunition, a $28.4 million increase above the President\u2019s Budget Request. (Account: Procurement of Ammunition, Army Small/Medium Cal Ammunition, CTG, .50 CAL, All Types)\n\nTo prevent disruptions to the warfighter\u2019s readiness, avoid a loss of production capability and maintain a highly skilled workforce at LCAAP, we respectfully ask that the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees support the authorized funding levels in the FY22 NDAA signed into law by President Biden on December 27.\n\nThank you for all you do to support the readiness and strength of the warfighter. It is crucial that Congress ensure our servicemembers\u2019 ability to train and fight by providing adequate funding for small arms ammunition and guarantee the protection of LCAAP\u2019s production capabilities to provide this ammunition for the warfighter. We thank you for your attention to this important matter and look forward to working with you over the coming weeks.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-garcia-introduce-earn-it-act", "Wagner, Garcia Introduce EARN It Act", "2022-02-02", "2022", "2022-02", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies (EARN IT) Act. This legislation is the House companion bill to the bipartisan Senate version, reintroduced yesterday by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\n\"There is nothing more horrific than the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Predators are targeting young girls and boys in our community and across the country at unprecedented rates, and explicit images and videos of these underage children are bought, sold, and distributed over the internet every day. I will not stand idly by while websites that facilitate this criminal behavior evade accountability,\" said Congresswoman Wagner. \"That is why I have joined Rep. Sylvia Garcia to introduce the EARN IT Act, legislation that will give survivors and law enforcement the ability to take legal action against websites that sell or distribute these illegal images and videos. Victims of online child sexual abuse and exploitation endure unfathomable trauma. It is long past time for Congress to support these survivors and to confront the websites monetizing child abuse.\"\n\n\"As elected officials, there is no greater responsibility than making sure that we are keeping our children safe,\" said Congresswoman Garcia. \"That is why I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan EARN IT Act, which will ensure that we are taking the necessary precautions to protect our children by preventing and responding to online child sexual abuse material. We must use the full force of the law to hold those accountable that would take advantage of our children or violate child sexual abuse laws.\"\n\n\"NCMEC supports the EARN IT Act because it provides ESPs with voluntary best practices developed by industry and subject matter experts to prevent, reduce, and respond to the online sexual exploitation of children. The bill also enables children who have been sexually exploited online, as well as State Attorneys General, to seek legal recourse against online platforms that engage in the distribution and circulation of sexually abusive images across the internet. This legislation also recognizes the grievous impact of online child sex trafficking and online enticement of children for sexual abuse and the need to ensure ESPs report these crimes to the CyberTipline. Finally, this legislation also achieves a long sought-after and over-due measure to replace the term \"child pornography\" with \"child sexual abuse material\" throughout the criminal code. NCMEC strongly supports this legislative measure because child sexual abuse material most accurately reflects what is depicted in these images \u2013 the rape and sexual abuse of children.\n\nNCMEC is proud to lend our support to this important legislation.\" \u2013 John F. Clark, President and CEO, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children\n\n\"Protecting children from online sexual exploitation is an urgent task. It is abundantly clear: while criminals choose to live stream and share the rape and sexual abuse of young children online, those victimized children do not have the same choice. It is time, therefore, for a victim-centered approach that protects children from abuse and prioritizes the privacy of online sexual exploitation victims. International Justice Mission (IJM) welcomes the reintroduction of the EARN IT Act, which will pave the way for the creation of best practices by a congressionally-appointed, multi-disciplinary commission of experts to guide the technology industry in proactively detecting, disrupting, and reporting online sexual exploitation of children on their platforms.\" \u2013 John Tanagho, Executive Director, International Justice Mission's Center to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children\n\nClick here for additional supporting organizations.\n\nThe EARN IT Act will facilitate the creation of best practices to prevent and respond to online child sexual abuse material; enable online companies to be held civilly liable and subject to state prosecution if they violate child sexual abuse laws; enhance reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline; and modernize language to ensure these crimes are referred to as child sexual abuse, rather than child pornography.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:57:46Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bass-introduce-put-trafficking-victims-first-act", "Wagner, Bass Introduce Put Trafficking Victims First Act", "2022-01-27", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) released the following statement after they introduced the Put Trafficking Victims First Act, legislation that encourages state and federal agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors across the country to implement victim-centered approaches to investigating and preventing human trafficking.\n\n\"Human trafficking affects communities across the United States, and I am proud to partner with Representative Bass to reintroduce the Put Trafficking Victims First Act. The pandemic has exposed new threats in the fight against trafficking, and this bipartisan legislation would ensure that the Department of Justice is taking the necessary steps to properly identify and respond to trends in human trafficking as well as evaluate the effectiveness of policies to support survivors,\" said Congresswoman Wagner. \"The House of Representatives passed this bill with overwhelming support last Congress, and I urge its immediate consideration in both the House and Senate.\"\n\n\"As long as I have served in Congress, I have led bipartisan action on the issue of human trafficking. While we have successfully passed many bills into law, this fight is not over \u2013 which is why we are introducing this bill today to ensure that survivors of human trafficking do not go unnoticed,\" said Congresswoman Bass. \"We have an obligation not only to end human trafficking, but to also support people who undergo these horrific experiences \u2013 especially our children. Foster youth and those who run away to avoid abuse often end up homeless and are at high risk of being trafficked. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I will continue to fight for our young people. We cannot allow this to continue. It's time to put trafficking victims first.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/ti-republican-leader-graves-requests-iija-implementation-briefing-head", "T&I Republican Leader Graves Requests IIJA Implementation Briefing from Head of Infrastructure Task Force", "2022-01-26", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) asked White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu for a full Committee briefing on the Biden administration\u2019s plans to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This briefing will help provide informed congressional oversight; ensure that IIJA is being implemented according to Congress\u2019 intent; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n\u201cWhile I am aware that your Task Force has engaged in various media events and outreach to governors and mayors, you have yet to fully engage all relevant Members of Congress on these matters,\u201d Graves said in his request letter to Landrieu.\n\nGraves emphasized the importance, now that IIJA is law, of ensuring that states and entities receiving funding from IIJA can address their specific needs and that past mistakes are not repeated, such as during implementation of 2009\u2019s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He raised concerns that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently encouraged potential funding recipients to \u201cprioritize the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, and maintenance of existing transportation infrastructure, especially the incorporation of safety, accessibility, multimodal, and resilience features. Projects to be prioritized include those that maximize the existing right-of-way for accommodation of non-motorized modes and transit options that increase safety, accessibility, and/or connectivity.\u201d\n\nGraves said this FHWA guidance appears to prioritize certain types of investment based on the Biden administration\u2019s agenda, which, \u201cmay not be respecting recipients\u2019 decisions on how to best use their federal transportation funding\u2026. We must ensure that eligible projects are evaluated on statutory criteria and are not penalized merely because they add capacity to our transportation network. Therefore, we need insight into how the Task Force, the DOT, and other agencies plan to adhere to congressional intent and meet the deadlines mandated within IIJA. This will be essential to ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and protecting this substantial funding increase from waste, fraud, and abuse.\u201d\n\nRanking Member Graves said that it\u2019s imperative the Committee briefing by Landrieu occur no later than February 9th. Some initial deadlines established under the law have already passed, and Committee Members want to know that the Task Force is properly and effectively coordinating IIJA implementation actions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/ti-republican-leader-graves-requests-iija-implementation-briefing-head-0", "T&I Republican Leader Graves Requests IIJA Implementation Briefing from Head of Infrastructure Task Force", "2022-01-26", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) asked White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu for a full Committee briefing on the Biden administration\u2019s plans to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This briefing will help provide informed congressional oversight; ensure that IIJA is being implemented according to Congress\u2019 intent; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\n\u201cWhile I am aware that your Task Force has engaged in various media events and outreach to governors and mayors, you have yet to fully engage all relevant Members of Congress on these matters,\u201d Graves said in his request letter to Landrieu.\n\nGraves emphasized the importance, now that IIJA is law, of ensuring that states and entities receiving funding from IIJA can address their specific needs and that past mistakes are not repeated, such as during implementation of 2009\u2019s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He raised concerns that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently encouraged potential funding recipients to \u201cprioritize the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, and maintenance of existing transportation infrastructure, especially the incorporation of safety, accessibility, multimodal, and resilience features. Projects to be prioritized include those that maximize the existing right-of-way for accommodation of non-motorized modes and transit options that increase safety, accessibility, and/or connectivity.\u201d\n\nGraves said this FHWA guidance appears to prioritize certain types of investment based on the Biden administration\u2019s agenda, which, \u201cmay not be respecting recipients\u2019 decisions on how to best use their federal transportation funding\u2026. We must ensure that eligible projects are evaluated on statutory criteria and are not penalized merely because they add capacity to our transportation network. Therefore, we need insight into how the Task Force, the DOT, and other agencies plan to adhere to congressional intent and meet the deadlines mandated within IIJA. This will be essential to ensuring the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and protecting this substantial funding increase from waste, fraud, and abuse.\u201d\n\nRanking Member Graves said that it\u2019s imperative the Committee briefing by Landrieu occur no later than February 9th. Some initial deadlines established under the law have already passed, and Committee Members want to know that the Task Force is properly and effectively coordinating IIJA implementation actions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-cleaver-mark-national-passenger-safety-week", "Graves, Cleaver Mark National Passenger Safety Week", "2022-01-25", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) introduced a resolution marking the first National Passenger Safety Week to run January 23, 2022 through January 29, 2022.\n\n\u201cNational Passenger Safety Week is an important reminder that we all have a role to play when it comes to reducing the number of traffic fatalities and increasing safety on our roadways,\u201d said Congressman Graves. \u201cWith historic increases in traffic deaths in recent years, despite Americans traveling fewer miles, there\u2019s no better time to encourage passengers to speak out and stand up to stop dangerous, distracted, and impaired driving before it claims a life.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s asking your child to wear a seatbelt or taking the keys from a friend who has had too much to drink, it\u2019s incredibly important that passengers speak up when they get in the car with a friend or family member who may be distracted, impaired, or driving dangerously\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cWith a troubling increase of traffic fatalities in recent years, it\u2019s critical that we bring this issue to the forefront and begin to educate the American people about the role passengers play in preventing impaired and dangerous driving, which can result in the unnecessary loss of life. Reducing traffic tragedies and increasing passenger and driver safety is an issue that every American can get behind, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan, common sense resolution marking National Passenger Safety Week with Representative Graves.\u201d\n\nTraffic deaths increased 7 percent in 2020 and 18 percent in 2021 according to preliminary estimates of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, despite a 13 percent decrease in the number of miles traveled by Americans on U.S. roadways. Data shows speeding, impaired driving, and failure to wear seatbelts were the leading causes of this increase in fatalities. The purpose of National Passenger Safety Week is to educate and encourage passengers in motor vehicles to advocate for their own safety and the safety of others. Oftentimes, passengers are the first and only line of defense to stop distracted and intoxicated drivers from causing more damage, death, and destruction on our roadways.\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-and-rouzer-call-biden-administration-halt-wotus-rulemaking-while", "Graves and Rouzer Call for Biden Administration to Halt WOTUS Rulemaking While Supreme Court Considers Case", "2022-01-24", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) released the following joint statement regarding the Supreme Court of the United States\u2019 announcement that it will consider a case focused on the scope of the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS):\n\n\u201cWe welcome the Supreme Court\u2019s decision to hear this case involving the scope of \u2018waters of the United States\u2019 and the opportunity it presents to provide certainty to the communities and stakeholders who have to live and work under this rule. Given this significant development, the Biden administration should immediately cease its efforts to issue a new WOTUS definition rule that will greatly broaden the federal government\u2019s jurisdiction over privately owned land and add layers of red tape for farmers, builders, small businesses, local governments, and many Americans.\u201d\n\nGraves and Rouzer also recently wrote to the heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to request an extension of at least 90 days to the current public comment period for the administration\u2019s rulemaking.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-bill-ban-abortions-based-sex-baby", "Wagner Introduces Bill to Ban Abortions Based on the Sex of the Baby", "2022-01-21", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, released the following statement after she reintroduced the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA), legislation that would ban discrimination against the unborn on the basis of sex.\n\n\"Sex-selection abortions overwhelmingly target girls, and PRENDA would make it a federal crime to perform a sex-selection abortion or force a woman to obtain one. Outrageously, the United States does not prohibit this horrifying practice, even though an estimated 117 million girls worldwide have lost their lives due to discriminatory abortions, infanticide, and other forms of sex-based violence. The fight for life has never been more important, and I will never stop fighting for the day when every infant is welcomed with the warmth and love they deserve.\n\nRep. Wagner recently went on NewsTalk STL to discuss this important legislation, and you can listen to that segment here.\n\nSupporting Organizations\n\nInvisible Girl Project, All Girls Allowed, National Right to Life, Concerned Women for America, March for Life Action, Susan B. Anthony List, Eagle Forum, Campaign Life Missouri, Missouri Family Policy Council, Americans United for Life, Missouri Right to Life, Family Research Council, Alliance for Life, Students for Life, Live Action.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-press-adequate-public-comment-period-biden-administrations", "Graves, Rouzer Press for Adequate Public Comment Period on Biden Administration\u2019s Harmful WOTUS Expansion", "2022-01-20", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) pressed for adequate time for the public to submit comments and express concerns with the sweeping regulatory changes under the Biden administration\u2019s proposed redefinition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d (WOTUS). This action threatens the livelihoods of farmers, business owners and employees, property owners, and others across the country.\n\nGraves and Rouzer wrote to the heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Agencies) to request an extension of at least 90 days to the current public comment period, set to expire on Feb. 7, 2021, which is significantly limited compared to typical public comment periods for complex rulemakings.\n\nNoting that this expansive regulatory action will have considerable impacts on numerous stakeholders and infrastructure projects, they wrote, \u201cIn light of recent Congressional approval of billions of dollars in infrastructure funding, it is essential that a proposed revision to the definition of WOTUS is thoroughly examined before the Agencies move forward with a final rule, as any changes will have significant impacts on the ability to get infrastructure projects completed in a timely and efficient manner.\u201d\n\nGraves and Rouzer added, \u201cThese changes will have far-reaching implications for farmers, homeowners, private property owners, manufacturers, small businesses, water districts, and local governments.\n\nThese stakeholders need more time to fully understand and analyze the proposed rule to provide the Agencies with meaningful feedback. Furthermore, given the adverse impacts that stakeholders experienced under previous interpretations of WOTUS, it is critical the Agencies implement a comprehensive process to solicit public feedback when initiating a new rulemaking process.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-republican-colleagues-introduce-sex-trafficking-demand-reduction", "Wagner, Republican Colleagues Introduce Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act", "2022-01-19", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) released the following statements after they introduced the Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act, legislation to reduce demand for sex trafficking worldwide.\n\n\"The pandemic has exacerbated sex trafficking across the United States and in nations across the globe. Combatting this horrific crime requires a global effort to prohibit the commercial sex trade that exploits children and the most vulnerable in our society,\" said Wagner. \"My legislation would ensure foreign countries take deliberate action to reduce the demand for trafficking and help us target the worldwide sex trafficking trade. Victims rely on our help during this incredibly uncertain time, and it up to us to be their advocate in a time of great need.\"\n\n\"As a mother, there's nothing more horrifying than the thought of young women and children falling victim to sex trafficking. This heinous crime is happening right here in Eastern Washington, and we must do something to stop it,\" said Rodgers. \"This legislation will take an important first step by withholding assistance to foreign countries that fail to take serious action to reduce sex trafficking and hold accountable those who allow this deplorable trade to continue unabated. It's well-past time for Congress to take action. The lives of innocent women and children depend on it.\"\n\n\"Since coming to Congress a major focus of mine has been on doing all we can to end the horror of human trafficking,\" said Crenshaw. \"I'm proud to join Rep. Wagner on this important legislation to attack the demand for trafficking by requiring the Trafficking In Persons report including demand reduction efforts and I look forward to this House passing this bill and protecting the victims of trafficking.\"\n\n\"Worldwide, the only way to prevent sex trafficking is to target the demand for prostitution. No country that normalizes or legalizes the sex trade should be Tier 1 in the State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons report. NCOSE is happy to endorse the Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act to introduce reality into the State Department's ratings system.\" - Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)\n\n\"This bill recognizes that effectively combatting the demand for commercial sex is the only way we will ever make real progress in the fight to prevent and eliminate sex trafficking globally. Addressing demand and the monetary source of sex trafficking worldwide is crucial in the efforts to reduce the 'supply' of victims being pulled into this violent and exploitative industry. Demand reduction is key to uprooting the exploitation of the world's most marginalized and vulnerable populations.\" - Helen Taylor, Vice President of Impact at Exodus Cry\n\nBackground\n\nPrevention efforts are essential to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking. The international community, scholars, NGOs, International Organizations, human trafficking experts, and other governments have all recognized that one of the most critical components of preventing human trafficking from occurring is reducing the demand for trafficked persons. This bill would amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to reflect the need to prevent sex trafficking by reducing the demand for commercial sex.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-call-all-human-rights-protests-be-broadcast-during", "Wagner, Colleagues Call for All Human Rights Protests to be Broadcast During Winter Olympics", "2022-01-14", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led a letter to NBC calling on the network to air all footage of human rights protests during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Dictatorial governments have historically used the Olympics to legitimize their regimes and soften criticism of human rights abuses; there is no reason to believe that 2022 Winter Olympics will be different.\n\n\"As the 2022 Winter Olympics approach, we urge you to air all footage of human rights protests captured during your coverage of the Winter Olympic Games, notwithstanding pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC) to silence dissidents. We remain gravely concerned that the PRC will use the event as a platform to disseminate propaganda and distract from its egregious human rights abuses, including its ongoing genocide against Uyghur Muslims,\" the Members said. \"While we still believe that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should revoke the PRC's hosting privileges, in the event that the Olympics proceed as planned, honest and transparent coverage will help the international community defend persecuted groups like Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kong residents, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and human rights advocates.\n\nThe full letter can be found below and the full list of signers can be found HERE.\n\nMr. Jeff Shell Mr. Gary Zenkel\n\nChief Executive Officer President\n\nNBCUniversal NBC Olympics\n\n30 Rockefeller Plaza 1 Blachley Road\n\nNew York, NY 10112 Stamford, CT 06902\n\nDear Mr. Shell,\n\nAs the 2022 Winter Olympics approach, we urge you to air all footage of human rights protests captured during your coverage of the Winter Olympic Games, notwithstanding pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC) to silence dissidents. We remain gravely concerned that the PRC will use the event as a platform to disseminate propaganda and distract from its egregious human rights abuses, including its ongoing genocide against Uyghur Muslims. While we still believe that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should revoke the PRC's hosting privileges, in the event that the Olympics proceed as planned, honest and transparent coverage will help the international community defend persecuted groups like Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kong residents, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, and human rights advocates.\n\nDictatorial governments have historically used the Olympics to legitimize their regimes and soften criticism of human rights abuses. We believe the 2022 Winter Olympics will be no different. The 2008 Olympics, also held in Beijing, were linked to a sharp upswing in human rights abuses, as the PRC engaged in mass evictions, severe violations of rights to free expression and association, labor abuses, arbitrary detentions, and harassment of journalists in order to present a positive image during the games. It is a tragedy that the Olympic Games, events intended to foster international peace and cooperation, can be repurposed as propaganda tools for authoritarian governments. All participating entities should take care to prevent subversion of the Olympic Games.\n\nThis must include full and transparent coverage of the PRC's serious violations of human rights. Under the direction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the PRC is systematically destroying autonomy, rule of law, and respect for human rights in Hong Kong, which enjoyed democratic freedoms until the PRC's legislature enacted a draconian \"national security\" law that abrogated Hong Kong's historic autonomy. It has cracked down on internal dissent\u2014including by disappearing Peng Shuai, a top-ranked tennis player who accused a former vice premier of sexual assault, until she retracted her accusations. Only pressure from the international community, especially coverage of Shuai's disappearance by international media, convinced the PRC to show proof of her safety. In the PRC's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), an estimated 1.8 million Uyghur Muslims have been arbitrarily detained by the CCP, forced into internment camps, and subjected to horrifying conditions aimed at eliminating the Uyghurs as a distinct culture. These include forced labor, forced abortions and sterilizations, and reeducation programs. The CCP's persecution of Uyghur Muslims constitutes genocide, and it is critical that Americans understand the urgency of the situation in XUAR.\n\nMany in Congress, alongside human rights advocates as well as our counterparts in partner nations, have urged the IOC to revoke the PRC's hosting privileges. Not only has the IOC moved forward with plans to allow China to host, but it has also declined to press the PRC on its human rights abuses. The IOC has already indicated it will continue to amplify PRC propaganda during the games: it has actively collaborated with the PRC's attempts to silence Peng Shuai and repeatedly indicated that will prioritize \"respect [for] the sovereignty\" of host countries, a talking point long used by the CCP to dismiss any criticism of its human rights record. In the absence of real action from the IOC, international media has a responsibility to shine a light on the human rights abuses perpetrated by the PRC.\n\nGiven the PRC's demonstrated willingness to coerce foreign media into toeing the party line, the 2022 Winter Olympics have the potential to serve as a propaganda victory for the People's Republic of China if media entities do not stand up to its bullying. We must not allow the Olympic Games to be weaponized against the PRC's most vulnerable groups. Amplifying the voices of courageous human rights advocates is an appropriate way to honor the sacrifices and achievements of American athletes, who have worked their entire lives to represent their country at the Olympic Games. We again urge you to refuse to participate in the PRC's efforts to cover up human rights abuses and respectfully ask that you air all footage of protests captured during your coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-huffman-introduce-save-americas-rural-hospitals-act", "Graves, Huffman Introduce Save America\u2019s Rural Hospitals Act", "2022-01-13", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) introduced the bipartisan Save America\u2019s Rural Hospitals Act today to rescue rural hospitals on the brink of bankruptcy and help put these critical care providers back on solid ground.\n\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t a new problem. Our rural hospitals have been struggling to keep their doors open to patients for years,\u201d said Graves.\u201cBut, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly made this crisis worse, as many critical access hospitals are facing severe workforce shortages and skyrocketing expenses while reimbursement rates fall behind. This legislation reverses disastrous Medicare cuts that have hamstrung our rural hospitals for years and will help many of them get back on track. There\u2019s no better time to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor years, rural hospitals have faced seemingly insurmountable odds: a raging pandemic, provider consolidation, and ever-increasing costs have piled challenge after challenge at their doors. And now, they\u2019re facing added pressures brought on by the Omicron variant\u2014leaving many hanging on by a thread,\u201d said Rep. Huffman. \u201cRural hospitals and health centers, like the many in my district that have stepped up to care for our community, need legislative action and they need it now. My bill with Rep. Graves takes the steps necessary to help keep rural hospitals afloat and protect access to high-quality care, regardless of where folks live. By offering greater Medicare reimbursement, we can provide a much-needed lifeline to facilities on the edge of collapse\u2014and save lives in the process.\u201d\n\nThe Save America\u2019s Rural Hospitals Act comes at a time when rural hospitals and health centers are facing unprecedented challenges. Since 2005, more than 170 rural hospitals across the country have closed their doors\u2014forcing patients to travel further to get the care they need and leaving others to put off necessary healthcare. This problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and today 453 rural hospitals are currently operating at levels similar to those that have shut down over the last decade.\n\nThe Save America\u2019s Rural Hospitals Act will reverse this dangerous trend by:\n\nEliminating Medicare sequestration for rural hospitals\n\nMaking Medicare telehealth service enhancements permanent for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)\n\nExtending increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services currently set to expire December 31, 2022\n\nThe bill was applauded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and the National Rural Health Association.\n\n\u201cThe National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) applauds Rep. Graves and Rep. Huffman for introducing this comprehensive rural health bill. This comes at a critical time for rural communities and rural health providers as our nation continues to deal with the Public Health Emergency. We call on House members from both sides of the aisle to support and advance this important piece of legislation in 2022.\u201d - Teryl Eisinger, Executive Director of National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH)\n\n\"The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Graves and Huffman for introducing the Save America's Rural Hospitals Act. Since 2010, 137 rural hospitals have closed their doors, leaving the majority of those communities without access to a health care provider. The provisions in this important legislation will ensure that the more-than-60 million Americans who reside in rural America will maintain access to the care they need. NRHA believes passing the Save America's Rural Hospitals Act will improve and expand access to health care in rural America.\" - Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association.\n\nYou can read the bill here.\n\nYou can read highlights of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-launch-abraham-accords-caucus", "Wagner, Colleagues Launch Abraham Accords Caucus", "2022-01-10", "2022", "2022-01", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today announced the launch of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus in order to build on the success of the historic Abraham Accords. For decades, Congress has played a key role in promoting peace between Israel and its neighbors. The Caucus will provide an opportunity to strengthen the Abraham Accords by encouraging and partnerships among the existing Abraham Accords countries and expanding the agreement to include countries that do not currently have diplomatic relations with Israel.\n\nThe Abraham Accords, which were signed on September 15, 2020, resulted in peace and normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states\u2014the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco\u2014transforming the region, enhancing Israel's security, creating economic opportunities for Arab states, and advancing vital US national security interests. The Accords built on the success of previous peace normalization agreements between Israel, Egypt, and Jordan.\n\nThe House Abraham Accords Caucus is chaired by Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), David Trone (D-MD), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).\n\n\"The Abraham Accords Caucus is an incredibly important initiative that will bolster the United States' commitment to peace in the Middle East. This caucus will build on the achievements of the Abraham Accords and promote stability in the region, counteract destructive regimes, and help maintain robust working relationships between our Israeli and Arab partners,\" said Wagner.\n\n\"I can think of no better way to begin the new year than by reaffirming our commitment in Congress to supporting long-standing peace in the Middle East,\" said Rodgers. \"The bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus will provide a unique opportunity for world leaders to come together in our common pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren. I am proud to lead this caucus with my colleagues, and I appreciate the support of our partners seeking to uphold and promote the values of human dignity, freedom, and hope around the globe. I am encouraged by the progress we have made, and I look forward to the amazing things we can accomplish together through our shared commitment to a better future in the name of peace.\"\n\n\"As leaders, it is our duty to promote peace and broker vital partnerships among nations in the Middle East. The establishment of the Abraham Accords Caucus marks an important step toward achieving these goals. This Caucus serves as a model of how Congress can work together to help solve some of the world's most pressing issues,\" said Trone.\n\n\"The Abraham Accords have already made historic progress in changing the dynamic of the entire Middle East, and hold the hope for more steps towards regional peace. I am proud to be a founding member of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, which will further Congress's work toward ensuring a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel living side by side with a Palestinian state \u2013 with peace, security and prosperity for both peoples. I thank Senators Lankford, Rosen, Ernst, and Booker and Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Trone, and Wagner for their partnership in forming this caucus,\" said Schneider.\n\nThe companion Senate Abraham Accords Caucus is chaired by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\n\n\"It was a great day for peace when I joined President Trump at the White House and leaders from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates more than a year ago as they signed the historic Abraham Accords,\" said Lankford. \"When Morocco and Sudan joined the Accords a few weeks later, the concept of the Abraham Accords demonstrated that reconciliation among even more nations in the region was possible. I stand with Israel and for lasting peace in the Middle East, alongside my colleagues, as we launch the Abraham Accords Caucus. We will seek peace through expanding and encouraging the Accords and set the example for other nations who desire peace. Matthew 5:9 importantly reminds us that \u2018Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'\n\n\"In just one year, the Abraham Accords have already transformed the Middle East by contributing to regional peace and stability, promoting US interests, and enhancing Israel's security,\" said Rosen. \"The Abraham Accords Caucus will build on that success by providing bipartisan leadership to strengthen existing partnerships and widen the circle of peace to new countries. I have long supported America's leadership role in fostering peace between Israel and its neighbors, and I look forward to furthering that work through this bipartisan Caucus.\"\n\n\"Finalizing the Abraham Accords was a historic step toward peace in the Middle East and welcome news, not only for our partners and allies in the region, but for the United States. We must continue these efforts to further our nation's partnership with Israel and promote peace and prosperity, and I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Abraham Accords Caucus to do so,\" said Ernst.\n\n\"I am proud to join as a co-chair of this caucus, and build upon the work of the historic Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, promoted greater economic opportunities in the Middle East, and advanced the prospect of peace in the region,\" said Booker. \"The United States must continue to play an active role in fostering further dialogue and partnership between Israel and other Arab countries, and I look forward to doing just that as part of this bipartisan group.\"\n\nIn September, Lankford commemorated the first anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, which he attended at the White House with President Trump and the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.\n\nThe Caucus is supported by the Atlantic Council, the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah\u2014The Women's Zionist Organization of America, the US-Israel Education Association, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Israel Policy Forum, CUFI Action, the Jewish Federations of North America, and B'nai B'rith International.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Senate Abraham Accords Caucus encourages partnerships between the US, Israel, Arab states, and other relevant countries and regions. The Caucus also provides congressional leadership to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords by promoting the benefits of normalizing relations with Israel.\n\nThe Caucus will:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:50:39Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 100, "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": "2022"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 100, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 100, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2022&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 100, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 100, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 196.4528658427298, "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"}